It’s hard to leave the Hudson Valley in the summertime. I hear so many clients say they look forward to summers here. They even save their vacations for other times of the year. And honestly, every time I head out somewhere else during the summer, I find myself anxious to get back home.
This is my fifth summer in Kingston. I was raised in the lower Hudson Valley, and while some things are the same, there’s something about this place that just feels like better balance for me.
As a Midtown resident, I can hop in the car and be by the river or deep in the woods within ten minutes. I can walk out my front door and be surrounded by a mix of cuisines, cultures, and characters. And I can walk to some of the best music venues in upstate New York without needing to grab my keys.
In one week, I hit three different venues, all steps from my front porch: Unicorn Bar, Tubby’s, and Nightswim.
Unicorn Bar has a magical back room. The disco ball and light show add an ethereal glow to every performance. Seeing FOC there blew me away. Their nostalgic new wave vibes had the whole crowd swaying and hypnotized. The band had a drummer who stood while playing and the contrasting wigs between the keyboardist and drummer made it all the more fun.
Tubby’s is so close, I’ve started going even on off nights. I never imagined I’d see some of the musicians I’ve caught there, especially in such an intimate setting. There’s always this welcoming energy and people strike up conversations, dance together, and share the moment like old friends, even if they’ve just met. The community that’s grown around this place is so genuine it almost feels like a secret society, like if Tubby’s was a cult. We saw local legends Geezer and had a typically great time.
Nightswim closed out the week with a Sunday night set from The Armedalite Rifles. These veterans of the local scene brought a wave of nostalgia that felt like the spirit of The Anchor reborn. The space is clearly loved by longtime locals and new arrivals alike. They have good food and cheap beer and I truly feel part of the neighborhood when I’m there.
There’s a balance here. Nature, nightlife, community, and culture all live side by side. Living this close to so much, I feel lucky every single day. There are so many more places to talk about and seek out. What are some of your favorite local venues?
Close to the Noise: A Midtown Summer in Kingston
