Elegant Alpine Lodge Nestled in Wooded Enclave

Two preserved maples stand sentry at the entrance to Stowehof Inn & Resort in Stowe, Vermont. The trees were transferred from the woodlands of the surrounding Green Mountains and integrated into the inn's structure, creating a sense of outside melting into inside. That sensibility permeates the atmosphere of the place, where skiers, hikers, and bikers revel in the rolling topography before retiring to the cozy common room and well-appointed guest rooms.

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. Though the menu changes more often than an award-show hostess, typical entrees include seared trout, mushroom ravioli, and chicken provençal. 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. Sunken fireplaces warm the vast communal living room, which is dotted with peaceful nooks for reading books from the substantial library or settling an inheritance dispute over a board game. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the resort's small pond, outdoor pool, and, in the distance, Mount Mansfield—one of the tallest peaks in Vermont.

Stowe, Vermont: Mountain Community Flush with Outdoor Adventure

The quaint town of Stowe is nestled in the quiet countryside of northern Vermont. State law bans billboards, ensuring unobstructed views of the maples and pines covering the Green Mountains along the roadways. 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 Recreation Path, a paved 5.5-mile-long 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. Visitors 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.