If you are a couple of foodies with adventure in your hearts, I have a feeling this could be a magical date idea for you! When all of the tired skiers and boarders have left the snowy slopes of Stowe, Vermont, you arrive back at the empty mountain all freshened up and board your private gondola with a steaming cup of hot cider in one hand and the hand of your lover meeting the other.
The peaceful ride up to the peak provides you with the perfect opportunity for sneaking in some cuddles and a few smooches! The view is incredible from this height and you can only hope for some sugary white snowflakes to fall, adding to the romance of this inimitable date night! When you arrive at the peak, the doors open and you are whisked only steps away to the Cliff House restaurant. As you enter, the twinkling music catches your ears, the scrumptious aromas tickle your nose and you know, without a doubt, this is going to be an evening to remember. Just like they read your mind, cocktail hour comes first with a delicious sampling of cheeses, many of them local - since we are in Vermont, cheese heaven after all! My favorite were the cheese curds, just like the kind from that Canadian favorite, Poutine! The band made us feel welcome, and the staff leaves you at ease to mingle or to quietly take in all of the splendor that's happening all around you.
We chose the five course spring dinner with the wine pairings, held on March 13th and it was nothing short of amazing - complete with Irish music to complement St. Patrick's Day week. The menu thrilled us and with each course came a thoughtfully paired wine, sparkling wine or a local cider.
There are a variety of themed weekends and carefully chosen dinners every winter that regardless of when you decide to go, none will disappoint! You can check out Stowe.com to stay updated and find more fun upcoming events that will be held throughout the year. Even if you aren't into skiing, the hotel, village and overall Stowe Vermont ski-town experience is like no other. The views are magnificent, even in the summer! Book your trip and surprise your sweetheart with an equally Romantic New England experience!
Grapefruit, cherry, pecan arugula salad with a mustard vinaigrette. Paired with Cava Avino - Spanish Brut
Spring Pea soup with mint oil, Pete's greens micro greens paired with a Pinot Gris from Oregon
House made gnocchi with wild mushrooms, roasted garlic and a chive emulsion paired with Layer Cake Shiraz from South Africa. This was my favorite course!
Misty Knoll chicken statler, sweet and sour peppers, roasted bliss potatoes with a coriander crème and paired with a delicious Merlot from Paso Robles, California.
And, to end the night, a strawberry thyme galette with a mint glaze and paired with an iced cider from West Charleston, VT!