von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 8;30am
Pet Smart, Crossgates Commons - 9:00am

Wednesday, June 16:

In the early 1940s, the von Trapp family toured the United States as the Trapp Family Singers before eventually settling in Stowe, Vermont, on an enchanted farm with sweeping mountain vistas reminiscent of their beloved Austria. Our first stop today is at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Situated on Route 100 between Waterbury and Stowe, Vermont, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is one of the most-visited attractions in Vermont, offering our guests a glimpse into the fascinating world of traditional cider making, utilizing a century-old, rack-and-cloth press. No visit is complete without tasting our cider, munching contentedly on a cider donut, watching the artisans in our bakery, observing our honeybee hive, enjoying a tasty lunch in our café,and enjoying a Vermont maple creemee. A boxed lunch is included upon arrival, which includes chips and a beverage, along with a delicious sandwich on their homemade bread. Choose 1) Ham & Swiss with Cold Hollow Maple Mustard 2) Turkey & Cabot cheddar w/mayo 3) Roast Beef and Cabot cheddar, or 4) Veggie (fresh mixed greens, tomatoes, red onion, shredded carrot, cucumbers). Choice of bottled water or a pint of cider. We'll enjoy shopping time after lunch in their delightful country store and bakery. Then, we will continue on to the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort (1-800-826-7000). Upon arrival we will enjoy tea & cookies in the lounge before our von Trapp history tour. This 90-minute experience gives you insight into the truths and imagined story lines in the Sound of Music and an in depth look at how the von Trapps escaped Austria and ended up here in beautiful Stowe, Vermont. Watch a 20-minute documentary about Maria's last trip to Salzburg, visit the family cemetery and visit Maria, the Captain and many of their children's gravesites. You may even get to meet a family member! We will then check in and you’ll then have a bit of time to freshen up before a fantastic Austrian buffet dinner (included) in the main dining room tonight. Then the rest of your night will be free to enjoy the resort and relax after a full day.

Thursday, June 17:

A buffet breakfast is included this morning in the main dining room. After breakfast we will delight in a garden tour given by the head gardener. View many of the beautiful gardens throughout the property and learn of the significance of much of what is planted there, all with amazing views of the Green Mountains. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Lounge, the Bierhall or the Kaffeehaus all right on property. The rest of the day is on your own to enjoy the amenities such as the 20-person outdoor hot tub, indoor and outdoor pools, the cozy lounges throughout the Lodge and browse the gift shop. Delight in Tea & Cookies will be served in the Lounge this afternoon. A buffet dinner is included tonight at the von Trapp Bierhall which is attached to von Trapp Brewing and serves up meal selections with a decidedly Austrian flair all overlooking the Brewery operations.

Friday, June 18:

A buffet breakfast is included this morning in the main dining room. After the tour we’ll make our way to Burlington, VT for lunch on our own and free time for browsing in the popular Church Street Marketplace. A stop will be made at the Cabot Creamery Store en route to Burlington. We will depart Burlington at 3pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 6:30pm. Non-stop each way.