Woodstock, Vermont is such a quaint and picturesque little New England town that everyone should visit. Woodstock not only has a great walkable downtown area with shops but it also has a covered bridge and river that you can access. Several of the Bed & Breakfasts in town have Adirondack chairs that you can sit in and enjoy the river.
When you think of autumn in New England, you are picturing Woodstock, Vermont.
There is also a lovely town green with picnic tables for you to enjoy. The town also uses the green for Holiday Fairs and farmer’s markets. If you are lucky enough to time your visit during a fair, make sure to stroll the booths, you will not be disappointed.
There is plenty to explore in the area as well. With Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, several farms, a nature center, and natural gorge, several artisan studios, and even a brewery. Woodstock and the surrounding area has lots to see and do for the whole family.
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Downtown Woodstock, Vermont
If you enjoy strolling small-town shops and country stores you will love Woodstock, Vermont. One of my favorite stores is the Yankee Bookstore. This bookstore opened in 1935 and is the oldest independent bookstore in Vermont. I love searching bookstores like this one for uncommon books. The ones you don’t find in the big-box bookstores. I’ve found some amazing kid’s books here that my kids love.
Another shop I love is Unicorn, a very unique shop with an eclectic mix of items for sale. I love to see what new interesting items they have. They carry everything from kid toys to metal puzzles to handmade knives. They also carry jewelry made by local artists as well as handmade cards.
And I can get lost in F.H. Gillingham & Sons General Store. Not only does it have all your typical general store items but they have clothing, local specialty foods, kid’s games, and toys as well as a great wine selection. I do spend a lot of time there whenever we go. Don’t miss this shop whatever you do.
The Woodstock Town Hall Theater hosts live music, theater, and movies to see. Check out Pentangle Arts for a schedule of what’s playing. The town hall building itself is beautiful and worth a walk by just the architecture alone.
The Norman Williams Public Library is right in downtown Woodstock and has some beautiful architecture. Yes, I studied architecture in college. But honestly, I think you will appreciate this building as well. Not only the stonework outside with its three arches but also the inside with its beautiful woodwork.
Covered Bridges in Woodstock
Don’t miss the covered bridge downtown, there is a walking lane through it so you can stroll without worry. If you would like to check out more covered bridges in the area, here is a road trip map and post just for that.
Restaurants in Woodstock
Mountain Creamery ice cream is not just an ice cream shop but a dinner as well serving up some delicious Vermont grown food. For a cafe try either Mon Vert Cafe or Soulfully Good Cafe which both do really nice sandwiches and salads. Evelyn was able to get a toasted bread sandwich at Soulfully Good that she really enjoyed if you are looking for a gluten-free option.
However, if you’re looking for a more upscale meal try either the Red Rooster at The Woodstock Inn or The Lincoln’s Inn in West Woodstock. If you like a more romantic evening try The Prince & The Pauper and for a cozy lounge don’t miss Richardson’s Tavern.
There are many more options outside of downtown Woodstock from farmer’s markets to general stores to fish fries and barbecue joints. The list is essentially endless.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park is the only National Park that is dedicated to “conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America.” The Marsh-Billings Farm and Museum are across the road and were set up to continue the work being done by the three founders of this National Park.
The kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge as well. Here is even more info about Junior Ranger badges at our National Parks. The activities for this badge all center around conservation. You hike through the woods and find different locations and learn about them. I think my kids enjoyed learning about the composting heap the most. For me, I enjoyed seeing all the new saplings that were planted.
Marsh-Billings Farm
The farm was established in 1983 and is a true working dairy farm. The museum depicts rural farm life in Vermont and its history. The farm has cows, steer & oxen, draft horses, sheep, chickens, pigs, and goats. In the summer the animals are in the pasture but in the winter, you can visit the animals in their barns.
The gardens are the farm are very special too. They grow heirloom vegetables and herbs, sunflowers, pollinator plants, and apples. The ‘coolest’ garden, in my opinion, of course, is the pizza garden. Yes, I said a pizza garden. They grow everything you need to make pizza. From the tomatoes right down to the wheat for the crust. Pretty cool, right?
