Mountain Lodge in Wooded Enclave

Two preserved maples stand at the entrance to Stowehof Inn & Resort in northern Vermont. Transferred from the woodlands of the surrounding Green Mountains, the trees have been integrated into the inn's structure, creating a sense of outside blending into inside. That sensibility permeates the place, attracting outdoor enthusiasts who revel in the rolling topography before retiring to well-appointed guest rooms. It’s the kind of setting that draws visitors back for repeat visits—a quality that earned the inn a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list](http://gr.pn/11IPBeg) of hotels with “die-hard family followings.” The resort is also just five miles from Stowe Mountain Resort, where summer visitors can play golf, ride the gondola, or take the toll road up to the summit of Mount Mansfield. Stowehof's in-house restaurant, Emily's, serves upscale contemporary fare in an elegant dining room with exposed wooden beams and a wall of windows showcasing the property. As part of this deal, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner that includes a bowl of soup or a salad, a choice of entree, and a dessert. Though the menu changes more often than an award-show hostess, past offerings have included foie gras strudel, seared trout, and braised rabbit (note that Emily’s is closed Monday through Wednesday. In the morning, the chefs at Emily's prepare a hearty breakfast buffet comprised of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Dark woods, a gabled rooftop, and carved balconies imbue Stowehof Inn & Resort with the feel of an alpine chalet. The vast communal living room is dotted with peaceful nooks for reading books from the substantial library or playing a board game. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the resort's small pond, outdoor pool, and, in the distance, Mount Mansfield—one of Vermont’s tallest peaks.

Stowe, Vermont: Mountain Community with Year-Round Outdoor Fun

The quaint town of Stowe is nestled in northern Vermont’s quiet countryside. State law bans billboards, ensuring unobstructed views of the maples and pines covering the Green Mountains along the roadways. Stowe Mountain Resort is one of the area’s biggest draws. In the summer, the mountain’s downhill-skiing trails open up to hikers and scenic gondola rides. About a half mile west of Stowehof, you can rent bikes, mountain boards, and motorized mountain goats at Pinnacle Ski and Sports to explore the Stowe Recreation Path, a paved 5.5-mile avenue that winds past sparkling brooks and through Stowe's main commercial strip. The strip is lined with independent shops, roadside restaurants, and virtually no chain franchises. Like the sun's light or a toddler's interest in physics, the bustle of downtown evaporates by 10 p.m. The nearby town of Waterbury is home to the headquarters of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. You can watch as machinery zips the famous pints from one end of the facility to the other during a factory tour, which ends with a sampling of the flavor of the day.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.