Sparkling like a jewel in its scenic waterfront setting, Kingston beckons visitors who arrive by personal boat, ferry or car to explore parks, beaches, trails and unique eateries sure to satisfy any palate.

Mike Wallace Park next to the marina and ferry dock is a gorgeous expanse of green that hosts the Saturday Public Market, free summer concerts and July 4th festivities. It’s an inviting place for a picnic or just to let kids run free.

The Port of Kingston offers guest moorage, a double-lane boat launch and a 24-hour fishing pier. Also, the kayak/small boat facility provides 28 covered slips that can accommodate 8′ to 24′ kayaks or small boats. The Facility provides a step launch and retrieval system that is user friendly for the novice and experienced allowing safe access to the waters of Apple Tree Cove and Puget Sound. Access to Saltair Beach is east of the ferry terminal or drive around Appletree Cove to play on the beach at Arness Park. There are also playgrounds close to the ferry, at Kola Kole and Village Green parks.

There are several wooded walking trails close to downtown, including A Quiet Place Park on Ohio Ave northeast of the ferry terminal, the PUD trails, Carpenter Lake wildlife sanctuary at Gordon Elementary and Stillwaters Environmental Center, where you can rent discovery packs with field guides, binoculars and activities for all ages.

Other highlights:

Golf – The award-winning White Horse Golf Club is a challenging course in an idyllic setting among old-growth fir and cedar trees. Relax afterward on the patio at Cedar Ridge Grill, a gorgeous place for drinks and dining. There’s a free shuttle from the ferry for golfers who make a reservation.

Arts and Shopping – Cleo’s Landing near the ferry offers Thistle Floral and Home and Sweet Life Cakery.

Wine, Dine and Brews:  If you get a hankering for delicious french-styles crepes, stop in at J’aime les Crepes. Mossback features mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine and creative cocktails. A renovated Kingston Ale House provides a varied menu, karaoke and a popular deck. For hearty appetites, try a juicy burger at The Grub Hut or biscuits and gravy at Borrowed Kitchen Bakery & Farmhouse Cafe. Also a local favorite is Kafe Neo which serves fresh mediterranean food. Stop in at D’Vine Wine, a small wine bar and retail shop which specializes in boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest. The family-friendly Downpour Brewing serves handcrafted ales and CB’s Nuts gets raves for its tasting room, which showcases both fresh-roasted snacks and a section of the old Mariners dugout from the Kingdome.

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