Don’t leave the farm without stopping by the museum shop & diary bar. The farm produces its own ice cream, cheddar cheese, milk as well as hot and cold drinks. Make sure to get a snack while you are there and buy some for home. The museum shop offers some old-time children’s games and books and also unique locally made items.
Sugarbush Farm
Sugarbush Farm is a working maple syrup and cheese farm in Woodstock. Visit all the different areas of this family-run farm from the sugar room to the cheese room but don’t forget the animals. The maple syrup season is in March and April and the cheese-making is mostly during the late spring. However, you can sample their cheese at any time.
While at the farm take time to enjoy their nature trails through their many maple trees. See if you can find their chapel in the woods. The family built this chapel for weddings but also to give visitors a place of peace.
If you visit in spring you get to see all the new babies on the farm. The farm has horses, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and of course cows who produce the milk for all the cheese produced on site. No matter when you visit Sugarbush Farm you will enjoy what they have to offer.
VINS Nature Center
VINS Nature Center started out as an initiative to clean up the Ottauquechee River that runs from Killington to the Connecticut River at the New Hampshire State line. Back in the 1970s, the river was quite polluted and a group of citizens from Woodstock wanted to change that. They worked diligently and were able to have the first water quality legislation passed in Vermont.
After the legislation, the group continued to educate the local kids on the environment as well as preserve the local forests. From there the organization grew larger. Today the nature center is on a 47-acre lot in Quechee. The center has several birds of prey rehab enclosures as well as 2 songbird aviaries.
On the grounds are a Welcome Center and Nature Store, a center for wild bird rehabilitation, a center for environmental education, and a center for environmental research. The center also has several classrooms, a nature walk with a treetop canopy walk, interactive exhibits, and live birds of prey shows.
Route 4 Activities Near Woodstock
Route 4 is easy to pick up off I-89 in Vermont. It runs east/west across the state and you can even take it into New Hampshire in the east or New York in the west.
All along Route 4, you will find shops to buy pottery, homemade clothes as well as artisans gifts. You will also find the Woodstock Farmer’s Market and many restaurants for your dining pleasure.
Several of our favorites are Andrew Pearce Wooden Bowls and Factory, Long Trail Brewery, Hops Barley liquor store, Farmhouse Pottery, and Sugar & Spice Restaurant.
Quechee
Quechee which is only 7 miles away from Woodstock has some great places to explore as well. Simone Pearce is a glass shop where you can watch the artisans making their different pieces. You can purchase a wide assortment of plates, bowls, service pieces, glasses, and gifts in their shop. If you are looking for a romantic dinner, dine in their restaurant, The Mill at Simon Pearce. With views of the mountains, river, waterfall, and covered bridge, this spot is hard to beat. Check out Simon Pearce for current dining options.
Quechee also has a state park where you can camp and go hiking. However, just driving through you will pass over the Quechee gorge. Thankfully there is parking both before and after the bridge so get out and take some pictures. It’s quite a sight. If you’d like to walk down to the bottom, you can do it in sneakers very easily. I’ve even seen some people do it in flip-flops.
Of course, if you’d like to explore more of Vermont’s waterfalls you can do that too.
If antiques are your thing then Quechee Gorge Village’s Antique Mall is for you. I’ve found some really fun items here. They have a museum upstairs that has some really cool old lunchboxes and toys. Go show your kid’s toys you used to play with when you were their age.
Cabot Cheese Shop
If cheese is your game, check out the Cabot shop where you can sample their cheeses and buy all these products. In warm weather, there is a carousel and a small train for kids to ride.
Activities around Woodstock
Winter
For those wanting winter adventure sports, you have a few ski resorts to choose from. There is Suicide Six right in Woodstock but you also can ski at Quechee Ski Hill. For big mountain skiing, you can go to Okemo Mountain or Killington Mountain both are approximately 35 minutes away from Woodstock.
If you would prefer cross-country skiing or even snowshoeing look no farther than the Woodstock Nordic Center at The Woodstock Inn. They offer 45 km of groomed trails on two different routes, sure not to disappoint.
