Woodstock lived up to it’s tagline… it was very unexpected, but in a good way! A weekend in Woodstock was the perfect getaway that Mike and I were looking for while exploring Georgia.
We always look for thriving communities that support local businesses and entrepreneurs, along with fun outdoor activities and unique dining experiences. We only had two short days in Woodstock, but we are already ready to go back and spend a little more time in this wonderful Georgia community.
City Highlights and Overview
- The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta with over 100 stores
- Downtown Woodstock Shopping and Dining District, featuring 20 restaurants and 35 stores.
- Hike or bike the trails at Old Rope Mill Park
- Boat, swim or fish at Lake Allatoona
- The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village
- Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater
- Historic Dixie Speedway
- Reformation Brewery
Our adventure began with a kayaking trip to Toonigh Creek Falls with our guide Murph, owner of Murph’s Surf Shop. The Old Mill Rope Park has new improvements to ensure that everyone can enjoy all that the park has to offer. A new wheelchair ramp will soon be completed that will provide full access to the handicap-able citizens of Woodstock.
As we kayaked along the Little River we took in the beautiful scenery of lush pine trees and sunbathing turtles on the riverbanks. Nearing the end of our mile stretch of river bend we were rewarded by the beautiful Toonigh Creed Falls.
After a beautiful day on the river, we were greeted by a light rain shower as we loaded up on the bus and made our way back to hotel to freshen up for a Italian dinner at Vingenzo’s and a night on the town for the production of “Puffs” at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.
Vingenzo’s transports you to a Italian village, where you dine in the delicious Neapolitan flavors – including wood-fired oven pizza, handmade pastas and mozzarella.
Mike and I fell in love with Micheal Bologna, Chef and owner of Vingenzo’s. We put Vingenzo’s at the top of our list when we visit Woodstock again. With open arms and generous portions, Chef Micheal shared his passion for food, Italian culture and serving the community of Woodstock.
A unique experience that Chef Micheal brings to his loyal customers is the opportunity to travel to Italy together and learn about the inspiration and Italian culture behind his creations. If Mike and I lived in Woodstock, we would be among the “regulars” who would also enjoy traveling the World with Chef Micheal.
Spencer Nix, CEO and Co-founder of Reformation Brewery, has created a relaxed atmosphere to join friends, family and community members and enjoy a local craft beer. Spencer shared with us the values that make his brewery unique – with a pen and paper he mapped out a vision that has proven to be a success in Woodstock. Next week they will celebrate their 6th anniversary with their annual Cadence Fair – live music, local food and brew!
Adding even more charm to Downtown Woodstock, The Woodstock Flower Company provides a pop of color with their Flower Truck parked right outside of Reformation Brewery. The truck is an invitation to freshen up your home with beautiful hand cut flowers.
The Woodstock Flower Truck is available for festivals, events, and parties… they even offer floral workshops and private events!
Rootstock and Vine is a wine, bourbon and tapas bar that I can imagine my girlfriends and I spending Friday evenings winding down from a long work week.
During our visit, we made a special connection with the owners who added a rooftop bar space in addition to creating a beautifully renovated space, which was once the Woodstock post office in the early 1900’s. As Mike finishes up his own renovation of a 100 year old building in Grosebeck, TX, we had lots of questions and even gained a few renovation tips during our visit!
Rootstock and Vine is yet another example of how the Woodstock community is supportive of one another and welcomes guests into the community as if they were family members. We enjoyed many wonderful tapas, prepared by Chef A.J. and sipped a few bubbles and even tried their famous frozen Rose before exploring a few more stops in Downtown Woodstock.
The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market was an excellent example of bringing a taste of Agriculture and rural businesses into the city. From vegetables, fresh flowers, jams, bread, to honey… the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market had a variety of unique vendors who helped raised awareness of the importance of agriculture, while also providing locally grown products to Woodstock community members. Mike purchased home made blueberry jam that we can’t wait to serve at our next brunch!
With six locations in Georgia and one more on the way, Pure Taqueria was refreshing, light and full of unique flavors that reminded us of Baja. The name Pure Taqueria originates from their first location, which was attached to the 1920’s Pure Oil gas station. Although the station was only being used for storage, the owners decided to build a new space while also preserving the historic 1920’s building that inspired the name of Pure Taqueria.
Mike and I loved the causal and relaxed vibe of Pure Taqueria and will definitely make it a priority stop on our next visit to Woodstock.
Life’s short, eat Key Lime Pie for breakfast! Well that’s my motto anyway… but don’t worry you can have your pie by the slice, delivered locally or shipped to your door with the local Pie Bar. If you dine in, I recommend that you enjoy your pie “all the way” with a scoop of ice cream and a signature cup of coffee.
Century House Tavern is centrally located in Downtown Woodstock in the The Hubbard House, which was built in 1894. Chef Stoney (pictured above) greeted our group with hand crafted cocktails and a savory sampling of their farm to table menu. Chef Stoney is a veteran and he has a passion for creating culinary expressions that make your taste buds very happy.
Our weekend in Woodstock was not nearly long enough, but we can’t wait to go back and explore more of the city unexpected! From the wonderful food and drinks to the welcoming community members, Woodstock definitely left us feeling like we should consider relocating to our new found love in Woodstock.
Our experience in Woodstock is exactly why Mike and I love to travel – if you truly immerse yourself into the city you are visiting, the people you meet along the way will change your life and inspire you to do great things in your very own community. We can’t wait to visit our friends again in Woodstock. Thank you Woodstock!
All of the images featured in this story were created and are owned by Mike Satterfield. Although Mike and I were guests of the Woodstock CVB tour of the city, the opinions in this story are mine and they are based on the experiences that Mike and I had on our trip to Woodstock.
