Kingston's historic waterfront area, the Rondout, reached its pinnacle in the days of the D & H Canal in the early 19th century, but declined with the advent of the railroad. Today, it's a nicely revitalized commercial area with a burgeoning number of restaurants and bars. It is also home to the Hudson River Maritime Museum and Lighthouse (an old boat shop with exhibits on the history of boating and ships), weekend vintage trolley rides out to the Hudson (which begin in front of the Maritime Museum), Sampson opera house, and a handsome new visitor center. Boats leave from the Maritime Museum to go out along Rondout Creek to the 1913 Rondout Lighthouse (call tel. 845/336-8145 for information). The Rondout is also the spot to catch the larger Hudson River Cruises on the Rip Van Winkle ship.