Get Zen At The Ktd Monastery
Back down the trailhead, dont miss a peek at the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery, which looks like it could have been plucked from a Himalayan mountainside and transferred here. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery has a bookstore and theres a colorful temple filled with ornate shrines that is open to all . Free guided tours are available on weekends and Tibetan Buddhism teachings are offered to the public via classes and retreats throughout the year.
Be Awed By The Woodstock Music Festival Site
I bet the first thing you think of when you hear, Woodstock is the iconic music festival, of the same name, that was held in the Catskills region in 1969.
Am I right? Hell yeah, I am since its easily the single most famous music festival in history. So, if you want to get in on some of the historic awesomeness then add the Woodstock Music Festival site to your list of the best things to do in Woodstock NY.
See, this glorious musical extravaganza was held from August 15th through August and 18th in 1969 and was advertised as, 3 Days of Peace and Music.
Contrary to popular belief though, the Woodstock music festival was not actually held in Woodstock but 46 miles away in Bethel, on a dairy farm that belonged to Max Yasgur.
Therefore, if you want to step back in time and understand why this festival was so historically significant, be sure to visit the Woodstock Museum at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
It features a wealth of multimedia displays and exhibits that explore the cultural and societal changes of the 1960s as they relate to the music festival.
Then, afterward, go just down the road to see the site marker for the actual music festival itself.
Address: 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720 and Hurd Rd, Swan Lake, NY 12783
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and the site marker is open twenty-four hours a day.
Price: Free and tickets for adults are $17/$19.69, seniors are $15/$17, kids are $8/$10, and children 5 and under are free.
Check Out Ashokan Reservoir
Did you know that Ashokan Reservoir supplies NYC with most of its drinking water? Yup, crazy but totally true. And just another one of the pros of living in New York City since this water is some of the cleanest in the entire country.
Anyway, back to one of the best things to do in Woodstock NY because this gorgeous reservoir is just a short drive away from this tiny town in the Catskills.
And once you arrive, youll quickly see that this is one of the largest reservoirs in the US. So, stroll along the 2+ miles of trails here and take in the awe-inspiring views of the mountains that surround you. Also, be on the lookout for soaring bald eagles that occasionally make a guest appearance here.
Sadly though, you cant swim in this reservoir. But, you can make use of the Ashokan Rail Trail an 11.5-mile multi-use trail with signs that detail the history of the region and the development of the reservoir.
Pro Tip: The paved, 2.8-mile long Ashokan Reservoir Promenade is stunning and well worth your time.
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Woodstock Festival Opens In Bethel New York
On August 15, 1969, the Woodstock music festival opens on a patch of farmland in White Lake, a hamlet in the upstate New York town of Bethel.
Promoters John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfield and Michael Lang originally envisioned the festival as a way to raise funds to build a recording studio and rock-and-roll retreat near the town of Woodstock, New York. The longtime artists colony was already a home base for Bob Dylan and other musicians. Despite their relative inexperience, the young promoters managed to sign a roster of top acts, including the Jefferson Airplane, the Who, the Grateful Dead, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival and many more.
Plans for the festival were on the verge of foundering, however, after both Woodstock and the nearby town of Wallkill denied permission to hold the event. Dairy farmer Max Yasgur came to the rescue at the last minute, giving the promoters access to his 600 acres of land in Bethel, some 50 miles from Woodstock.
Early estimates of attendance increased from 50,000 to around 200,000, but by the time the gates opened on Friday, August 15, more than 400,000 people were clamoring to get in. Those without tickets simply walked through gaps in the fences, and the organizers were eventually forced to make the event free of charge. Folk singer and guitarist Richie Havens kicked off the event with a long set, and Joan Baez and Arlo Guthrie also performed on Friday night.
Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performing in California in September 1969.
When Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed at Woodstock, it was only their second gig together. Member Stephen Stills admitted to being scared s******s. The group played an acoustic set, an electric set and acoustic encores. The songs included Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,Marrakesh Express and 4+20,
“We were all nervous,” drummer Dallas Taylor admits. It was our time to prove ourselves. It was either we were gonna fail miserably or be a success. So, we were all scared. If you looked out and saw a sea of people, I imagine you’d be scared too, to play and be rejected. We were a new band. We were not well rehearsed.”
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Bread Alone Woodstock Ny
Located in the center of Woodstock, Bread Alone is a family-owned bakery that has been serving organic bread, pastries, and café foods since 1983. Using only the best organic grains and wood-fired brick ovens, Bread Alone produces a variety of bread, including French sourdough, peasant bread, and nine mixed grain bread as well as European-inspired pastries such as croissants, scones, tarts, and Danishes.
Bread Alone also offers a casual café menu of seasonal dishes from the Hudson Valley, ranging from healthy and hot breakfasts of tacos caseros, sourdough French toast and oatmeal, and light lunches of fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and the homemade quiche of the day. Hot and cold beverages range from coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to soda, seltzer, and lemonade.
