Green Mountain Inn to Sponsor Stowe 5K Power Run, walk-a-thon May 22

Nearly 250 walkers are expected to participate in the Vermont American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) 5K Power Run and Walk-a-Thon to be held in Stowe on Saturday, May 22. As a major sponsor of the event, the Green Mountain Inn will be the host site for the day’s registration as well as thank-you reception.

“This is a great event for an extremely worthy cause and we’re very happy to be involved and serve as the base of operations for a number of the day’s activities,” says Innkeeper Patti Clark. “Both the Walk-a-thon and the Power Run will begin at the start of the Stowe Bike Path which is behind the Stowe Congregational Church just up the street from the Inn. So our nearby location will provide participants with a convenient registration site to help make the event run as smoothly as possible. And we’re delighted to host the wrap-up celebration and awards ceremony here. It should be a really great day for walkers as well as spectators who have come to cheer on family and friends and support such an important organization.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting more than 1.5 million people in the United States. Caused by the death of certain cells in the brain that help control movement, Parkinson’s is the second most common progressive degenerative neurological disorder.

Says Jean Baker, of the Vermont APDA Information and Referral Center, “This fundraiser is being held to help build awareness about Parkinson’s.” The Chapter’s goal, Baker says, is to raise $25,000 through this event.

The national American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., which was founded in 1961, has sought to "Ease the Burden and Find the Cure" for this disease through research, patient and family support and education.

The Vermont APDA has, since 1998, been committed to offering practical advice to the Parkinson's community on a wide variety of issues as well as providing educational opportunities and resources about this chronic illness. Says Baker, “We’re dedicated to empowering Vermonters with Parkinson’s, as well as their care partners, so that they may live well with Parkinson’s disease.

Registration for the Stowe event begins at 8 a.m. in the Inn’s Village Room. The 5K power run starts at 9:30 with the walk-a-thon to follow at 10:30 and reception at noon. Individuals as well as teams are encouraged to join in and prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers. To register, call 888-763-3366 or visit the web site at www.parkinsonsvt.org.

New and Exciting Features at our Sister Property the WilloughVale Inn and Cottages

The WilloughVale Inn’s new and improved waterfront has something for every vacationer this summer. After months of hard work, the Inn is ready to welcome visitors with new enhancements that make it the ultimate spot to relax on or near the water. The waterfront grounds and facilities have never looked more inviting now that renovations are complete. A new game room, expanded dock and patio have been added as well as a new lighter fare menu, so you’ll be sure to find an array of choices to tempt your palate. Kids of all ages who need a game fix will love the new game room downstairs in the Main Inn building with air hockey, pool, video games, Nintendo Wii and more.

“Our waterfront is such a gorgeous spot that it’s always been the natural focal point for the WilloughVale Inn and our visitors,” said innkeeper Roy Clark. “But we wanted to give our guests an enhanced lakeside experience that offers even more ways to unwind and enjoy the water.”

The waterfront has been transformed into a lakeside resort experience in true Vermont tradition. There is an expanded fleet of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, a Sunfish and a new 14 foot Sylvan Sea Snapper motorboat. For those looking to have some serious fun, there is a new 20 foot diameter Rave water trampoline. All these amenities were added to the array of existing waterfront features that were put in place last year, which include a new floating dock, playground equipment and a fire pit perfect for roasting s’mores after the sun goes down.

The popular Robert Frost cottage has been given some extra TLC this past season as well. The cottage was renovated to include a new kitchen with dishwasher and washer/dryer, enlarged dining area and central air-conditioning. The Main Inn, Robert Frost and Angler cottages have been freshened up with a new coat of paint as well.

For additional information or to make reservations, visit www.willoughvale.com.

Journal Contest Entry Winner!

Congratulations Melissa! Melissa was chosen as the lucky journal contest winner and recipient of a two-night stay in a Luxury Suite, breakfast daily and dinner for two. Thanks for all your great journal contest entries. It was difficult to pick just one. The following journal entry written by Melissa offers ideas to plan your next family vacation in Stowe.

