Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock, Vermont
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By Roger Cox, Editor |
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Flooding caused by Hurricane Irene forced the closure of the Inn, its golf course, and its 10 outdoor courts, though the two indoor courts, while still sporting water stains, have reopened. The inn itself hopes to have recovered sufficiently to begin accepting guests by Oct. 1.
With its gabled roof and location next to the village green, the Woodstock Inn gives the illusion of having occupied that site since early in the town's history. Although 
there was a tavern on this spot as long ago as 1793, the current building dates to 1969, when Laurance S. Rockefeller
—the man behind the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Caneel Bay, among other notable projects—demolished its predecessor and replaced it with a 142-room retreat in classic Vermont style.
At once homey and elegant, it invites plopping down in one of the sofas or chairs facing the cavernous lobby fireplace, strolling through the gardens behind, or grabbing a drink and listening to live music in Richardson's Tavern, which was named for the man who first built on the property. All of that contributes to the pleasure of staying at the inn, but ultimately what sets it apart from its peers is its deep trove of resort amenities, including an expansive Racquet & Fitness Club, an historic 18-hole golf course, and a 10,000-square-foot spa. It may look and feel like and inn but it has the amenities of a resort.
Tennis Features
Pro Shop: 802-456-6656
With six clay and four hard courts outdoors and a pair of hard courts indoors, the Inn has one of the larger tennis facilities in Vermont. They are part of that expansive Racquet & Fitness Club, which is located about a mile from the inn. There tennis players not only have access to courts and a fully stocked pro shop, but to a well-equipped fitness center, indoor lap pool, aerobics facilities, saunas, steam and whirlpools.
Tennis Staff. Nat Woodrow directs the tennis programs. A former NAIA college player, he went on to coach in clubs and resorts, including the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, where he worked with former touring pro Mike Leach. In addition to offering private lessons, Woodrow schedules some sort of clinic or Cardio workout almost daily and customizes instruction packages for groups and teams.
Courts & Fees. There are six clay and four hard courts outdoors and two hard courts indoors.
Other Recreation
Golf Courses. The Inn boasts the oldest golf course in Vermont. It dates to 1895, not long after the original Woodstock Inn was built, but was redesigned in the 1960s by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Set in the scenic Kedron Valley, the 6,000-yar, Par 70 course is riddled with sandtraps and water hazards.
Spa. The newest addition to the Woodstock Inn creature comforts is its 10,000-square-foot spa, a sun-drenched retreat with high-ceilings and abundant windows and Vermont-inspired treatments.
And ... In addition to its other facilities, the fitness center has basketball and volleyball courts. the Woodstock area adds options for biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming while in winter there is downhill and cross-country skiing, the latter in the area behind the fitness center.
Lodging
Recent renovations have the 142 guest rooms and suites looking better than ever, hand-dyed wool blankets, wooden furnishings, and original Vermont artwork, while the suites add fireplaces.
Restaurants
There are several dining options, include the Red Rooster, which emphasizes local ingredients, the Main dining Room, and Richarsdson's Tavern.
See Also
For comparison's sake, also check out:
- The American Club, Wisconsin
- The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
- Meadowood Napa Valley, California
- Topnotch Resort & Spa, Vermont
Rates and Reservations
Rates on request.
14 The Green
Woodstock, VT 05091-1298
Travel Essentials
Seasons. The tennis camp program runs from late May to mid September.
Travel Instructions. The Inn is a 20-minute drive from the municipal airport (LEB) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, which has commuter service from Boston, New York City, and Burlington, VT.
General Tourist Information. Visit the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing website or contact them at 6 Baldwin Street, Drawer 33, Montpelier, VT 05633-1301; Phone 800-VERMONT (800-837-6668).
"We had a wonderful experience, all the way around. We rented a court (great condition) on Saturday for us and our 10 year old son. Then, he (and we) liked it so much, our son "hit with the pro" Nat before we headed back home. The pro Nat Woodrow could not have been any better as an instructor teacher, hitting partner and host. We would go back without hesitation!"—S.S., Int., January 2011
"I took an individual lesson and played the doubles clinic. Both were excellent. Head pro Nat gave me useful technique tips during the lesson. The clinic was challenging and well organized, with plenty of instruction on strategy. Nat's instruction, enthusiasm and organization compare very favorably to the 4 different adult camps I have attended and many pros I have taken lessons from. Nat was also graciously accomodating since I called him with little advance notice. The indoor courts play well. We are going back over the summer to try the clay. "—A.S., Adv., January 2011
""—J.B., Adv. Int., May 2009
""—J.B., Adv. Int., February 2009