Taste of New England

Journal Entry, Day 4

Maple, Music, and Mountain Charm in Vermont

The morning started with breakfast at The Junction inside The Essex Resort & Spa. With a full day of Vermont’s countryside ahead, we fueled up on a hearty spread before setting off on our next adventure. The crisp mountain air and rolling hills made for a peaceful start to the day as we departed for our first stop: Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks.

Tucked away in the hills of Montpelier, Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks is a family-run business with over 200 years of maple sugaring tradition. Upon arrival, we were greeted with the sweet scent of maple syrup in the air. A lively demonstration introduced us to the sugaring process, from tapping trees to boiling sap in the sugarhouse. The highlight of our visit was the beloved “sugar on snow” treat—hot maple syrup drizzled over fresh snow, creating a chewy, candy-like experience that perfectly captured the essence of Vermont. Many of us browsed the country store, picking up bottles of pure maple syrup, maple candies, and locally made souvenirs to take home.

Following our time at Morse Farm, we headed into Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, for lunch. With its charming small-town feel and an array of cozy cafés, delis, and bakeries, Montpelier provided the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. Our Tour Director offered recommendations, and many of us indulged in Vermont’s famous cheddar cheese dishes or a warm bowl of soup to ward off the autumn chill.

After lunch, we continued our journey north to Stowe, one of Vermont’s most picturesque mountain towns. Our next stop was the Trapp Family Lodge, a stunning alpine retreat with deep Austrian roots. This lodge, perched on a hillside overlooking the Green Mountains, was established by the famous von Trapp family, whose story inspired The Sound of Music.

Our 90-minute history tour at the lodge was an enlightening experience. We gathered in St. George’s Hall, where we learned about the von Trapp family’s real-life journey—from their escape from Austria during World War II to their eventual settlement in Stowe. The tour shed light on their love of music, their challenges as immigrants, and their contributions to the local community. Walking the grounds, we admired the European-inspired architecture and breathtaking mountain views, making it easy to understand why the family chose this idyllic place to call home.

As the late afternoon light cast a golden hue over the mountains, we made our way back to The Essex Resort & Spa for a leisurely evening. Dinner was at our own pace, offering the freedom to either dine at The Tavern at The Essex or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle to Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, where a variety of restaurants awaited. Whether indulging in a farm-to-table meal, enjoying a craft beer at a local brewery, or simply unwinding at the resort, the evening was a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

With another day of incredible experiences behind us, we rested up for the adventures ahead— ready to trade Vermont’s rolling hills for the grandeur of the White Mountains.

Day 5 Journal >