Our Guidebook to Woodstock, CT

Arno
Our Guidebook to Woodstock, CT

FOOD SCENE - HIGHER END

Our favorites:
Our absolute favorite above all!! Fabulous small, very high-quality restaurant. Friendly, tasteful, welcoming and exquisite! Reservations are possible and outdoor seating available; you can also have a drink at their lovely bar. A beautiful concept and perfect execution!
17 locals recommend
Elizabeth's Farmhouse
75-81 Canal St
17 locals recommend
Our absolute favorite above all!! Fabulous small, very high-quality restaurant. Friendly, tasteful, welcoming and exquisite! Reservations are possible and outdoor seating available; you can also have a drink at their lovely bar. A beautiful concept and perfect execution!
Beautiful space indoors and outdoors, and a great option for excellent food and service! Also offers a lovely bar area. You can reserve their private dining room, enjoy a pianist on certain nights and get to meet the very friendly and gifted Chef!
ANYA Dining
49 CT-193
Beautiful space indoors and outdoors, and a great option for excellent food and service! Also offers a lovely bar area. You can reserve their private dining room, enjoy a pianist on certain nights and get to meet the very friendly and gifted Chef!
One of our favorite outings in the area: small and very welcoming; the owners offer excellent French cuisine: Marie-Paule is an authentic French cook and Jay a very caring host. If you linger long enough, Marie-Paule may even sing French songs for you; she has a lovely voice! No liquor license, so be sure to BYOB…
The Metro Bistrot
176 Main St
One of our favorite outings in the area: small and very welcoming; the owners offer excellent French cuisine: Marie-Paule is an authentic French cook and Jay a very caring host. If you linger long enough, Marie-Paule may even sing French songs for you; she has a lovely voice! No liquor license, so be sure to BYOB…
Delicious food (much of it organic), nice decor and service. Sit on their terrace when the weather permits!
20 locals recommend
85 Main
85 Main Street
20 locals recommend
Delicious food (much of it organic), nice decor and service. Sit on their terrace when the weather permits!

FOOD SCENE - MORE CASUAL

Our favorites:
Fun, authentic local bar and restaurant. Menu categories named after court & legal terms! Great selection of burgers.
13 locals recommend
Courthouse Bar and Grille
121 Main Street
13 locals recommend
Fun, authentic local bar and restaurant. Menu categories named after court & legal terms! Great selection of burgers.
A staple in Webster, MA, mostly (in our opinion) for its deck over the lake; sunsets are majestic. The bar can be fun and, if you are a fan, they host music, dancing, and other events. Avoid Fridays & Saturdays, crowded evenings when service becomes challenging.
9 locals recommend
Point Breeze
114 Point Breeze Rd
9 locals recommend
A staple in Webster, MA, mostly (in our opinion) for its deck over the lake; sunsets are majestic. The bar can be fun and, if you are a fan, they host music, dancing, and other events. Avoid Fridays & Saturdays, crowded evenings when service becomes challenging.
A must in Woodstock. True country store and café-restaurant. Food is fresh and made to order; try the Woodstocker hamburger, their famous thin-crusted pizza, and the lesser-known, but oh so delightful, Lentil-burger! Either order at the counter, directly from the cooks, or enjoy full service in the dining room at the back. Eat outdoors in Summer and treat yourself to their scrumptious ice-creams! Now also offers a “FREE charging station for electric vehicles and hybrids”.
9 locals recommend
Sweet Evalina's Stand
688 CT-169
9 locals recommend
A must in Woodstock. True country store and café-restaurant. Food is fresh and made to order; try the Woodstocker hamburger, their famous thin-crusted pizza, and the lesser-known, but oh so delightful, Lentil-burger! Either order at the counter, directly from the cooks, or enjoy full service in the dining room at the back. Eat outdoors in Summer and treat yourself to their scrumptious ice-creams! Now also offers a “FREE charging station for electric vehicles and hybrids”.
A local hallmark for food and live music; at times a meeting place for motorcycles (or vintage cars). Order from the counter and get a large playing card that will ID your table for food and drinks to be brought to you. Good chili, soups, all sorts of great salads, sandwiches, desserts and more... Hot or cold, fancy or basic, healthy and allergy-conscious, or not... The choice is yours!
36 locals recommend
The Vanilla Bean Cafe
450 Deerfield Rd
36 locals recommend
A local hallmark for food and live music; at times a meeting place for motorcycles (or vintage cars). Order from the counter and get a large playing card that will ID your table for food and drinks to be brought to you. Good chili, soups, all sorts of great salads, sandwiches, desserts and more... Hot or cold, fancy or basic, healthy and allergy-conscious, or not... The choice is yours!
We appreciate their Italian cuisine every time we go. The place has a no-frills, diner-style decor, but the food is truly good! Try their yummy hand pounded veal dishes.
Monte Bianco Restaurant
140 Main Street
We appreciate their Italian cuisine every time we go. The place has a no-frills, diner-style decor, but the food is truly good! Try their yummy hand pounded veal dishes.
Lovely people serving very good food, much of it organic and respectful of allergies. Definitely worth a stop, even if their outdoor tables are right on Main Street!
The Rose Room Cafe
Lovely people serving very good food, much of it organic and respectful of allergies. Definitely worth a stop, even if their outdoor tables are right on Main Street!

