Location: Kingston
Top Things to do in Kingston
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What to do and see in Kingston, New York (NY): The Best Specialty Museums
Kingston is a city in and the county seat of Ulster County, New York, United States. It is 91 miles (146 km) north of New York City and 59 miles (95 km) south of Albany. It became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections. Passenger rail service has since ceased, and many of the older buildings are part of three historic districts, such as the Stockade District uptown, the Midtown Neighborhood Broadway Corridor, and the Rondout-West Strand Historic District downtown.
Restaurants in Kingston
1. Volunteer Fireman's Hall & Museum of Kingston
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By tremp160 - Kingston, United States
The building itself, authentic, maintained and staff by volunteers is worth a visit - but the collection, the collection is noteworthy as well. Mission furniture in the meeting room is easily over a hundred years old, records of service, awards, sleeping quarters intact, the pole still in place - it's as if the firefighters of 1900 just left the building to answer a call and will be back in a few minutes. One of the few intact firehouse museums anywhere.
2. The Den of Marbletown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By suedE4771ZS - Albany, United States
My best friend and I just had a wonderful time at The Den of Marbletown. It’s a fantastic Steiff teddy bear museum and cafe. They have an amazing number of Steiff teddy bears and animals, a room full of Madame Alexander dolls, a collection of Barbies, a tempting gift shop and a cafe with yummy treats. All of this is nestled in a historic farmhouse. We had a pleasant ride from Albany NY and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Interesting and fun for all ages. You’ll come away with a big smile on your face!
3. Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Explore the past, present, and future of Historic Reher's Bakery. Visit the Retail Shop ca 1959 to learn about Sunday mornings mid-century, when Kingstonians converged here to pick up rolls for breakfast on their way home from church. In the oven room, explore historic bakery equipment and hear how Frank Reher and his six children ran this business for 80 years.
Reviewed By U1805SBcaitlin
This resonant space is remarkably well-preserved, down to the outlines of the rolls that were baked day after day for decades. As a historic site it hasn't been made in any way hokey -- instead there's a Secret Garden quality to it, and you feel lucky to be let in to a place where the past feels tactile and present. Our tour was intelligent, engaging, and delicious (I don't know if every visit features fresh-baked bread, but I appreciated that multi-sensory touch!). I've visited the Hudson River Valley area several times, mainly to see art and be in nature, and I'm grateful to the Reher Center for giving me a much better understanding of the whole region's history, including the stories of immigrants and they communities they created. Not many historic sites manage to trace both micro and macro histories in this way -- brava!
4. Hudson River Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Tour Hudson River Lighthouses aboard SOLARIS- Our 100% Solar Powered Tour Boat! Take a sailing lesson on the beautiful TIDBIT. Take a class in the wooden boat shop. Take a trip up the Roundout for local history tour. Check out our variety of beautiful spaces for events that including boat tours. 2020 Exhibit - "Mary Powell: Queen of the Hudson" Built in 1861, decommissioned in 1917, the Mary Powell remained a Hudson Valley constant during a period of incredible social and technological change in the United States. She saw the Civil War, the industrial revolution, Gilded Age, Progressive Era, and the start of World War I. Called “Queen of the Hudson” before construction was even completed, the Mary Powell, iconic symbol of “America’s Rhine.” Operated for most of her career by one enterprising family - the Andersons - Mary Powell also represented the best of Hudson River travel- the speed, elegance, safety, and attention to detail that made travel by water preferable.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
The Hudson River Maritime Museum is one of those underrated museums that you come across that is packed with interesting information, interesting exhibitions and engaging displays. If you are interested in the history of the maritime exploration, the history of the canal systems and the growth of the manufacturing industry of the Hudson River Valley, this museum has all the answers and in a interactive way. The displays are very interesting and there is a lot of reading to do (not very Gen Z). They explain not just the shipping industry but the whole history from when the Indians traded with the Dutch up to the changes in the towns with modern day gentrification and the growth of 'cottage' artist communities. It is a very underrated museum that you should visit when you are at the Kingston Roundout or visiting the Kingston area.
5. Kingston Uptown Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
The Stockade District (Uptown Kingston) dates back to 1658. Site of many historical buildings -- Senate House, Old Dutch Church, Matthewis Persen House, Hoffman House, etc. Now a entertainment district of unique shops, restaurants and bars. Park your car and take a walking tour of the area.
6. Trolley Museum Of New York
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
Don't underestimate this interesting little museum in the Kingston Roundout. I had only passed the museum a few times during the week when it was not open so on this trip to Kingston NY I made the effort to visit the museum. What an interesting little museum! I started my visit by making the first trip of the day on the trolley. Our first stop was down the street to the Kingston Roundout to pick up other passengers. I could not believe the crowds did not take the time to take a ride with us. Then we travelled along the tracks up to the side of the Hudson River to Kingston Point Park and what views of the foliage. The park was at peak and the colors were of gold and red and with the leaves falling and the sunshine in the background it was quite the site. What views of the Hudson River! The museum has interesting cases of uniforms, trolley history not just in Kingston but all over the country and a history of the progress of the trolley from the horse drawn to the electric. Outside the museum building there are all sorts of subway cars, Path train, and buses to climb through which the kids seem to love. It is a really unique museum with a friendly staff. Don't miss this little gem at the Kingston Roundout.
7. Riverport Wooden Boat School and Riverport Sailing School
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
The Riverport Wooden Boat School is part of the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, New York. Located along Rondout Creek in the Historic Rondout Waterfront District, the Riverport Wooden Boat School is opened in 2016. Managed by the Hudson River Maritime Museum and headed by Director and Shipwright Jim Kricker, the Riverport Wooden Boat School strives to bring traditional wooden boat buil
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