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| "Wow! Woodstock? The famous Woodstock?" This is the universal reaction to any mention of this tiny town.
From London, to Moscow, to New Delhi: everyone has heard of Woodstock. There is even a local bumper
sticker acknowledging it. "Welcome to Woodstock: The most famous small town in the world," it reads.
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Woodstock town, which does not even have a traffic light, has somehow managed to make itself known around the world. And this is not because of the natural beauty of its landscape, not because of historical events that have happened here, not because of the numerous art events that take place here constantly… but because Woodstock was able to spread one simple message across the world: Love, Peace… and, of course, Music. Woodstock is much more than a physical location, it is a state of mind.
It is a philosophy that began as a utopian art community in 1902; exploded with youthful energy in the sixties when it became a hippie capital; and from there, gradually grew into a holistic community that concerns itself with the wellbeing of all life forms. An electrician who serves many towns in the Catskills once said that only in Woodstock do people pay extra money just to avoid cutting down a tree. |
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Simplicity is a major part of the life style. Though nowadays Woodstock attracts some celebrities and wealthy people who follow different modes, original Woodstock style is anything but fancy. Many people still live in small, simple, wooden, artistic, and very cozy homes. If you spot someone who is dressed up, you can be sure he is a visitor. Most locals wear their clothes till they fall off. Threadbare jeans can always be patched up, and a paint splattered t-shirt can always be turned inside out. Looking good in Woodstock is based on having a healthy and friendly face, not on brand names. |
Woodstock is an art community. The emblem of the town depicts a harp, a palette, a scroll, and masks and the welcome sign reads, "Woodstock: Colony of the Arts."
Almost everyone is an artist, or a writer, an actor, a photographer, a musician, etc… And for the few who don't do it professionally, art is undoubtedly a hobby. The plumbers, shopkeepers, and waiters of Woodstock are also working on a record or setting up a new exhibition.
Woodstock also has superb people watching facilities. The village green attracts all sorts of interesting people. Many are dressed like typical sixties characters: tie dye shirt, patchwork skirt, John Lennon glasses. There are those who spend hours on the green, some stand frozen, supposedly praying; some are controlling traffic. One character known as Grandpa Woodstock, who resembles Santa but with dreadlocks and flowers, charges tourists a dollar for a photo opportunity with him. What is not widely known though, is that Grandpa Woodstock, as well as many other characters, is also just a tourist. Some people who remember what Woodstock represented in the sixties still think it is like that. So, they put on the most mismatched outfits and head here, where they become a spectacle for other tourists just like them. |
People of Woodstock are relaxed. They are not afraid of eye contact and smile at strangers. It is a rare event for someone to raise their voice, unless of course they are on stage. Most people don't lock their cars or houses. Many do not own a television. The younger generation is hesitant about leaving to find jobs or an education because Woodstock provided them with an unusually happy upbringing. A young Woodstock man who has recently moved away to attend art college has turned his entire city apartment into a shrine in honor of his hometown, commemorating it with Catskill plants, rocks and other souvenirs. Many who leave spend their time away trying to figure out how to come back. |
Woodstock is tiny. But it is an oasis with a big history. Today, it is building that history through a huge variety of artistic projects and art-related events, the coexistence of diverse religious institutions, numerous holistic projects, green building, organic farms, alternative education systems, and healing centers. |
Woodstock in the winter: Winter is the best time to discover the locals' Woodstock. It is a peaceful and quiet time, though there are still plenty of events that take place year round. Cafes provide a cozy escape from the cold and fill up with old-timers who will gladly tell you about when Bob Dylan lived here, the next art gallery opening, or what the skiing conditions are.
The town looks like it belongs in a fairytale as the shops set up their holiday decorations (which stay up all winter). A giant peace sign made out of Christmas lights hangs above the village green. The main street is lined with little shops selling everything from unusual clothing, to funky jewelry, chocolates, blown glass, beautiful handmade candles, alternative books, etc… On Christmas Eve (an annual tradition for over sixty years) the entire town gathers together to greet Santa.