Our 10 year Anniversary and our son’s 6th Birthday

Day 1
After a beautiful drive from the Boston area, we checked in into the Green Mountain Inn. We had a beautiful room in the new building that immediately made us feel at home. The Chess game, fireplace, beautiful bed, Jacuzzi and flat screen TV made this a great retreat after a long day or to sleep late! Our son especially enjoyed the Jacuzzi as well as the space in the room to set up all of his Star Wars figures!

We dropped our luggage and headed out on an adventure--dog sledding for the very first time ever! We found a company in Elmo, VT called "Peace Pups" http://www.peacepupsdogsledding.com.
Ken and his teammate were friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. This idea was inspired by the movie "Snow Buddies" and our son was thrilled to do this for his Birthday. The dogs were very well behaved and loveable and the three of us will never forget this special experience.

That evening, we headed to “The Whip” for a fabulous dinner in celebration of our 10 year Anniversary and our son’s 6th Birthday. Our favorite was the goat cheese with apricot jam, mixed greens and this terrific balsamic dressing as an appetizer. The filet mignon was mouth watering and coupled with an Otter Creek Copper Ale was the ultimate icing on the cake! Our son equally enjoyed his meal and was excited to head to the Arcade once we had finished out meal.

The Arcade was quiet and we had the entire room to ourselves. We played air hockey for over an hour together and had some good bonding time and a few laughs.

On the way back to our room, couldn’t help but notice the folks in the heated pool, outside in March??!!! How fun! To bad we forgot our bathing suits, or we would have jumped in. Matthew chose the Jacuzzi in our room instead and WOW was that fun. Tip- may not want to put “Mr. Bubble” in a Jacuzzi…….

Day 2
How could we possibly top Day 1?? Well, we headed to “McCarthy’s Restaurant” for the best breakfast ever! The entire restaurant was decorated for St. Patrick’s Day, absolutely stunning! David and I had Ham and Cheese Omelets and Matthew had French Toast—What a great start to the day.

We then headed to the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort for a ride on the Gondola. This provided terrific views of the mountain and the surrounding area. We especially enjoyed watching the skiers zooming down the mountain!

As our fun filled weekend came to an end, we headed to Ben and Jerry’s and the Cabot Cheese Store for some afternoon treats. Matthew loved Ben and Jerry’s and stumped the tour guide with the Question of the Day, “Why do they use milk in ice cream”? We were sad heading home, yet looking forward to another visit this winter, back to our favorite family retreat at the Green Mountain Inn.

Green Mountain Inn Plans Major Room Renovation

A major renovation project slated to begin this spring at Green Mountain Inn will completely refurbish nearly a quarter of the historic hotel’s Main Inn room inventory.

Twelve of the hotel’s second floor rooms within the property’s central Inn building will undergo a substantial revitalization. Plans call for complete remodeling of bathrooms, air conditioning system improvements, floor plan readjustments to maximize space, installation of new high grade noise-dampening windows and the addition of new large screen plasma TVs.

Says Innkeeper Patti Clark, “Our goal has always been to offer comfortable, inviting accommodations which provide our guests real value for their travel dollars. Over the years we have continually re-invested in our facilities to update, renew and enhance our offerings. Every upgrade project – such as this one - has been undertaken with a commitment to preserving the hotel’s unique character and charm so that the Inn remains a destination of choice for our loyal customers.

“We’re always looking for feedback from our guests so we’re able to better understand and meet their needs in providing the lodging and service choices they’re seeking. We listened when guests told us they’re looking for a more consistent room experience throughout the Inn. And that’s exactly what this project will accomplish.”

The Inn has also recently rejuvenated its massage facility which, in addition to treatment rooms, includes an extensive sauna and adjoining Jacuzzi area. The Health Club will have a wood floor in the workout area and addition of an arc-trainer machine to our cardio equipment. Massage services, available to the public as well as to the hotel’s guests, have also been expanded to feature an array of treatments ranging from sports to reflexology, deep tissue options and LaStone.

In the 25 years since the Inn has been owned by the Gameroff Family Trust, every portion of the Inn’s property has been refurbished and several extensive construction projects and additions completed. Past enhancements projects have included the Annex building renovation and Clubhouse, expansion of the Old Depot Street building, construction of the Sanborn House, Mill House, Mansfield House rooms and luxury suites as well as the Depot Street Townhouses. The Inn offers 108 various room, suites and apartment accommodations.

