Eat
28 ∙ Bear Cafe
44 ∙ Bistro To Go
45 ∙ Cheese Louise
39 ∙ Cucina
41 ∙ Nana's Creative Cafe
22 ∙ Oriole9
7 ∙ Peace, Love & Cupcakes
27 ∙ Rick’s Wood Fired Pizza
13 ∙ The Tea Shop of Woodstock
16 ∙ Woodstock Meats
16 ∙ Butchers Blend Pet Food
4 ∙ Yum Yum Noodle Bar
Stay
30 ∙ Blue Pearl
36 ∙ Harmony House B&B
42 ∙ Hotel Dylan
34 ∙ A Streamside Cottage
34 ∙ The Waterfall House
Play
43 ∙ 28 West Gym
29 ∙ Bearsville Theatre
35 ∙ Glamour House
26 ∙ Euphoria Yoga
37 ∙ Fiber Flame Studio
31 ∙ Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
32 ∙ Magic Meadow
33 ∙ Overlook Mountain
25 ∙ Overlook Mountain Bikes
15 ∙ Psychic Readings by Rose
35 ∙ Savor Spa
1 ∙ Woodstock Film Festival Office
3 ∙ Woodstock Music Shop
38 ∙ Woodstock Playhouse
Shop
10 ∙ Catskill Art & Office Supply
23 ∙ Changes
21 ∙ Fruition Chocolate
24 ∙ Ecosystem Boutique
40 ∙ Evolve Design Gallery & Showroom
12 ∙ H Houst & Son
9 ∙ Woodstock Emporium Holiday Haus
8 ∙ Illuminated Baby
20 ∙ Jarita’s Florist
6 ∙ Loominus Handwoven
11 ∙ Pegasus Footwear
5 ∙ Garden Cafe
2 ∙ Tibetan Arts and Crafts
17 ∙ Ulster Savings
14 ∙ Westwood Metes and Bounds Realty
18 ∙ Win Morrison Realty
19 ∙ Woodstock Trading Post
There’s a pleasant irony to the fact that Woodstock achieved at least some of its fame due to the understandable misperception that it’s where the 1969 Woodstock music festival actually happened. The misunderstanding has a bit of the feeling of a “merry prank” to it, entirely in keeping with the zeitgeist of the culture involved. Woodstockers have embraced the results, for on any given Saturday afternoon, the parking lots are full of cars from near and far, and a colorful horde mingles, mills, and meanders along the sidewalks past shops that are tie-dyed, peace-signed, and sparkling with originality. The place could be a set for a movie about how the Sixties never really ended. (In fact, it was used exactly that way in the Jane Fonda flick Peace, Love and Misunderstanding.)
But this is no mere veneer, nor is the place some cleverly-marketed theme park. Woodstock has been an arts colony with depth, breadth, and class for well over a century. The values of peace, tolerance, creativity, and personal freedom—the best of the Flower Power era—are not empty slogans here; they are being lived on a daily basis by some of the most talented people you will meet anywhere on earth.
Adirondack Trailways offers bus service to Woodstock from Manhattan every couple of hours; once you’re there, much of the town is walkable.
STAY
Your visit will be enhanced by hanging your hat somewhere thematic and wonderful, like the Hotel Dylan, whose motto is, “Peace. Love. Stay.” At the Dylan, you’ll find 11 stylish rooms with retro-Bohemian touches; each room comes complete with a turntable, and there’s a library of vinyl discs. You can play bocce, ping-pong, or badminton, or just chill by the fire pit in the evening.
If you like some space, consider renting the Waterfall House, a two-bedroom retreat on Niobe Falls in the midst of good hiking trails, or the Streamside Cottage, with its claw-foot tub and whimsical loft and 1,000 feet of creek side. After a stroll, you can fix something to eat in your luxe kitchen and bring it out onto the deck that overlooks the creek and falls. “You will always find food in the fridge, art on the walls, books to read, and movies to watch. You may well find yourself mesmerized by the sounds of water and be content to merely witness the miracle of continuity the waterfall teaches,” says co-host Babs.
The Blue Pearl, less than a mile from the center of the village, looks like a modest and classic artist’s cottage from the street. Just wait till you open the door. It’s been re-imagined with skylights, polished floors, architectural detail, and Oriental flourishes. You’ll feel chic as a sheik indoors, and then you can go cook out amidst mountain views and roast marshmallows at the fire pit.
Treat yourself like the landed gentry at Harmony House B&B. A classic 1900 Colonial with a tree-lined drive, Harmony House is a bastion of genteel elegance. Decor is French-themed, filled with air and light, and you’ll enjoy a four-course locally sourced breakfast prepared by a devoted pastry chef. Massage is available on the premises for those après-wilderness aches and pains.
