Ron H.
Yelp
A sincere wanderlust has thrived in our family for fifty plus years. We have visited all 50 states, all Canadian provinces, Mexico, Central America, Eastern and Western Europe, and China. Often our condo exchanges have provided an excellent home away from home. With nearly 400 condo exchanges (or using our own ten weeks), we have carefully studied amenities, reviews, and other variables in selecting the unknown. Given all of these years, we can count the number of poor exchanges on one hand.
New England is a distinct geographic area of the U.S., and New England provides several unique subcultures and mindsets while visiting with the citizens of the small towns and the larger cities. This region is truly a four-season destination, and this article will focus on the Trapp Family Guest House (700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672,802-253-8511.) Today a second Trapp property exists: The Villas at Trapp Family Lodge (P.O. Box 1428, Stowe, VT 05672,802-253-8511.)
Americans of my generation are familiar with the Von Trapp family who emigrated from Austria in the U.S. shortly following the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938. While there is a good deal of history concerning the family, many Americans are familiar with "The Sound of Music," which originally opened as a Broadway musical in 1959 starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel. However, Julie Andrews starred as Maria in the 1965 academy award winning film that brought national acclaim to the Von Trapps, who by this time were known as the Trapp family. The family actually located in Stowe, Vermont in 1950. The original lodge featured an Austrian theme, and the time-shares were added later. Several members of the family still own the enterprise. The Trapp Family Lodge is a 2,400 acre setting for the nature enthusiast.
The Trapp Family Guest House is about one and one-half hours from Killington, VT., the largest ski area in the east. However, there are several alpine and Nordic ski centers within a short drive from the Trapp Family Guest House.
Obviously an automobile or SUV is necessary to enjoy the Trapp Family Guest House and environment. The check-in procedure is simply. There are no high-pressure sales pretensions. The original lodge, dining room, and amenities are available to all guests.
The Trapp Family Guest House reminds us of our several trips to Austria. The condos are aging, but well maintained and well appointed. A family, couple, or set of friends will find a nice kitchen, comfortable living room and spacious bedrooms. Interval International has awarded this property five stars for years. This means that only select properties may be considered for trade into the Trapp Family Guest House.
When is the best season to visit the Trapp Family Guest House? Winter, of course for the great skiing. Unless one enjoys the epiphinany of spring or the enrapturement of the Green Mountains in the summer, or unless one must view the ardent fall colors of Vermont. Ideally, one will holiday at the Trapp Family Guest House during all four seasons.
I have often expressed my resilient love of the outdoors; my wife enjoys the outdoors, but she also is an avowed shopaholic. The sensitive resolution is to spend some time in Stowe and the many towns and villages that have been designed to appease the shopaholic. If properly planned, there are nearby trails to explore and timing will permit a rendezvous for lunch and dinner.
A visit to Stowe's website provides links to the following: Alpine Slide, Biking,
Bungee, Trampoline, Canoeing & Kayaking, Carriage & Wagon Rides
Cross Country Skiing, Dogsledding & Dogcarting, Fishing, Golf, Gondola,
Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Ice Skating, Recreation Path,
Scenic Drives, Sleigh Rides, Skiing & Snowboarding, Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing, Soaring, Swimming, Tennis, Winter Equipment Rentals, and
Wineries. Truly, only the most inept husband could possibly not be creative enough to provide entertainment for his wife. Restaurants abound, and of course the home of Ben and Jerry's is nearby.
The Trapp Family Guest House provides a splendid vacation. It is well worth reading some Austrian history, and renting the "Sound of Music" on DVD prior to the trip. The Trapp Family Guest House is an American success story. The Yankees of Vermont have devised many methods to entertain and to provide recreation. The Trapp Family Guest House will provide the basis for a cherished holiday.