My Favorite Place: Stowe, Vermont
One of my favorite places to travel to is Stowe, Vermont. In winter. And specifically, the Trapp Family Lodge. I’ve been there many, many times. I used to go for the cross-country skiing when I still lived in New York. But since I’ve been in NC, when I visit I stay at the lodge. The Trapp Family Lodge was started and still run by the Von Trapp family (of Sound of Music fame). The lodge and food are highly Austrian influenced so it feels a little like being in Europe.
Outdoor activities
One of the highlights of any trip to Trapp is to snowshoe to the cabin which is about 3 miles from the Outdoor Center. It’s an uphill trek that winds its way through the woods. At the cabin you are rewarded with tables and benches, a blazing fireplace, and a place to buy soup, sandwiches, snacks and drinks (I love the hot apple cider). The return trip is easier of course since it’s mostly downhill. You can also cross-country ski to the cabin on a mix of intermediate and expert trails.
I love Trapp for the convenience to their extensive network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails; these are based at the Outdoor Center which is next door to the Lodge. You can rent equipment and get trail passes from one of the friendly experts who work there. Some of the packages to the lodge include the equipment and passes. There are also other nearby trails in Stowe. If you prefer downhill skiing or snowboarding there’s nearby Stowe Mountain.
Other things to do
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, or if you don’t want go skiing or snowshoeing, hotel guests can enjoy the Exercise Center across the street from the lodge. There’s a fitness room, sauna, indoor pool, and a small spa that offers massages. Not to be missed is the outdoor hot tub with its views of the Green Mountains. The Lodge also has other activities like a visit to their brewery, wine tastings, activities for kids (or grandkids) and lots more.
Or you can drive into the charming towns of Stowe and nearby Waterbury (home to Ben and Jerry ice cream) with lots of shops and restaurants. Some of my favorites in Stowe are Stowe Mercantile, and The Whip (check out their homemade New England Corn Chowder with honey oat bread!). The Whip is based at the historic Green Mountain Inn which is also a nice place to stay though I found our room at the front noisy from the traffic. Waterbury Center is another good place to stop with several good shops including Cabot Creamery and Lake Champlain Chocolates (which also has stores and cafes in Stowe and Burlington). Speaking of Burlington, this very pretty city on Lake Champlain is also worth a visit and if you fly to Vermont you will go through there anyway.
Looking for more suggestions of things to do?
Check out New England Wanderlust/Vermont for more suggestions of things to do and places to stay in Vermont.
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