PIZZA

Sweet Evelina’s (above) has the best pizza, to eat there or take home. Other options:
We don’t eat on the spot, but this used to be our No1 for take-out Pizza. Recently, it has unfortunately been a little less reliable... They don’t deliver but we order by phone and drive a few minutes to pick it up. (note: others seem to recommend Rainbow Pizza, in Webster, MA, but we have yet to try that out).
Dudley House of Pizza
206 West Main Street
We don’t eat on the spot, but this used to be our No1 for take-out Pizza. Recently, it has unfortunately been a little less reliable... They don’t deliver but we order by phone and drive a few minutes to pick it up. (note: others seem to recommend Rainbow Pizza, in Webster, MA, but we have yet to try that out).
Possibly the most famous Pizza between here and Hartford, laden with awards, and well worth a visit. From the Widow-maker to the gluten-free, plus every variety in between, there is something mouth-watering for everyone. The place is warm, with great vintage decoration, plenty of enjoyable photos (incl. the UConn female basketball teams), and comfy booths to slide into.
11 locals recommend
Willington Pizza House
25 River Rd
11 locals recommend
Possibly the most famous Pizza between here and Hartford, laden with awards, and well worth a visit. From the Widow-maker to the gluten-free, plus every variety in between, there is something mouth-watering for everyone. The place is warm, with great vintage decoration, plenty of enjoyable photos (incl. the UConn female basketball teams), and comfy booths to slide into.

