Local Treasures

Woodstock, Vermont

A bride and groom stroll down a sidewalk in Woodstock.

Cocktail hour at the Woodstock Inn; Photograph by Daria Bishop

Country and city folk alike can’t help but be charmed by this teensy town in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. But Woodstock is more than cute: It’s movie-set gorgeous, from its covered bridges to historic houses to mom-and-pop shops lining Main Street. The heart of the town—and a prime place to throw a wedding bash—is the grand WOODSTOCK INN AND RESORT, fresh from a full renovation (802-457-1100, woodstockinn.com). In addition to plush guest rooms, it proffers a just-opened spa, a par-70 golf course, an outdoor fire pit for marshmallow roasts, and great dining options. In other words, guests will have plenty to do all weekend.

The grounds of the Jackson House Inn.

Low-key couples and smaller wedding parties are welcome at the nearby JACKSON HOUSE INN, a posh 15-room retreat built as a private home in 1890 (802-457-2065, jacksonhouse.com). Its three and a half acres of landscaped grounds and gardens make for great group photos any time of year. Just five miles away in South Woodstock is the 26-room KEDRON VALLEY INN, which was the backdrop for a Budweiser Clydesdale commercial. The lovely property can host receptions big (in an outdoor tent) and small (in the main dining room). After the wedding, stage your own post card moment by going horseback riding, wandering past the property’s pond, or posing in the beautiful gardens (802-457-1473, kedronvalleyinn.com).

The Mangowood restaurant’s open-air terrace.

While Woodstock is quintessential New England, those with a taste for the exotic can book a rehearsal dinner at the Lincoln Inn’s MANGOWOOD restaurant, which blends local ingredients with Asian flavor (802-457-3312, mangowood.com). Head for the outdoor terrace, pour a round of bubbly, and savor the unbeatable views.  D.G.