June in woodstock
June is here, and Woodstock has once again transformed from sleepy mountain village into America’s most beautiful summer town. The daffodils are in full bloom, and in the lobbies of our Inns and B&Bs, a feeling of anticipation hangs in the air. Beyond warm days, June kicks off an incredible roster of Summer events, drawing visitors both near and far!
Some might say June, July, and August are, without a doubt, the very best months to book a trip. But it’s not just events that make June a special time in Woodstock. You’ll experience the most picturesque small town New England has to offer– covered bridges, quaint downtown boutiques, and the smell of lilacs carried along a soft breeze. Oh, and don’t forget the local Maple Creemees fresh from Spring sugaring season! Whether you’re searching for the quintessential Vermont get-away, or returning to Woodstock once again, use this guide to help plan the ultimate small-town weekend, or mid-week, adventure~
Seasonal flavors:
June in Woodstock brings the first of summer’s seasonal flavors – from fresh local produce, to our favorite ice cream scoops.
- It’s picnic season! This is undeniably one of the best ways to enjoy Woodstock in the Summer months – grab a sandwich from The Village Butcher Shop or Mon Vert Cafe, and head over to the Village Green to spread out a blanket or make use of a picnic table. Or, enjoy the local’s best-kept secret on the grassy hillside behind the History Center. This beautiful picnic spot slopes right down to the river, overlooking our iconic Middle Covered Bridge. After lunch, dip your toes in the river, or wander out along the rocks to where it gets deep enough to swim!
- After lunch, swing by Scoops Ice Cream on Central Street and sample some incredible local flavors. We recommend the classic maple creemee, with maple crumble on top!
- If you happen to join us for a mid-week stay, enjoy the farmers market on the Green every Wednesday in the summer! Local purveyors and bakers come from near and far with tents, live music, and plenty of treats to eat a full meal. This is always a great opportunity to chat with our friendly locals, many of which attend weekly to fill their CSAs, and catch up on town news!
Getting outside!
There is no shortage of opportunities to get outdoors in June, from outdoor events like live music to hiking, biking, and exploring in the surrounding green mountains. Just outside the village, lush green pastures have been trimmed for the first time this season, and the hiking trails are cleared by a small army of local volunteers and National Park staff.
- Woodstock is home to Vermont’s only National Park – the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and surrounding 600 acres of curated trails, carriage roads, and education centers. Wander through the stunning gardens, play a (free) round of Tennis on the Rockefeller tennis courts, or take a short, family-friendly hike to the Pogue – the mountain-top lake 2 miles above the mansion. Be sure to also check out the Carriage House visitor center, where a Park Ranger can help answer any questions and keep you apprised of the daily event roster!
- If you’re looking for a great way to get out in nature, but want something a bit more unusual (and slower-paced than a hike), take a look at the Eshqua Bog Natural Area, just 10 minutes from downtown. As the Nature Conservatory puts it: “Eshqua Bog is a botanical wonderland of cold-climate holdovers from the post-glacial era 10,000 years ago. This preserve contains a diverse array of bog and fen plants: labrador tea, cotton grass, pitcher plants, showy lady's slippers, larches, and buckbean.” Walk along 2 miles of boardwalk pathways and experience one of June’s most incredible phenomena; the blooming of the Pink Lady Slippers. If you’ve never seen a Venus flytrap in the wild, you’ll find plenty of those too!
Unique Events and Experiences:
Don’t miss these iconic events on your trip to Woodstock. From festivals to music on the farm, there’s something for everyone in Woodstock this June.
- The hot air balloon festival in next door Queechee is a yearly tradition, filling the sky with brightly colored balloons from along the Eastern Seaboard. Explore all the events, with balloon ascensions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re up for a little adventure, book one of the Ascension flights here (or at the festival) and end it with a champagne toast after landing in a farm field!
- For a truly unforgettable experience, book one of the programs at New England Falconry. Here, you’ll get up close with birds of prey, learning from Master Falconers about this ancient pastime, along with an interactive hands-on experience. If you’re interested in more Aviary education, check out the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), right down the road. VINS offers education and programming for all ages and is a sure hit for the whole family. Tour indoor exhibits, aviary enclosures, and the new Canopy Walk – over 100 feet above the ground, putting visitors face to face with aviary life in the trees.
- Bookstock is Woodstock’s free Literary Festival, attracting hundreds of visitors across three days of speakers, events, workshops, and live music. Hear from 50+ Pulitzer Prize winners, Poets Laureate fellows, and authors from the region and across the country. For the discerning literary enthusiast, attend the book sale, with 10-14,000 used and rare books.
- Every Thursday in the summer, an impressive crowd gathers for what has become one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Feast & Field is a collective of farms that have joined forces to sustain an agricultural-rural economy and culture. Join visitors and locals alike in an authentic display of food, music, and community within the Vermont landscape – all in one place at Fable Farm. A curated local menu is served on a stunning hillside property more reminiscent of a cultivated vineyard than your typical Vermont farm. Order tickets online, and bring the blankets and lawn chairs for one of the most truly special Vermont experiences you can find!
It’s worth noting that Woodstock and many of our events are dog friendly! Bring your furry friend along for the ride– they’ll love Woodstock as much as you do!
