I’ve lived in New England for most of my adult life, and I really thought I had pretty much experienced all it had to offer.
I’ve seen many of our historic monuments, toured our quaint New England towns, sucked down my fair share of chowder, eaten my weight in lobsters, visited Plymouth Rock a bazillion times, and I can name a slew of people that came over on the Mayflower.
That said, I’ve been Vermont ignorant. I’ve not paid too much attention to Vermont over the years because it seemed so far away. Way up yonder.
Too far to schlep all of the kids someplace that was most likely similar to where we already live. Minus the mountains and moose of course.
But let me tell you, that was a mistake. I’ve wasted valuable time. You see, Vermont is a magical place.
The views up here at Stowe are breathtaking. The air so crisp and clean, and there’s just so much to do here that even my video game playing kids were running until they couldn’t run anymore. And that was the most beautiful sight to behold.
It didn’t hurt that we stayed at the spectacular Stowe Mountain Lodge. I’ll be writing a full review over the next few days, but for now I’ll just say that it was luxurious with a side of family friendly.
Something that’s not always easy to pull off. But they did a bang up job making every single one of us thrilled to stay here. More on that later…
The lodge is located right next to the Alpine Slide. And yes, I did go down the mountain on a scooter. There are no pictures to prove this, but you’ll just have to take my word.
What a thrill! I had a blast. As did the kids. They spent hours today going up and down the mountain, and smiling the entire time.
Even Leela was able to ride the slide on her own. I was worried that she would be terrified, but she surprised me by conquering that fear lickety split.
Close to the Alpine Slide, there is an attractions park. All the attractions were do it yourself physically powered amusements like bungee trampolines, kid’s rock climbing wall, and an obstacle course.
Activities that had them moving their little bodies while taking in that fresh mountain air. Usually I have to beg the kids to stay outside and play. Not today.
Actually, I was the one with the biggest issues. My heart was in my throat every time they bounced on this thing. I just smiled at them, but in my head I was having a full on mom panic attack.
Towards late afternoon we took a ride up in a gondola to the top of the mountain. Everyone was pooped, and we pretty much just sat down at the top to take in the scenery.
Why I didn’t visit Vermont sooner is beyond me. The Alpine Slide alone would’ve been enough to warrant a visit. I can’t even begin to tell you how much my kids enjoyed that.
This area is known for skiing, but there’s so much more to do here than that. Hiking trails, fishing, swimming… just tons of stuff to get you moving.
And let’s not forget about eating. Cheese, fresh produce, baked goods, everything maple, cider donuts. Seriously, counting calories is just not worth it here. When in Rome as they say.
We give ten thumbs up for Vermont and every digit we collectively have for the Stowe Mountain Lodge. An incredible mini vacation that we will never forget.
Have you been to Vermont? Ever ride on an Alpine Slide before?
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Never been to Vermont, but it’s on my list of “someday” adventures! Sounds like you guys had an amazing trip! I love the family pic….you have such a beautiful family.
Thank you! I’m pretty smitten with them myself.
I’ve been on that slide before. Back in the day when I wasn’t a scaredy cat. VT is beautiful and only an hour from where I live (upstate NY). My friends moved there 2 years ago so we get to visit them. Alhough the last time we went with them to a microbrew fest. Not too scenic
I’m partial to Bennington, it’s such a quaint little town. We’ve been taking the kids to Killington to ski the past fear years around Christmas. I love Vermont. Glad you and your family had a good time!
Thank you Seana.. I’m so glad you get to enjoy such a beautiful place too. I think I’m going to have to make some friends up there myself. That would certainly be friends with benefits!
We just moved from VT to Texas. You’ve made me homesick! VT really is a wonderful place! The people are so friendly, food is amazing, scenery is breathtaking! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it.
Ok, leaving Vermont must’ve been hard, but moving to Texas is pretty cool. I love visiting my Dad and his wife in Dallas. So much fun and the food is so very yummy!! Not to mention, Texans are pretty friendly too.
You know what’s REALLY funny… I was up in New Hampshire this week. And had planned to visit a Ben & Jerry’s for some ice cream the day you posted about the B&J tour!!
That would’ve been so funny to have run into you at Ben & Jerry’s! It is a small world, after all. Brattleboro is beautiful. And I did see a lot of rustic dwellings up there. I used to love camping in tents, but that was back in the way back. I’m sort of addicted to my flat iron now. If there is no outlet, there is no Melanie.
I have ridden that slide! I used to live in VT, mostly just high school years, but my family still lives there. It is beautiful. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time.
It was awesome Sue. Lucky you to have lived there and also that you still have family there. We had a splendid time and I plan on going back in the fall or winter. I didn’t get much time to poke around the quaint little shops because it was just me and the kids. But when I go up with reinforcements, I totally plan on visiting those sweet little stores!
What a fun trip! I have been thinking about the hubs and I taking a little vacation together. (we have not had a vacation together since our honeymoon 5 years ago) Going to check out your links now.