22 Mill Road, Woodstock, New York, Phone: 845-679-2108
“Best Things to Do in Woodstock, New York for Locals & Tourists – Restaurants, Hotels” Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach
Building A Sense Of Community
After spending a couple of hours navigating Tinker Street, I couldnt help but feel the vibrant and accepting culture of Woodstock. One of the most notable characteristics of the town is itsundeniable ability to support and foster communities. Woodstock devotes a considerable amount of time and resources toprovide engaging events and attractions that not only are enjoyable butpromote togetherness.
Most recently, the town reintroduced the Drum Circle to event listings. In its 21st year, WoodstocksDrum Circle features the musical talents of various drummers who perform on the village green. An almost 50-year-oldtradition, the Drum Circle is held every Sunday afternoon from 4-6 pm. Amidthepandemic, the tradition offers patrons a sense of routine and normalcy duringthese challenging times.
Another thrilling community event to attend is the Woodstock Film Festival. From September 29th through October 3rd, Woodstock will be hosting the film festival that is celebrating 22 years of Fierce Independence. The festivals mission is to support filmmakers while promoting a sense of community, diversity and economic growth. The film festival, which commandeers Woodstock each year, has welcomed some of the entertainment industrys biggest names for screenings, panel discussions and other events, including Alec Baldwin, Natalie Portman and Woody Harrelson.
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Things To Do In Woodstock New York
Shop on Tinker Street
One of the first things you should do when you visit Woodstock, NY is going on a shopping spree on Tinker Street. Of all the shops in the Catskills, Tinker Street is one of the best located in the town of Woodstock.
To begin your shopping extravaganza, consider stopping by Overlook Bicycles to rent some wheels for your spree, which isnt necessary, but on a pretty day it might make it easier to go a bit further and take it slow.
Head east on Tinker Street and youll see friendly little mom and pop-type shops on each side of the road, with a cluster around the intersection of Tinker Street and Tannery Brook Road, and right before Tinker Street splits into Rocky City Road and Mill Hill Road.
Whether youre looking for vintage treasures or novel, one-of-a-kind gifts, Tinker Street has got you covered. Some gift shops that are not to be missed include Timbuktu, Birchtree, Shop Little House, Marigold Home of Woodstock, Modern Mythology, and Maverick Road.
In need of a new wardrobe? Try Three Turtle Doves or Rock City Vintage for some antiquated wear and Lilys Boutique for those must-have, hidden fits.
Pegasus Footwear is great for shoes, while Sparkle features highly affordable knick-knacks, clothing, and accessories. It is no wonder why one of the best things to do in Woodstock involves shopping!
Enjoy the Foodie Scene
Some of our favorites include Yum Yum Noodle Bar, Station Bar & Curio, Tinker Taco Lab, and Garden Café.
Overlook Mountain
Opus 40
Nearby Woodstock New York
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter & Tannersville
If you havent had your fair share of magnificent views just yet, set out to Kaaterskill Falls and the villages of Hunter and Tannersville, two of the most beautiful and best towns in the Catskills to visit!
Kaaterskill Falls has two cascades on Spruce Creek and features a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike. A short drive away will bring you to the town of Hunter, comprising of two villages, Hunter and Tannersville.
The village of Hunter is home to Hunter Mountain Ski Resort, while Tannersville is dubbed as the painted village in the sky for boasting hundred-year-old buildings, painted with lively colors. Youll definitely want to work these sites in when you visit Woodstock.
Bethel
Some may visit Woodstock to relish in the historical delight of the 1960s and 1970s Woodstock Music Festival, visitors should know that the actual site took place at a dairy farm in Bethel, New York as already mentioned above.
This primarily rural town welcomes tourists at Max Yagsurs dairy farm, but since this is not 1960, no camping is allowed. Come visit the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, sporting an 800-acre campus that features the original grassland where the concert was held, along with an amphitheater pavilion, and a museum with a conservatory for arts and education.
Phoenicia
Check out Woodstock Brewing before hiking through Phoenicia Mount Tobias Wild Forest for a serene nature walk.
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Go Shopping On Tinker Street
Tinker Street, Mill Hill Road, and the other streets that offshoot Woodstocks heart at Village Green make for a wonderfully walkable stretch lined with colorful and quirky mom-and-pop boutiques hawking everything from the requisite tie-dyes and New Age-y crystals to Tibetan crafts and womens fashions.
Some favorites include mainstay The Golden Notebook, an indie bookstore and community hub Candlestock for all types of handmade candles Tibetan Arts and Crafts for authentic Tibetan handicrafts Fruition Chocolate for award-winning, small-batch chocolates and Mirabai of Woodstock for spiritually-minded trinkets, books, and special workshops.
Also worth seeking out is the Mowers Flea Market on weekends from May through November , as well as the local farmers market Woodstock Farm Festival, held on Wednesdays from late May to mid-October.
