SPECIAL EDITION: SKI STOWE

With the experts at the Farmer’s Almanac predicting a Vermont winter that will require lots of shoveling, we are turning our thoughts to the slopes of Stowe. We rounded up where to stay, eat, shop and most importantly where to après ski. I mean, let’s face it, one can argue that where we après is just as essential to a ski vacation as snow itself. The details below —

Photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain

Photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain

STAY

THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK: Centered at the base of Mount Mansfield, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a premier destination in its’ own right. This luxury alpine style resort provides unparalleled hospitality and is the only ski-in, ski-out lodging in New England. Serving as a playground for the discerning traveler, the lodge offers guests the option of over 350 guest rooms and suites, private and club 2-5 bedroom residences and mountain cabins. On property there are 4 dining options, a kids club, ice skating rink, adventure center, outdoor heated pool, spa, game room and nightly s'mores by the bonfire. Winter wonder off the 116 trails includes snowmobiling, dog sledding, horseback riding, ice climbing and snowshoeing.

MAPPS X THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK: Special nightly rates, complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability, complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people per bedroom and a $100 food and beverage credit.

GETTING HERE: 6 hours from New York City by car, 3 hours from Boston by car or 25 minutes from Morrisville-Stowe State Airport by car.

EAT

Harrison’s: Cozy tavern with a heated patio serving homestyle American grub with creative local twists.

Hen of the Wood: Chef Eric Warnstedt is the genius behind Vermont’s award-winning culinary masterpiece. Seven James Beard nominations, beautiful farm fresh fare, legendary wines and seamless service.

Prohibition Pig: Bacon and hooch are on the menu at this hip, casual-style eatery serving up stellar Southern small plates and BBQ dishes.

Salute: Cozy spot serving delicious Italian fare and wood fired pizzas.

The Bench: Food aficionados will enjoy the Kale Caesar Salad and Moss Glen Pizza that come out of the open kitchen, while those in search of the perfect cocktail should opt for the Perry Merrill named after my favorite trail.

The Plate: Chic dinner spot owned and operated by an Angeleno who now resides in Vermont. The Plate’s menu is a marriage between the flair and fire of Vermont flavor with the clean eating principles of California.

The Skinny Pancake: Bottomless cups of coffee, authentic crepes and abundant salads are sourced from more than 40 vibrant Vermont farms. But even better than the food is the fact that one percent of proceeds go towards not-for profit organizations dedicated to greening our planet.

APRES-SKI

Doc Ponds : Top spot for foodies and beer nerds, serving up farm-to-table comfort food, rotating craft brews and live music on Sunday evenings. The Bayley blue balls appetizer and smoked half-chicken with adobo rub are crowd faves.

Idletyme Brewing Company: A family friendly pub with a simple and seasonal menu geared for locals and tourists seeking a chill vibe and solid meal. The Idle gravy fries and homemade pretzel nuggets are legendary.

SHOP

Laughing Moon Chocolates: Offering a variety of hand-dipped chocolates and specialty confections prepared in small batches using fresh, local ingredients. 

Stowe Mercantile: Housewares, specialty treats, Stowe souvenirs and more all under one roof.

Stowe Public House & Bottle Shop: For clients staying in private or club residences, we recommend stocking the fridge here as they offer a selection of over 700 different beers that hail from Vermont and around the world as well as a fantastic selection of Vermont hard cider and wine.

SPECIAL EDITION: THE NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND GUIDE

During the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families flocked to the City by the Sea and made the area their summertime playground. Today, Newport Rhode Island is still an ideal seaside escape filled with dramatic cliff walks, clam shacks, a serious sailing and polo scene and a dining game that will please the palates of food aficionados everywhere. While the city draws huge crowds in the summer, the winter months have their own quiet and cozy charm. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, this classic New England destination offers something for everyone. XX Elisa

STAY

Photo courtesy of The Vanderbilt

Photo courtesy of The Vanderbilt

Castle Hill Inn: The Inn provides the highest level of luxury in Newport and is less than a ten minute drive to the downtown area. With 2 five-star restaurants, private beach access, yacht rentals and complimentary bikes, this hotel is hands down an ideal weekend getaway for romantic seekers. However, with no pool and children under 12 not allowed in the main house, ( children are allowed in the cottages)  it may not lend itself to be the best choice for families depending on children’s ages.

Gurneys: Formerly The Hyatt Regency, Gurneys did a take over recently which included a renovation and the addition of Miami’s famous Scarpetta Restaurant. The downside is the hotel is located on Goat Island which is a ten minute walk into Downtown Newport, however it pretty much guarantees guests a great night sleep away from all the noise of downtown’s hustle and bustle. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service into town every 15 minutes which allows travelers the opportunity to avoid the scarce parking situation. With an outdoor pool, which is a rare find in Newport and daily kids activities and fire pits for late night s'mores, it is the perfect choice for families.

