Woodstock, Vermont Guide

Its role as the "shire town" (county seat) of Windham County explains why so many lovely buildings survive, and why the town escaped the ravages (and riches) brought by 19th-century industry.

The prime industry in Woodstock has always been government, the only pollutant from which is hot air, and this rises out of sight at once. You only need the courthouse and a few other fine Neo-classical buildings to run a government, no smoky factories.

Woodstock is particularly well situated, in a beautiful valley of the Ottaquechee River with mountains all around. The center of town is the pretty Town Green right at the center.

Besides its fine well-preserved buildings, Woodstock boasts no fewer than four church bells made by Paul Revere. Three are still in service, but one cracked after two centuries of use and is now on display on the south porch of the Congregational church.

In your walks around town, you might want to look for the three covered bridges across the Ottaquechee, including one built in 1969 and rebuilt five years later—Middle Bridge, just off the green in the middle of town.

On the far side of the Ottaquechee from the town green is a cemetery, and at the east edge of the cemetery is the beginning of a walking trail. The Billings Park Trails are maintained by the town, and are yours to enjoy for free.

In winter, skiers can put up in the town while they spend the day on the slopes of Suicide Six Ski Area.

You can stay in Woodstock and ski elsewhere, of course. The Killington Ski Resort and Pico Mountain Ski Resort are just a short drive away, present all the challenge and facilities a New England skier could want.

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