10 Things To Do In Woodstock, VT This Summer
Summer is one of our favorite seasons in Woodstock. The weather is perfect, ranging in the 70s and 80s. The evenings are cool enough to sit around a fire and cuddle up in sweats and the days are warm enough to swim, hike and explore.
If you find yourself in Woodstock this summer you may be wondering where to start. There is so much to see and do in this small town, it can be overwhelming to know how to fit it all in and prioritize the very best.
If you are planning your trip, here are 10 things to do in Woodstock, Vermont this summer to fulfill all your Vermont vacation dreams!
10 Things To Do In Woodstock, VT This Summer
Hike Mount Tom
You can’t come to Woodstock without hiking through the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. Mount Tom has the most gorgeous sweeping view of the village from the peak. It is just breathtaking. Start your hike from Old River Road across from Billings Farm and Museum. You will see the trails that lead you through the park into the forest. There are many different trail systems that run through the park so you can choose your adventure. Be sure to stop at the Pogue, a beautiful 14-acre pond halfway up the mountain with a trail circling around. Continue up to the star at the top for your final peak destination. This hike is about 5 miles in length and takes about 2 1/2 hours depending on your speed. You can also hike the switchback trails from Faulkner park in Woodstock. This is a bit more direct and steep, the trail is also more rugged and rooted (not jogger friendly). Dogs are welcome in the park on leash.
Shop in the Village
Walk the streets of this quaint Vermont town and enjoy that small town feel. Woodstock has a beautiful village with some wonderful boutiques to shop and explore.
Some of our favorites include:
- Woody’s Mercantile local gift shop with unique, fun items
- Elevation Clothing for outdoor gear and clothing
- 37th Central Clothiers for stylish and trendy women’s apparel
- F.H. Gillingham & Sons-a Vermont Country Store, for Vermont goods and local products
- Clover Gift Shop for health and wellness products and gifts
- The Yankee Bookshop Vermont’s oldest independent bookshop
Picnic at Faulkner Park
Faulkner Park is a 25 acre park in the village of Woodstock abbutting the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. Owned by the deceased Mary Faulkner, Faulkner Park has been maintained in her will as an admission-free public park “to be used for rest and quiet and not for sports or other noisy activities.” Pack a picnic lunch and head to the serene Faulkner Park to enjoy it on the picnic tables or a blanket. There are plenty of trees for shade and some paved paths for kids to ride bikes or scooters while adults relax.
Bike Mount Peg
Another beautiful network of trails in Woodstock is on Mount Peg. Rent a bike through the Woodstock Inn and Resort and explore the amazing trails that have been developed by The Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association (WAMBA) and the Woodstock Inn and Resort. There are a range of trails available for both beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers. This map can be used to plan your mountain bike adventure on Mt. Peg!
Play Golf at the Woodstock Country Club
Rated one of the top 100 golf resorts by Golf Magazine, The Woodstock Country Club is a pristine 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. set amongst the gorgeous setting of the Kedron Valley and Mount Peg. Head to the Country Club to enjoy 9 or 18 holes on this challenging course and grab lunch or a drink at the Fairway Grill afterwards.
Swim at Silver Lake/Kedron Pond
Swimming during Vermont summers is one of my most favorite pastimes! There is nothing better than a refreshing, crisp dip in the crystal clear lakes, ponds or rivers of Vermont on a hot summer day. We have many favorite swimming spots in and around Woodstock and Silver Lake and Kedron Pond are two of those.
Silver Lake in Barnard, Vermont is a gorgeous 84-acre lake with a sandy beach, picnic area, playground and camp sites. There’s also a separate launch area for kayaks and canoes. The Barnard General Store is a short walk down the road for sandwiches and ice cream.
The Kedron Pond in South Woodstock, Vermont is a pond with a dock, sandy beach area and spots for setting up picnics. The South Woodstock Country Store is short walk down the street for excellent sandwiches. Both are popular spots for local and visiting families during the summertime!
Tube Down the Ottauquechee River
Another favorite swimming and tubing spot is the Ottauquechee River. The Ottauquechee meanders through Woodstock and makes a great spot to take a dip or if you’re feeling even more adventurous, tube! We have been tubing down the Ottauquechee for years now and these always become my favorite days of the summer. Buy or bring along your own tube and start behind the North Chapel Universalist Church in Woodstock. The trip does take some coordinating and usually is a half to full day affair. You will need to park a car at the end of your tubing route in order to get back into town. We like to ride all the way to the rope swing on River Road in Taftsville. Depending on the river depth, you may need to walk a bit and it will go faster or slower depending on how much rain we have had. The best time to tube is earlier in the summer when the river is higher after a good rain storm.
Expert tip: bring along a cooler to house your snacks, beverages and sun screen for the trip!
Dine at Cloudland Farm
Cloudland Farm in Pomfret, Vermont is one of the most beautiful places to dine during the summer months in the area. The farm sits at the top of Cloudland Hill and overlooks the gorgeous scenic rolling green mountains of Vermont. You can sit out on the porch and enjoy a true farm to table dining experience with daily menus changing depending on seasonal produce and local harvests. Dinner reservations are only available on Fridays and Saturdays and you will want to book your dinner reservations with plenty of time in advance to ensure you get a table!
Have a Drink at Au Comptoir
Au Comptoir is Woodstock’s quaint village cocktail bar that you won’t want to miss while in town. Summer is the perfect time to sit outside and enjoy the classical jazz accompaniment on the patio with a delicious signature craft cocktail in hand. Serving small bites, beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails– Au Comptoir is the perfect place to enjoy a drink before dinner or apes for a night cap.
Eat Breakfast or Lunch at Mon Vert
Mon Vert is our favorite place to grab breakfast or lunch in town. They have the most delicious lattes, breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Their baked goods are mouthwateringly good and their sandwiches for lunch will keep you coming back for more! Dine al fresco on their patio and enjoy live music on select days during the summer. Summer at Mon Vert is busy so expect long waits and get there early if possible!
Bookstock Festival of Words
If you are in town from June 23rd-25th, you won’t want to miss Bookstock Festival of Words. This free festival is open to all and includes 50+ live speakers, live music, workshops, exhibits, shopping, special events and a book sale with over 10,000 books to choose from. Check out their website for more details about this wonderful festival in Woodstock.
What are you favorite things to do in Woodstock during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
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