Other Places With The Same Name
- Woodstock , Georgia city in Cherokee County, Georgia, United States with a population of 33,625 people.
- Woodstock , Connecticut town in Windham County, Connecticut, United States with a population of 7,834 people.
- Woodstock , Virginia town in Shenandoah County, Virginia, United States with a population of 5,293 people.
- Woodstock , Virginia town in Shenandoah County, Virginia, United States with a population of 5,248 people.
- Woodstock , Vermont county seat of Windsor County, Vermont, United States with a population of 2,911 people.
- Woodstock , New York town in Ulster County, New York, United States with a population of 2,088 people.
- Woodstock , Alabama town in Alabama, United States with a population of 1,630 people.
- Woodstock , New Hampshire town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States with a population of 1,373 people.
- Woodstock , Illinois city in McHenry County, Illinois, United States with a population of 346 people.
- Woodstock , Ohio village in Champaign County, Ohio, United States with a population of 288 people.
- Woodstock , Minnesota city in Pipestone County, Minnesota, United States with a population of 118 people.
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It’s Not Where The Music Festival Took Place
Most people think the town of Woodstock is where the 1969 music festival took place, BUT it’s not. The music festival took place at Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in the Sullivan county town of Bethel, not in Ulster county.
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Catch A Flick At The Woodstock Film Festival
Film buffs should time their visit to coincide with the annual fall Woodstock Film Festival, billed as fiercely independent and featuring programming thats chockablock with indie features and documentaries showcasing emerging and established talent. Apart from the screenings, expect plenty of panels, parties, and the company of industry, media, and celebrity attendees .
Woodstock screenings unfold largely at the towns movie house Upstate Films, set within an old, steepled Methodist churcha good spot to see an indie film any time of year . The event unfolds around early October each year.
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Best Things To Do In Woodstock Ny
Now an eternal symbol of all things peace, love, and rock and roll , Woodstock is a small town in New Yorks Catskill region that is home to some pretty rad activities.
So, if youre looking for all the best things to do in Woodstock NY then this locals guide is totally for you!
After all, Ive lived in New York for 30+ years and want to share with you all of my secret tips for making the most out of your time in Woodstock.
This way, you can quickly and easily plan the Woodstock itinerary of your dreams as you channel your inner hippie and rock a sweet, sweet tie-dye t-shirt .
Because in good old, Woodstock NY, youll find tons of interesting things to see, including vibrant art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, delicious restaurants, exciting hiking trails, and vivacious outdoor markets all of which are located about 100 miles north of New York City.
So, if youre ready to start planning the Woodstock New York trip of your dreams, then grab some special brownies and swan dive into this post all about the all-time best things to do in Woodstock New York.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Embrace The Small Towns Music And Theater
While youre in the area, you can visit the iconic Woodstock Festival grounds in nearby Bethel, New Yorkjust keep in mind that the areas music and theater festivals far predate 1969. In the same way that the towns culture was built on physical arts and crafts, the community has long valued performance art as a valuable form of expression and entertainment. At The Maverick, home to a barn-like concert hall thats still in operation today, locals have been enjoying outdoor hippie music festivals since the dawn of the 20th century.
In the decades that followed, the music and theater scene exploded to include now-prominent spots like the Woodstock Playhouse, a rural extension of Broadway, and the Levon Helm Studios and Bearsville Theater, which host a variety of shows.
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Twin Gables Of Woodstock
Located right on the main road in Woodstock is Twin Gables of Woodstock, a family home built in 1880 that has been established as a boutique hotel in 1926 by artists. This hotel was created for artists by artists and has uniquely designed rooms and common spaces.
Youll have a feeling of home staying in this guest house.
Visit Catskill Park And Hike Overlook Mountain
Hidden away in the heart of the Catskills region of New York, Woodstock is surrounded by more than 700,000 acres of wilderness.
Therefore, its really no surprise that one of the best things to do in Woodstock NY is, DUH, go for a hike. And one of the best places to do this is Catskill Park, aka the Catskill Forest Preserve.
After all, this natural wonderland was first established in ye olde 1885 and is home to some of the best hikes in upstate New York.
A fact that makes a whole hell of a lot more sense when you realize that this park has, count em, 35 different peaks and ridges that exceed a height of 3,500 feet.
Yup, now thats why I call serious elevation gain. So, feel free to hop on one of 19 different trails that will take you to the summit of some of these mighty mountains.
And along the way, keep an eye out for epic local wildlife that includes bobcats , cougars , fish, black bears, and various other adorable little creatures.
Also, while any of these trails are sure to inspire, you really cant go wrong with an epic hike up Overlook Mountain to see the amazing ruins here.
After all, its the southernmost mountain in the entire range, stands at a whopping, 3,000+ feet tall, and offers intrepid hikers impressive panoramas that are next-level awesome.
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