A few days in Woodstock, NY + Herwood Inn.

The Christmas hustle was over, winter had truly arrived, and we journeyed west across the state to cross into the Hudson Valley, one of my favorite areas of the northeast, for a little New Year’s Eve getaway. Getting away in the winter is a little like a cluster-you-know-what… all the madness of the holidays is behind you, you’re throwing jackets and hats and snow boots into the trunk of the car holding your breath thinking, “will we even use this stuff? will we even go outside? did I bring enough in case we do?”  Jacket, scarf, and warm jacket… plus ski socks (a true joy when you’re a New Englander, and I mean that)… check.As it was, you know what we really needed? Some family time (missing certain members, of course–there’s the working bunch and then others visiting cousins in Florida), some good food (eating your way across the Hudson Valley–or anywhere–is about the best thing), and a lot of coziness. Yes, we did venture out, but we didn’t need our snow boots to do so. Not to worry, Hudson Valley, Overlook Mountain will be ours next time.We stayed at The Herwood Inn. This is the best little spot, with rooms meeting all your needs, and all the boutique-y touches to make you feel really pampered. Plus it’s a short drive or walk from the downtown of Woodstock, NY. They have these sweet little add-ons like their custom blend of essential oils going in the diffuser in your room, kombucha upon arrival, records from Woodstock (the festival in ’69 was nearby and the idea was born in the town!), a record player, and really comfy beds and linens such that you are not sacrificing a night’s sleep just because you’re away from your normal routine. Oh, and an outdoor hot tub! Ringing in the New Year with Steve, prosecco, and a hot tub just outside our suite was, well, fantastic. Two young women started it and it left me thinking for a second… what am I doing with my life? They nailed it from wall to wall and everything in between.This is Parker setting up for a game of Clue. Games in the room too. You truly wouldn’t need to leave… at all… if that was your choice. And a perfectly fine choice it would be.Even their garland strung with lights just looks straight out of a magazine. Now they’re just showing off.We did leave the inn, and drove up the mountains to come upon this incredible property–a Tibetan Buddhist monastery–that was covered with prayer flags everywhere. Seeing them flying at the mountaintop, against the bleak snow all around was incredible. We also got food twice from this fantastic bakery right in the center of Woodstock. The bread and baked goods were fantastic and plentiful. I got an egg sandwich and a sticky bun, Steve got an egg wrap (his was even better), the boys got egg sandwiches with cheese and bacon.  I made a big pot of soup that we brought with us and ate the first night, and then we got some bread and PB+J. Plus some fruit–I’m nothing without apples on hand at all times–and yogurt. There’s a kitchenette in your room such that you can prep food, or warm up what you have quite easily if you want to stay in and be cozy. The town has a definite “Woodstock was born here” vibe. This store probably providing the most obvious of said vibes. 60s, through and through, they actually had some fantastic shirts, from Led Zeppelin to CCR to the festival itself and, for a music lover, this is a fun stop. The next morning, we went to the famous Phoenicia Diner. There were so many things on the menu I wanted to try, but I stuck with a delicious farmer’s market egg breakfast. Sautéed veggies, and bacon, and potatoes with fried egg on top and sourdough bread (made in house) on the side. Gimme breakfast in my own little cast iron pan any day and I’m a happy woman. If I could’ve brought a book and stayed through the next meal too, that would’ve been amazing. There were some incredible lunch menu items (plus milkshakes). As it was, we got in the car and took off for Hudson. His pancakes were good.Veni, vidi, vici.Hudson is one of my favorite towns I’ve visited in the Hudson Valley. There’s plenty to look at during a day trip, all the shops and restaurants mostly stretched along one main street, and the architecture is amazing. You can tell this place has some history behind it. In more recent years, a lot of people from the city have taken to visiting Hudson Valley on weekends, and you can see its Brooklyn influence. So many awesome shops and restaurants. This one was loaded with Filson goods that Steve would like to have purchased, but we would’ve needed to sell Anders to raise the cash first.Minna is one of my favorites. (I visited it here too!) I would have bought everything. See those red, yellow, and green things in front of Parker? They’re candles!Also, The Quiet Botanist is a new store that I could’ve spent all day in. Smelling and touching all the lotions and potions. But, alas, kids don’t let you spend all day in any place but perhaps an indoor play place this time of year.This incredibly cool furniture store in Hudson would be a dream for someone looking for the perfect piece. A lot of older pieces, and even a few Eames originals.  Then we walked on over to Rivertown Lodge where we had a checkers and water break and where Anders took over as photographer. Above and several of the below by him! Parker just learned checkers and is already playing quite well. I’m both pleased by this and also feeling like, “okay, get your head on straight, Bridget, so you’re not so easily beat by an 8-year old who only just learned to play the game.”My sweater is c/o Sezane. Perhaps the cutest coffee shop I’ve ever seen.Next, we went to The Maker Cafe for drinks and snacks, before we got back into the car for Woodstock. It was a cozy spot with cocktails named after famous old singers. I think I got the Bille for Billie Holiday. Had we had all day, I might’ve tried La Perche next or Fish and Game for dinner. Food Studio is closed each time I’ve been to Hudson, but I’m hoping to go there one day too. I’ve barely scratched the surface of their restaurant scene.  Isn’t Herwood Inn just so lovely? Each room is a little different from the next and so cool. They have this common area called the Commune with baked goods on weekends, coffee, and a bright yellow Smeg fridge full of other goodies that you can have and charge to your room using the iPad. Plus, loads of books.I highly recommend a visit to the Hudson Valley, if it’s not already clear from this post and past posts! And for your cozy place to rest your head after a day’s adventures… Herwood Inn is your spot.

Thank you for the stay, Herwood Inn!