Spring
Spring in my book is dedicated to maple syrup! Of course, there are many maple shacks and farms that make maple syrup but in Woodstock, I’d recommend going to Sugarbush Farm. Maple sap starts to flow as the snow starts to melt. The trees are looking for warmer days. While you are at the farm check out any baby animals and their cheese!
Billings Farm also has great activities in the spring with their baby animals and cheese, however, they do not make maple syrup. Hiking around the nature trails to see the new growth is also super fun at the farm and woods across the street.
Another fun festival is the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival which is right around Father’s Day every year.
Mom Tips: Spring in Vermont is known as mud season so make sure to wear appropriate footwear when you are out and about.
Summer
Summer is a great time to get out and explore Vermont. The Ottauquechee river which flows through Woodstock can be a nice spot to dip your feet into the river to cool off. Of course, you can get out your reel and try your hand at fishing too.
You can also visit a lake to go swimming. Silver Lake State Park is only 15 minutes from downtown Woodstock and ready for you to enjoy. Hiking, boating, and fishing on this lake are amazing.
If adventure is more your style head on over to Killington Mountain for their adventure park. They offer everything from a high ropes course to a mountain coaster to mountain biking.
Okemo Mountain also offers a mountain coaster as well as disc golf which I would love to try.
Autumn
Vermont shows her finest in the autumn when the leaves change and the cool air arrives. Looking to enjoy some hiking in the area? Use the AllTrails.com or their App to chart one of the many trails in the area.
A new trail that just opened on Labor Day this year is the Ottaquechee River Tail. This three-mile-long path that meanders along the river will give you great views of Mt. Tom and Mt. Peg along with the river. I can’t wait to take a walk along this new path.
Fall festivals are common throughout the area as well as picking apples at both Sugarbush Farm, Billings Farm, and Top Acres Farm in South Woodstock. Hayrides are offered at both Sugarbush Farm and Billings Farm. However, a corn maze is only at Billings Farm.
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Final Thoughts
No matter what time of year you visit you will fall in love with Vermont, especially Woodstock and its surrounding areas. I know my family has and we’ve been visiting year after year to continue to enjoy it. Have you been? What is your favorite thing to do in town?
You’re right, this is exactly how I picture a New England fall! Beautiful area.
I glad you agree. The leaves had just started to get a hint of color into a few when I was last there over Labor Day. We go back in another week. I expect to see more color than. I can’t wait.
Wow, what a beautiful place and with so much to do! I would absolutely get lost in that bookshop in Downtown and would love to try and make cheese.
I’m with you on both accounts. I love a bookstore that you can sit with a coffee and enjoy the book right there, super fun.
Wow there is so much that I would love to explore! My kids are currently obsessed with Canadian maple syrup and how it is made. Would be fun to take them to try one that is US made!
My kids love to see the sap being boiled down as well. We’ve gone to several places to view their process and it’s always a good time. We love the end product too!
What a fun list of activities. I’m ready to do them all! With or without my kids!!!
Come on out Pam, we can go together. I’m sure we would have a great time.
These are great family ideas. I would love the national historical park and the covered bridges best. And of course all the hiking.
Those are all great places to visit. I have to say every time we have gone hiking we have discovered another area we didn’t know about. The trails are so magical.
What a beautiful and fun place! I would love go on a hike at Quechee!
The Quechee Gorge is definitely spectacular from the top and the bottom.
Vermont is on my list of places I’d like to visit.
Woodstock sounds like the quaint New England town I imagine it to be.. and it looks like there are lots of family friendly activities no matter what time of year. Fun!
Yes, Woodstock, Vermont is such a great place to visit no matter what season you come.
Woodstock Vermont looks like the perfect New England town! I loved those sunflowers!
Woodstock is great. We loved that we found the sunflowers everywhere while driving around.
This looks like a beautiful area to visit. We want to get to the New England area in the Fall, but not sure it will be this year.
Make plans for next autumn to visit Woodstock and all of New England. You won’t be disappointed.
Woodstock, Vermont looks like a great area to visit!
