If the stones of Kingston could tell a story, they would tell you about the birth of New York State in 1777 on this week’s Road Trip: Close to Home.

The Ulster County Courthouse is where the Constitution of New York State was first written and adopted. 

It’s also where the New York’s first elected governor, George Clinton, was sworn into office. His gravesite now lies peacefully, just steps away at the Old Dutch Cemetery. 

The Old Dutch Church is now known as the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. It’s Kingston’s oldest institution and a National Historic Landmark first organized in 1659.  

The churchyard is the home to tombstones as early as the 1700s, including Revolutionary War soldiers. 

Kingston’s modern day downtown offers an eclectic mix of unique local shops like Rough Draft Bar and Books. They serve coffee, beer and wine with a wide selection of good reads.

A simple stroll through the city will lock your eyes along colorful murals.  The art is thanks to the organization O-positive, which unites artists near and far to bring colorful dialogue to the city of Kingston. Many of the works reflect the city’s rich history, culture and diversity. 

One piece called AIN’T I WOMAN? features the contributions of abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth, who was born in slavery in Ulster County and later escaped to freedom.