✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental Cars
Did you know that Woodstock, Vermont was named “the prettiest small town in America” by numerous travel publications? This charming New England village, with its perfectly preserved Federal-style homes, covered bridges, and town green, offers visitors a quintessential Vermont experience that feels like stepping into a postcard. Whether you’re seeking fall foliage, summer adventures, winter skiing, or spring maple season, Woodstock Vermont things to do span all seasons with authentic New England charm.
Getting to Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is conveniently located in central Vermont, making it accessible from several major cities in the Northeast. Most visitors arrive by car, as having your own transportation allows you to fully explore the area’s scenic beauty.
By Air
The closest major airports to Woodstock are:
- Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) – 16 miles
- Burlington International Airport (BTV) – 90 miles
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – 95 miles
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 140 miles
Find the best flight deals to Vermont for your Woodstock adventure.
By Car
Woodstock is accessible via:
- Interstate 89 (north-south) – Exit at Quechee/Woodstock
- Interstate 91 (north-south) – Exit at White River Junction
- Route 4 runs directly through downtown Woodstock
Rent a car to explore Woodstock and the surrounding Vermont countryside at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit Woodstock
Woodstock shines in every season, but timing your visit depends on what experiences you’re seeking:
Fall (September-October)
The most popular season to visit Woodstock is during fall foliage season. The surrounding hills explode with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a spectacular backdrop for photography and outdoor activities. Book accommodations well in advance, as this is peak tourist season.
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, swimming in the Ottauquechee River, and exploring downtown. The Billings Farm & Museum hosts special events, and the weekly farmers’ market showcases Vermont’s bounty. Temperatures typically range from 70-85°F.
Winter (December-March)
Winter transforms Woodstock into a snowy wonderland. The nearby Saskadena Six ski area offers downhill skiing, while the town’s network of trails is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Woodstock Inn’s crackling fireplaces provide cozy respite.
Local Tip: For the best fall foliage viewing, plan your visit between the last week of September and mid-October. Check the Vermont Foliage Report for real-time updates on leaf conditions.
Where to Stay in Woodstock
Woodstock offers accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to charming bed and breakfasts. Here are some top options:
Luxury & Historic
- The Woodstock Inn & Resort – Located right on the village green, this elegant property offers luxurious rooms, multiple restaurants, a spa, and golf course.
- 506 On The River Inn – A beautiful riverside property combining rustic charm with modern amenities.
Charming B&Bs
- Kendron Valley Inn – Located in South Woodstock with a fantastic restaurant and pet-friendly cabins.
- The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant – A historic property with farm-to-table dining and beautiful grounds.
Find Your Perfect Woodstock Accommodation
From historic inns to cozy B&Bs, book your Woodstock stay now to secure the best rates, especially during peak foliage season.
Top Things to Do in Woodstock, Vermont
1. Explore Billings Farm & Museum
Step back in time at this working dairy farm and museum that showcases Vermont’s rural heritage. Watch Jersey cows being milked, meet the farm animals, and explore the 1890s farmhouse. The farm offers seasonal activities like wagon rides, apple cider pressing in fall, and sleigh rides in winter. Don’t miss their famous ice cream made from the farm’s own milk!
2. Stroll Through Downtown Woodstock
Woodstock’s charming downtown centers around a picturesque village green surrounded by historic buildings. Take time to wander along Central Street and Elm Street, where you’ll find unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved buildings. Don’t miss the iconic Middle Covered Bridge, F.H. Gillingham & Sons (Vermont’s oldest general store, operating since 1886), and the Norman Williams Public Library.
3. Visit Quechee Gorge
Just a short drive from Woodstock, Quechee Gorge is Vermont’s deepest gorge at 165 feet deep. View this natural wonder from the Route 4 bridge or take the moderate 1-mile trail down to the bottom of the gorge where you can wade in the refreshing waters of the Ottauquechee River during summer months. The surrounding Quechee State Park offers picnic areas and camping facilities.
Book Guided Experiences
Enhance your Woodstock visit with expert-led tours and activities that showcase the best of Vermont.
