Every Mother’s Day, my mom and I embark on a delightful tradition—a day trip exploring a new place nearby. One year, we chose to do a Woodstock, NY day trip, and what a captivating experience it turned out to be. The allure of a quaint Woodstock, NY day trip lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but also in the hidden treasures that only a local’s keen eye can uncover. Woodstock, NY, known for its legendary 1969 music festival – which was actually held 50mi from here in Bethel, NY due to restroom regulations – boasts a rich history of art, culture, and community spirit. Join me on this Woodstock, NY day trip as we take you on a journey through the town’s secret corners, revealing fascinating tidbits known only to those who call this place home and sharing the remarkable history that has shaped it into the unique haven it is today.
For a recap of my day trip to Woodstock, NY, see my TikTok below:
@svadore A day trip to Woodstock, NY. Follow for more travel inspo. #woodstock #ny #upstateny #MINDORDERING #traveltiktok #upstatenewyork #upstate #TopGunMode ♬ Indian Summer – HOAX
1. Home Goods Store: The Gilded Carriage 🛍️
The Gilded Carriage has been around for over 60 years and is a family-run business that has been handed down by locals from generation to generation. The store opened in 1959 by Mari Basil and is today owned by her daughter Marina Basil. The home goods store has pots, tableware, pans, candles, custom made towels, teapots, glassware, and ceramic dishware that can make any person dream of the perfect table set-up.
2. Local Artisan Shop: Mexica Crafts 🛍️
We stopped by Mexica Crafts, a store where everything is made by hand by the owner and his family or purchased from local artisans stores they come across when in Mexico. The owner’s father was a leather carpenter, which is how the family business began. I purchased a beautiful black and green handmade ring and a leather pink and brown ring. They even sell accessories, handmade leather shoes, bags, and the list goes on. Gabriel the owner was so friendly. We got into a conversation with him and he even asked us to play some Italian music recos for him on the loudspeakers.
This combo is so cool. An old barn with string lights and picnic tables has now turned into an Anatolian Tribal Rug & Weaving store with beautiful heavy rugs draping the front. As you get closer though, you’ll find that part of the barn was also turned into a hidden taco stand. The juxtaposition of Anatolia and Tacos couldn’t be a more accurate representation of what Woodstock stands for. An amalgamation of cultures.
4. Shop Bohemian Hippie Stores 🛍️
There are a ton of other Bohemian Hippie stores you can shop from, so spend some time hopping in and out of them.
5. Visit Merlin Mosaic Sculpture At the Village Green 🗿
In the Village Green, which is considered the main square, resides Merlin, a statue made up of hundreds of objects, one more random than the other. Each is glued together precisely into shape to form a statue.
6. Lunch: The Mud Club🥯
We were getting hungry at this point and I loved the vibe and food at Mud Club, known for making some of the best Montreal-style wood fired bagels in the area. Everything is made from scratch in-house and baked in the wood-fired bagel oven hand-built by Ontario master stove-maker Alex Chernov. Their setting makes it feel like you’re dining in an outdoor garden and their coffee is locally sourced.
7. Drink: Early Terrible🍸
A shared lawn dotted with fire pits and hulking rock-slab tables uses thick beams, repurposed antique furniture and stacked Catskill bluestone as stationary seats. On the other side of Mud Club is a bar called Early Terrible. The bar is a mish-mosh of the world in the center of Woodstock. The main stage is the wooden bar that looks like it literally was built out of a living tree. The room is eclectic. You can find anything from disco balls to lamp posts, elegant chandeliers, vintage living room lounge chairs and table lamps, and leather couches.
8. See: 8 foot tall wax “Drip Candle Mountain” at Candlestock🕯️
You can’t miss the 52 year old, 8 foot tall wax “Drip Mountain” at Candlestock, a store that sells all kinds of candles. Since 1969, it’s been getting taller year by year, some are even able to add to the height and creation when they come in store. What started as a simple humble wax creation on a coffee table became a piece of history, time and a part of the local community.
9. Walk: Tinker Street & Mill Hill Road🚶
There are so many offshoot streets from Woodstock’s Village Green that make a perfect walk for the curious. It’s lined with boutique shops and quirky mom-and-pop boutiques that sell everything from Tibetan crafts, artisanal pieces, crystals, tie dye prints and more. A few worth stopping by include The Golden Notebook, Tibetan Arts & Crafts, Fruition Chocolate, Mirabai of Woodstock, and Woodstock Legends for memorabilia.
10. See: The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope
Located in Emerson Resort & Spa, is the Guinness Book of World Records holder for largest Kaleidoscope in the world. It is 56 feet tall and 38 feet in diameter. But let me share a little-known secret with you, a gem hidden within this enchanting spectacle. The kaleidoscope’s creator, Charles Karadimos, used recycled materials to build this masterpiece, including reclaimed propane tanks. So, not only does it dazzle with its kaleidoscopic magic, but it also carries a message of sustainability and creativity.
11. Visit: KDP Monastery🛕
Don’t end your Woodstock, NY day trip without venturing just a little bit outside the main town. Many don’t know this, but perched above a hill overlooking Woodstock is the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) Monastery. A place that adds a touch of mystique to your visit. It’s known for its stunning Tibetan architecture, complete with colorful prayer flags that flutter in the mountain breeze. The intricate designs and vibrant colors tell stories of ancient wisdom, and each step you take feels like a journey into the heart of a Himalayan monastery.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll also discover the sacred shrine room, where you can join in meditation and feel a profound sense of peace wash over you. And if you’re lucky, you might even have the opportunity to attend teachings and events led by esteemed lamas and monks. The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery even includes a bookstore.
12. Visit: Church of the Holy Transfiguration of Christ ✞
If you drive up Mead Mountain road, you will come across this hand built Episcopalian wooden church made in a Gothic style. It was built in 1891 by George Mead, owner of Mead’s Mountain House. It was built so his guests could utilize it in the summer rather than trekking down the mountain to Woodstock. Because of this, it was dubbed the “Chapel of Ease.” For many years the church changed ownership and was left to it’s own devices. But some locals still brave the weather and visit the church every now and then for worship.
