This summer the Hubs and I celebrated 30 years of marriage—mawwiage (if you read that in The Princess Bride—iykyk).

Since it was a BIG decade, we decided to GO big. We tossed around 3 ideas: A weekend at the Mt. Washington Omni resort. A bike riding tour from VT to NH on the Cross trail. A weekend at The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. All great ideas, but the Trapp lodge won out.

The drive is about 2 hours from us, give or take and it winds through gorgeous Vermont. We stopped along the way for lunch in Montpelier, Farmway for a little shopping and Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some maple creamee cider donut sandwiches—think ice cream sandwiches but with a cider donut. As good as it sounds. Probably better.

We had no agenda at the Lodge, just relax, enjoy the grounds and each other’s company, explore Stowe and the area. Right in our wheelhouse. At least those were what I thought were our plans! Hubs had a few surprises sprinkled throughout the weekend to really sweeten it up.

The lodge is Austrian inspired, quaint and cozy, with amazing grounds and can be as bougie or chill as you want. There are afternoon cookies and coffee/tea, phenomenal dinners on site, history tours, walking tours, a cafe, brewery, pool, yoga and no shortage of activities in town as well.

Surprise 1 upon arrival:

We explored Stowe with some coffee, Daily Mass and Surprise #2: Hubs arranged for us to renew our vows during daily Mass. He gave me a 10 second warning prior to Mass starting. The priest was the sweetest and renewing your vows after 30 years is heartwarming and butterfly giving all over again. Because after 30 years you appreciate the work that’s gone into this marriage and fully experience the fruits of your labor. And wow. It’s a hugely reflective and moving experience. 10/10 recommend!

During the summer you can drive through Smuggler’s Notch to get to the other side of the mountain and it is a really winding, boulder filled, GORGEOUS drive.

We hiked the grounds, more of a walk with some pretty decent uphill, but less than than a mile to a chapel that Maria von Trapp had built in the woods. A monumental effort for sure and so beautiful. There are longer trails for hiking and biking, but we were in the relax mode and this was perfect.

The grounds were so inviting. Hubs grabbed a sunrise. We grabbed a sunset. Explored the wedding venue area. Chilled at the pool and spied some sheep grazing in their paddock.

For dinners we ate at the lodge. The service was incredible, the food was finger-licking (though we didn’t, but could have) good and some lovely piano entertainment each night. Surprise #3 on our last night, Hubs arranged for the pianist to play our Wedding Song. I was so surprised. I cried. So did all the servers and hostesses. It was perfect. No pics. Just memories.

If you’re ever in Stowe, VT. Definitely a great spot to visit and or stay. You won’t be disappointed! **I will say that we were there early June so it was not the busy season AT ALL. It will be no less beautiful, but might not be as serene—I don’t know. You’ll have to go and let me know!

Peace