Our Favorites: Weekend Guide to Woodstock
Now an eternal symbol of all things peace, love, and rock and roll (thanks to the Woodstock Music Festival of 1969), Woodstock is a small town in New York’s Catskill region that is home to artists, musicians and spiritual seekers.
So if you are planning a trip to the Hudson Valley region then this local's guide on what to see, eat and do is for you.
Because in Woodstock, you’ll find tons of interesting things to see, including eclectic art galleries, unique boutiques, delicious restaurants, exciting hiking trails, and vivacious outdoor markets – all of which are located about 100 miles north of New York City.
Best Places to Stay:
Woodstock Inn on the Millstream, is nestled right next to the main creek in town and allows access to a great swim hole. And it's an easy walk to the center of town. They have have a variety of accommodations from simple rooms, deluxe rooms and complete cottages. Includes free continental breakfast.
Twin Gables B&B is located right in the center of town and is a lovely antique appointed bed and breakfast with charming rooms. There are no TV's which means reading or heading out for a hike are encouraged. Includes free continental breakfast.
Hotel Dylan is a chic boutique hotel with lots of great amenities including a saltwater pool, outdoor area with fire pits and a Mexican restaurant called the Santa Fe.
What to Do:
Hike up to Overlook Mountain which promises breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley. On the way up, stop at the 100 yr old ruins of an old hotel that makes for artsy and sometimes spooky photos.
At the foot of the trail lies the Tibetan monastery Karma Tryana Dharmachakra, the North American seat of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and is a well-maintained complex, with stunning grounds that visitors will love to explore. The grounds include eight stupas and an amazing main shrine room.
Walk the beautiful Ashokan Rail Trail that runs along the Ashokan Reservoir. Fun fact, this reservoir supplies most of the drinking water for NYC. And it's beautiful to boot. The trail is a 11.5-mile recreational trail that runs along Ashokan Reservoir between West Hurley and Boiceville. Throughout the year, this newly created park provides spectacular seasonal views and is a fabulous way to spend a few hours for a lovely stroll, a bike ride, walking your dog (on a leash), running and bird watching.
Visit the mind-blowing OPUS 40. Created over 37 years by pioneering artist and professor Harvey Fite, Opus 40 is a world-famous nonprofit sculpture park and museum with more than 60 acres of meadows, forested paths and bluestone quarries — including 6.5 acres of earthwork sculpture. Check out their list of events that includes live music, art shows and nature walks.
Woodstock Byrdcliff Guild is a regional center for the arts located in Woodstock, New York. From its 250-acre mountainside campus and its arts and performance center in the village of Woodstock, Byrdcliffe offers an integrated program of exhibitions, performance, classes (ceramics, jewelry, weaving, and writing), workshops, symposia, and artists’ residencies.
Shopping in town:
Woodstock is a small village and can be walked in its entirety in day. There are lovely boutiques with fashion by independent designers like idPearl, Easy Livin' and Atelier Om. For vintage clothing check out Three Turtle Doves and Rock City Vintage. On the weekends from May - October the Mower's flea market is a great place to find hidden gems.
For art and gifts look for Casa Ziki, they have sourced a selection of beautiful yet functional items from local and global artisans and brands. Shop for beautiful handmade candles and home decor at Candlestock. Shop Little House has curated new and vintage house wares. The Golden Notebook and Mirabai are the go-to bookstores in town.
Where to Eat:
For breakfast Bread Alone is a local's early morning hang out that offers coffee drinks, pastries, egg sandwiches and has a lunch menu as well. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. For real NY style bagels, Moonrise Bagels has the nosh, including their signature stuffed bagels, yum. For delicious cakes and sweets, we love the Overlook Bakery.
For brunch/lunch Oriole 9 has a great menu with a variety of options including a full breakfast and lunch menus with salads, burgers, and tacos. The Garden Cafe on the village green is a wonderful vegan restaurant with lovely garden seating. They offer fresh juices and wine along with their savory dishes. Yum Yum Noodle is a great spot if you are in the mood for Asian fusion.
For dinner long time local favorites Cucina and the Red Onion always deliver on delicious food and ambience. Newer restaurants Silvia and Good Night offer upscale dining experiences, reservations are necessary on the weekends.
For Entertainment:
Woodstock is known for its great music scene and many large acts also showcase here. Check out Colony Woodstock, for amazing live music. They also have a beer garden and bar food menu. The Bearsville Theater is a legendary spot for live music going back to the 70's. Many famous acts of that time blessed the stage with their music.
As you can see Woodstock is a vibrant community full of creativity and beautiful nature. This is just a taste of what this village has to offer. Come and See!
- by Mary Vukovic