The Vanderbilt: Originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, a scion of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, this 33 room/suite property is a vintage Newport mansion that has been meticulously restored to its former glory with elegant fireplaces and museum-quality artwork. Located just minutes from the charming waterfront by foot, the Vanderbilt is easily one of Newport’s best-kept secrets best suited for adults that want to be close to the action.

*MAPPS has preferred partnerships will all the hotels listed above. When booking with MAPPS, clients receive best available rate, complimentary upgrade, subject to availability, complimentary daily breakfast and food/beverage/spa credits.

EAT & DRINK

Bouchard: one of Newport’s premier dining establishments that has been providing artfully-inspired dishes for over 20 years. Perfect for a special occasion meal.

Fluke: On the more refined and pricey end of the dining spectrum. Aside from the many fresh seafood options there are plenty of vegetable dishes all made with local ingredients coupled with a stellar list of artisan wines.

Meg’s Milk Bar: hole in the wall with perfectly brewed coffee, omelets and sandwiches.

Perro Salado: Serving an innovative brunch and dinner menu, this off the beaten path restaurant offers locally sourced Mexican cuisine and is best suited for small groups due to limited seating. Highly recommend the house margarita, sticky ribs and fish tacos.

Scarpetta: Located at Gurneys, this italian fave has outposts in NYC, London, Miami, Las Vegas and The Hamptons. We love their signature pasta dish and San Remo drink.

Stoneacre Brasserie: A neighborhood favorite with a daily changing menu featuring the richest and brightest seasonal ingredients and a wine list that is cultivated to highlight boutique French wine producers. We love this for Sunday Brunch or dinner.

The Lawn: This outdoor restaurant, ideal for lunch or dinner, is located at The Castle Hill Inn. Order a dark and stormy and sit back on the adirondack chairs while you take in the views of the East Bay. The delicious spinach orzo salad is a perfect complement to their famous surf and turf burger and lobster roll with onion string toppings. 

The Clarke Cooke House: In the heart of Bannister's Wharf, this famous 3 floor downtown staple serves up traditional 5 star New England fare.The third floor is jacket required, while the first floor after 9pm turns into an adult only cocktail space called The Boom Boom Room. 

The Mooring and Bowen 22: These sister restaurants serve up the best seafood in town and are located on the marina promising great people watching and the opportunity to make friends with someone who has a killer yacht.

The Cliff Walk Terrace: Located at The Chanler, it is the perfect grown up spot for a sophisticated lunch after a stroll on the cliff walk. Be prepared to take in crazy views and celebrity sightings.  Manners required.

DO

Cliff Walk: This 3.5 mile, sometimes rugged recreational trail boosts the best views of Newport. 

Gilded Age Mansion Tours: The Breakers provides a guided tour, while other mansions are visited at your own pace.

Kayak & Paddelboard: Ed Sanchas is the genius behind Newport's first kayak and paddle board delivery business. They take all the hassle out of renting water-sports equipment and bring the kayaks and paddle boards right to you. Call Ed and his team and they will help you decide which spot is best and will meet you and get you set up. 423 - Kayak4U

Newport Polo Club: There are matches every Saturday in the summer and the tailgate is an important part of the scene so come prepared with a blanket and a picnic basket of champagne, wine and cheese.

Newport Sailing School: We recommend taking a 90 minute daytime or sunset private tour of Newport to see all of it’s glory from the open waters.

Ryan’s Amusements: Downtown arcade aka kids paradise, parents hell.

St. Mary’s Church: Religious or not, this historic church on William Street has some pretty cool bragging rights since it hosted the wedding of President Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier. 

Surf: Rhody Surf specializes in teaching surfers the basics of surfing in a fun, yet educational private or group surf lesson.  The popular program is Newport’s only Surf Camp and is conveniently located on the popular Easton’s Beach (aka First Beach), less than a mile from Downtown Newport.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame: Home to exhibitions of historic memorabilia as well as several beautifully maintained tennis courts. We recommend booking a time slot in advance should you want to play on these famous courts.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GETTING HERE: 1.5 hours south of Boston and 3.5 hours north of NYC by car.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: June-September

IDEAL TRAVELER: Families, couples, groups of friends or ladies weekend.

P.S. The hotels in Newport do not have direct access to the beach so you will need to have your own umbrella and beach chairs for your days on the water. We prefer Second Beach and recommend packing a cooler as the options on the beach leave little to be desired. Do not miss Shore Soap Co., a handcrafted bath and body brand, established in 2013 in Newport, Rhode Island.

Contact info@mapps.com to start planning.