Woodstock, New York is a place that has become renowned not only for its connection to the famous 1969 music festival but also for its allure as a getaway destination for music lovers and those with a love for the hippie culture.
Despite the common belief that the infamous festival took place in Woodstock itself, it actually occurred in Bethel, a small town just southwest of Woodstock. Since that time, both Woodstock and Bethel and their neighboring towns have gained significant attention and have become popular spots for people to visit.
Over a half century ago, the inaugural music festival put these areas on the map, attracting music enthusiasts, tie-dye-wearing individuals, and those with a desire to experience the unique energy of the era.
Contrary to popular belief, the infamous 1969 Woodstock music festival didn’t actually take place in Woodstock. Instead, it was held in Bethel, a small town in Sullivan County just southwest of Woodstock. Either way, since the inaugural music festival first put Bethel, Woodstock, and their neighboring towns on the map more than a half century ago, they’ve become getaway destinations for music lovers, tie-dye-wearing hippies.
Travel Time
It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Bethel Woods from New York City by car.
2 hours from New York City by car
If you prefer to explore other areas, there are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.
If You Only Do One Thing: Relive the Groovy Past at the Woodstock ’69 Grounds
Visiting the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is at the site of the iconic festival, allows you to feel the remnants of Woodstock’s magic. Nearly 500,000 people gathered for three days of musical revelry back in 1969, and each person has a story to tell. Many of these tales are shared within the halls of the Museum at Bethel Woods. Some walked miles from the highway just to be a part of the crowd, while others indulged in skinny-dipping in the nearby lake to cleanse themselves of the festival’s dust. Some shared substances with strangers, and others stayed up all night to watch The Who and Jefferson Airplane perform into the early morning hours.
Since 2017, the festival site has been officially recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. In 2018, archaeologists were able to determine the exact locations of the stage, sound, and light towers from the festival. Today, you can walk to these spots and also take in the public art installations throughout the grounds.
Just off the original festival grounds is the Pavilion at Bethel Woods, an outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate approximately 16,000 attendees. Past headliners have included Hozier, the New York Philharmonic, and even Kidz Bop, and upcoming performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Deep Purple, and Megadeth are set to close out the season.
To fully immerse yourself in the festival experience, consider staying at the Bethel Woods campsites. From May to October, guests can camp on concert and festival days while enjoying the stunning views of the festival site. The ADA-accessible campgrounds offer various camping options, from tents to RVs and even glamping for those who don’t want to give up the comforts of indoor plumbing.
Fill the weekend with
Non-Woodstock Arts and Culture
The Woodstock Music Shop, a family-owned establishment, is a haven for music lovers with a collection of over 10,000 records to explore. Whether you’re looking for rare finds by your favorite artists or discovering new ones, this shop has everything you need to expand your record collection or start building one.
After browsing the records, head to Rock City Vintage, a clothing store that offers vintage items from the mid-to-late 20th century. The team behind Rock City Vintage practices sustainability by recycling materials and repurposing pieces. Bring your own clothes or shop for secondhand items and have them altered by the talented owners Molly Farley and Katie Legnini.
End your day with a live performance at Bearsville Theater. Established by entrepreneur and music manager Albert Grossman, it has provided a space for artists to showcase their talent away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash have all graced the stages of Bearsville Studios, the adjacent recording studio. Upcoming acts include Indigo de Souza, a Leonard Cohen Birthday Tribute performance, and Jeff Tweedy.
If you happen to be in Woodstock on October 13th, don’t miss the Woodstock Music & Art Fair at Bearsville Park, where you can enjoy live music and participate in community art demonstrations.
Non-Woodstock Arts and Culture
The family-owned Woodstock Music Shop boasts a collection of over 10,000 records to get lost in and shop from. Whether you’re looking for rare records by your favorite artists or hoping to discover someone new, Woodstock Music Shop has everything you need to continue to build your record collection—or get started on one.
After filling your bag with LPs, pay a visit to Rock City Vintage, a clothing store with vintage items from the mid-to-late 20th century. The team behind Rock City Vintage practices sustainability by recycling materials and reconstructing pieces. Bring your own clothes or shop for something secondhand and have it all altered by the skilled owners Molly Farley and Katie Legnini.
Close out your day with a live show at Bearsville Theater. Established by entrepreneur and music manager Albert Grossman, it’s long provided artists a space to ply their trade away from the big city. Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash have all passed through Bearsville Studios, the adjacent recording studio. Acts soon to roll through town include Indigo de Souza, A Leonard Cohen Birthday Tribute performance, and Jeff Tweedy.
If you find yourself in Woodstock on October 13th, swing by the Woodstock Music & Art Fair at Bearsville Park for a day of live music and community art demonstrations.