BARS, BREWERIES, WINERIES

See above for the following venues that also have very nice bars: Anya, the Courthouse, Elizabeth’s farmhouse, Point Breeze. But our favorites are the following bar, brewery, vineyard, and wine trails:
A very likable, authentic, and active bar, with live music. Always a friendly crowd and someone to share a conversation with, plus the food we have had there was always to our liking! We understand they also serve lunch now.
17 locals recommend
The Stomping Ground
132 Main Street
17 locals recommend
A very likable, authentic, and active bar, with live music. Always a friendly crowd and someone to share a conversation with, plus the food we have had there was always to our liking! We understand they also serve lunch now.
Another special brewery and some of the best craft beers ever. A large variety to choose from, one for every taste; plus a wonderful restaurant inside the brewery. Winning awards galore and growing fast, Jack and his brothers run a successful enterprise and we are lucky to have them within reach. You can find their beers in many restaurants and we highly recommend them at all times!
23 locals recommend
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
100 Clinton St
23 locals recommend
Another special brewery and some of the best craft beers ever. A large variety to choose from, one for every taste; plus a wonderful restaurant inside the brewery. Winning awards galore and growing fast, Jack and his brothers run a successful enterprise and we are lucky to have them within reach. You can find their beers in many restaurants and we highly recommend them at all times!
A vineyard that many Woodstock, Pomfret, and other local residents enjoy, support, frequent and recommend. Very nice owners and a great place to hold a special occasion or simply have a Sunday-brunch. Enjoy the rolling vineyards, taste the wines, take in the full beauty of what the Quiet Corner has to offer.
27 locals recommend
Taylor Brooke Brewery
818 CT-171
27 locals recommend
A vineyard that many Woodstock, Pomfret, and other local residents enjoy, support, frequent and recommend. Very nice owners and a great place to hold a special occasion or simply have a Sunday-brunch. Enjoy the rolling vineyards, taste the wines, take in the full beauty of what the Quiet Corner has to offer.
Whether a true wine connoisseur or an amateur enthusiast, CT has a lot to offer: its vineyards are growing in both number and quality, attracting increasing numbers of visitors each year and getting their deserved spot in wider markets. It is a treat to go wine tasting and there are CT-wines to please every palate, even the more “selective” French ones! To add a little 'juice' to your wine experience: get a "Passport to Connecticut Wine Country" from any participating vineyard. You then collect stamps from the wineries you visit, and the number of stamps entitles you to participate in lotteries and hope to win a prize!
18 locals recommend
Connecticut Wine Trail
433 S Main St
18 locals recommend
Whether a true wine connoisseur or an amateur enthusiast, CT has a lot to offer: its vineyards are growing in both number and quality, attracting increasing numbers of visitors each year and getting their deserved spot in wider markets. It is a treat to go wine tasting and there are CT-wines to please every palate, even the more “selective” French ones! To add a little 'juice' to your wine experience: get a "Passport to Connecticut Wine Country" from any participating vineyard. You then collect stamps from the wineries you visit, and the number of stamps entitles you to participate in lotteries and hope to win a prize!

PARKS & NATURE

We really like this large State Park, with trails for every level of difficulty, and beautiful lakes, forests, paths. We take family and visitors there who wish to hike, or to canoe, and the "Walktober" event that occurs there every year is a winner for serious hikers. There is, however, much more going on there than hiking, including boating, fishing, camping, and more; definitely worth some exploring.
