The peaceful town of Woodstock lays within the borders of the Catskill State Park northwest of Kingston, New York. Woodstock became famous for the 1969 Woodstock Festival, although the event actually took place a few miles away, at Bethel Park.
Artists and musicians have been drawn to the charming town for many years for its exceptional beauty and tranquil laid-back ambiance. The community is very watchful of preserving and retaining their small town atmosphere and there are no retail shops, condos or fancy hotels. Visitors to Woodstock can seek accommodation at cozy bed and breakfasts, family friendly guest houses, and delightful motels and inns. The small but vibrant commercial center in town is dotted with splendid little shops selling unique merchandise such as interesting arty candles, rare books, unusual crafts, organic goods, and antiques. Tinker Street boasts exquisite gift and jewelry stores, tie-dye shops and bohemian-style stores. Lovely cafes and restaurants offer a variety of superb cuisine and light snack. Relax at the town’s square and enjoy the various informal gatherings of people expressing their art forms through drumming circles and tickling the snares of a guitar.
Music and art is a life-style in Woodstock and there are plenty of galleries to visit such as the Woodstock School of Art and Elena Zang Gallery which displays wonderful handmade pottery, paintings and sculptures of local artists. Visit Byrdcliffe, northwest of Woodstock village, which is the site of the original art colony. Enjoy the performances of the Woodstock community group which hosts various plays during summer. Relax at the River Rock Health Spa, or take a drive to see the spectacular Karma Triyana Dharma Chakra, the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.
The natural beauty of the Catskill Park offer various outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking during summer, and in winter visitors can enjoy skiing and snow tubing. Take a leisurely hike up to Overlook Mountain and relish the awesome views of the Hudson Valley and the gleaming Ashokan Reservoir. Woodstock’s authentic lifestyle and rustic surroundings are truly inspiring and will touch the souls and spirit of all visitors, leaving them refreshed and renewed.