This year the world has seen a lot of tragedy. We all need to take a moment to reflect and relax. So on a light note, this spring and summer, I intend on visiting Woodstock, NY with a good friend. We will be dropping in on a few of my favorite stores.

If you're planning a day in town, I recommend these stores:

Mirabai - "At Mirabai you'll find an amazing array of books devoted to inspiration, transformation and healing, the best in World Music which you can sample on our listening station, exquisite statuary and jewelry from Asia and the South Seas, crystals from Brazil and beyond, incense from India, meditation and yoga supplies, and so much more. Nearly every day, new and long-time customers comment on the "good energy" they feel here. Some refer to us a sanctuary for the soul. Come visit sometime and see if you agree." 23 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY Open Daily 11-7

Pondicherry- "Pondicherry is a retail gift shop on the Woodstock Village Green founded by Julian Lines. They sell handicrafts from the international community of Auroville , along with yoga related clothing, books and music. Many oftheir clothes are made from hemp and organic cotton. Some oftheir suppliers include: Of the Earth, Blue Canoe, Pantropic. Indigenous Design and GAIAM. They're located on the Village Green at the center of Woodstock, NY." 12 Tinker Street, Woodstock NY

Birch Tree (natural & flax clothing)- "Birchtree Fashions for Women began in 1980 as a small boutique in the heart of Woodstock, New York.Like our town, we at Birchtree Fashions are unique, full of good energy, wisdom, and love. We carry sizes from extra small to generous. Some of the fashion collections we carry in our store are: Ahujason Shawls, Anna Shoub Hats, Avalin Sweaters, Beyond Threads, BKg Sweaters, Bryn Walker Clothing, EG Smith Socks, FLAX Designs, Gerties Clothes, Gloria Thronton Pants, Habitat Clothing, Iridium Apparel, Jag Jeans, Lee Andersen, Lunn (a division of Lilith), Margaret Winters Sweaters, Mycra Pac Coats, Ozone Socks, Ronen Chen Fashions, Rose-line Simon Jewelry, URU Clothing and many more."6 Tannery Brook Road, Woodstock, NY

As with every visit to Woodstock, we go to the Garden Cafe On The Green for lunch and after an afternoon of shopping, will pop back in for tea and sample their wonderful desserts. 

"You won't miss chicken or beef here when you're reading entrees like pecan tempeh with Tuscan farro pilaf, roasted root vegetables, a sugar dumpling squash wedge and sauteed greens, or butternut squash risotto cakes with sage and pine nuts sauce, garlic and rosemary white beans, roasted cauliflower and vegetables, and so many more mouth watering dishes! Using local produce and farm products, you can also find delicious desserts such as dairy free ice cream made from cashews, seasonal pies sweetened with maple syrup, and more! Everything is fresh and organic!" 6 Old Forge Road, Woodstock, NY. They are open 11:30 am to 9 pm, closed on Tuesdays.