Synonymous with the iconic 1969 festival -- which was in fact held an hour away -- Woodstock has long been a popular destination for music lovers, artists and free-spirited travellers. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it makes for a wonderful base for adventurous visitors keen to experience the best of the great outdoors. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, largely in the form of hip small hotels or laid-back inns. The best places to stay in Woodstock are quirky and characterful, with large rooms, cottages or cabins -- well-suited to families, groups and couples.
The Hudson Valley is known for its natural beauty, and the area around Woodstock is no exception. Come for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing during the summers, through Overlook Mountain Wild Forest and into the Catskills, or time your trip for the winter months, when there's fantastic skiing up in the mountains. There are stacks of activites for outdoorsy visitors of all ages to enjoy!
If it's culture that you're after, Woodstock brims with art galleries, live music events and festivals -- including the annual indie Woodstock Film Festival. There are top-notch farmers' markets, too, and great restaurants, wineries and distilleries in the area, perfect for foodies. Speak to your hotel about the local brewery and wine trails, as well as the latest grassroots music and art initiatives. The Woodstock Artists Association & Museum is brilliant, as are the Centre for Photography and the Opus 40 Sculpture Park & Museum. There are spiritual centres, too, including Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, yoga classes and superb spas for healing, rejuvenation and connection.
Whilst some of the best places to stay in Woodstock are set within the town itself, one of our favourites is an eclectic music-focused hideaway just a few miles south. Whether you're an active family, a lifelong music lover or a seeker of spiritual guidance, Woodstock will prove an enthralling destination.