A Vermont Yuletide Family Outing

Vermont in December is a magical month.  With family and friends, consider a very special pre-Christmas get-a-way in the Green Mountains at HighWinds Lodge on beautiful Lake Dunmore.

Set your GPS and create your own two-day adventure to raise the holiday spirit by selecting the perfect Christmas tree and sitting by the fire with loved ones, enjoying a glass of mulled wine or hot cider.

Check in as early as 3 pm on your chosen day of arrival.  From 4 to six pm enjoy a smorgasbord of local fare, wine, and craft beer.  By 6 pm, settle into your relaxing accommodations at the MountainLake Suite.  Stay connected with satellite TV and WIFI OR simply unplug and enjoy the quiet and simple beauty of lakeside living.

Wake the next morning to a full, brisk day of holiday adventure, welcoming the winter season, whatever the weather may bring.  Enjoy a Continental breakfast of brewed coffee, Danish, fresh fruit and yogurt.  Add a log to the fire, take a leisurely shower, grab another cup of coffee, and head out to build a new family tradition.

Travel a short distance to a near-by Christmas tree farm and shuffle through the snow in search for the perfect tree.  When you’ve found it, cut it yourself if you like, and have it secured to your roof rack (Elves are ready to assist!).  Round out the day by visiting many of nearby Middlebury’s festively decorated shops and galleries.  Consider a drive to explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

After an invigorating day, return to the warmth and comfort of HighWinds Lodge to relax and prepare for dinner out at one of Middlebury’s premier restaurants OR plan an evening in, preparing dinner in your fully equipped kitchen.

Enjoy a relaxing evening before heading home the next morning with your perfect tree and many memories of mountain lake scenery to carry over into your own Christmas celebration, beginning with setting up and trimming your freshly cut tree at home.

CHECK-IN and departure dates for the three-week period leading up to Christmas are specific.  The four-bedroom MountainLake Suite can accommodate up to four couples or two families with children.

The three R’s

Reunion ~ Retreat ~ Relax

HighWinds Lodge and Cottages offers the unique opportunity for families and friends to spend quality time away together. Based on double occupancy, HighWinds can accommodate up to twenty-seven guests.

Arbor  –> sleeps four

Bungalow   –>  sleeps six

Cottage   –>  sleeps seven

MountainLake suite  –>  sleeps ten

The cottages are fully equipped for self-housekeeping and afford considerable privacy for each individual. Start the day sipping coffee on the porch or walking the few steps to the beach to enjoy the quiet of the morning. As the sun rises over Mt. Moosalamoo, the day slowly begins to take shape. When the evening sets in, gather your group together to enjoy meals, laughs, and conversation.

From the Proprietor:

I have successfully hosted family reunions, my children’s college graduations, significant birthday celebrations, and many ‘girl-get-aways’ at HighWinds. From my experience, it makes sense in advance to designate a family or group to prepare a meal on a specific day for the entire party. Everyone shares the load and individuals can better plan their days for more personal time. It is also cost effective!

I will be more than happy to offer suggestions on how best to place those in your group and answer any questions you may have.

RESTRICTIONS:

We cannot accommodate a large gathering of guests that will not be officially staying at HighWinds except by prior arrangement. We encourage you to make plans early enough if you would like your group to vacation together at HighWinds. Guests are certainly welcome, but limited parking is exclusively for HighWinds patrons and the occasional visitor.

Food for Thought

For several Thanksgiving holidays my family has gathered to enjoy this wonderful American tradition together here at HighWinds. Through rain and sleet we have on occasion roasted “trash can” turkey on the beach. Arriving the evening before each of us is assigned a job of peeling or chopping in preparation of the next day’s meal. With the time-consuming preparation completed the evening before, we actually have time to chat and set the table while potatoes and vegetables cook and the bird is on slow roast outside in the fire pit. This has become a wonderful way to enjoy the fire and the outdoors on a chilly November day!