Vermont Mom has finished our 2021 series of favorite Vermont Made gifts with what matters most – time spent together exploring our Brave Little State!
Coming up with the categories was tough, to say the least. So many to choose from and so much to get out and explore. However, we feel that we’ve compiled truly special vouchers with Vermont and time spent together in mind!
2022 Needs a whole lot more family time – exploring Vermont – and we’ve come up with the perfect day!
Don’t overthink it! Jeffersonville, VT has you covered! This Fun for All Day will surely have something for everyone! How to make the whole family happy – start with an amazing and delicious breakfast at 158 Main of course. If you haven’t been – what rock have you been under?? No, really this place has it all and exactly what you would want from a small town Vermont meal. Much of the staff are “lifers” and greet all with a smile and “how ya doin’?”.
Vermont Mom Hot Tip: Get the Logger and split an order of Grand Marnier french toast – you’re welcome!
Bellies full and fingers crossed for good weather and you’re all off to races. Well, maybe a beautiful horseback ride through the hills at Lajoie Stables – just a few short miles from 158 Main. Imagine your family all riding through hand-cut trails that lead you through a Christmas tree grove and opening up with a view of Smugglers’ Notch that will take your breath away! You won’t be dreaming – it’s really that perfect! Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to Chippy and Vegas. Lajoie’s two miniature donkeys, my kid’s favorite!
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Food and fresh air, now it’s time for some sittin’. Head back down the hill to Smugglers’ Notch Distillery. For the parents, I suggest asking for the day’s specialty cocktail. With any luck it will be the Sugarbush Saddle made with their maple bourbon or a Rhuby Tuesday made with SND gin and Boyden Valley Winery rhubarb wine – YUM. Send the kids over to Burger Barn to pick up your order (and give you a moment to properly enjoy some Vermont-crafted libations!). Finish the day by taking home a bottle (or two) of your favorite. A perfect way to remember all of your new Vermont-made memories.
Want to get to know new places and spaces in this wonderful place we call home?
Our Vermont Vernacular voucher has three Vermont destinations that if you have not been – you’ll be reaching for your buffalo plaid for sure!
Start with a 100th-year celebration at the Harris Hill Ski Jump competition! Grab some hot cocoa in your favorite thermos and head to the jumps. This year the two-day event is on February 19 & 20. Once your first day is thru it’s time to check in to The Inn on Putney Road. A weekend stay leaves you with one maybe two nights, you’ll want more no doubt – book now! After relaxing fireside in the Garden View suite it’s time for some stick to your ribs eats and brew. Make a reservation (with the ski jump competition you won’t want to risk waiting outside!) at Whetstone Brewery. Cozy, unique, and full of Vermont atmosphere your peach bourbon wings with a pint of Whetstone, I’m Down Brown Ale will be the perfect base for your next stop. The last item of the day – grab your skates! Add a layer, or two before heading out to the rustic Retreat Meadows Pond. Just a mile down the road from The Inn, your fireside bed will be all the cozier after this pristine Vermont day!
Summer is such a special time in Vermont – let’s start some new family traditions in 2022!
Mention family vacations and you may conjure, flights, packing, lost sanity along with lost luggage. Well, some good that has come from staying put is that we’re reminded that not every family trip has to be overnight and include fast passes and fast food. Family time can be a simple day full of fun, and exploration!
Our new Summer Traditions voucher is a day that you may have to replicate more than once a year! Pack up the car with your family, a cooler, sunscreen, and towels..maybe some bug spray too. Start with a beautiful drive to Warren, VT (if you’re not lucky enough to call this place home). The first stop is the Almost Famous Warren Store. Grab a cup of joe and a picnic of sorts. Snag what you love or call ahead for a tasty Meal Package. Next up Warren Falls. I have to admit that it took a pandemic for me and the kids to finally make it to this truly magical place. After 5 hours of swimming, diving, exploring, making new friends, and lounging in the sun – we’re hooked! We can not imagine any summer in the future without a Warren Falls visit.
Vermont Mom Hot Tip: Arrive early to grab a perfectly flat spot near the diving hole.
Wipe off the sand and not to worry – more food is just up the road. Canteen Creemee Company is 7 short miles away in Waitsfield, VT. We must prepare you – this is an Insta worthy experience. That’s if you can tear your hands away from their handcrafted eats to take a picture?! I could list all my favorites (the Cluckster and Mojito Sundae) however, I hesitate as their menu is always fresh and new! Have fun and perhaps take your meal over to a boulder by the Waitsfield Covered Bridge to enjoy – seats at the CCC may all be taken.
Nothing is better than a vacation – how about getting away while staying put!