His method of arrival is always kept secret. In the past, he's traveled by helicopter, elephant, time machine, a flower-power van, etc… Coffee shops stay open late and serve hot chocolate to the excited crowd.
The Catskills get buried in sparking snow. Hiking trails are accessible year round, and many of them are cleared of snow. The bare trees allow spectacular views of the Hudson Valleys from atop one of the many mountains surrounding Woodstock. There are also great places to snow shoe and cross country ski. Many world-class ski resorts are nearby. Hunter Mountain, a thirty minute drive from Woodstock, offers outstanding facilities for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There is also Belleayre Mountain, Windham Mountain, and Plattekill.
The walk from Dharma Guest House to the center of town is a nice easy stroll. And the cold and snow make the sauna, whirlpool bath, and the cozy stove in the Mandala Room even more enjoyable! |
Woodstock in the spring: Spring sneaks up on Woodstock, bringing much missed warmth and sunshine. The town wakes out of hibernation and celebrates by taking advantage of the perfect hiking and biking weather. The nearby streams roar with the heavy load of melted snow, creating amazing waterfalls. Some are right in town, providing easy access to this natural wonder.
Others suddenly jump out of the streams that meander through nearby forests. Hiking in the crisp air is incredibly energizing, filling one's lungs with fresh oxygen.
The trees slowly prepare for a new green season by growing buds, but since there are still no leaves to trap light, the hiking trails are very sunny. Then, in April, seemingly overnight, everything bursts into bloom. Flowers take over the ground, the bushes, and the trees. |
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Woodstock's summertime beauty is well known, but the amazing spring time is a treasure that is still hidden from most visitors. This time of year is superb biking weather. It is very mild, the warmth is very gentle, and it is a wonderful feeling to experience the colors and smells of spring blended together as you zoom around town. In the very end of spring, the Dharma Guest House property turns a calm blue color as thousands of forget-me-nots begin to bloom all around the house, creating unforgettable beauty. Spring also brings some rainy days, which provide a great excuse to relax indoors. Curl up with a good book or magazine and look at the raindrops beating down on the skylights above, while a rainy breeze filtered with herbs and flowers sneaks into the room through the open window. Or enjoy a long candlelight bubble bath and massage in the whirlpool bathtub. |
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Woodstock in the summer: Summer is the most active season in Woodstock. There is a Shakespeare Festival, a Guitar Festival, a Tattoo Festival… There is a weekly drum circle and a flee market. There are street vendors selling jewelry, souvenirs, fruit, flavored ice. Cafes set up tables outside. There are free music concerts on the village green.
Summers are hot and sunny and because of this, both locals and visitors choose to spend most days at one of the many beautiful swimming holes, taking a dip, or lounging on warm rocks. There are a couple of spots right in town, and many in the nearby woods and mountains.
The Dharma Guest House property is shaded by tall old trees, thus providing a peaceful refuge from the heat. |
Woodstock in the fall: Fall is a magical time in Woodstock. The famous Northeast autumns are in full color by early October. Hiking at this time of year is an incredible experience as the forests paint themselves in all shades of sunset. As some leaves fall to the ground, it becomes easier
to spot squirrels, deer, birds, and other wildlife preparing for winter. At the top of Overlook Mountain (which Woodstock is snuggled up against), a panorama of the entire region is visible, and it is well worth the hike up to see the Catskills burning red and yellow.
The rivers gain water after the summer, making the local waterfalls more dramatic. Woodstock itself quiets down a little from the busy summers, though there are still a lot of music and art events, spiritual workshops, theater, etc. The famous Woodstock Film Festival takes place in September and brings many great films and some interesting celebrities for the weekend. |
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The weekly community drum circle at the village green is still active, as long as weather permits. On October 31st, Woodstock stays up late for a big Halloween celebration, which includes a very creative parade and spooky surprises. There is music at a few different venues, a masquerade ball, and of course treats. Local shops give out goodies to anyone in costume, and in Woodstock, that means pretty much everyone, including the pets. |
Buteyko Center USA, P.O. Box 576, Woodstock, NY 12498-0576 Phone: 845.684.5456 |
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