An "Iconic" Family Adventure

Our next “iconic” hotel was the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock VT. The location is about 30 min from Killington, which many are familiar with as a popular ski area. The area was mountainous and lots of farms, a far cry from being in central London, where we had just come from…It was definitely a nice change of pace. This trip was a Tuesday thru Friday trip during spring break (end of April).

The hotel was very pretty from the outside and very traditional on the inside. The Inn offered activities such as a game room, s’mores making, pool and more. That being said, some of the amenities were not offered just yet because of the time of season. Trees were still a bit bare and didn’t feel spring-like quite yet. We also found many restaurants were closed Tuesday and Wednesday, so we actually travelled to other towns to find restaurant options that were open. There were some in town but didn’t necessarily have food the kids would eat. We also wanted to visit the Historical Society to learn about the area, but tours do not start until June.

Our first venture was of the indoor pool because of course the kids need to swim. The hotel offered a shuttle, but we chose to drive over, so we didn’t have to wait. Just a mile or so down the road it was actually a full athletic complex with indoor heated pool, tennis, etc. so that was a very nice facility. After that, off to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS). Our kids love being outside and looking at the animals, so this seemed like a no-brainer. After having visited, I would say that it is a bit pricey for what it is (we have a nature center close to our home and takes donations, not an entrance fee) but we enjoyed the time we spent there. The kids did love the skywalk they had, being up in the trees with great views.

The next day and next activity was the Monshire, a kids science museum. This museum was a lot of fun for the kids (also a bit pricey but felt like we got a lot out of it). There was so much for the kids to do and play with that they could spend all day there.

After a half day of playing at the science museum we hit up the BIllings Farm & Museum to learn some history about the area. The farm entrance was part of the resort so no entrance fee. The kids got to see a milking demonstration and see all the animals among the beautiful rolling hills. There were a few exhibits about the farm and also a restored farm manager home that looks like it did in 1890. The tour guide for the home was very informative, and we learned a lot from her.

After our time at the hotel, we decided to take the ferry home since traffic was going to be terrible. We checked out and headed to CT so that we could visit the Beardsley Zoo. Entry had to be bought online but easy enough to do it right there since they give you a QR code.

The zoo was a great place to get the kids moving after the few hours’ drive (with a couple of hours left) and we had some great weather for it.

Finally, the trip home on the ferry! Kids love the ferry and saves so much time. Once again, UNO in my bag kept us entertained and the ferry offers food and drinks, so it was a very comfortable ride.

The Inn overall

The Woodstock Inn was a nice hotel and had a bit to offer. I would have liked to see more in terms of like the planting of spring flowers, just to spruce the grounds up, and I also would have liked to see more historical facts/plaques/tours to learn more about the property and history of the area. I know it’s sort of “off-season”, but I feel like there were some missed opportunities. Overall, a nice stay but we’d have to try it “in-season” to see if there is a different feel.

Why is the Woodstock Inn iconic?

• The Inn began as a tavern in 1793
• In 1830 it became the Eagle Hotel and the golden eagle carved by Moody Heath can still be found on the property
• in 1967 Laurance Rockefeller and his wife Mary bought the Inn but had it torn down and replaced