Activities in Woodstock

 

Effective Zoning One of the reasons why Woodstock has remained such an attractive place to live, both aesthetically and economically is the existence of thoughtful and carefully enforced zoning regulations. These, together with Vermont's land protection laws, guide the areas growth and protect its character. Recreation Skiing-Alpine-Site of the first Ski Tow in the U.S. (1934). Suicide Six, 3 mi. from the center of Woodstock (457-1666). Two double chair lifts, J-Bar for beginners, snow making equipment, rentals and lessons. 25% of Vermont's ski areas are within 40 miles: Killington (18 mi.), Mt. Ascutney (17mi.) Pico (22.5 mi.) and Okemo (25 mi.) Horseback Riding-Kedron Valley Stables (South Woodstock) offers rentals, lessons, boarding and training (457-1480). Green Mountain Horse Ass'n & Youth Center, home of the original1 00­Mile Trail Ride (So. Woodstock) (457-1509), offers many fine riding trails. Sponsor of a variety of equestrian events for all ages. May­Oct. boarding and lessons (no horses for hire). Golf­ The Woodstock Country Club boasts an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course. Rentals, lessons, and driving range (457-6674). Quechee Golf Meadow driving range (457-2221 ). Swimming-2 public outdoor pools at Woodstock Recreation Center (457-1502), indoor heated pool at Woodstock Health & Fitness Center (457-6656); Silver Lake State Park in Barnard (234­9451 ). Canoeing and Boating-On nearby lakes and rivers. Rentals available at Silver Lake State Park (234-9451) and Ledyard Canoe Club, Hanover, NH (603-643-6709). Camping-Silver Lake Park, Barnard (234-9451 ); Calvin Coolidge State Park, Plymouth (672-3612); Quechee State Park (295-2990). Bicycling-Rentals and maps available at Woodstock Sports (457­1568). Cycling tours available through Bike Vermont (457-3553). Walking, Jogging and Hiking­ Three marked and mapped park trails within village; Maps available at Information Booth on the Green. Three mapped and marked nature trails at Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Church Hill Rd. (457-2779). Appalachian and Long Trails nearby, guide books available at local bookshops. Movies-Friday to Monday at the Town Hall Theatre (457-3981). Hunting & Fishing-Excellent upland game bird shooting; fine deer country. Trout fishing in brooks and lakes. Hunting & fishing licenses available from Barrows Point Trading Post, Rt. 4, Quechee (295-1050) or theTeago General Store, S. Pomfret (457-1626). Woodstock Recreation Center-Offers a full range of recreational programs for all ages, ranging from sports and athletics to the creative and performing arts. The Recreation Center: two pools, basketball court, candlepin bowling. The Little Theater: stage and auditorium (seating 175), community and children's theater, aerobics, karate and yoga classes taught (457-1502). Tennis-Outdoor at Vail Field, Rec. Center (457-1502), Woodstock Health & Fitness Center indoor/outdoor, lessons/rentals ( 457 -6656). Paddle Tennis/Racquetball/Squash/Croquet-Rentals and lessons-Woodstock Health & Fitness Center (457-6656). Chamber of Commerce (457-3555) Auctions, Crafts & Country Fairs, Flea Markets & Suppers­Numerous in the village and throughout the area during summer and fall. Sleigh, Sled & Wagon Rides-Available privately on nearby farm roads. Kedron Valley Stables (457-1480); Billings Farm (457-2355). Publications Where to Stay and Eat and Village Map, publications of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, no charge. Weekly newspapers (Thursday) The Vermont Standard, Woodstock. Other area papers-Mountain Times, Killington (weekly, Thurs.); Valley News, Lebanon, NH (daily) and Rutland Herald, Rutland, VT (daily). Sites of Historical Interest St. Gaudin's Studio-A short 20 minute ride from Woodstock to Cornish, NH, brings one across the Connecticut River on the longest covered bridge in America ( 1866, 460 fee) up Route 12A, 1 1/2 miles to the St. Gaudin's National Historic Site. Augustus St. Gaudin's was America's foremost 19th Century Sculptor South Woodstock, VT-Leave Woodstock driving 5 mi. south on Rte. 106, passing Woodstock Country Club. So. Woodstock is a National Historic District. Of particular interest are the many early nineteenth century native brick houses, the charming Kedron Valley Inn and stables, and grounds of the Green Mt. Horse Ass'n. Justin Morrill Homestead-A National Historic Landmark located in So. Stratford, Vt. just a few miles No. of Woodstock. Justin Morrill was author of the Land Grant College Act. Calvin Coolidge Historical District-A short 14 mi. drive West of Woodstock brings you to the tiny village of Plymouth, Vt.-birthplace and ancestral home of Calvin Coolidge in 1872. There you'll find a visitors center and excellent pictorial history of the 30th President of the U.S. The Coolidge Homestead is furnished as if original. His birthplace is across the road. The church and Farmer's Museum are all open to the public. Joseph Smith Memorial-Just North of Woodstock 15 miles in Sharon, Vt., you will find the birthplace of likely one of the most unique men in U.S. religious history. Martyred for his religion in June of 1844, he received revelation in the form of a book written on ancient golden plates, delivered to him by an angelic messenger, which he translated through the gift and power of God. He has established the 4th largest religion in America (and still growing). His birthplace is located in a serene setting which you find a wonderful place to visit. Marked by a 38 1/2 foot shaft of solid granite-one foot for each year of his life-and uncovered original foundations of the Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith small colonial cottage located along the old East-West Turnpike Road. (1805) A visitors center is open to the public and guided tours are available. Churches True to the tradition of New England, each of the villages has its historic church where one can hear the soft tolling of the church bells on Sundays. For years, bells cast by Paul Revere and family hung in four of Woodstock's steeples, the largest concentration anywhere. The Congregational bell cracked in 1974 and may be seen on the south porch of the church. Chamber of Commerce (457-3555) Information Booth (457-1042)