Visiting the Holiday Market at Bethel Woods

The Winter season is finally here in full force, which always marks an internal shift for me to slowwww down, get cozy, and enjoy being close to home. This year has been no different, with a couple ski days already under my belt and mini road trips to catch up with family. Last week I had the amazing opportunity to head down to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (aka the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival!) with my dad, to experience their 10th annual Holiday Market. 

With three buildings chock full of local food + craft vendors, food trucks, and holiday splendor throughout, the market alone was worth the trip! I managed to sneak a few little stocking stuffer purchases during the course of the day - like loose leaf tea for my mom, and alpaca fleece socks for my dad. Knowing that every purchase came directly from a local source definitely makes them more special! 

Since this was the first time visiting the historic Woodstock site for both myself and my dad, we carved out plenty of time to explore both the grounds and the museum. And WOW. The museum is AMAZING!! My dad and I spent a solid two hours reading through the history, watching all the videos, and sharing stories from the era. Although my dad was too young to experience the festival himself, he still remembered so many events that surrounded it - since he grew up in nearby Hudson Valley while it took place! It was such a great experience to take this trip down memory lane with him, and then to go out and visit the site itself afterward (it's mind boggling how many people fit onto that hillside!). 

At the end of the day, we had to make a visit to Santa, followed up by watching the lighting of the dove! Brought together by great music, history, and local charm, I think it's safe to say this won't be the last visit for either of us. Maybe it will become a new holiday tradition :) 

To learn more about Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, check out their schedule of events + concerts, and plan your own visit, head to their site HERE. 

xo

J.