The Area

Long before the legendary 1969 festival put its name on the map, Woodstock was already a haven for artists, musicians, and free thinkers. The Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, founded in 1902, drew painters, potters, and writers to these mountains, establishing a creative tradition that continues to shape the town's character more than a century later. While the famous festival actually took place in Bethel, some 60 miles southwest, Woodstock's spirit was its true inspiration — and that spirit is alive and well today.

Modern Woodstock is a walkable village of roughly 6,000 residents where you can browse handmade jewelry at a gallery, catch a matinee at the Tinker Street Cinema, pick up fresh sourdough at Bread Alone, and still be home to The Cedar Stock Cabin in time to watch the sun dip behind Overlook Mountain. The village green anchors daily life: drum circles on weekends, farmers' markets in season, and a constant parade of locals and visitors who share a love for good food, good music, and mountain air.

The Catskill Mountains

The Cedar Stock Cabin sits on the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains, a region of deep forests, rushing waterfalls, and peaks that climb above 4,000 feet. The Catskill Park encompasses nearly 700,000 acres of preserved land, laced with hundreds of miles of hiking trails that range from gentle streamside walks to rugged climbs along the Devil's Path. Overlook Mountain, whose fire tower is visible from the cabin's deck, offers one of the most rewarding day hikes in the park — a steady 2.5-mile ascent to panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and, on clear days, five states.

The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. Winters bring reliable snowfall that blankets the peaks and feeds two major ski resorts — Hunter Mountain and Belleayre — both within a 45-minute drive. Spring unleashes a torrent of wildflowers and swelling waterfalls, most spectacularly at Kaaterskill Falls, one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in New York State. Summer transforms the mountains into a playground of swimming holes, fishing streams, and shady trail networks kept cool by dense tree canopy. And autumn, arguably the Catskills' finest season, sets the entire valley ablaze in gold, amber, and crimson — a foliage display that rivals New England and draws leaf-peepers from across the Northeast.

Why Woodstock Is Special

Part of Woodstock's magic is its impossible-to-replicate mix of rural serenity and genuine cultural richness. Within a few blocks of the village center, you'll find Levon Helm Studios — the legendary Midnight Ramble concert series launched by The Band's drummer — along with galleries like Woodstock Artists Association & Museum (WAAM), the Center for Photography at Woodstock, and a dozen smaller studios that open their doors to visitors year-round.

The dining scene punches well above its weight. Silvia, tucked into a former gas station, serves inventive wood-fired dishes and natural wines. The Phoenicia Diner, a short drive into the mountains, has become a destination in its own right for its elevated diner classics and jaw-dropping valley views. Oriole 9, Cucina, Shindig, and a growing roster of farm-to-table restaurants ensure that you could eat your way through an entire week without repeating a meal.

Woodstock also benefits from its proximity to a constellation of charming towns. Phoenicia, Saugerties, Kingston, and Rhinebeck are each within a 30-minute drive and offer their own distinct personalities — from the antique shops and lighthouse in Saugerties to the revitalized waterfront dining scene in Kingston and the elegant inns of Rhinebeck. Together, they form a Hudson Valley corridor that makes every day trip feel like a new discovery.

Getting Here

The Cedar Stock Cabin is remarkably easy to reach. From New York City, take I-87 North (the New York State Thruway) to Exit 19 in Kingston, then follow Route 28 West into Woodstock — the total drive is about two hours without traffic, making it one of the closest true mountain escapes from Manhattan. From Albany, it's roughly one hour south via the Thruway. Boston visitors can reach us in approximately 3.5 hours via I-90 West to I-87 South. Amtrak's Rhinecliff station, served by trains from Penn Station, is only 30 minutes from the cabin, making a car-free trip entirely feasible when paired with a local taxi or rental.

Stewart International Airport (SWF), about an hour south in Newburgh, offers flights on several carriers and is a convenient option for guests flying in from further afield. Albany International Airport (ALB) is another solid choice, roughly an hour north. Once you arrive, the cabin's location on the edge of the village means you're minutes from everything Woodstock has to offer — yet surrounded by the peace and quiet of the forest.