A Winter Getaway to Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont is the quintessential New England village you’ve dreamed of this winter, with something fun for everyone in the family. The quaint downtown is home to a thriving mix of art galleries, general stores, boutiques and restaurants, and has an abundance of beautifully-preserved Federal homes and buildings.

Nestled on the banks of the Ottauquechee River, Woodstock offers the only national park in Vermont, three covered bridges, fabulous restaurants, charming boutiques, and much more for visitors searching for the perfect winter getaway.Whether you’re looking for an outside vacation with alpine skiing, snowshoeing or Nordic skiing, or you prefer to spend the weekend drinking piping hot chocolate and reading by a cozy fire, Woodstock has it all. Here are ten reasons to love – and visit – Woodstock this winter:

Skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, oh my!

In 1934 the first ski tow in America opened on Gilbert’s Hill in Woodstock, Vermont, and led to the establishment of Suicide Six Ski Area, a family-friendly ski area with terrain for skiers and riders of all abilities. This fall the ski area installed a new quad chairlift and made several improvements to the trail system. Not one for downhill skiing? Try Nordic skiing on the groomed trails on Mt. Tom and the Nordic Center, or put on some snowshoes and explore the quiet of some backwoods trails. Lace up the skates indoors at Union Arena or on Silver Lake, or experience the simple thrill of sledding down a hill side.

Wassail Parade – Photo by Woodstock Chamber of CommerceWoodstock can really deck the halls for the holidays!

Wassail Weekend in Woodstock is packed with fun and festive events for the holiday season! Voted one of the state’s “Top Ten Winter” events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the highlight of the weekend is the Wassail Parade through the center of Woodstock, with more than fifty horses and riders dressed in holiday costumes and period dress from the early 19th century. Santa Claus himself usually puts in an appearance!

A vibrant performing arts sceneNeed a respite from the cold outside? The Woodstock Town Hall Theatre hosts movies and live performances throughout the year put on by the Pentangle Arts organization. From movie screenings, to performances from world class musicians, the theatre is the hub of the vibrant arts community in Woodstock.

The only U.S. national park in VermontWoodstock’s Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is the only U.S. national park in Vermont. The park preserves the site where Frederick Billings established a managed forest and a progressive dairy farm. The name honors Billings and the other owners of the property: George Perkins Marsh, Mary Montagu Billings French, Laurance Rockefeller, and Mary French Rockefeller.

Cuisine to please everyone in the family

Whether you are looking for casual, upscale or farm-to-table, Woodstock has restaurants and eateries with something for the whole family to enjoy! Visitors can enjoy dining experiences ranging from casual (but extraordinary) burgers and beers at the Worthy Kitchen, to fine dining at the Lincoln Inn and Resort at the Covered Bridge, featuring Michelin Star trained executive chef Jevgenija Saromova.

Local produce galore – from summer to winter

Just because it is winter, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fresh local produce from Woodstock’s farms. The Woodstock Farmers’ Market is a year round venue with the best local goodies Vermont has to offer, from take-out prepared dinners and lunches, milk and eggs, fresh organic produce, fresh meats, and everything in between.

A walk in the woods

The trails up Mt. Tom and Mt. Peg are a short walk from the center of the Village. The two short hikes are easy to complete and offer stunning views of the mountains and rolling hills of the area. For the more ambitious, the
Appalachian Trail is just 4 miles from town and offers great section hikes of varying lengths. If there is a lot of snow you will want to grab some snowshoes so you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the woods in winter.

Experience life on a Vermont farm

The Billings Farm and Museum, once owned by Laurance Rockefeller and his wife Mary French Rockefeller, is an operating dairy farm and restored 1890 farm house. Get to know the farm through interactive programs and activities, and experience first-hand sampling of actual farm work, their farm animals, and agricultural processes.

Another favorite is Sugarbush Farm, famous for its waxed cheeses and Pure Vermont Maple Syrup. Learn how maple syrup is made with a tour of the sugar house and a walk along the nature trail through the stands of sugar maple trees (a “sugarbush”).

Accommodations for every budget

Woodstock boasts a variety of lodging options that can fit every budget and are open year-round. From cozy inns like the Jackson House Inn and Lincoln Inn and Restaurant at the Covered Bridge, to B&Bs like the Ardmore Inn and Charleston House. Or budget-friendly options like Sleep Woodstock and The Shire, and even grand, luxury hotels like the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort.

A history of Vermont artisans and artists

Since early in Woodstock’s history, artists and artisans have found inspiration in the beauty of the Ottauquechee River Valley. The river flows from the peak of Killington through Woodstock and Quechee and then into the Connecticut River in Hartland, Vermont. The valley is home to Shackleton Thomas, famed woodworker and

potter, as well as Farmhouse Pottery, Andrew Pearce wooden bowls and Simon Pearce glassware. Take a treasured piece of Woodstock home with you from one of these incredible artisans during your visit. Or stop by the ArtistreeVT Community Arts Center and Gallery to enjoy one of their latest exhibitions showcasing local artists.

For more information: Suicide Six Ski Area Wassail Weekend Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Woodstock Town Hall Theatre Pentangle Arts Worthy Kitchen Lincoln Inn and Resort at the Covered Bridge Woodstock Farmers’ Market Billings Farm and Museum Sugarbush Farm Woodstock odging options Jackson House Inn Lincoln Inn and Restaurant at the Covered Bridge Ardmore Inn Charleston House Sleep Woodstock The Shire Woodstock Inn and Resort Shackleton Thomas Andrew Pearce Simon Pearce ArtistreeVT Community Arts Center and Gallery