Leaving regularly from the marina at Kingston’s Rondout area is the Rip Van Winkle — a tour boat that cruises along the Hudson. The scenic vistas are breathtaking and include views of historic mansions and lighthouses as well as farms and vineyards. Eats and drinks are served on board as the boat cruises past natural river sites that include Big Rock Point (guess what’s there), Vanderburg Cove and Esopus Island. For directions, prices and more info, check out the website here.




























There’s also the launch to the Lighthouse and the Teal that provide ready access for Gilligan, the Skipper, Mary Ann, Ginger and the rest of the crew. Just some of your choices in the Rondout. However, I’ve known a few people who had best intentions to get on board and never left the “ports of call” — like Ship to Shore, Downtown Cafe, Mariner’s Harbor, Savona’s Trattoria, or Rosita’s. Ah, temptation!