Woodstock, Vermont has become a destination for fall leaf peepers looking for an afternoon of apple picking and cider sipping, but the area has plenty to keep you entertained throughout the year. I consider myself a part-time Vermonter, and though I tend to spend most of my time in the small town in Southern Vermont my family lives in, when I get the chance to explore more of the Green Mountain State, I’m always impressed by the natural beauty, fantastic local food, and unending ways to entertain yourself, especially outdoors.
I recently spent a few nights at the Woodstock Inn and Resort for the property’s Summer Supper Series, but I experienced lot more than dinner. This historic hotel, recently renovated, is the picture of cozy New England comfort with plenty to do, whether you prefer outdoor adventure, a day on the links or some R&R in the spa.
Pros:
- Located in an area rife with activities for visitors of all ages
- You’ll find excellent dining options at the hotel and in the surrounding town
- Spacious and expertly decorated rooms with local furniture and art
Cons:
- The hotel does not have an on-site fitness center
- Food and activity options vary widely depending on the season
SheBuysTravel Tip: Explore local hiking. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historical Park (a 15-minute walk from the Inn) features 550 acres to explore with 20 miles of trails for all skill levels.
The writer was hosted.
Accommodations
The Inn has 142 rooms and suites, all of which underwent renovation in 2018. Mine felt like an elevated New England retreat with elegant drapery, upholstered furniture and Audubon prints on the walls. Unique furniture pieces made by local artisans make each room feel special and add to the feeling that you can truly make yourself at home in almost any corner of the hotel.
Visitors can choose from five room types, including dog-friendly accommodations and higher-end Legacy Suites and Woodstock Collection rooms, new since the renovations.
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Dining
The Inn has four dining options on and off the main property.
- The Red Rooster serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bar operating from 3 pm to 9 pm. Though I was pregnant during my stay and couldn’t sample the cocktails, my husband loved the signature negroni. In the late afternoon, this area becomes a warm and welcoming hangout spot for friends and strangers to mingle over local brews. Suffice it to say, this isn’t your typical stuffy hotel bar.
- Richardson’s Tavern serves dinner. The menu reflects Executive Chef Matthew McClure’s dedication to local ingredients. I recommend the chicken liver mousse served with fluffy zucchini bread for a rich but excellent appetizer. The chef’s vegetable plates rotate with the seasons and should not be skipped.
- During the summer, the Inn opens the Fairway Grill at the Woodstock Country Club for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday (the bar is open until 5 pm).
- On select Sundays and Thursdays from June to September, the Inn hosts dinners at Red Barns at Kelly Way Gardens, which was my reason for visiting the inn. Each night features a local producer in a multi-course dinner with wine pairings.
A ticket for a Thursday night dinner (which I experienced) gets you a more formal affair, including a cocktail hour in the gardens followed by a four-course seated dinner. More casual Sunday Suppers include three courses served family-style.
I visited for a Thursday night dinner featuring lamb from Five Sigma Farm. I loved getting to know our neighbors at the communal dinner table and hearing from the farmer about his approach to raising lamb using a system of rotating pastures. We could also watch the kitchen staff prepare each dish in the open kitchen — it’s always fun to get dinner and a show.
Don’t miss a visit to the gardens while staying at the Inn, where you can meander through rows of raspberries, fruit trees and edible flowers.
Amenities
- The spa offers facials, massages, aromatherapy and tinting and waxing. After your session, relax in the airy indoor atrium and warm up in a sauna or hot tub. I had a wonderful prenatal massage and my husband loved his deep tissue massage.
- Lounge by the outdoor pool during warmer months with food and drink service from the Red Rooster.
- The Inn is partnered with the Woodstock Golf Club for tee time.
- The on-site Activity Center offers fly fishing, biking and hiking expeditions for individuals and groups.
- The Woodstock Athletic Club sits three minutes down the road by car. The expansive facility includes cardio equipment, free weights and machines, plus an indoor lap pool and tennis and pickleball courts. We had a great time hitting around on the pickleball court; they have paddles and balls to use, but the courts are first-come, first-served.
What’s Nearby
There are ample opportunities for adventure, culinary delights and sightseeing in the region.
- Stop in Yankee Bookshop for best-sellers and local writers. We spent nearly an hour here browsing the shelves and each went home with a new paperback recommended by the staff.
- Visit Mon Vert for a hearty breakfast or lunch, followed by a maple creemee from Woodstock Scoops. The sandwiches at Mon Vert are ample and stuffed. I highly recommend anything made with local cheese.
- Drive 15 minutes to Queeche for the Simon Pearce flagship store. Browse beautiful glassware and ceramics and watch seasoned glassblowers at work. The restaurant here is a beautiful setting for a fancy lunch or dinner as well, but you’ll likely need a reservation to avoid a wait.
- The Billings Farm and Museum, a half mile from the hotel, makes a fun visit for kids (complimentary for Inn guests). Get you up close and personal with animals on the working dairy farm.
- King Arthur Flour headquarters in Norwich, Vermont is a baker’s paradise. I can’t visit without ordering a signature cinnamon roll. It’s unforgettable.
Getting There/Parking
It takes about two and a half hours to get to The Woodstock Inn and Resort from Boston. The closest airports are Burlington, Lebanon, New Hampshire, Manchester, New Hampshire and Boston Logan.
Amtrak trains from Boston, D.C., New York and Montreal stop in White River Junction, about 25 minutes from the Inn. Hotel guests get free on-site parking.
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