EAT
Can you dine as well in the Catskills as you can in any major city on this big blue marble? Woodstockers have decreed that the answer is definitely yes!
Along Route 28, on your way to Woodstock, consider grabbing some healthy take-out. Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go is a well-loved stop for locally sourced and lovingly prepared healthy comfort food with a Mediterranean flair. It’s perfect for a pickup picnic (though you can also eat in). Call ahead, and they’ll have your wrap, panini, or salad all set—“slow food” you don’t have to wait for. Their catering services have earned them a “Best of Hudson Valley” award.
Mouthwatering gourmet goodies can be found next door at Cheese Louise. The cheeses are a mix of locally made and globally sourced. They have caviar, smoked fish, truffles; balsamic vinegars and infused oils; and a host of other organic marvels. This is a great stop to get a gift for your favorite foodie or feast on a baguette loaded with something memorable . . . or both!
In town, dine outdoors beside the stream or indoors beside the fireplace at the Bear Cafe, where both its New American menu and the glittering but relaxing bar scene get rave reviews from wildly varied sources: “Where the Powerful and Famous Nosh,” a la The New York Times or “Wow, man!” a la High Times. There’s a lot on the menu—only some of it tangible but all of it tasty.
Oriole9 is a Woodstock classic. One half of the team, Nina, grew up imbibing hospitality skills with every breath from parents who ran the legendary Café Espresso. Nina went to Holland and fell in love with Pierre-Luc, an Italian and French chef who studied with masters all over the continent. The vibe is relaxed and intimate, and the menu is constantly evolving to feature the freshest seasonal treats. The same team, with a third partner who is an awesome chef herself, is behind the beloved Yum Yum Noodle Bar. Here you can mix and match noodles, broth, and protein, ordering up a bowl of goodness that perfectly suits your mood. Enjoy it on a bluestone patio with luscious views of Overlook Mountain. Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free eaters will find bliss at either place.
Cucina is also sure to please the palette. Chef Giovanni prepares contemporary Italian cuisine in a gorgeous historic setting. Dine on the wrap-around porch or warm yourself up in its cozy bar taproom or next to one of its fireplaces—either way you will get lost in Cucina’s scrumptious pleasures. If not hungry, enjoy a nightcap and savor one of Cucina’s new beers, mixed cocktails, or stunning wines.
If part of your mission in life is the perfect cup of tea, your search ends at the Tea Shop of Woodstock. These people are serious about tea. They’ll help you determine what might suit you, whether it be Dragon Pearl Jasmine or White Vanilla Grapefruit or another exotica. Have a cuppa in their realm of fragrant serenity, and then grab some to take home along with the perfect pot to brew it in.
If you’re looking for some groceries or sandwiches, look no further than Woodstock Meats. The Christofora family takes pride in offering fresh, local, hormone- and antibiotic-free selections of the finest beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and seafood, along with the freshest local produce. There are fresh deli salads and local cheeses, and despite the name, vegetarians will find plenty of tasty options on the long bill of fare. Woodstock Meats also offers its very own line of pet food, Butcher’s Blend. Butcher’s Blend raw pet food is free of hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives, made fresh from human grade ingredients and then frozen for convenience. Wouldn’t your pet like to be a Woodstock-style locavore? Woof! (That’s “yes.”)
Hungry for pizza? Do it in righteous Woodstock style at Rick’s Wood-Fired. The pizza oven was built by the leading master craftsman of Naples, Italy, and the mozzarella is house-made. Fine imported ingredients intermingle with the best of fresh and local, leading to unique creations like the Midnight Ramble dessert pizza and specials like Dreams of Gold, featuring locally foraged chanterelles and a prosecco/cognac cream sauce.
For dessert, immerse yourself in the hippie ethos at Peace, Love & Cupcakes. Tie-dye buttercream frosting, cupcakes named for 60s-era rock stars, gluten-free brownies, and raw-volution cheesecake make this menu great fun to read. But it’s not about gimmicks; owner and baker Janice Kollar is a cookbook author and Food Network recipe contest winner, and the sweets are mouthwatering indeed.
SHOP
Contrary to ill-informed stereotype, hippie style has never been just about tie-dyed shirts and lack of chemical cosmetics—although, if you’re looking for a good tie-dyed T-shirt, you won’t have to leave disappointed. Creative hippie fashion is all about the best of the best: flowing lines that caress the human form just so, the perfect quirky-beautiful accessory, sturdy soft fabric. Comfort. Elegance. Sexy done so well it’s love. Come to Woodstock when you want to get yourself an extra-special present.