The Inn was recently ranked as the #1 Hotel in Stowe by TripAdvisor.com and was listed as a “smart pick” by New England Travel’s Best of New England 2009.

Green Mountain Inn Massages Tradition

The Green Mountain Inn’s 175-plus year tradition of warm Vermont hospitality and gracious amenities has been rejuvenated with a revitalized massage facility and services now under the direction of Massage Supervisor Michelle Robbins.

Says Innkeeper Patti Clark, “Escaping the daily grind to unwind and recharge is more important than ever these days. Here at the Inn we continually strive to enrich our guests’ overall experience. We believe our updated massage services will provide visitors with yet another opportunity to refresh and reenergize while staying with us. What better way to experience the luxury of a truly memorable Green Mountain Inn getaway than to indulge in one of our wonderful massage selections.

“We’re very excited to add Michelle to our staff as Massage Supervisor. She has years of experience in massage therapy and bodywork and is an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated therapist. She’s devoted to her craft and is committed to enhancing and expanding the Inn’s massage services. Michelle will oversee the Inn’s staff of trained therapists whose number one priority is to help guests reinvigorate in body as well as spirit.”

The Inn’s massage services and facilities are also available to area residents and visitors. Says Clark, “You don’t have to be a guest of the Green Mountain Inn to appreciate and savor the renewing effects of one of our massage treatments. We’re delighted to extend the invitation to sample the outstanding value and quality afforded by our packages to the local community.”

Robbins is a graduate of the Utah College of Massage Therapy. Her qualifications include extensive work in numerous forms of massage therapy and bodywork ranging from Reflexology, Shiatsu, Structural Alignment, Lymph Drainage and Deep Tissue massage as well as Spa Treatment expertise. Robbins has also trained in LaStone® and is a Loomis Institute® Certified Digestive Health Specialist.

Says Robbins, “My objective is to focus on traditional massage principles where each client leaves feeling they received a solid massage they’re happy with and feel good about.” Currently the Inn offers Relaxation, Sports, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, and Reflexology massages. Robbins says the Inn’s service selections will soon expand to include Stone massages and treatments for couples.

Says Robbins, “Forging connections with clients is key in understanding their specific health issues and physical needs. I find the ability to ‘listen’ with my hands as well as ears allows me get a clearer picture of what a client needs and is asking for. That helps determine which specific methodology will best help each individual client.”

Robbins is spearheading a continuing education and training program for the Inn’s team of therapists to enhance and continually improve massage technique and treatments offered at the hotel. Says Robbins, “Our overall goal is to provide the highest quality massage selections at the best possible value.”
The Inn’s massage rooms, sauna, and Jacuzzi, all located adjacent to the Inn’s exercise facility, have recently been refurbished and updated to ensure an atmosphere of maximum relaxation and comfort. Reservations for services may be made by calling the Inn at 802-253-7301.

Green Mountain Inn, Willoughvale Inn named in New England Travel Journal 2009 Best of New England

The Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, VT and its sister property the Willoughvale Inn in Westmore, VT were recently highlighted in the New England Travel Journal’s Best of New England 2009 annual publication.

Says Donna Garlough, Senior Editor at Boston Magazine which publishes New England Travel, “We research exhaustively to establish our own choice picks of where to stay within the New England region. Our goal is to direct readers to properties which consistently deliver a quality experience. Criteria we consider in our selections include the level of hospitality, customer service, amenities and dining selections offered by hotels and inns.

“The Journal highlights places where a hotel or inn’s distinctive value is perceived the minute a guest walks in the door whether it’s the property’s location, setting, décor, furnishings. Maybe a place is deemed a favorite because it sets a great mood or ambience – whatever quality that lodging possesses which lets visitors understand they’re getting their money’s worth and that this is a place they want to stay.”

