Every time I make it down to the Rondout waterfront section of Kingston, I ask myself why I'm not there more often.

It's surely a far cry from the days in the early 1970s when the Freeman was headquartered in the building now anchored by Mariner's restaurant. Back then, hardly anybody was around.

That was then and this is now.

The Strand sure was bustling Sunday afternoon. Shops were busy, restaurants hopping, the docks filled. People poured off the cruise boat and strolled along the streets.

It was a pleasant day in a picturesque part of the city.

Indeed, many locals probably travel hundreds of miles to experience a Strand-like setting elsewhere ... and we have one of our own right here in Kingston.

If you haven't been downtown lately, check it out.