Aerial view of the Stowe Mountain Lodge with Spruce Peak in the background.
LEAF of ABSENCE
Stowe is the place to go for a breath of fresh air in any season Written by John Robinson With 40% of its 75 square-miles designated as conservation land open to the public for recreation, a thriving 19th century village at the heart of town, dramatic mountain scenery, an emphasis on all things produced locally, a full and diverse yearly calendar of special events well attended by the community’s 5,000 friendly residents as well visitors (close to one million annually), the rural two-stoplight town of Stowe, Vermont embodies the definition of idyllic. Tops among the 50-odd lodging options found at this desirable destination, the 300-room Stowe Mountain Lodge, unveiled by Destination Hotels in 2008 as part of a $400,000,000 expansion of the Stowe Mountain Resort, is the ideal match for travelers looking for an upscale, yet relaxed environment to experience the best the region has to offer in all four seasons. Accommodations range in size from a 450-square-
foot classic room to a two-floor, 2,875-square-foot “Front Four” residence. One thing is for certain: you will never find yourself at a loss for things to do. A sampling of the world-class activities available to guests encompasses an exclusive 18-hole Bob Cuppdesigned mountain golf course that reaches elevations in excess of 1,800 feet, and was ranked as the #1 Golf Resort in the Northern United States in a Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Poll; slope side access to 100 trails that comprise what is arguably the most legendary ski terrain in the East; a state-of-the-art 21,000 squarefoot spa and wellness center; casual and upscale dining options focused on innovative farm-to-table techniques; and, an in-house recreation team leading personalized activities that vary in scope and intensity from a furniture building workshop with local artisans to kayaking and mountain biking.
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