The Woodstock Inn :

The Woodstock Inn is truly the sweetest place to stay in Woodstock, VT.  It's located right across from the famous town green, one of the oldest in the country and within walking distance of the town's many shops such the Vermont Flannel Co. (one of my favorites) and a plethora of other quaint establishments.

As you enter the Inn and at it's heart is a massive nine foot hearth with the largest logs I have ever seen burning steadily; lapping flames beckon you to stop and sit for a minute in the comfortable arm chairs.   I warmed myself with hot coffee surrounded by the slight aroma of wood burning and just relished in the warmth and serenity.  The decor and feel of The Woodstock Inn is actually quite unique and the ambience is soothing; it felt like I had chosen the perfect place to rest, restore and explore this beautiful part of Vermont.  

The Inn has both a rustic charm and a contemporary elegance.   There is an intimate feel with a very happy and cordial staff.  However, the Inn has the superb facilities that normally accompany a much larger hotel.   The Woodstock Inn has its own lovely ski resort, (Suicide Six), three restaurants, two bars, a beautiful brand new 10,000 sq. foot spa, a racquet and fitness facility (with squash, swimming pool and tennis courts),  a golf club, and even associated riding stables and trails.  The recently renovated rooms and suites, some with wood burning fire-places, generally range from $150-$600.

My room was beautiful, with a blended contemporary rustic decor that matched the hotel; the center of the king room was a stunningly crafted, classic, hardwood canopy bed dressed in a colorful handmade woven blanket.  The bathroom was shiny, spotless, and furnished with organic Vermont made bath supplies and a sweet scented wick candle.

While the room and food were great, what  I most love about the Inn and Resort is the feel of it as a self encompassing destination with true old world character.  There are so many corners within the Inn where one can find  comfortable spaces for reflection and conversation, sun rooms, a library, and little cushioned benches and love seats where you see couples playing scrabble, or kids enjoying a chess game while sipping hot chocolate and munching on home made cookies.  You have everything you need within the facility or within a few minutes of Resort organized transportation.  

Last night I met my sister at the more rustic of the two hotel's bars, the Tavern, for a pre-dinner drink; we sat next to the warmth of a wood burning fire as we relaxed and chatted.  Afterwards, we made our way to the Red Rooster restaurant, the inn's award winning restaurant which uses locally grown foods to prepare its Vermont style classic American cuisine.  Suffice it to say that the food was both delicious and delicate, flavorful and subtle, with a unique twist on classics.  The evening's meal began with a few small bite size special treats from the chef including savory roasted heirloom beets, scallops with pulled pork Napoleon, and sweet potato apple bisque which was sweet and divine.  For appetizers,  we had the mussels and the charcuterie board with unbelievable prosciutto and country pate.  For dinner we ordered the chef's specials, rack of lamb with potato and turnip au gratin and Day boat Scallops and Lobster with Butternut Squash Risotto with arugula and radish and a pickled rosemary relish.  The lamb was amazing and the lobster was smoky and flavorful; the scallops were soft and tender on the inside and just crispy enough on the outside to lock-in their light but potent flavor.  Dessert was a Blondie sundae with vanilla ice cream and a toffee crisp which was sensational.  We also tried the flour less chocolate cake and pumpkin cheesecake - both quite good as well.   Appetizers generally range from $12-$18 and main dishes range from $24-$35.

The Red Rooster Restaurant:
Reservations 1.802.457.6671 or reserve online at Open Table.

Following our rather extensive gourmet dinner and delicious wine, I ambitiously ordered a movie in the room, opening a window to the clear Vermont air and the occasional snowflake. In the end, the comfort and coziness of the bed and the lure of sleep won though and the movie was left for another time.

If you are looking for idyllic country elegance this Christmas season book a trip to this charming town and lovely resort.  December 7-9 is Wassil Weekend in Woodstock which is named one of Vermont's top 10 winter events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.   The village of Woodstock will come alive with traditional Christmas festivities and decorations.  Woodstock will be replete with music, ....