USG is identifying art and culture listings for our map so when you travel you can not only discover the best local food, farms, beer, wine and interesting hot spots, but also feed your soul with the humanities.
The first entry on our map is R & F Handmade Paints which is hidden on an industrial-feeling, non-descript street in Kingston, N.Y.
R & F is a great place to check out if you want to see what is going on under the surface of this small, historic city that was New York State's first capital. Once a thriving port on the Hudson River, Kingston is just a few hour's drive from NYC.
You realize The R & F building is much larger than it looks from the outside when you drive down the alley next to the building and park in the back. In addition to the manufacturing of their world famous paints, the company has a great art studio. It feels like an art school as they teach classes and experiment with the paints made in the spacious building.
The building also houses a gallery space where locals gather. If you are planning a trip to Kingston and spending a day or two, you might want to check out in advance what’s happening at R & F Paints in order to take a class or attend any art openings or scheduled events.
The famous local brewery, Keegan Ales, is quite close to R & F and a great place to go after stocking up on painting supplies, taking an art class or attending an art opening. They have a bar and performance space where you can chill out, hear some live music and catch the vibe of Kingston, a happening place on the majestic Hudson River in the beautiful and vibrant Ulster County of NY.
Keegan Ales Brewery, Kingston, New York
Sometimes one neglects to see the wonder all around in your own backyard. We get so so used to the beauty of everyday that sometimes we can forget why we thought where we live was so great in the first place. After our recent trip to Virginia, I made a point of affirming my love for the Hudson Valley and Catskills and reminding myself how lucky I was to live in such a beautiful area. Come visit us and take a few days to feel the wonder.
Bonticou Crag, Mohonk Preserve, N.Y. Image via Time to Climb
I recently connected with Brian Mahoney, editor, and Jason Stern, publisher, at Luminary Publishing for a chat at Outdated Cafe in Uptown Kingston. We all marveled at how great Kingston was, especially so as it is mere minutes from some of the most spectacular countryside nature and scenery you can imagine.
The hike to Bonticou Crag in Mohonk Preserve is an experience you should consider for your bucket list if you are visiting Kingston or nearby New Paltz, Rosendale or High Falls. Recently, I hiked up the crag with a group of friends and it was great fun, full of awe and heartfelt emotion. We felt like we were characters bonding in an indy film of our own making.
Copyright 2017 Paul E McGinniss