When you think Woodstock, you probably think more rock concert than rock sculptures, but long before the 1969 love fest, artistic minded folks have been having a love affair with the area. And this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, the only intact arts and crafts colony left in America, responsible for the now highly-collectible handmade Byrdcliffe pieces.

Located on 300 wooded acres, the colony is made up of 35 arts and crafts cottages, studios and workshops, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To mark its centennial this summer, there is a major exhibition of furniture, crafts and fine arts displayed at White Pines, the historic home of Byrdcliffe founder Ralph Whitehead and his wife.

White Pines is only open on Sundays and the free walking tours of the buildings are on Sundays as well. While most of the events take place on the weekend, there is an outdoor sculpture exhibit that can be visited any day of the week and several galleries on Tinker Street are part of the special exhibition. If you opt to make your visit a mini-vacation, one of the loveliest bed and breakfasts in the area is the Victorian-style White Rose Inn with its ultra romantic furnishings and floral carpets.

Woodstock is just a couple of hours drive north of Manhattan on the New York State Thruway, off exit 19 in Kingston. If you prefer the bus, take Adirondack Trailways from Port Authority for $$42 roundtrip. It drops you off on Tinker Street. Call (800) 858-8555.

For a complete listing of centennial events at Byrdcliffe, log onto www.woodstock.org.

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How here's a "D’Elia Deal" you don't want to miss at the Wild Rose Inn. Stay two nights from Sunday through Thursday and get a third night free. Not valid on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend stays are eligible for a $$25 discount. Tell them Val sent you. Log onto www/thewildroseinn.com.

--Valarie D'Elia
D'Elia Travel Productions
www.travelwithval.com