The allure of the Hudson Valley has attracted city folk and visitors from further afield to its verdant landscape for centuries. Summertime is an especially popular time, as eager tourists flock to the mountain and valley towns to escape the doldrums of the working class. While many towns in the region have experienced a renaissance, the standout in the last few years has got to be Kingston. With Poughkeepsie to the south, Saugerties to the north and Woodstock to the west, it’s at the epicenter of a Hudson Valley revival.

A relaxed way to begin your holiday is to attend the Kingston Farmers Market in Uptown and secure some hyperlocal and seasonal produce; the baked goods, meats, cheeses and sundry items are equally as delightful.

After your market bag is bursting, make your way to Masa Midtown for brunch. The owner, Ozlem Oguzcan-Cranston, opened the Turkish eatery in March 2020, days before the pandemic would erupt. Against all odds, it continues to thrive. Ozlem’s favorites include Turkish coffee or tea, the meze platter, the spiced beef pide, and seasonally available manti. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Now that you’re satiated, why not take a stroll down Roundout Creek via Abeel Street until you reach Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar? While they do offer a full, all-day menu, it’s equally as enjoyable to take a beer and enjoy the confluence of the creek and the Hudson River.

To end your day, consider ordering from the drive-thru at Moonburger, a vegetarian burger joint. While the Kingston location is the original, there are several others in Upstate New York, with a new location recently opening its doors in Brooklyn.

Whether you have a day or a week, Kingston and the Hudson Valley are ready to show you a good time in the Empire State.

— Kelsey Farrell, administrative coordinator