VermontVacation.com 7 THE ESSEX RESORT AND SPA Essex The Essex Resort and Spa is the premier destination for culinary arts in Vermont. From the moment you enter the lobby café to check-in at the front desk flanked by cases of baked goods, your appetite and your senses will be hungry for more. The culinarythemed guest rooms feature décor inspired by the textures and colors of food. The two on-site restaurants, Junction and The Tavern, showcase local foods, Vermont beers, and cocktails crafted with local distilleries. An AAA Four Diamond and Wine Spectator Award certified restaurant, the Junction is a true interactive restaurant, featuring an open kitchen for a behind-the-scenes experience of the dishes being created. The seasonal menu showcases ingredients as local as the resort’s own organic vegetable and herb gardens. For a more casual dining experience, head next door to The Tavern to enjoy a pub menu featuring the same local ingredients and attention to detail. To truly immerse yourself in this culinary destination, take a class at Cook Academy for up-close instruction with culinary professionals. The variety of courses offers something for everyone, including basic techniques, simple menus, kids’ and multi-recipe classes. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention, so you’ll walk away with new skills, recipes and inspiration. INSIDER TIP: When exploring the resort’s herb and vegetable gardens, be sure to say hello to Penelope and Stewart, their Nigerian Dwarf Goats. THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK Stowe Located at the base of Mt. Mansfield and Stowe Mountain Resort, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is Vermont’s only ski-in, ski-out luxury lodging destination. Surrounded by over 2,000 acres of preserved mountain wilderness, visitors will find themselves distant from crowds and close to nature. Enjoy curated outdoor adventures, with year-round recreation and activities for all ages - a guest experience designed to connect you with the mountain. Guests can immerse themselves in a farm-fresh culinary scene with course after course of mouthwatering fare at one of the two signature restaurants. At Tipsy Trout, premium seafood is paired with a culinary approach that is uniquely Vermont. Featuring Vermont’s best raw bar, this cocktail-forward, seafood rich menu highlights coastal-inspired entrees and unique wine offerings. Serving breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner, Alpine Hall celebrates Vermont mountain culture, bringing together the work of the region’s best growers, farmers, makers, and artisans. Chef Sean Blomgren and his team serve a simple yet highly elevated menu combining the best ingredients and hand-crafted techniques. The vibrant Village Center at Spruce Peak offers more casual dining experiences, but with the same attention to fresh and local. Check out The Pantry & Beanery for a great breakfast and grab-n-go meal options, and shop a wide selection of grocery items, gifts, Vermont craft beer, and a curated selection of wine. Take a stroll through the Village before or after dinner to take in the sights, do some window shopping, and savor a sweet treat. INSIDER TIP: For the best après ski experience, make a reservation at the outdoor Spruce Peak Village Pergolas, or stop by the WhistlePig Pavilion in the heart of the Village. Vermont hospitality has a rich history and a strong connection to community. Country inns, picturesque B&Bs, lavish hotels, and unforgettable resorts offer world-class hospitality, immersive experiences, and luxurious accommodations. Sleep and eat well at these five lodging destinations serving up cuisine that will surprise and delight. PHOTOS COURTESY OF: FOUR COLUMNS INN (TOP R, TOP L) ANDERSON JAMES (TOP M, MIDDLE L) THE ESSEX RESORT & SPA (MIDDLE R, BOTTOM)
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