The Ultimate Vacation Experience
Vermont may pop into the minds of some vacationers when seeking skiing, but those who only visit the state in winter may not realize what they’re missing with festive summer activities happening now at Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa.
Winter snow hides much of what New Englanders already know about summer here. With seasonal activities in Stowe, Vermont, the resort’s world-class full-service spa is a retreat for those basking in cooler temperatures up north. Stowe is considered the legendary Ski Capital of the East and is home to Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Located in the heart of Stowe the resort hosts events such as The Vermont Renaissance Festival, Craft Brew Festival, and Fly Fishing Show. For more than 50 years the Baraw family has taken pleasure in sharing their passion for Vermont with multigenerational family fun.
Stoweflake is set against the backdrop of the majestic Green Mountains with easy proximity to the historic village and Stowe ski area. Here guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art sports & wellness center.
At the spa, guests can indulge in several wellness programs, spa treatments, therapeutic treatments, and salon services. The spa is ideal for those looking to nurse health issues where over 150 signature healing and anti-aging remedies are available. The Bingham Hydrotherapy Waterfalls and Hungarian Mineral Soaking Pool are the stand out amenities here, along with the heated outdoor whirlpool which makes for an interesting, relaxing experience in winter.
The resort is a popular choice for hosting weddings providing something for the entire wedding party when it comes to large-scale affairs. The Pinnacle Ballroom boasts impressive spectacular mountain views. Its lofty 12-foot ceilings and elegant flexible space can accommodate for formal dinners and buffets for up to 400 guests. The sunny Atrium is enchanting with it’s soaring walls of glass overlooking lush lawns and colorful gardens. Then there are there is the courtyard that when in season, beckons for tented events that make for a romantic setting day or night.
Stoweflake is a AAA four-diamond resort. Its spectacular grounds feature groomed trails for hiking and biking. Fitness junkies can enjoy the Cyber fitness center, squash/racquetball court, spinning studio or the yoga/aerobic studio. In winter you can take on the outdoor challenge of snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on the grounds.
The atmosphere at Charlie B’s Pub & Restaurant will conjure up childhood memories of simple dining, with a decor that would take some back to 1960s. The walls are lined with Baraw family ski memorabilia. The menu is inspired by the fresh flavors of Vermont with regional produce and locally raised meats. Surely you will want to try the maple syrup with waffles and have an omelet made just the way you like it upon request by the chef.The Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight July 8 – 10 with over 25 hot-air balloons featured. Guests can watch the launches from the beer and wine garden or take part in a number of activities. Admission is $10 with kids age 12 and under admitted free.
Come fall, Stoweflake entices leaf peepers with lively outdoor events. Stoweflake’s own trails, ablaze with color, and fall is an ideal time for hiking and mountain biking. Past resort fall events have included the British Invasion Automobile Show, Stowe Oktoberfest, the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival and the Vermont pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival.
Come back in winter for October Siberians sled dog adventures in Waterbury. There are two-hour tours at Little River State Park and 20-minute evening rides at the resort. For more information visit www.octobersiberians.com For ice cream enthusiasts, take the Ben & Jerry Factory Tour just minutes aways in Waterbury. For information visit www.benjerry.com. Another notable place you may want to visit while in the Stowe area is Cider Mill known for its legendary cider donuts where you can get free cider samples.
For more information and to book your reservation at Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa visit www.stoweflake.com.
– Photos Courtesy of Stowe Area Association
CRAFT BREW TOUR
Besides Vermont being home to the country’s highest concentration of sugar maple trees it’s also has more craft breweries per capita than any other state!
Stowe, Vermont is fortunate to have several amazing microbreweries all within a short drive and 4 Points owner/operator Rick Sokoloff is more than happy to take visitors on his brewery tour to many of them.
Sokoloff makes the rounds in a passenger van sharing his knowledge of the local brewery industry. The tour is quite long, so be prepared to spend much of the day and have a thirst for drinking, for each stop usually takes on a flight of 5 – 7 beers for tasting. Stops can include visits to Rock Art, Lost Nation, Crop, Trapps, Prohibition Pig, Reservoir, Craft Beer Cellar, Hill Farmstead, Switchback and Alchemist.
The Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa in Stowe is enticing visitors from around the country with its new Alchemist brewing location now under construction slated to open adjacent to the property.
Tours are available as an independent tour or in conjunction with a mountain bike tour. Custom tours to other Vermont breweries are also available.
Two tour packages are available: the $89 package for a minimum of four people per trip includes a visit to 3-4 breweries and includes a flight of beer at each brewery, a local guide, snacks and appetizers and pick up and drop off at your location in Stowe. The $189 package also for a minimum of four people includes all offered in the $89 package plus a 3-hour guided mountain bike tour with instructor.
Must be over age 21.
To schedule brewery tour visit www.4pointsvt.com