Says Innkeeper Patti Clark who oversees both the Green Mountain and Willoughvale inns, “We’re honored and thrilled to have both our sister properties included in the Journal’s Best of New England 2009. Our goal has always been to make sure our guests not only enjoy a memorable visit with us, but feel their hard-earned travel dollars are well spent. Both the Green Mountain Inn and the Willoughvale offer unforgettable getaways in the unique tradition of warm Vermont hospitality. Yet each property has its own special signature atmosphere, setting and amenities which we’re certain visitors will find equally inviting as well as distinctively unique. “

Nestled in the heart of picturesque Stowe village, the Green Mountain Inn has been a quintessentially New England respite for travelers for over 175 years. The Inn features 107 accommodations ranging from traditional guest rooms to luxury suites and townhouses. Dining options include the Main Street Dining Room as well as the famed Whip Bar and Grill.
Overlooking the spectacular panorama of Lake Willoughby, the equally historic Willoughvale Inn embraces the unspoiled beauty of its fabled Vermont Northeast Kingdom location. Guests may stay in one of 10 unique inn rooms, four cozy lakeview cottages as well as four breathtaking cottages situated directly along the shoreline.

Perfectly Brewed Partnership is "Ultimate Coffee Experience" for Green Mountain Inn Guests

Great coffee is officially on the menu thanks to a tasteful pairing between the Green Mountain Inn of Stowe, VT and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) of neighboring Waterbury, VT. These two like-minded Vermont-based businesses have teamed to offer guests at the Inn GMCR’s trademark “ultimate coffee experience” and the result is a perfectly brewed partnership.

Over fifty of the Inn’s charming New England style rooms now feature Keurig K-Cup single cup coffee brewers along with a selection of individually packaged GMCR award-winning coffees. Says Innkeeper Patti Clark, “Now our guests are able to make their own individually brewed, coffee house quality cup of coffee in the comfort of their own hotel room. The unique Keurig Brewer system means a perfect cup every single time. What better way to start – or finish – the day while visiting us here at the Inn?”

Over the past 175 years the historic Inn has earned a reputation for its dedication to outstanding customer service and warm hospitality. The hotel’s recent decision to join with GMCR to feature their Keurig brewers and nationally known coffees underlines the synergy in the two businesses’ philosophies. Says Clark, “The Inn and GMCR share a wide range of philosophical goals from embracing and implementing responsible environmentally-conscious business practices in our respective day-to-day operations to supporting and strengthening our local communities.

“Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has long been recognized as a leader in the specialty coffee industry – not only for their award-winning coffees and innovative brewing technology but for their socially responsible business practices as well. Their commitment to producing an outstanding quality product closely compliments the Inn’s tradition of striving to provide our guests with visits which are memorable because of our attention to detail and customer satisfaction.

“GMCR offers one of the largest selections of Fair Trade Certified™ organic coffees in the United States underlining their commitment to working with coffee-growing communities around the world as well as local communities to improve their quality of life.

“Here at the Inn we, too, value our “go local” role to help strengthen Vermont’s agricultural community base through our participation in the Vermont Fresh Network. By partnering with local farmers and food producers to supply the Inn’s restaurants with native ingredients, the hotel is helping strengthen and preserve the state’s agriculture base so closely associated with Vermont’s unique identity.”

Says Patrick Berube, GMCR Territory Manager, “Our relationship with the Green Mountain Inn is a showcase example of our hospitality brewer program. The Inn is a stunning property steeped in history and we’re looking forward to fostering a long-term relationship with the hotel which offers their guests a memorable tasting experience. Our goal at GMCR is to make a difference one cup at a time.”

In addition to furnishing GMCR’s K-Cups within the Inn’s guest rooms, Green Mountain Coffee is now served throughout the hotel’s Main Street Dining Room as well as the Whip Bar and Grill. Says Steven Truso, the Inn’s Head Chef and Food and Beverage Manager, “Green Mountain Coffee is such a high quality product that our diners not only notice the difference in its’ superior taste and flavor but have begun to ask for it by name. It’s just one more piece of the overall distinctive experience we want to provide to our guests.”

Located in the heart of picturesque Stowe Village, the Green Mountain Inn has been providing Vermont hospitality to its guests since the mid-1800s. The Inn is listed as Numbers 13 and 14 on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted such famous visitors as Lowell Thomas, Presidents Chester Arthur and Gerald Ford, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.