27 locals recommend
Bigelow Hollow State Park
298 Bigelow Hollow Road
27 locals recommend
We really like this large State Park, with trails for every level of difficulty, and beautiful lakes, forests, paths. We take family and visitors there who wish to hike, or to canoe, and the "Walktober" event that occurs there every year is a winner for serious hikers. There is, however, much more going on there than hiking, including boating, fishing, camping, and more; definitely worth some exploring.
700 acres open to the public, 10 miles of trails, a visitors’ center with a display of embalmed animals, a store, and lots of nice events, programs, exhibits, etc.. The Audubon Society is a worthy cause; we are grateful to Pomfret residents who donated land over the decades, allowing such a quality sanctuary to develop so close to us.
Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret
218 Day Rd
700 acres open to the public, 10 miles of trails, a visitors’ center with a display of embalmed animals, a store, and lots of nice events, programs, exhibits, etc.. The Audubon Society is a worthy cause; we are grateful to Pomfret residents who donated land over the decades, allowing such a quality sanctuary to develop so close to us.
"5,907-acre Douglas State Forest borders Connecticut and Rhode Island. Enjoy swimming and boating at Wallum Lake or hike miles of woodland trails.”
11 locals recommend
Douglas State Forest
107 Wallum Lake Rd
11 locals recommend
"5,907-acre Douglas State Forest borders Connecticut and Rhode Island. Enjoy swimming and boating at Wallum Lake or hike miles of woodland trails.”
Try pronouncing its full name: "Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg", sometimes referred to (even in Europe!) as one of the longest place names in the world. Our family has had a summer cottage on “Webster lake” since 1938, so we can easily advise you about the area. Swimming in its soft waters; sighting of eagles/ turkey vultures/ herons etc; boat rides from Indian Ranch; boat launching areas. Well worth the 15-20 mins to get there!
Lake Chaubunagungamaug
Try pronouncing its full name: "Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg", sometimes referred to (even in Europe!) as one of the longest place names in the world. Our family has had a summer cottage on “Webster lake” since 1938, so we can easily advise you about the area. Swimming in its soft waters; sighting of eagles/ turkey vultures/ herons etc; boat rides from Indian Ranch; boat launching areas. Well worth the 15-20 mins to get there!
Public access to swimming and boat launching at Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaug.
Memorial Beach
10 Memorial Beach Drive
Public access to swimming and boat launching at Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaug.
"Rich with history, legend and lore, Mashamoquet Brook with its Wolf's Den, offers hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming for the whole family.”
20 locals recommend
Mashamoquet Brook State Park
276 Mashamoquet Road
20 locals recommend
"Rich with history, legend and lore, Mashamoquet Brook with its Wolf's Den, offers hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming for the whole family.”
"Whether you are walking, hiking, boating, fishing, or picnicking, beautiful Roseland Park is the perfect place to visit in Woodstock, Connecticut, offering historic elegance in the heart of 'The Last Green Valley' " There is no swimming here, but it's a nice area, with a playground, barbecuing-picnicking facilities, and a beach. It can be rented for special events, including weddings!
Roseland Park, Woodstock, CT 06281, USA
"Whether you are walking, hiking, boating, fishing, or picnicking, beautiful Roseland Park is the perfect place to visit in Woodstock, Connecticut, offering historic elegance in the heart of 'The Last Green Valley' " There is no swimming here, but it's a nice area, with a playground, barbecuing-picnicking facilities, and a beach. It can be rented for special events, including weddings!

ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES

The Quiet Corner has much more to offer than any of us can ever possibly take part in. We have had family roots in Webster, MA since the 1930s, and have been living in Woodstock, CT for 12 years now, but have yet to participate in, visit, discover, everything we would like. Take your pick, whatever you wish to do can probably be found! We are only mentioning a few of our favorites here.
Member of the Historic New England organization. They host many events during the years, including outdoor concerts, stallion shows, etc. We particularly love their Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, held every October.
18 locals recommend
Roseland Cottage
556 CT-169
18 locals recommend
Member of the Historic New England organization. They host many events during the years, including outdoor concerts, stallion shows, etc. We particularly love their Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, held every October.
Wonderful Fair, Antique vehicle exhibit, Concerts, Shows, Amusement Park, etc. A must for anyone on Labor Day weekend. Another event we enjoy at the same Fairgrounds: "Celebrating Agriculture" in September each year.
Woodstock Fair
281 CT-169
Wonderful Fair, Antique vehicle exhibit, Concerts, Shows, Amusement Park, etc. A must for anyone on Labor Day weekend. Another event we enjoy at the same Fairgrounds: "Celebrating Agriculture" in September each year.
“The Last Green Valley is green by day and dark by night. We are a National Heritage Corridor with a rich history in a surprisingly rural landscape. Still 77% forest and farm, we are the last swath of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington DC.” 35 towns are part of this area; check out the association’s website for a multitude of outstanding events and activities. Their "Walktober" event takes place from late Sep. to early Oct. and we cannot get enough of it: we love their hikes, historical tours and presentations, farm visits, and so much more.
The Last Green Valley
203 Main St
“The Last Green Valley is green by day and dark by night. We are a National Heritage Corridor with a rich history in a surprisingly rural landscape. Still 77% forest and farm, we are the last swath of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington DC.” 35 towns are part of this area; check out the association’s website for a multitude of outstanding events and activities. Their "Walktober" event takes place from late Sep. to early Oct. and we cannot get enough of it: we love their hikes, historical tours and presentations, farm visits, and so much more.
A campground on the shores of Webster Lake, of interest because they offer Summer outdoor concerts and lovely boat rides on their 'Indian Princess’. They also have a restaurant!
10 locals recommend
Indian Ranch
200 Gore Rd
10 locals recommend
A campground on the shores of Webster Lake, of interest because they offer Summer outdoor concerts and lovely boat rides on their 'Indian Princess’. They also have a restaurant!
Susan has been going there since she was a child, but she still loves walking through time and enjoys each of their 1800s buildings, activities, costumes, talks, and shows. Try to also stop at some Antique Stores in Sturbridge.
96 locals recommend
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd
96 locals recommend
Susan has been going there since she was a child, but she still loves walking through time and enjoys each of their 1800s buildings, activities, costumes, talks, and shows. Try to also stop at some Antique Stores in Sturbridge.
Always a pleasant outing. Small museum with quality pieces, great exhibitions, and superb Roman mosaics! Have lunch in their small café, it’s good!
73 locals recommend
Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury St
73 locals recommend
Always a pleasant outing. Small museum with quality pieces, great exhibitions, and superb Roman mosaics! Have lunch in their small café, it’s good!
When Susan's family started going there in the 1980s, it was called "Southwick Animal Farm" and they were always impressed by the animal's good health, as evidenced by the number of offsprings and the luxuriance of their fur. Even though they have grown since then, they still seem to take great care of their animals and we love taking our grandchildren there.
16 locals recommend
Southwick's Zoo
2 Southwick St
16 locals recommend
When Susan's family started going there in the 1980s, it was called "Southwick Animal Farm" and they were always impressed by the animal's good health, as evidenced by the number of offsprings and the luxuriance of their fur. Even though they have grown since then, they still seem to take great care of their animals and we love taking our grandchildren there.
Nice concerts, a shopping mall and, of course, the full Casino regalia. If you have time, also visit their exceptional Pequot Museum.
247 locals recommend
Foxwoods Resort Casino
350 Trolley Line Blvd
247 locals recommend
Nice concerts, a shopping mall and, of course, the full Casino regalia. If you have time, also visit their exceptional Pequot Museum.
Wonderful concerts all summer!! Go for a day to discover the Berkshires, visit The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, or get a yoga class at The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health; then finish the day at Tanglewood!
398 locals recommend
Tanglewood
398 locals recommend
Wonderful concerts all summer!! Go for a day to discover the Berkshires, visit The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, or get a yoga class at The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health; then finish the day at Tanglewood!
Not just for kids, every age can enjoy these greenhouses bursting with butterflies, and make sure to get the list they hand out as a game to spot different types of butterflies. They will l and on your shoulders and your head and they are absolutely astonishing!!! See Historic Deerfield at the same time!
51 locals recommend
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
281 Greenfield Rd
51 locals recommend
Not just for kids, every age can enjoy these greenhouses bursting with butterflies, and make sure to get the list they hand out as a game to spot different types of butterflies. They will l and on your shoulders and your head and they are absolutely astonishing!!! See Historic Deerfield at the same time!
This 18th-century colonial village is a must see!
46 locals recommend
Historic Deerfield
80 Old Main St
46 locals recommend
This 18th-century colonial village is a must see!