Men will find great-looking, functional threads at Changes. Proprietor Louis K. Deering has been tracking down the finest efforts of over 75 world class men’s clothiers and bringing them to the best-dressed men in the area since 1986, and Hudson Valley Magazine readers have bestowed a “best of” awards four times. From hats to footwear, Changes emphasizes clothes that feel and look splendid, for men who want to be just as at ease dressed up as they are in their oldest Levis. Both genders will find wearable art to fall in love with at Loominus Handwoven: casual cozy jackets, scarves so pretty you’ll never want to stick them in the closet, and cozy chenille throws. “One can't really survive a winter without a Loominus scarf, which is as much for the spirit as the body,” says a happy customer on the store’s Facebook page.
Your feet will thank you for visiting Pegasus Footwear, where the emphasis is on making comfort and good looks affordable. Staff “road tests” the styles they find at over 75 different companies from around the world. The styles are up-to-the-minute, while the service is the good old-fashioned knowledgeable kind.
Updated variations on timeless hippie classics like minis and jeans can be found at the emblematic Woodstock Trading Post. They’ve got an incredible selection of the latest denim-trends, flowing tops, and casual dresses with an array of beautiful jewelry to pair them with. The Trading Post, dressing Woodstock since the 70s, has grown up along with the town—a store worth the trip from anywhere.
Ecosystem Boutique was born of the union between the designer of the Artists and Revolutionaries clothing line and the home goods designer behind Evolving Habitat; they actively seek out fine works from like-minded others, with an emphasis on hand-crafted, fair-trade, and gorgeous. Items wrought from bone, metal, and reclaimed wood share space with natural fabrics; they strive for a blend of elegance and edge.
Authentic Tibetan wearables and decor can be found at Tibetan Arts and Crafts. Hand-woven vegetable-dyed rugs and hand-casted statues will add color and culture to your space, and their wide selection of exotic jewelry will do the same for your look. The owners have years of experience in the Tibetan trade and are happy to answer any questions you may have about their offerings.
If you are a parent or grandparent or need the perfect baby gift, don’t miss a stop at Illuminated Baby. Their vast, best-of selection of high-quality natural baby and maternity products is informed by the owner’s passion for helping young families get off to the best possible start; you can buy the perfect sippy cup and get your child development questions answered all in one life-enhancing trip.
At Evolve Design Gallery and Showroom, two expert interior designers curate the collection of fine art, furniture, home decor, and gift items. If you’re thinking of remodeling or just want a perfect accent piece, stop in. Of course, a look around may inspire you to think of remodeling even if you hadn’t been, in which case you can hire the proprietors for their transformational design or related services.
More prosaic home needs are met in friendly, knowledgeable style by the good folks at H. Houst and Son, Woodstock’s own TrueValue outlet, where you’ll find sporting goods, gifts, and pet supplies along with hardware. They say “lock, stock, and barrel” and they mean it; if you need a key or some copies made, H. Houst and Son has you covered.
Catskill Art and Office Supply began serving this knowledgeable and vocal arts colony back in 1978, and they’ve been good listeners ever since. Even their greeting card selection gets kudos. They carry every sort of paper and a lush array of things with which to make your mark in every hue, as well as smart novelties that will make you laugh right out loud and custom printing and framing.
For straight-up Woodstock souvenirs and swag, look no further than the Woodstock Emporium Holiday Haus. You’ll find thematic clothing, glassware, stickers galore, delicious fine chocolates, and more. Woodstock Emporium originally opened as Holiday Haus and still carries fine Yuletide and Christmas regalia all year long. Go find the perfect blown-glass stunner for this year’s tree.
Embrace your inner flower power with Jarita’s who've been offering Woodstock's finest floral arrangements since the 70's. Pick up a casual bouquet for the kitchen, or design something elegant for a special event. They’ll work with you to make sure your arrangement is exactly what you want and use only the freshest local blooms to make it look better than you dreamed it could.
PLAY
With so many trails and scenic views close by, you'll certainly need a break after a long day of exploring. Woodstock has its very own peak, Overlook Mountain, with a summit at 3,140 feet. From the trailhead, a two-mile climb brings you to the atmospheric and thought-provoking ruins of the Overlook Hotel. Feel free to explore and imagine the hotel in its heyday during the late 1800s. Walk about a half mile farther and you’re at the summit, which features a fire tower to add even more altitude. The glorious panorama, with the Hudson River a silver ribbon far below, will make you glad you came.
Across Meads Mountain Road from the trailhead is the entrance to Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that offers tours and intro-to-meditation classes for visitors on Saturdays, introductory classes on Buddhism on Wednesday nights, and more extensive programming for those who wish to preregister for a stay there.
