Ninety miles north of NYC, the Hudson River Valley town of Kingston, NY is situated at the base of the Catskill Mountains on the Rondout Creek. As the original capital city of New York, it’s loaded with history and incredible architecture — plus, a very vibrant art community. Like many Hudson Valley towns, its history, natural beauty and affordability has recently drawn in the creative types who have relocated and made Kingston their home — and are, in turn, opening restaurants, shops, studios and other small businesses. Read on for our guide to Kingston, New York, with recommendations on where to stay, eat, drink, shop, hike, and more. Where to Stay in Kingston, NY: Hotel Kinsley Hotel Kinsley's Wall St Suite is a loft-like space featuring original ornate moldings, king bed, full living/seating area, and a marble tile bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and luxurious oversized soaking tub. We love boutique hotel Hotel Kinsley, who offers guests beautiful rooms throughout four buildings in Kingston’s Stockade District. Dating to the 19th century, each building is stylistically and architecturally distinct; each pay homage to the Kingston’s past as well, heavily rooted in generations of art, travel, and nature. The buildings are closely nestled throughout the oldest part of the city, with its characteristic colorful facades and Federal-style architecture. The first of the four buildings to open was Kinsley’s flagship, 301 Wall Street; since then, guest rooms have opened in three additional buildings. The flagship is a restored 19th century bank building that also houses Kinsley's airy restaurant, with towering ceilings, a mezzanine for private dining or meetings, and the coziest cocktail bar. Above Restaurant Kinsley's kitchen, a large mural by artist Happy Menocal serves as a focal point, the same artist whose work is used throughout Hotel Kinsley’s cheerful website. Above Restaurant Kinsley, ten guest rooms are located on its upper floors. Guests enter through the bar, check-in inside the bank's original vault, then head upstairs via a historic elevator. From the rooms to the restaurant to the bar, the interiors are stunning, each space totally unique but cohesive in the use of color palette and texture — thanks to the handiwork of interior designer Robert McKinley. Things to Do in Kingston, NY: Shopping, Galleries, and Exploring Town Wall St in Uptown Kingston, NY is lined with boutique shops, galleries and restaurants. Much of Kingston’s appeal is being at the epicenter of “Upstate” culture in the Hudson Valley. Exploring town, and the region, is a must! The town is comprised of three distinct neighborhoods: Uptown (also called the Stockade District), Midtown, and the Rondout (downtown.) Uptown Kingston is the most architecturally distinctive, with colorful painted buildings facades along Main and North Front Streets – plus some exceptionally preserved historic buildings in the blocks surrounding. In this part of town, don't miss staples like Kingston ...