Bethel’s Great Outdoors
When in the Catskills, a hike is a must, and there are numerous trails in Sullivan County to suit hikers of all abilities. The Hurleyville Rail Trail is a family-friendly hike that follows the path of an old railway. Since it is mostly flat, it is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Crystal Lake Wild Forest in Fremont is a great choice. The forest here is less crowded than some of the more popular hiking trails in the county, making it a peaceful spot. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Minisink Battleground in Barryville, where the Battle of Minisink took place during the Revolutionary War.
After a hike, head to Lake Superior State Park to cool off in the waters of Lake Superior and Chestnut Ridge Pond. The sandy beaches offer plenty of space for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Bethel’s Great Outdoors
When in the Catskills, you’ll want to go on a hike, and there are plenty of options in Sullivan County for hikers of all skill levels. The Hurleyville Rail Trail is a family-friendly hike that follows the path of an old railway. Because it’s mostly flat, the trail is fairly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. If you’re looking to go off-the-beaten path, check out Crystal Lake Wild Forest in Fremont. The forest here is less busy than some of the more popular hiking trails in the county, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking for even more quiet. History nerds will get a kick out of hiking around Minisink Battleground in Barryville, where the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Minisink took place.
When you’re done working up a sweat on the trails, head over to Lake Superior State Park to cool off in the waters of Lake Superior and Chestnut Ridge Pond. Its sand beaches provide ample space for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bethel
Start your day with a handmade wood-fired bagel and organic coffee from Mud Club in Woodstock, and then end it with a delicious dinner at The Old Foundation in Kenoza Lake, which is about 15 minutes from Bethel Woods. The Old Foundation serves a variety of dishes, including bar snacks, pizzas, pastas, small plates, and sandwiches. Open from Thursday to Sunday, it offers a cozy dining experience.
In Woodstock itself, Silvia is a family-owned restaurant that serves incredible new American cuisine made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
For a pint, check out Woodstock Brewing, which is a 20-minute drive from Woodstock in Phoenicia. It started as a half barrel system and has now grown into a 15-barrel brewery.
If you prefer wine, visit Bashakill Vineyards, Sullivan County’s first farm winery. Established in 2005, it focuses on growing organic grapes and crafting a wide range of wines (such as sparkling, chardonnay, cabernet, merlot, etc.). The vineyard also hosts wine-tasting events and live music every weekend.
If you enjoy whiskey, don’t miss The Alton Distillery, which is located just minutes from the Bethel Woods Center for Arts. You can book the Mastery Experience for a guided tour of the distillery and to learn more about the art of whiskey-making. Or, if you simply want to enjoy the whiskey, head to The Alton Bar, where you can sample the distiller’s entire collection of old cask whiskeys.
Start your day with a handmade wood-fired bagel and organic coffee from Mud Club in Woodstock, and then finish it off with dinner at The Old Foundation, a homey restaurant in Kenoza Lake, about 15 minutes from Bethel Woods. Open Thursdays through Sundays, The Old Foundation serves bar snacks, pizzas, pastas, a variety of small plates, and sandwiches. Meanwhile, in Woodstock itself, family-owned Silvia offers up a menu of incredible new American cuisine all made with locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients.
For a pint, check out Woodstock Brewing. Just a 20-minute drive from Woodstock in Phoenicia, Woodstock Brewing started as a half barrel system and is now home to a 15-barrel brewery.
If grapes are more your vibe, stop by Bashakill Vineyards, Sullivan County’s first farm winery. Established in 2005, it exclusively grows organic grapes and crafts a wide range of wines (sparkling, chardonnay, cabernet, merlot, etc.). The vineyard also hosts wine-tasting events and live music every weekend.
If you like your whiskey neat, take in The Alton Distillery, just minutes from the Bethel Woods Center for Arts. Book the Mastery Experience for a guided tour of the distillery and to learn more about the art of whiskey-making. Or skip the learning part and go straight for the whiskey at The Alton Bar, where you can taste the distiller’s entire collection of old cask whiskeys.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a peaceful and secluded stay, Hemlock Neversink is a great choice. It is located on a 230-acre campus and offers a spa with a gym, hiking trails, tennis courts, and even a goat sanctuary. It also provides retreats for groups with daily activities like movement classes, silent discos, and goat hikes (yes, there are a lot of goats in the Bethel area).
For families or those who want a combination of indoor and outdoor amenities, Callicoon Hills is a perfect option. There are hiking, swimming, and fishing opportunities along with various lodging choices, including classic rooms in the boarding house and A-frame cabin stays.
To commune with goats: Besides the aforemention campgrounds at Bethel Woods, Hemlock Neversink is ideal for solo travelers or couples. The hotel sits on a 230-acre campus and features a spa with a gym, hiking trails, tennis courts, and even a goat sanctuary. It also offers retreats for groups with daily activities like movement classes, silent discos, and goat hikes (yes, there are a lot of goats in the Bethel area).
For indoor/outdoor stays: Family-friendly Callicoon Hills is the perfect stay for outdoorsy folks who still want all of the hotel amenities. There’s hiking, swimming, and fishing as well as a variety of lodging options—from classic rooms in their boarding house to A-frame cabin stays.
