Look beyond the kitschy, tie-dye-laden head shops and weekend tourist jams, and you’ll find this hippie haven has real heart. Pulling from its longstanding tradition as an arts colony (beginning with the still-running Byrdcliffe Arts Colony back in 1902) and strong spirit of tolerance, laid-back Woodstock brims with diversions aplenty: eclectic shops, live music venues, art institutions, and mighty mountain environs that foster Zen-seeking and adventures in the great outdoors. All you need to bring is the peace and love.
In its heyday in the 1970s, the Joyous Lake in downtown Woodstock was the hottest club around, playing host to the likes of the Rolling Stones, The Band, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt and Paul Butterfield. Now, more than 15 years after the legendary rock ’n’ roll dive bar (and macrobiotic café) shut its doors, these hallowed — and now fully gutted and renovated — halls hold a popular new restaurant called Silvia.
One of the Catskills' greatest claims to fame is its outstanding fly fishing. With an endless supply of lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, streams, and creeks in which to cast a line, it's no wonder fly fishing has a rich history among this beautiful landscape.
Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early 80s, the Phoenicia Diner has a long history of serving customers who are drawn to the Catskill’s natural beauty. The menu is carefully crafted to offer traditional diner favorites, sometimes with a modern twist, using seasonal and local fresh ingredients.