FAVORITE STORES & MARKETS

A store at Elm Farm, very close to Cedar Ridge. Go pick up any of their amazing products, most (or all?) locally grown or produced. An impressive selection of meat, dairy products, ice cream, bread, etc.; and the quality is exceptional! All of this in a beautiful location just a few minutes from us. A huge WOW to the Peckham family, and THANK YOU from their grateful neighbors!
Farm to Table Market
324 Woodstock Rd
A store at Elm Farm, very close to Cedar Ridge. Go pick up any of their amazing products, most (or all?) locally grown or produced. An impressive selection of meat, dairy products, ice cream, bread, etc.; and the quality is exceptional! All of this in a beautiful location just a few minutes from us. A huge WOW to the Peckham family, and THANK YOU from their grateful neighbors!
Antiquing in Woodstock is pure pleasure and we always find something to suit our fancy. Fortunately, Scranton's is standing strong, as several others we loved have closed (we can no longer visit 3-4-5 antique stores as we used to, especially when we had visitors...). But, we spotted a new one that just opened and will check it out soon. In any case, Woodstock remains more affordable and more fun than more famous antique shops in the area... (which have unfortunately also dwindled down in the past 15 years)
Scranton's Shops
300 CT-169
Antiquing in Woodstock is pure pleasure and we always find something to suit our fancy. Fortunately, Scranton's is standing strong, as several others we loved have closed (we can no longer visit 3-4-5 antique stores as we used to, especially when we had visitors...). But, we spotted a new one that just opened and will check it out soon. In any case, Woodstock remains more affordable and more fun than more famous antique shops in the area... (which have unfortunately also dwindled down in the past 15 years)
Very nice garden store with everything you may need, and friendly advice.
Sprucedale Gardens Greenhouse & Nursery
20 E Quasset Rd
Very nice garden store with everything you may need, and friendly advice.
Carla Manzi is wonderful at running this business; she single-handedly revived Webster Lake Souvenirs & Memorabilia; our family has been thrilled to find items that had no longer been available for decades. Plus new goodies every year! We go there several times a summer and love bringing friends and family. We never walk out without a new item and use everything with great pleasure!
Webster Lake Gifts
154 Thompson Rd
Carla Manzi is wonderful at running this business; she single-handedly revived Webster Lake Souvenirs & Memorabilia; our family has been thrilled to find items that had no longer been available for decades. Plus new goodies every year! We go there several times a summer and love bringing friends and family. We never walk out without a new item and use everything with great pleasure!
Very nice farm store with seasonal ‘pick-your-own'.
7 locals recommend
Woodstock Orchard
494 CT-169
7 locals recommend
Very nice farm store with seasonal ‘pick-your-own'.
We love their products! A must during your stay at Cedar Ridge for all your dairy needs, and more….
Woodstock Creamery at Valleyside Farm
210 Child Hill Rd
We love their products! A must during your stay at Cedar Ridge for all your dairy needs, and more….
3 times a year Brimfield, MA, morphs into the most expansive antique/flea market in the country, attracting local and out-of-state visitors. Treasures galore, especially if you have the stamina to walk all the fields… If looking for something special, you may want to pay to get to the higher-end exhibitors; but if you’re just browsing, on an open-minded hunt, you’ll probably stumble upon a surprise object just waiting to be yours; in any case, the experience itself is its own reward. 2023 dates: May 9-14; July 11-16; September 5-10.
19 locals recommend
Brimfield Antiques Center
35 Palmer Rd
19 locals recommend
3 times a year Brimfield, MA, morphs into the most expansive antique/flea market in the country, attracting local and out-of-state visitors. Treasures galore, especially if you have the stamina to walk all the fields… If looking for something special, you may want to pay to get to the higher-end exhibitors; but if you’re just browsing, on an open-minded hunt, you’ll probably stumble upon a surprise object just waiting to be yours; in any case, the experience itself is its own reward. 2023 dates: May 9-14; July 11-16; September 5-10.
Absolutely heavenly! Six amazing Historic Greenhouses with a variety or rare plants like no other place around. Their Fern House dates back to 1892 and they have a 150-year old orange tree. You will be amazed to see many exciting plants in our secluded 'Quiet Corner'.
Logee's Greenhouses
141 North St
Absolutely heavenly! Six amazing Historic Greenhouses with a variety or rare plants like no other place around. Their Fern House dates back to 1892 and they have a 150-year old orange tree. You will be amazed to see many exciting plants in our secluded 'Quiet Corner'.
Wonderful holiday decoration and gifts of all sorts!
The Christmas Barn
835 CT-169
Wonderful holiday decoration and gifts of all sorts!
Mackey's is a staple in our town; whether supplies for pets & birds, yards & gardens, or farms- they have it all and they are oh-so-friendly and professional! Definitely worth a visit.
Mackey's Woodstock
Mackey's is a staple in our town; whether supplies for pets & birds, yards & gardens, or farms- they have it all and they are oh-so-friendly and professional! Definitely worth a visit.
A fabulous enterprise filled with friendly, enthusiastic and very professional volunteers. They really help the community and a large area around us, saving and caring for cats of all ages, shapes and forms. If you are looking for a pet, please consider visiting Paws, you will not be disappointed.
Paws Cat Shelter
A fabulous enterprise filled with friendly, enthusiastic and very professional volunteers. They really help the community and a large area around us, saving and caring for cats of all ages, shapes and forms. If you are looking for a pet, please consider visiting Paws, you will not be disappointed.