Alchemy of Woodstock, formerly the Peterson House, is in the Bearsville Theater Complex with the Bear Cafe and the Little Bear.

The house was once owned by Albert Grossman who was the manager for Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band, Peter Paul & Mary, and many many others. This was one of their favorite hangouts.

Alchemy is a coffee house/bookstore with free WiFi that serves as a space for the Woodstock community to celebrate the spirit of creativity. Our menu features healthy comfort food, including coffee, tea, smoothies, all-day fare, including breakfast from 8am until 2pm, and baked goods, at affordable prices (we even have a "starving artists' menu"). We use fresh, organic, locally grown ingredients whenever possible to ensure great taste and support local farmers.

Our book selection features handpicked non-fiction and fiction titles that focus on inspired living and self-expression, and our retail merchandise will highlight the work of local artisans. The café and “living room” areas also serve as gallery space to promote the work of regional artists. We host book and poetry readings, writers’ workshops, and lectures and to offer live acoustic music, with an emphasis on showcasing local musicians. The rooms on the second floor of the house will be available for ongoing workshops and talks.

Alchemy presents only the highest quality music acts including local, regional and national artists. The living room with its wood burning fire place and stained glass windows is the perfect setting for an intimate evening with wonderful acts.

Our hope is that Alchemy will serve as a fun and vibrant gathering place for local residents and tourists alike—a space that encourages creativity, community, consciousness, the free exchange of ideas, and generally, the pursuit of living the best life possible.

We are very excited to breathe new life into a building with such architectural beauty and rich history and to share it with others in a meaningful way. We are here to embrace and build on the magical, creative energy that has come to define Woodstock.