Kingston, New York is a charming city and provides its inhabitants with an abundance of history to explore. It was founded by Dutch settlers in 1652, who named it Wiltwyck due to its location near the river where wild turkeys were found. The area quickly became a focal point for trade and commerce as well as being home to some of the first industries in America such as paper mills and breweries. Over time, Kingston has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in upstate New York.
The city is steeped in history and there are numerous historical sites that visitors can explore including the Senate House State Historic Site which contains many original structures from the early days of American independence; Old Dutch Church which dates back to 1659; and Rondout Lighthouse which is located on the Hudson River waterfront.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities available such as biking or walking along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, fishing at Esopus Creek, or going canoeing on Rondout Creek. For those looking for something more modern, Kingston offers an eclectic range of restaurants, bars, and shops located in Uptown Kingston, making it easy to find something special that matches your taste.