2 Day Itinerary for a Solo Getaway to Stowe, Vermont

The start of the school year has gone off with a bang…theater rehearsals, soccer practice, homework, tests, and even a fractured foot for one of my kiddos.  October was looking to be even more crazy, so I was thrilled to  head to Vermont for a little relaxation. My tires practically burned as a sped off with my music blasting for my three-hour drive to one of my favorite states.  I love autumn in New England and was thrilled to see that the leaves were just starting their dazzling display of colors. 

Let me show you how to spend 2 perfect days in Stowe, Vermont…

Day 1: (Mine was a Sunday)

Your first stop is to Cold Hollow Cider Mill. There is an explosion on your senses as you walk through the door.  There are so many locally-made products that you won’t know where to look first.  I loved that they have a beehive there enclosed in glass (pic) and you can actually buy honey that is produced by these bees.  I can’t wait to taste some.

  Since it is a cider mill, you have to taste their warm cider donuts.  What?  It’s not like you have a choice…lol! Head on over to their Apple Core Luncheonette and Brew.  Try the “Vermont To the Core” (bacon, apple slices, cheddar and apple jelly) and a glass of their hard cider, Barn Dance. (You may want to pick up some cans or a growler to bring home!)

If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, drive to the Stowe Farmer’s Market that takes place from 10:30-3:00.  Everything is made local…soap, dips, cheese, wooden trays, pottery, wine, honey, jewelry…endless! There is even live music.

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Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa

My family are my favorite people to travel with, but fall sports and theater take up a lot of their time, so sometimes I get to travel solo. I’ll miss them but it’s always nice to have some alone time to relax and recharge.  My husband took over my mom duties while I slipped away to the stunning Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, for two nights.

Read all about my stay…

Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House: A Hidden Gem in Gloucester

Another hidden gem in Gloucester is the gorgeous Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House.  This stunning piece of architecture was the summer home of interior designer, Henry Davis Sleeper.  It is a 14,200 square foot work of art that is perched on a lovely piece of property overlooking Gloucester Harbor.  He used the house to show off his interior decorating skills to potential clients, as well as a summer retreat that he loved to share with friends and family.

This beautiful home has twelve bedrooms, eight bathrooms and twelve fireplaces (some worked and some were there for effect).  Here are some of my favorite spots in the house:

    Amber glass is displayed in this back-lit area when you walk into the house.

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    Hammond Castle: Explore a Castle on the Coast of Gloucester

    When in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number one place you MUST visit is Hammond Castle, an actual European castle perched high on a bluff on a stunning New England shoreline. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds of this magical place. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr, a scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding gift to his wife. He was one of the most eccentric man I’ve ever heard about and you’ll learn all about him throughout your visit.  Let me show you around…

    IT ALL STARTS OUTSIDE

    Peek through the arches to see Gloucester Harbor and Eastern Point light.

    It is such a peaceful spot as you look out at the water.

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    Liberty Hotel, Boston…Don’t Bail Me Out

    Photo credit: Liberty Hotel

    Who would have guessed that prison could be so romantic?  The Liberty Hotel is housed in the exact building of the Charles Street Jail, a national historic landmark. Completed in 1851, this jail once house some of Boston’s most historic inmates, and now you can call it home for the night. It has a nice blend of  high-style luxury and hometown warmth. Trust me…you won’t be asking anyone to bail you out!

    Read all about our stay!

    Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Stepping Back in Time in Boston

    For my birthday this year, my girls and I decided to head to Boston to check some things off our list that we’ve wanted to do.  Since we were already planning to do the Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off bus, (don’t forget to read all about our ride!) we decided to get off at one of their last stops… the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Also, since it’s summer vacation, it’s nice that they got to learn about an important time in American history (Just don’t tell them it was educational…sssshhh).  I really had no clue what to expect, since I’m not too thrilled about doing tours through museums.  I was pleasantly surprised that the tour is actually a fully immersive tour.  The characters were so authentic, we felt like we had stepped back in time.  Here’s a peek at our experience:

    Our first stop was to go to the meeting house to meet us with some of the local townspeople on this historic night in 1773 Boston. 

