It’s hard to be a favorite in New England, but next to Rhode Island, Vermont is at the top of my list. When I wrote this travel guide three years ago, I just dreamed of living there one day. It was crazy.I will never forget to jump on the bike we borrowed when we checked in Woodstock Guest House And rode through the town. Craig and I stopped on a side street, looked at each other and said, “We need to live here.” We are usually ready to go home at the end of the trip at any time, but Vermont is different. Driving along winding country roads, past farms and covered bridges, this is a place where time is paused. It feels like home. Forget strip malls, large chain stores and billboards, you will find the charm of old New England in and around Woodstock. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but it is the person who makes Vermont unique. Incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming, Vermontans welcome you with friendliness and a sense of community.
Come here in autumn to enjoy the most spectacular autumn leaf show, in winter to see the snow-capped bridges and cross-country skiing, or in the summer to swim in the lake and lush green mountains. Regardless of the season, you can enjoy it. Here are some ideas and suggestions on things to do, where to stay and where to eat.
*General description. Due to Covid-19, state regulations and recommendations are constantly changing and evolving. When traveling and enjoying time in Woodstock and Vermont, please follow all state and local regulations.
where to live
Our first visit we stayed in Woodstock Guest House This is one of the main reasons we fall in love with Woodstock (Use this link to book and enjoy a 10% discount on accommodation Until 12/24/21-holidays are cancelled). The location in the center of Woodstock is unbeatable and it is easy to walk to all parts of the town. The rooms are comfortable and charming, and there are several pet-friendly rooms! There are many dining options on site, but if you happen to visit when the Kelly Road Gardens are open, this is a must-see. This is a farm-to-table dinner that Craig and I had the opportunity to experience on our first visit in September. The meals are made with food grown in the garden or local farms, and the entire property and space are beautiful.
The Woodstock Inn also has an incredible array of amenities. The spa is not surprisingly one of the most popular. I had the opportunity to do several treatments and massage/pedicures, and they were all great. The hotel also has an outdoor heated seawater swimming pool open in summer. The Athletic Club has an indoor swimming pool open to hotel guests. The sports club is an amazing facility with indoor tennis courts, gymnasium, outdoor tennis courts, fitness classes, sauna and steam room. This is my favorite place to play tennis and swim in winter. Not far from the Woodstock Hotel is the Woodstock Country Club, an extraordinary course designed by Robert Trent Jones. In the winter, it becomes a Nordic skiing and obesity bike trail. Woodstock Inn also offers guests a fly fishing program. There is really a lot to do in Woodstock and the surrounding area. Skiing and snowboarding in winter are fun, and the two mountains are 15-20 minutes away from the hotel. I can’t say enough good things about the Woodstock Hotel (Use this link to book and enjoy a 10% discount on accommodation Until 12/24/21-holidays are cancelled).
If you are looking for rental housing, we live in This cottage Super close to town, absolutely great. The only drawback is that it is not suitable for pets.The owner is super sensitive and helpful, I Would love to stay in this place in winter! If you are looking for a pet-friendly rental house, we also live in this house on Silver Lake (about 15 minutes drive from Woodstock), which is great.You can rent Whole house or Main floor upstairs with Downstairs apartment.
what to do
Woodstock really has no shortage of things to do. If you stay at the Woodstock Hotel, they will provide plenty of bicycles for you to ride around the town. There are many great shopping and sightseeing places, all within easy walking distance. Whether you are shopping, walking, spa or adventurous and outdoor activities, I can guarantee you will not be bored.
shopping
Farm pottery
Vermont Flannel Company
FH Gillingham & Sons
Simon Pierce (A good place to have lunch, shop and watch glass blowing downstairs)
Woodstock Sports
Clover Gift Shop
Danfoss
Yankee Bookstore
Woody’s merchandise
Market On The Green-Woodstock Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm, June to October.
Hiking and activities
mt.Tom -There are several different trails for hiking to the top. We did the Faulkner Trail, but there were some detours (marked clearly).
Suicide group of six – Mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding
Aqueduct trail -Mountain biking, hiking/walking (good place to walk the dog!)
mt.Nail trajectory -Mountain biking, hiking, Nordic track and field/snowshoes/fat bikes in winter, dogs are not allowed in winter
Billings farm and museum -Walking distance from the village. You can visit the barn, exhibition and farm manager’s house, and take a walk on the grounds. Pets are not allowed on Billings Farm.
Marsh Billings National Park -Opposite Billings Farm. Many great hikes, dogs are allowed.
Quiche Canyon -Hiking
Silver Lake – Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle surfing
Sugar Tree Farm -Cheese and maple syrup farm.
Drive – The two scenic drives we completed were absolutely breathtaking. I have linked to some of these directions (both directions in Woodstock are very fast and easy).
—— Woodstock> Barnard> Killington> Bridgewater> Woodstock – 1 hour and 15 minutes (we stopped for lunch at Long Trail Brewing)
—— Woodstock> Quiche (Via Happy Valley Road) – 20 minutes
Where to eat
amazing -One of the best meals we have ever had. From farm to table. An intimate dining experience. Reservation only (we were lucky to get a table as a walk-in, it is now 5pm).
Country Butcher – The best sandwich, we like their Veggie Lover’s Delight.
Kelly Road Garden -Incredible farm-to-table dinner experience (also open to the public in summer).
My green cafe -Good place for coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches.
Long Trail Brewery -Delicious lunch place.
Worthy kitchen -Comfort food from farm to table. Really busy, go early if you can.
Woodstock Farmers Market -A great place to get fast-prepared food. If you need to stock up during your stay, they also have an incredible selection of groceries.
Simon Pierce Restaurants – We had a very good lunch here.
Affectionate good cafe -Great breakfast spot!
Yundi Farm
Ransom Tavern at Kedron Valley Inn
The prince and the beggar
The White Cottage Snack Bar