This staycation is one-stop shopping. Park the car and all of Vermont is right at your doorstep! The Trapp Family Lodge is Vermont at its best. Family-friendly activities abound. If you’re heading during the winter months we suggest a snowshoe to the Chapel. An easy, beautiful way to start the day. Of course, nothing is stopping you from exploring the many miles of trails all around the Lodge.
Now that you’re thirsty, hungry, and chilly – time to warm up during your tour of the von Trapp Brewery. Built in 2010 to house their growing selection of VT-crafted beers, it’s a perfect stop on your way to the Bierhall for lunch. The chicken schnitzel with their Dunkel lager is my go-to – but I’m sure you’ll find your way.
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Off to an evening relaxing by the pool, fireside, or at the spa, there is no better way to end the day than in the Trapp Lodge hot tub. Views of the mountain and surrounded by heated slate, it’s Vermont outdoor gluttony – don’t forget a can of Trösten Lager, dark and rich. Perfect for cold Vermont winter nights!
Vermont Mom Hot Tip: Check the Trapp Lodge calendar of events to see what fun is planned for the days you’d like to visit. You would not want to miss out on S’Mores at the fire pit or live music!
Vermonter’s are known to have their go-to spots, our favorite hidden gems – how about trying some Fun Firsts as a family in 2022?
We have put this particular voucher together as a goal for ourselves and to share. Having called Vermont home for over 20 years I must admit – I have never been fly fishing. I love the outdoors, exploring, and finding fun new ways to beat the summer heat with the kids. This summer we’re giving fly fishing a try.
I have heard wonderful things about Maple Country Anglers from those who know best. They have the ability to make even the rainiest of mornings fun and full of finding the most beautiful and trout-rich springs, creeks, and rivers spots all over Vermont. Fingers crossed for a partly cloudy day (I hear) and wade through the Mad River while enjoying new experiences and making new memories.
Can’t get enough of Vermont beers? Then dry off and head to Prohibition Pig Brewery in Waterbury, VT. For the kids, the Cuban is always a hit. However, if this is your first time, I suggest starting with the All Three Dips and moving right into brisket tacos with a flight of whatever is on tap (but certainly try the Daily Dolly). This meal will fill you up and leave you thinking of all you’ll want to try next time.
Sticking with our woodsy theme we’ve found two fun totally unique places to stay. If it’s just the two of you check out Lola’s Brookside Treehouse in Moretown, VT. If you have not already clicked, go now – SO DREAMY! Maybe practice your casting while resting by the brook. Now, if it’s a family excursion you’re on then we’ve got you covered with this Moretown Vermont Cabin in the Woods. This home wreaks Vermont, decks, gas stove, views and decks abound. Somewhere for everyone to find a place to relax.
We all hope that 2022 brings some happy, healthy days!
Let’s remember those who have been with us through it all – partner, mother, sister, brother – friends! Any of these vouchers would surely be a hit!
Take some time for just you and me in 2022!
New to Vermont Mom, The Mountain Top Inn is another all-in-one escape, found in Chittenden, VT. Visiting this gobstoppingly beautiful inn would be truly unique any time of year. However, we’re going with the winter voucher this time around.
Drop your bags with the desk and head straight to the Mountain Top Resort. Serving Olympic Athletes and beginners alike on over 60 kilometers of groomed trails. This IS THE PLACE to experience Vermont cross-country skiing! Bonus – dogs welcome!
Hours later and maybe with a few, happy sore muscles it’s time to head to the spa. The Mountain Top Inn has an a la carte Mountain Massage that will certainly give you any and all choices that your body and soul are calling out for!
Relaxed and rejuvenated you have earned a slow walk back to your suite. We suggest one of the Luxury Lodge suites that have a two-person private deck. Perfect place to cozy up on before dinner. Mountain Top Inn continues to take the guesswork out of this quintessential Vermont weekend. Be sure to reserve their package three-course dinner and sleigh ride combo. Could you imagine a better Vermont day? We’ve packed this all into Saturday. However, Sunday we suggest sleeping in and enjoying the heated outdoor pool followed by some laughs on their sledding hill. Wonderful memories and maybe new traditions made!
That’s a wrap – 2021 Vermont Mom Favorite Vermont Made Gifts, Gift Cards, and Experiences has been a blast to put together! We’ve been reminded of our go-to classics and found loads of fun new finds. What has reminded us most is how amazing this wonderful Green Mountain State is to live in and raise a family!
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Thanks for reading, following, and shopping local! Don’t forget to stay connected across all our social media – and keep tabs on all the fun new happenings in 2022!
