Classic New England Hospitality at Woodstock Inn & Resort

The façade of Woodstock Inn & Resort is a picture-perfect example of New England architecture. This four-season luxury resort in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, is set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. The warm hospitality and the unbelievable choice of activities make it wonderful choice for a Northeast family getaway.

Family-Friendly Review of Woodstock Inn & Resort

A Rockefeller legacy, The Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned by the Woodstock Foundation. The Inn is steeped in history and has done a phenomenal job of staying true to its roots while offering guests all the amenities of a luxury resort. 

Accommodations 

The Inn has 142 guest rooms with a variety of options to accommodate families, from a superior room with two queen beds to suites. Some rooms have wood-burning fireplaces. All of the rooms were renovated in 2008-09, and the decor is traditional Vermont style with modern touches.

Amenities

> The retro game room was a huge hit with my kids. Playing pinball with my family was a throwback to my childhood. The pinball machines are free to play and the game room has everything from a life-size Scrabble board to foosball and a Wii.

> Afternoon tea and cookies in the Conservatory are a special treat for everyone.

> I strongly encourage parents to escape to the spa for a bit of rejuvenation. The nature-inspired ambience and wonderful amenities, such as the hot soaking pool in a beautiful outdoor courtyard, are sure to inspire some tranquility. I experienced the 100-minute Signature Spa treatment, which varies seasonally to complement the sensational seasons of Vermont. The treatment starts with a gentle exfoliation, followed by a hydrating body masque. While your skin soaks up the soothing mixture, you enjoy a Moroccan oil scalp massage. There’s more: a fabulous foot massage followed by a full-body massage, to round out 100 minutes of pure bliss. Your skin: soft and supple. You: totally relaxed.

> The Tubbs Snowshoe Adventure Center is the perfect spot for families to try snowshoeing. There are both challenging and comfortable trails against a bucolic backdrop.

> A great rainy-day activity is to experience the beautiful 41,000-square-foot Racquet & Fitness Club, with a phenomenal indoor pool and two indoor tennis courts. In nicer weather, there are outdoor hard and clay courts, horseshoe pits and croquet courts.

Dining

The Red Rooster is the inn’s fine-dining option. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features local ingredients from the best purveyors in New England. We had a lovely dinner here — after a long drive in the snow, the relaxing atmosphere, friendly and attentive service immediately put us at ease.

Richardson’s Tavern is the casual option with pub fare. Two standouts on the menu are the fondue appetizer made with local Vermont cheddar cheese, and the bratwurst burger, handcrafted by the Inn’s resident butcher of 48 years.

Location

Woodstock is located in the Green Mountains near the center of Vermont. The Inn faces the heart of town, with the village green, shops and restaurants just a short walk away.

Gillingham & Sons General Store is a must-see. Parents will love that the wine selection is thoughtfully placed by the toy section, where kids can play with some good old-fashioned toys while mom & dad peruse wine options.

In the winter, there is great family skiing on the resort’s slopes at the Suicide Six Ski area just 4 miles north of Woodstock. For families seeking a larger ski resort, Woodstock is 25 minutes from Killington, 40 minutes from Okemo and one hour from Sugarbush.

Nearby Activities

> Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is Vermont’s only national park. In the summer, families can hike its 45 carriage roads and trails through the 400-year-old hemlock forests; in winter, it’s a great spot to try cross-country skiing. Equipment is available at the Fischer Nordic Adventure Center.

> Families can enjoy scenic bike paths that wind through the surrounding towns and villages. Bike and helmet rentals are available.

> Billings Farm and Museum is a working turn-of-the-20th-century dairy farm where children can experience first-hand the care of cows, sheep, horses and even observe the afternoon milking in the barn. They also host special events year-round.

> A visit to the Simon Pearce Glassblowing Workshop is an awe-inspiring experience. The day of our visit, the workshop was making bowl-shaped red-wine glasses. Two artisans and their assistants produce about 50 glasses in an 8-hour shift. The artisan we spoke with had worked there for 15 years, and making this particular glass was at the high end for his experience level.

Relevant Links:

Vermont family travel tips and best family hotels and resorts

Stowe family travel tips and best family hotels and resorts

Tips for skiing in Stowe, Vermont with kids

Editor’s Note: The Woodstock Inn & Resort offered Sandy a media package. As always, our opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Sandy Pappas except where noted.