A bit farther down Meads Mountain Road is Magic Meadow, a beloved haunt of the Rainbow Family, with its own splendid views. That’s where you’ll find the trailhead for the Devil’s Path, an infamous 24-mile sojourn that made the top of Backpacker magazine’s list of “Twelve Toughest Trails.”
The folks at Overlook Mountain Bikes have a selection of eleven different brands for sale, and they’ll happily rent you one that fits your needs perfectly. Experts will find kindred spirits and beginners will experience a warm and confidence-building welcome.
If you want to venture indoors, grab a class at the 28 West Gym. Guests at the Hotel Dylan have it included as part of the package, but everyone’s welcome to drop in and choose their favorite or try something new. 28 West Gym offers yoga, pilates, zumba, steptacular, dance cross-fit, and more, and you can grab a walk-in day pass for just $10.
Or you could catch a class at Euphoria Yoga, founded by Corinne Gervai, who graduated from the world- renowned Jivamukti Yoga School. Joined by an outstanding group of devoted, well-trained, and experienced yoga teachers with a unified vision of service, Euphoria Yoga studio is an inviting, intimate sacred space in which the
After exploring the marvels of the Overlook zone, you’ll probably be ready for something a little more sedentary. How about taking in an after-dinner show? There’s always something good going on at the historic Woodstock Playhouse, founded in 1938 as a “rural extension of Broadway;” more than a few national treasures have graced its stage. Don’t miss the “History Wall” and the gallery exhibits.
At the other end of town, the Bearsville Theater (founded by the late rock magnate Albert Grossman) features an eclectic mix of musical events in an intimate setting, hosting performances by locals like Robbie Dupree, Happy Traum, Jack DeJohnette, and other “names” on a regular basis. Even if you’ve never heard of the band playing the Bearsville this Saturday, odds are good your musician friends have.
Spending time soaking in all this top-shelf talent, you may feel the urge to create something yourself. Your fully equipped studio awaits you ten minutes down the road at Fiber Flame, where they welcome walk-ins to play with clay, canvas, beads, beach glass, stencils, stamps, a rainbow array of threads and yarns, and more. They’ll help you transform even the most random whiff of inspiration into a treasure you can take home.
If it’s music you’d like to make, the Woodstock Music Shop has what you need. They specialize in stringed instruments; you’ll find friendly, knowledgeable assistance whether you want a guitar, a mandolin, or a dobro. They have hand-percussion instruments perfect to take along to the Village Green drum circle on a Sunday afternoon.
Since you’re walking the sidewalks trod by uncounted celebrities, why not try on a whole new look? Cheri Voss Salon will help you get it on, Woodstock style. They hire the freshest talent and create sleek white surroundings in which you can experiment with organic, vegan, cruelty-free colors or rock some Hotheads hair extensions. It’s you, darling!
Pamper the rest of yourself at Savor Spa and Boutique, a brand-new establishment spun off from a highly successful eco-chic boutique spa in the West Village. Savor offers “bespoke” spa packages, in which you can select your dream treatment from a prix-fixe menu of state-of-the-art treatments for both ladies and gentlemen.
It is entirely possible that time spent in Woodstock will inspire you to look inward. If you’d like to look deeply indeed, pay a call on Psychic Rose. Her methods, developed over 30 years, include tarot, astrology, numerology, and more; she offers her honed intuition in the service of helping you “find the truth in all negative and stressful situations.”
Who knows, the truth may turn out to be that you want to find a home here. If that’s the case, check out Win Morrison Realty for serious Woodstock possibilities. Their featured homes will have you drooling and longing for the perfect Woodstock abode. In a community this special, real estate is practiced as a labor of love.
Westwood Metes and Bounds Realty offers insider Woodstock expertise. Their inventory of classic Woodstock estates is nothing short of impressive, and their selection of two- and three-bedroom ranches will offer you an affordable entry point. The expertise and honesty of their team will have you feeling at home in no time.
An especially great time to wander around Woodstock is the second Friday of the month, when shop owners and creative types conspire to craft Woodstock Nights, extravaganzas of live music, pop-up art shows, and deals and discounts all over town. This autumn’s will take place on September 12 and October 11.
Another special time to visit is during the “fiercely independent” Woodstock Film Festival, taking place this year from October 15-19. Screenings with directors, panel discussions, and after-parties abound throughout, making the scene glitter even more than usual.
Whenever you go, though, plan to spend a little time on the Village Green. Feel the fun-loving, intelligent exuberance and open-mindedness that keeps the hippie ethos vital and strong. People-watch. Talk to strangers—the stranger the better. Come on a Sunday afternoon between four and six and experience the weekly drum circle. Wanna dance? Do it. Fall in peaceful, understanding love with a town that will love you back; there’nothing quite like a Woodstock welcome.
