Woodstock (population 3,398) is a very pretty town in central Vermont, just 20 miles east of Rutland via US-4. Well-maintained Federal-style houses circle the village green. There are boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

It is a pleasant place to take a stroll year-round. The Rockefeller family and George Perkins Marsh (the primary initiator of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC) were deeply involved in the planning, historic preservation, and conservation in the area.

There is an annual winter carnival with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing demonstrations, guided tours, and games for children.

The Raptor Center of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a non-profit center for education and research. There are 26 different species of birds of prey on show, including the magnificent bald eagle and peregrine falcon. Many of the birds were brought here for care after an injury. There are 77 acres of nature preserve here with self-guided walking trails throughout.

Dana House, built in about 1807, is home to the Woodstock Historical Society. Exhibits include an elegant sleigh, furniture, the town’s charter, maps, paintings, and some silver.

Billings Farm, in Woodstock, is a living museum. It was first established in 1871 with cows imported from the Jersey Islands. It is an operational dairy farm, which also has a museum with photographs and a film on the history of the farm. Self-guided tours are also available on which visitors can see the restored farmhouse, built in 1890.

The ski area, Suicide Six, boasts the first ski tow in the United States; it was opened in 1934. There are several runs here for the adventurous skier, though the vertical drop is only 650 feet. There are 22 trails and two double chair lifts. There is an area for snowboarders with a half pipe. The Ski Touring Center has 37 miles of cross-country skiing trails, and provides rental equipment, as well as lessons.

Rutland is the nearest center and has an airport. Woodstock is serviced by trains and buses.