The Stowe Experience–Part 5

After our Mt. Mansfield hike/climb, we felt the need, as we often do following such an athletic achievement, to treat ourselves to a delicious meal. While there were many wonderful dining options from which to choose, more than 45, in this small town of just over 4000 residents, the obvious choice for our family was the Trapp Family Lodge. Together we have watched “The Sound of Music” at least twice a year for the past 10 years. We were not about to leave Stowe without paying a visit to the place this Austrian family had settled upon arriving in America. And to visit without partaking of a great gourmet meal was unthinkable!

We initially visited earlier in the day to see the lodge and make a dinner reservation. There are several dining options available: the Main Dining Room, the Slayton Pasture Cabin, the Lounge with a more casual atmosphere and the newest delibakery. As it is a quality gourmet restaurant, reservations are recommended for the Main Dining Room where we chose to dine. We also needed o pay a visit to our camper before diner to make a few adjustments to our wardrobe so we were properly attired for the occasion. This was a bit of a challenge, as we tend to be very casual when camping, but not impossible!

In selecting our meals, we each stayed true to form: I opted for shrimp and scallops, Ryan, ever the seafood aficionado, selected Sea Bass, while Terry chose his more traditional pork (I am not crazy about pork, myself, so he doesn’t get much of it at home!) and Meg, her usual chicken entrée. Each was superb and I must say, this was the best meal we enjoyed on our entire two-week trip!

After dinner, we stuck around to tour the historic Alpine Lodge with its 96 rooms available in a variety of price ranges, and walk among the beautiful gardens on the grounds. Other lodging options include the cozy 100 room guest cottage and 3 bedroom villas. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, it is easy to see why the von Trapp family was reminded of the Austrian Alps when seeing the area for the first time.

Literature available at the Lodge and Hotel included a schedule of events occurring throughout the year. There is an onsite Brewery offering a variety of events, as well as occasional wine tastings held for guests. Of particular note were the concerts scheduled at the lodge on regular occasions during the summer and at other times during the year. Our schedule did not permit us to attend any of the events that year but maybe when we head back for that fall trip…

For those interested in more information about the Trapp Family Lodge, check out their website at www.trappfamily.com and for those interested in more about camping in Vermont, check out Vermont camping and things to do in Vermont.