Woodstock, New York (Summer)

The inspiration for the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival (located an hour away in Bethel Woods) retains its original artist colony spirit and a fair number of throwback hippies who wander the village and occasionally set up camp in the village green for the cause of the day or the weekly drum circle. Woodstock is a haven for artists of many disciplines, numerous galleries, art studios and exhibits showcase the work of painters, sculptors, potters and weavers, while performing artists find outlets for their work to shine in the historic Colony Cafe, Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock Playhouse and at the scenic Comeau. Famous musicians once ...

The inspiration for the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival (located an hour away in Bethel Woods) retains its original artist colony spirit and a fair number of throwback hippies who wander the village and occasionally set up camp in the village green for the cause of the day or the weekly drum circle. Woodstock is a haven for artists of many disciplines, numerous galleries, art studios and exhibits showcase the work of painters, sculptors, potters and weavers, while performing artists find outlets for their work to shine in the historic Colony Cafe, Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock Playhouse and at the scenic Comeau. Famous musicians once congregated in his tiny little mountain village, and still do, removed from the flash and glitz that might interfere with their creative process. Celeb spotting is even more prevalent during the annual early October Woodstock Film Festival, though locals maintain a practiced nonchalance when standing behind them in line for a scone at Bread Alone or poking through the stalls at the weekly flea market. Organic options abound at the many cafes and restaurants sprinkled throughout the village, while unique locally owned shops offer a little bit of everything, as well as the occasional expression of tie-dyed fashion.

About the Expert

Sascha Zuger is the author of the New York State Moon Handbook, the travel novel Girl Overboard (under the pseudonym Aimee Ferris), and is a freelancer for publications such as National Geographic Traveler, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.