    Since it is a dangerous time, we were given a feather to represent a disguise, as well as cards that told us all about the character we were. 

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    An Art-Lover’s Trip to Rockland, Maine, Day 2

    I woke up early at the Berry Manor Inn, made myself a cup of coffee, and jumped back in bed to enjoy it by the fire.  (Hey…when my kiddos are not around, I take every chance at relaxation!)

    After a delicious breakfast at the inn, we headed to the Friends of Maine Coastal Islands Wildlife Refuge Gallery.  Their mission is to help conserve, protect, and enhance the rich diversity of coastal habitats, seabirds, and other wildlife in Maine. 

    They have a fantastic map of seabird nesting islands off the coast of Maine.  I often forget just how vast the coastline is.  In fact, Maine has more coastline than California!

    There were beautiful works of art.  I loved this wooden piece of clouds with the moon peeking out.

    Guru's Moon
    Guru’s Moon

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    An Art-Lover’s Weekend in Rockland, Maine: Day 1

    Photo credit: Cait Bourgault

    Last spring, I had the opportunity to join several other travel influencers to experience The Heart of Maine’s Art Scene, in Rockland, Maine.  We had such a great time traveling to this gorgeous coastal town. We were hosted by the nicest people who all took time out of their busy schedules to share their love for Rockland. Also traveling with us was Cait Bourgault, an amazing photographer, and she captured so many fun moments.  (Check out her website: www.caitbourgault.com)
    It’s not common for me to have an itinerary made for me, and it was so nice to sit back and not have to plan a thing.  Here is what we did on our trip.  Enjoy!

    We started our day at the Maine Lighthouse Museum. I love lighthouses and always stop to take pictures of them, so I was happy this was our first stop. I loved seeing the pennies on the floor showing where the Maine lighthouses were!

    Photo credit: Cait Bourgault

    The museum had so many fun pieces. This one rotates.

    After our drive from Portland, we needed to get some food into us, so we were treated to Clan McLaren for lunch.  This hip spot served delicious sandwiches and salads.  I had a chicken salad called the Lorelei, and it was so good I’ve tried to replicate it at home. 

    Photo credit: Cait Bourgault

    Our first stop on our art tour of Rockland, Maine was the striking new home of CMCA, designed by architect Toshiko Mori.  The building is a work of art itself, with its 11,500 square foot building with 5,500 square feet of exhibition space. 


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    The Real Portland Tour: Getting the Lay of the Land from a Portland, Maine, Native

    The best way to see a new town is to be shown around by a local, who will give you its history and recommendations of what to do while you’re there.  They know the best tourist spots and will even share some hidden gems.  This is exactly what you’ll get when you take The Real Portland tour.  Derek will make you feel like a long-lost friend that’s taking you around his hometown. 

    I chose this tour when I was attending the Women in Travel Summit, and although I’d been to Portland a ton of times, I got to see places I had no clue existed.  This 90-minute tour was the perfect way for me to see Portland from a new perspective…that of a local.

    Derek, a native of Portland, was knowledgeable and I could picture my girls dying laughing at all of his jokes and puns.  I can’t wait to bring them next time.  He gave us the history of Portland as we passed the busy downtown area, the Arts district, and the Old Port.  We went by gorgeous brownstones and Victorian mansions and enjoyed stunning views of the Eastern Prominade.  There were beautiful views of the harbor…or “ha-bah” as Derek would say!

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    Residence Inn Tudor Wharf

    Photo credit: Residence Inn Boston Harbor

    My girls have a new obsession…Dear Evan Hanson…so we were thrilled when it came to Boston. As I started looking for a hotel, I knew I wanted to use my Marriott points and the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf stood out because it is an all-suite hotel. The 167 suite hotel is located right on the St. Charles River and has stunning views of the Boston Harbor.   

    Read all about our fun stay...