Woodstock is a great small town to visit and enjoy all the area has to offer.
This looks so beautiful! I have never been to Vermont, but would love to visit in the fall.
If you time it just right the trees will be in full color and you can really see Vermont is all its glory.
What beautiful fall foliage. We have not yet visited the New England states but fall looks like the perfect time to visit. So many fun things to do!
I love New England in the fall the most.
Looks absolutely wonderful out there. Vermont is definitely up on our list. The covered bridges, the history, the beautiful fall colors…We love it all! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to make our way up there!
Vermont certainly has a lot to offer.
Vermont looks absolutely beautiful! I love the covered bridges.
Vermont is great any time of year but it shines in the autumn for certain.
Woodstock is such a cute place to visit! We need to go and explore it soon; I know my kiddos would love some of the stores downtown, as well as the Cabot shop and the Quechee Gorge.
Yes, Melissa, I’m sure your kids will enjoy the Cabot shop as well as the Quechee Gorge. It’s fun to take pictures from the top and bottom.
Woodstock seems like everything I every envision when I think of Vermont! That covered bridge is gorgeous, I have to go there!!
I know you will love it Chantelle. It is so picturesque and quaint. Plus there are tons of outdoor activities to do.
I’ve never been to Vermont! It looks and feels like the northern parts of MICHIGAN. Big trees and nature! Beautiful!
Yes, Vermont has a lot of big trees and it is very beautiful.
I would enjoy seeing the glass making as well as the nature hikes. I really enjoyed how many activities you highlighted. This seems like a wonderful place to visit.
The glass blowing at Simon Pearce is pretty amazing. Our kids were so interested they stayed to see the full piece being made.
What a great town for fun activities! I think the VINS nature center sounds great, and I’m always up for ice cream!
We love ice cream too. The last time we were there, as soon as we finished lunch, Evelyn asked for ice cream, lol.
These are fabulous things to do and see in Vermont! Such quaint, charming and beautiful places (especially Quechee). Ohhhhh…and Cabot cheese! Yum! My favorite!
We love going to the Cabot shop to try different cheeses. The kids enjoy the penny candy shop in the antique mall as well.
What a darling town! We have never been there. I would love to visit all the little shops. I bet the foliage is amazing there.
The foliage is quite amazing in the area. And the downtown is super fun with all its shops.
What a gorgeous, charming town! I’d love to visit Vermont.
It really is a very charming town. One of the best small towns you will find.
This looks like such a great historical town to visit! I love the photo of the covered bridge! Woodstock, Vermont sounds like a great destination with so much to see and do!
Woodstock, Vermont really is a great place to visit. I also have a full road trip of covered bridges in Vermont to check out when you do visit.
I’ve never been to Woodstock Vermont, but after seeing these gorgeous pictures and fun things to do I think I just might have to plan a trip there!
I’m sure you will enjoy Woodstock, Sarah. It really is a great area to explore.
I would spend a lot of time at the homemade ice cream shop. Yum!
It really is a good ice cream shop.
I LOVE this area! We’ve done Quechee Gorge and the glass factory. I want to visit this region in the fall SO BADLY. You may have other posts on this, but Route 100 is a wonderful drive in that region with lots to do too!
I’m glad you like Woodstock and the Quechee Gorge. I agree Route 100 is a great scenic drive as well.
I absolutely love visiting this place. My mom and I took a trip last year and we had a blast. When I was a kid, my family and I always went to Vermont in the fall. It brings back such good memories now.
I’m glad you enjoyed my post, Kimberly. I guess we are making those same memories with my kids.
I haven’t been to New England in YEARS (decades). I would love to explore Vermont someday soon. Looks so idyllic.
Vermont really does have that old New England feel to it. I’m sure you will enjoy it again when you come back.
Wow, Love your pictures. We are a family of 6 ( 4 boys from age 11 to 16) this place would be a place we could all enjoy. Great Read. Thank you
I’m glad you enjoy it, Cecile. Woodstock, Vermont, and the surrounding areas really are a great place to visit and explore. Our family has always loved it.