Vermont: Stowe, Topnotch Resort and Spa Offers Families a Top Notch Summer Vacations. 
Imagine a summer family vacation at a Green Mountains country retreat complete with luxurious space, a welcoming attentive atmosphere with activities and amenities all ages. A place where there is nothing to plan for anyone, just show up and begin your much needed vacation. Topnotch has the ideal formula for a summer in the mountains.
Summertime in the Green Mountains. Summer in Vermont means connecting with Mother Nature. The Stowe area includes hundreds of acres of mountainside with forest trails and grand vistas. Active families will find plenty of places to explore hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing or fishing.
Here’s the scoop. Topnotch Resort and Spa is New England’s premier, four-season luxury resort destination. Located at 4,393 feet amid 120 wooded acres, the AAA Four Diamond resort is rustic yet elegant. Enjoy a typical northern New England, high altitude climate, with pleasant summer days and remarkably comfortable, cool nights.
Topnotch Resort and Spa offers mix of sleeping choices including 68 rooms and suites plus 40 two-and three-bedroom resort homes full kitchens, sun decks and fireplaces. All units are supported by attentive staff providing services to ensure that each member of the family feels at home.
Bonus points: They have thought of just about everything for families including children's menus, booster chairs, cribs and laundry service. If you forget something just ask? They will be up to the challenge. Even the family dog is welcome.
Summer activities: The Resort offers variety of on-site family activities created for a variety of ages and interests plus plenty of board games (bonding time), a game room with Wii, ping-pong, pool table and hoops. Outside fun includes picnic lunches, croquet, badminton, bocce, kite-flying, berry picking and s'mores by the fire with no limit on marshmallows. Enjoy swimming in the large indoor family pool open year-round, and once the weather cooperates, the outdoor pool beckons families. Horseback riding is available for all ages and skill levels including escorted trail rides, riding lessons, pony rides, and cozy carriage or wagon rides – perfect for the whole family.
Play where tennis is an art form. Topnotch has been dubbed one of the “World’s Best” tennis resorts by Tennis Resorts Online, and also named "#1 in the Northeast" and one of the "Top Ten U.S. Play is open daily on six seasonal outdoor courts (four Har Tru) and four indoor hard courts. The menu of play options includes more than 30 programs for all ages and skill levels.
Bonus points: The Junior Tennis Academy, created for kids ages 3 to 14, allows kids to be matched to play groups by age and ability. Participants are instructed by experienced, kid-friendly tennis pros. Individual lessons are available for younger teens and those 15+ may join the adult academy.
Summer Junior Tennis & Sports Camp. 
This new summer program includes both a morning and afternoon session. The morning tennis academy emphasizes tennis skill development and young participants are divided by age and ability. Each afternoon session emphasizes activities to improve balance, coordination, agility, and speed. Choose part or all but the best savings (and the most benefit) is offered by booking the 5-day camp program.
Share spa time with the best. Topnotch Spa in Stowe, Vermont is consistently acclaimed as one of the top 10 spas in the U.S. Teens 17 or older are welcome at both the Topnotch Spa and the Fitness Center. At Topnotch Spa, they offer teen spa treatments, fitness, and yoga classes, and personal training.
Bonus points: Topnotch Spa offers a “Soulmates” package created for moms and daughters. It includes nails, hair and blow-dry, and a facial.
Winter activities: Vermont makes winter inviting and Topnotch embraces the season with activities and even waarmer hospitality. From the resort's doorstep guests can enjoy a quintessential Vermont experience complete with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and glider rides. When the snow flies, they offer sleigh rides through the Stowe, Vermont country side, complete with warmed blankets and jingle bells.
Location on the planet: Located 40 minutes from the Burlington International Airport, Topnotch Resort & Spa is in the heart of the Green Mountains just two miles from Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain.
Bonus points: There’s an Amtrak train station 10 miles from the resort, and the “Vermonter” runs through it daily between Washington, D.C. and Montreal.
Make it happen. Topnotch Resort and Spa, 400 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672. Toll-free 1-800-451-8686 or
www.topnotchresort.com Content researched and written by FTF staff. Images provided by Topnotch Resort and Spa. Copyright 2012.
