We recently spent the most unexpected, loveliest weekend in Stowe, Vermont. The seven + hour journey took us a long time to get there (it was a busy Friday summer afternoon coming from NY, to be expected), but it was completely worthwhile. Vermont has been on my list of best places to visit for a New Yorker for some time, ever since our visits to Essex Culinary Resort and Lake Morey Resort last summer. I love the state’s rolling mountains, fresh air, laid back aura and depth of outdoors activities.
Our destination was Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and it was everything we were hoping for in a family getaway: comfort, lovely service, good food, plenty to do and easy access to Stowe’s village. The weekend was full of something for everyone in my family – from a 10 mile bike ride to a classic auto show to gorgeous meals to a luxurious spa treatment in the resort’s award-winning spa to family swims in the indoor and outdoor pools to family time in the game room.
Needless to say, it was a special weekend.
The resort is family-run and its members take great pride in the resort. Every which way we looked, we had a member of staff making sure we didn’t need anything. Our room was cozy and spacious and had a luxurious yet classic feel with an armoire, gas fireplace and leather armchairs. We all agreed that it was one of the most comfortable nights we’ve ever spent in a hotel. After a day of fun, we all sprawled out on the floor and played games. I was reminded that I need to do more of that at home!
We were only there one full day so we needed to be judicious in our activity choices. We opted for a bike ride on the nearby recreational path. The 5.3-mile paved bike path starts in Stowe Village, winds its way through forests and meadows, and crosses the West Branch River 11 times on arched wooden bridges. We spent time in the indoor and outdoor pools, game room, meditation garden – yes, you heard me. They have a gorgeous garden full of flowers and edible plants. After we were advised us that the blueberries were edible, my son went crazy, grabbed the ice bucket, filled it up and had a blueberry feast. He proclaimed the resort as one of the best after that (but the next day he opted out of having any blueberries for fear of turning blue!)
I was fortunate that we were around for the annual classic auto show. All weekend we witnessed classic cars from the turn of the century riding through town. The hotel is just 1.7 miles from the main part of the town, where you’ll find art, jewelry, nationally recognized crafts, handcrafted furniture, award-winning specialty foods, clothing, and sports equipment. We spent time there on Saturday night at a street dance in lieu of the auto show, which was quite unique. We also had an emergency run there upon arrival when my 10 YO realized he’d forgotten to pack underwear. Shaw’s General Store saved the day.
My favorite part of the weekend had to be the few hours I spent at the Spa, where I had a glorious treatment and spent time luxuriating under the Bingham Falls cascading waterfall, soaking in the hot tub and burning fat in the steam room. With a choice from over 150 treatments created with indigenous products, I selected the 80-minute Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish. It was literally heaven on earth.
We ate all of our meals at the resort. We had breakfast in the main dining room at Charlie B’s, which offered a wide variety of scrumptious items from blueberry pancakes to whole wheat French toast to lox on a bagel to egg white omelets to a granola parfait. Lunch was spent poolside with healthy salads, soup, turkey burgers and hummus plates. We were back at Charlie B’s for dinner, a menu comprised of various cuisine at various prices. We sampled their basil sear salmon, Vermont pasta & cheese, lemon pepper chicken and marinated Portobello napoleon. By the second night, the place had become quite familiar to us and it was a pleasure to return.
As much as I love traveling with my family, I could see a visit to Stoweflake with my mother or a group of girlfriends in the future. I’d like to return to the spa, do some hiking, go out drinking in the village and just chill.
Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary lodging and meals to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.
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What a lovely vacation weekend. We try to go to Stowe every year around the Holidays. It sounds like this a lovely time of year to try it–and the resort sounds wonderful.