Imagine this: you need to get out of the city but only have a quick weekend to spare. If you’re not sure where to go or what to do to make the most of your 48 hours away, allow us to help. So many exciting things are happening Upstate and one of our favorite towns is Kingston. If it sounds familiar maybe it’s because it became the first state capital in 1777 and is one of the oldest cities in New York. Many of the buildings have been restored and a new crowd is bringing new life to a city that just oozes charm. With plenty to do in the Upstate hamlet of Kingston, New York , here is how we think you should spend a weekend there.
Friday Evening: Dinner Time
This place gets busy so we recommend making a reservation and we promise dinner at Boitson’s will not disappoint. Try and snag a table out back on the patio and start with an order of Buffalo Cauliflower. It tastes JUST LIKE chicken wings, but it’s veggies, so of course it’s healthy! The Steak Frites are great and so is the Crab Cake Sandwich.
Friday Night: Bed Time
Only about 15 minutes from downtown Kingston, the Hasbrouck House is without a doubt where you should stay. The newly renovated Dutch Colonial mansion has everything you could need for a perfect weekend away. Once you’re all checked-in, linger in the bar lounge over a few pre-bedtime drinks.
Satuday Morning: time for brunch
Pony up to the bar at Duo Bistro, right in the heart of downtown Kingston. They’ve got an extensive and interesting Bloody Mary menu so certainly start there or with one of the draft beers.
Saturday Farmers Market
Wall Street is the hot spot for this Farmers Market, every Saturday from May to November. Dozens of vendors are set up with local goods like handmade soaps, ginger tonics, and freshly frozen ice-pops. Farmers are there with local produce and flowers and if you’re lucky, a band from nearby will be playing the perfect soundtrack to your day.
Saturday Street Art
It seems nearly every building has a mural painted on it in Kingston. We love that the new-age art brings a youthful jolt to the historic city. An afternoon exploring the art scene here is an afternoon well spent.
Saturday Shopping
The streets in Kingston are lined with an eclectic selection of shops. Bookstores, home-goods, and antiques – there is something for everyone. Like any good small town, there are several barber shops as well as the local candy store for a sweet-tooth fix. The wine shop has some interesting bottles and sometimes offers tastings.
Saturday Dinner
You’ve had a busy day, so time to head back to the Hasbrouck House. The on-site restaurant, Butterfield, is reason enough to drive the 2 hours North from NYC. Serving new American fare in a farm-to-table fashion, the menu is simple and delicious. The ham is smoked in house and the burger is ridiculously good. Fill your belly then get some zzz’s on the cloud-like bed in your room.
Sunday Lunch
We’re just going to throw it out there. Deigo’s is one of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley, and they’re also in our TOP 5 taco spots in all of New York, including the big city! Run by a husband and wife team, Diego’s serves outstanding Mexican street corn, tacos and margaritas. It’s worth the drive up to Kingston alone!
Sunday Pool Day
You came to Kingston to relax, right? The pool at the Hasbrouck House is the prefect spot to chill. Grab a book or zone out with your headphones in, the pool is a relaxing oasis in the middle of the lush lawn.
Weekend Ending
Weekend’s inevitably end too soon, but a quick 2 hour drive and you’ll be back in busy NYC. Luckily…there’s always next weekend. 
