The Town of Woodstock and surrounding villages have so much to offer in the way of shopping and restaurants. A simple stroll through town invites you in to the numerous art galleries and shops to keep you busy with special treasures that you won’t find anyplace else. When you’re hungry there are lots of options: The Bear Cafe, Joshua’s, Red Onion, Taco Juan’s just to name a few.

Some want to explore the culture and history of the arts and crafts colonies. A great start to discovering the rich history this town has to offer would be a walking tour of Byrdcliffe, an educational experience to a piece of time like no other. Also, a trip to the Maverick another famous art colony founded by Hervy White in 1920 is also a must. Catch a concert in the outdoor bandshell during the summer and enjoy another wonderful aspect of the Woodstock experience.

The Center For Photography always has something happening wether it’s a gallery show or a seminar by one of the many famous photographers invited to visit over the course of the year . And the most beautiful setting to take an art course is at the Woodstock School of The Art.

Bring your hiking boots and hike one of the numerous trails around the area. Overlook Mountain is one of the most popular hikes here but there are many others.

Downhill and cross-skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are always popular with several mountain destinations such as Hunter, Bellayre or Windham within a short drive from Woodstock. And plenty of local sled riding around too.

There is the Catskill Game Farm always a favorite with the kids as well as several places to go horseback riding.

Biking is also easily accessible and there is Overlook Mountain Bike rentals right in town.

Swimming is always a treat from the various swimming holes around town all within walking distance of Twin Gables. There is nothing better than a fresh dip in the stream to beat the heat!!

Fishing is also very popular and the catch are always jumping in the Esopus and other secret spots!.

If it’s tubing you are game for- Phoenicia is the place to go. A short 17 mile drive from Woodstock -go tubing down the Esopus for more summer fun. Check it out and see why this was a recent cover story of the New York Magazine.

Maybe it’s a visit to the Tibetan Monastery that interests you, where the largest Buddha in North America resides.

Or maybe it’s some restful rejuvenation you’re looking for so a visit to The River Rock Spa is the place to go. There are several spa services to choose from as well as a wonderful selection of skin products that will tempt you as you leave.

This is just a sampling of the many activities and things to visit while you are here. To get a list of current venues pick up a Woodstock Times and read the Almanac section or log on to the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce website to stay updated.

Most importantly, Woodstock is a place to come and escape the hustle and bustle of your hectic lives, and enjoy a small town experience against the magical backdrop of the Catskill Mountains’ natural beauty. Or heck who knows maybe you’ll just sit on a park bench by the Village Green with a huge double-dip chocolate ice cream cone- dressed in your tie-dyed hippie tee-shirt watching the world go by and do just nothing!!