Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.

Woodstock , General info:
10/10

A unique village in New England largely dominated by the Rockefeller family fortune. It is full of historic buildings, small independent businesses and restaurants. It is the only village in the US that you can walk from the village centre straight into a National Park.

Woodstock , Cheap stuff:
10/10

The village is not known for offering anything cheap!

Woodstock , Different stuff:
10/10

Marsh Billings Rockefeller mansion

Woodstock , Food:
10/10

Pane e Salute - 2007 Vermont Hospitality Council restaurant of the year.

Woodstock , Hotels:
10/10

Woodstocker Organic Boutique Inn -

2006 Award - Vermont Hospitality Council - Innkeepers of the year

2006 Award - Vermont Governor's award - Green hotel in Green Mountain State

2007 Award - Top 10 B & B in all US - B&B.com

2007 Award - Guest Favourite BnBFinder.com

Trip Advisor - #1 in Village #2 in entire State

Woodstock , Safety:
10/10

Very safe

Virtually no crime as the population has 11 police for 3000 people.