Angie, it was so lovely. Do check out Stowe. It had so much to offer from shopping to dining to arts and entertainment. SO much to see and do! You won’t be disappointed!
As soon as I saw the first picture I thought “that looks like the Alpine Slide”. I road that slide MANY MANY years ago. My mom and I road together and the slide tipped and we both tumbled off. (Not what you wanna hear) I still have the scar on my elbow as proof! LOL! But we loved it and got right back on!
I bet! I went down at a snail’s pace. You could FLY off that thing if you take the turns fast. My oldest had the BEST time on that thing, but man was that boy flying. I’m surprised he came home with all of his teeth!
I have always wanted to go to Vermont. Perhaps a far color tour is in order… Glad you guys had fun!
The fall would be the best time to go. The leaves are spectacular that time of the year. Not to mention, the cool weather would be just perfect for touring. Also, be sure to check out the covered bridges if that’s your speed. They are so pretty!
I’m so glad to see you up in my old stomping grounds!! I love, love love Vermont! If you ever make it up as far as Burlington, make sure to take a scenic cruise on the lake– the ferry company partners with a local restaurant and does summer concert cruises on the lake (think: ferry minus the cars, plus good food and music), but they also have a nice, big, lunch/brunch/weddings boat- the Northern Lights (you can find them here: http://lakechamplaincruises.com) that is beautiful!! Ahh… I miss that lake! And I miss the fall colors- don’t let anyone fool you- VT has the BEST fall foliage of all of the eastern states (not that I’m biased or anything)…
Is it bad that I’m familiar with the town because of their namesake chocolates? Have you tried Lake Champlain chocolates? Holy yum. They are luscious. Thanks for the link and the tip. I’ll certainly save that info for our next visit!!
We use to visit VT prior to having kids. We enjoyed it but feel our kids are a bit young for what it offers. We tend go to NH for their amusement parks. But once the kids are older VT is on the list for mini vacations in this area.
I’d leave the kids at home with a sitter in a heartbeat if I thought they wouldn’t revolt. Wine tastings, playhouses, music tents, farmer’s markets. Yeah, it’s a beautiful place for adults too. Someday….
You look stunning in that family picture. Just thought you should know!
Awww, thank you. And to think that I was self-concious about putting that picture up. The wind had its way with my hair. I felt like Medusa, lol. But thank you for the compliment.
i LOVED cabot cheese factory….i swore i’d prefer B&Js since i’m an ice cream addict but it was kinda dull and cabot felt more real and less commercial.
We never made it to the Cabot factory, but we did make it to their cheese annex which also had samples. Lots of yumminess there. And I do agree that B&J’s was too commercial.
We have been going to Stowe at least once each year from NJ for almost 15 years, we have been staying at Stowe Mtn Lodge since they opened. LOVE IT!!! We always do late Feb. or early Mar. (they have my just turned 5 year old skiing like a champ) and could not be happier with the small town feel or village experience. If you are looking for a nice place that isn’t as “high end” as the Mountain lodge, the Grey Foxx Inn just down Mountain Rd is a nice little place and has the best breakfasts on the East Coast!
Kellie, I have to tell you that I totally fell in mad love with the Stowe Mountain Lodge. Sure, it’s easy to fall in love with luxury, but it went beyond the obvious. It’s their little details that make it over the top wonderful. You just can’t beat their customer service. Not to mention, there is so much to do right there on the property. There is no reason to leave if you don’t want to. I had a hard time leaving today. Sniff. Lucky you that you get to go every year!! Have you eaten at Pie In The Sky? Amazing pizza!
I went on the Alpine Slide when I was young. It was pricey back then so I can just imagine what it is today. We took our boys up north when they were your girls’ age and they thought the slides were a blast.
Yup, the slide can be very pricey if you pay for individual rides. They run $17 per ride, but we paid about $60 for an all you can ride pass which included the attractions park and the gondola. The kids went on the slide about 16 times, so a huge savings when you look at it that way!
I have never been, but have just added it to my list! What fun!
What fun! I’ve done an Alpine Slide, but not that one. It looks you all had a great time. Your family pic looks great. I’ll have to put Stowe, VT on my list too!
Many years ago, BK, I went to visit my sister in NJ. They have a place there called Action Park, and at the time it had an Alpine Slide. I was scared to death at 30, mind you, to go down. After finding out I had to go down or stay on the mountain forever, I did it. And then I went down it about another 30 times. Great fun!!!
Haven’t been to Vermont in years, but I vow to go again. I want to take the Cabot Cheese tour. Not really sure if it is anywhere near where you were. Vermont is a pretty big state.
Look like your family had a great time.
Awesome! I’ll have to think about going next year! What a neat trip.
I grew up in Lebanon, NH – so of course I’ve been to Vermont!! Haven’t been on an Alpine slide in many years and I really need to get my hubby on one. I bet he’d love it! Thanks for the reminder.