Getting around Kingston requires some familiarity or just a keen sense of direction.

For those who are unfamiliar with the layout of this historic city, getting to the attractions residents are most proud of is a challenge. City and county officials have begun to address that.

Real estate agent and antiques dealer Karen Vetere -- speaking from her storefront on Broadway near the waterfront -- agreed that better signage could improve business in her area, and that sign clutter has increased.

Business owners describe "The Rondout" as a jewel that does not immediately jump out at visitors who find Kingston from the New York Thruway.

For one, the Rondout is four miles from the interstate. There is also no clear signage for the Rondout that sets itself apart to incomers.

"It would be really wonderful if they did some more appropriate, larger signs," Vetere said, "to say where the waterfront is, because people ask all the time -- 'Where is it?' "

Kingston Transportation Planner Brian Slack said the city has contracted with design firm, Merje, who specializes in "community wayfinding."

Kingston's plan is to overhaul signage -- especially the blue signs seen at the main gateways -- to help visitors find their ways to Kingston's best spots.

"Just driving and noticing signs? I haven't," laughed Amanda Leaseburgh of Hudson, who was exploring the waterfront district with her sister Sarah on Monday. "I haven't noticed any signs. That hasn't been how I've found certain places."

The Leaseburgh sisters said their usual plan for visiting Kingston is to GPS their route to a place someone recommended to them, and to take it from there.

"And then, I'm like, 'Oh. I haven't been here before, and it's beautiful, so I'm going to walk around," Leaseburgh said. "That's why we're here right now. We looked up a business we wanted to go to, and wanted to explore a little bit more."

Kingston officials said the Ulster County Transportation Council is going to pay approximately $62,000 for Merje's signage plan. The actual signs would come later and would be paid for by the city.

Slack also said Kingston residents are going to help finalize the signage masterplan as well as a sign theme which could be "history and architecture," "the natural environment" or a more modern style.

The city is holding a public meeting to get input on the plan on Thursday, September 20 at 6 p.m. at Kingston City Hall.