Source / Ulster County Tourism
Fall has a way of slowing life down just a little, even here in our favorite bustling city. After an eventful summer, there’s something especially nice about curling up with a warm drink, swapping crowded sidewalks for colorful trails, and taking a day trip somewhere that feels a little farther removed from the city than it actually is.
And if you’re interested in really turning back the clock—before we have to officially turn the clocks back ourselves—there’s a historic Hudson Valley city that feels like a particularly fitting fall escape.
Kingston, New York, was once the first capital of New York State, and today its historic streets, centuries-old architecture, waterfront restaurants, and Hudson River views make it an easy place to spend a crisp autumn day. As the leaves begin to turn, the city also becomes a jumping-off point for scenic fall foliage train rides through the surrounding Catskills, giving visitors another way to take in the season beyond the usual leaf-peeping drive.
Source / Ulster County Tourism
Kingston was New York’s first capital
Before Albany became the state capital, Kingston briefly held the title in 1777. The city was chosen as the temporary capital during the American Revolution, and the state’s first Senate and Assembly met there.
That history is still woven throughout Kingston today, making it a particularly fun destination for anyone who likes a little story behind their fall getaway.
The city’s Stockade District is home to some of the oldest surviving buildings in the country, with historic stone houses, churches, shops, and other structures lining its streets. Simply wandering around the neighborhood feels like stepping into another era, with plenty of opportunities to stop into independent shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants along the way.
For an even deeper dive into Kingston’s past, visitors can explore the Senate House State Historic Site, where New York’s first state government met.
Take a scenic train ride through the fall foliage
One of the most quintessential ways to experience autumn around Kingston is by train.
Each fall, the surrounding Hudson Valley and Catskills transform into a patchwork of red, orange, and golden leaves—and seasonal train rides offer a chance to take in the scenery without worrying about navigating winding mountain roads.
The Fall Foliage Adventure Trains featured through Kingston Happenings give visitors a particularly nostalgic way to experience the season, with excursions traveling through the Hudson Valley while passengers take in the changing landscape from the comfort of the train.
Source / Catskill Mountain Railroad
Wander Kingston’s historic streets
You don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy Kingston. In fact, one of the best ways to experience the city is simply to wander.
The Stockade District is filled with historic architecture and picturesque streets that are especially pretty once the surrounding trees begin showing off their fall colors. The neighborhood is also home to local boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants, so you can easily turn an afternoon stroll into an entire day.
History buffs can keep an eye out for the city’s distinctive stone architecture, while design lovers will find plenty of photogenic corners along the way.
Shutterstock / Brian Logan Photography
Head to the waterfront for Hudson River views
After exploring downtown, make your way toward the waterfront.
Kingston sits along the Hudson River, giving visitors a completely different perspective of the city. The Rondout waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops, galleries, and historic maritime sites, making it an easy place to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening.
Come hungry, because waterfront dining is one of the easiest ways to make the most of the setting. Grab a meal or a drink, settle in, and take in the river views while the surrounding landscape starts to take on its autumn colors.
Getty Images / OlegAlbinsky
How to get to Kingston from NYC
One of Kingston’s biggest perks for New Yorkers is that you can get there without turning the trip into a major logistical undertaking.
The Hudson Valley city is roughly 90 miles north of NYC, making it a manageable weekend getaway for city dwellers looking for a change of scenery.
Driving gives you the most flexibility if you want to explore surrounding towns, trails, or foliage spots, but Kingston can also be incorporated into a Hudson Valley trip using public transportation and connecting services.
Once you’re in the city, many of the historic neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions can be explored on foot.