Fodor's Expert Review Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Set on 2,000 acres of gently rolling farmland where the 1969 Woodstock music festival took place—not in the town of Woodstock, 60 miles away—this sprawling complex is what put the Southern Catskills back on the map. It's a gorgeous facility, built of stone and wood. First and foremost there's the 15,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that draws some of the biggest names in the business. The lineup is heavy with classic rock, but more modern names show here, too. The museum tells the story of the momentous music festival and the era that spawned it with lots of colorful exhibits and a wry sense of humor. It's a captivating and, to some, emotional experience combining film and interactive displays, text panels, and artifacts that recreate the unique experience of the original three-day festival. There’s a gift shop here, as well as a decent café.