Explore Activities
4. Hike at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
This national park preserves one of Vermont’s most beautiful landscapes and tells the story of conservation history. Explore over 20 miles of carriage roads and trails that wind through forests and pastures. Visit the mansion and gardens (guided tours available May-October) to learn about three generations of conservationists who called this place home. The park’s 550 acres include Vermont’s oldest managed forest.
5. Watch Artisans at Work
The Woodstock area is known for its thriving artisan community. Visit Simon Pearce in nearby Quechee to watch master glassblowers create stunning pieces and dine at their restaurant overlooking a waterfall. At Farmhouse Pottery, you can observe potters transforming clay into beautiful functional art. Andrew Pearce Bowls showcases the craft of wooden bowl turning using locally sourced wood.
6. Sample Vermont Cheese and Maple
No visit to Vermont is complete without tasting its famous cheese and maple products. Sugarbush Farm offers free tastings of their waxed cheeses and four grades of pure maple syrup. You can also see how maple syrup is made (during sugaring season in March) and visit the farm animals. The Woodstock Farmers’ Market is another excellent spot to sample and purchase local Vermont products.
Seasonal Activities in Woodstock
Fall Activities
- Drive Cloudland Road to see Sleepy Hollow Farm (one of Vermont’s most photographed farms)
- Attend the Woodstock Harvest Festival (October)
- Go apple picking at nearby orchards
- Take a foliage photography tour
Winter Activities
- Ski or snowboard at Saskadena Six (formerly Suicide Six)
- Cross-country ski at the Woodstock Nordic Center
- Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Billings Farm
- Attend the Wassail Weekend holiday celebration (December)
Spring & Summer Activities
- Visit during maple sugaring season (March)
- Swim in the Ottauquechee River’s swimming holes
- Play golf at the Woodstock Country Club
- Attend summer concerts on the Green
Where to Eat in Woodstock
Woodstock’s dining scene showcases Vermont’s farm-to-table ethos with restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients:
Casual Dining
- Mon Vert Café – Beloved breakfast and lunch spot with excellent coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods.
- Worthy Kitchen – “Farm diner” serving craft beer and comfort food made with local ingredients.
- Soulfully Good Café – Cozy café with homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked treats.
Fine Dining
- The Red Rooster – Elegant restaurant at the Woodstock Inn featuring seasonal Vermont cuisine.
- Simon Pearce Restaurant – Riverside dining in Quechee with views of a waterfall and covered bridge.
- Cloudland Farm – Farm-to-table dining experience on a working farm (reservation required).
Foodie Tip: Don’t miss the Woodstock Farmers’ Market, which offers prepared foods, local produce, Vermont cheeses, and specialty products. It’s perfect for picking up picnic supplies or edible souvenirs.
Practical Tips for Visiting Woodstock
Getting Around
A car is essential for exploring Woodstock and the surrounding area. Downtown Woodstock is walkable, with most attractions within a few blocks of the village green. Parking is available on the street and in public lots, though it can be limited during peak tourist season.
Weather Considerations
Vermont experiences four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F, while winter can be quite cold with temperatures ranging from 10-30°F. Spring brings mud season (March-April) when dirt roads can become difficult to navigate. Always check weather forecasts before your trip.
- Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance for fall foliage season
- Many shops close early (5-6pm), so plan accordingly
- Wear layers, as Vermont weather can change quickly
- Most attractions are within a 15-minute drive of downtown
Woodstock Visitor Tips
- Cell service can be spotty in rural areas
- Some attractions are seasonal and close during winter
- Restaurants may have limited hours midweek in off-season
- Sleepy Hollow Farm is a private residence (view respectfully from the road)
Things to Be Aware Of
Woodstock, Vermont Map
Plan Your Perfect Woodstock Getaway
Woodstock, Vermont truly embodies the quintessential New England charm that travelers seek. From its picture-perfect downtown and covered bridges to working farms and artisan workshops, Woodstock offers an authentic Vermont experience in every season. Whether you’re watching the sunset paint the hills with autumn colors, cozying up by a fireplace during a snowy winter evening, or hiking through lush summer forests, Woodstock’s timeless appeal creates memories that last a lifetime.
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