Topnotch Fall colors in Stowe, Vermont

The quaint charm of a New England Indian summer is epitomized in Stowe, Vermont
  (Courtesy: www.gostowe.com)

STOWE, VERMONT — When Mother Nature brings a crisp refreshing chill to the air and shortens the days into a time when the suns hangs low in the sky to create bold shadows beneath the brilliant earth-toned colors of fall, Topnotch Resort is the ideal place to witness the legendary pageant of change.

Surrounded by the fabled Green Mountains of Vermont, Topnotch Resort is a place where the four seasons compete to be the best, with the winners being its guests who revel in the aftermath of the rivalry.

Grandview Farm in autumn
 (Courtesy: www.gostowe.com)

Stowe, Vermont has long been regarded as the quintessential location for Indian Summer and the American gateway for the "leaf peeping" season that brings forth its radiant showcase of color as it migrates south along the east coast.

 As a AAA Four Diamond property, Topnotch Resort features maples, cherry trees, sweetgums, hickorys, dogwoods, beeches, sumacs, aspens and more, all of which burst forth to envelope white-barked birches with a stunning array of foliage that is impossible to duplicate.

Autumn in Vermont is breathtaking bold experience of vibrant colors and rich textures
(Photo: Scott Braaten -- www.gostowe.com)

Reds, purples, burnt orange, yellows, golds and every color in between all converge across mountainside vistas in a rainbow of colors to create a delicious display that delights visitors to Stowe and the patrons of Topnotch Resort.

Situated less than 10 minutes from Stowe, with the best views in the area of Mount Mansfield, Topnotch Resort has been pampering guests since 1953 with its relaxing ambiance and broad range of activities from hiking and cycling in summer to skiing and snow-boarding in winter.

Topnotch Resort beckons with year-round activities to suit every
lifestyle
(Courtesy: Topnotch Resort)

Relax in the award-winning spa, enjoy locally-sourced dining at two restaurants with sweeping views of the Green Mountains, take a tennis or pickleball lesson at the Topnotch Tennis Center, or marvel at the vibrant fall foliage from the heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, while sipping hot chocolate or a specialty cocktail at the outdoor fire pits.

Horseback riding and/or carriage rides are easily arranged through the Topnotch Equestrian Center.

Indoor pool at Topnotch Resort
(Courtesy: Topnotch Resort)

 Regardless of which season you choose, the range of Topnotch activities is limited only by your imagination.

With Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear located on the grounds, guests can arrange and outfit for any activity year-round, from mountain biking to fishing, or even the Topnotch Brewery and Distillery Tour which visits the region’s highly acclaimed breweries and distilleries.

Another popular amenity is Topnotch's "dog friendly" policy. Dogs are welcome at Topnotch, with dog beds, CBD treats and special canine-friendly turndown service and spa treatments. Yep, you read that right, turndown service and spa treatments for your pups.

Golfing amid a gorgeous array of red and orange

(Courtesy: www.gostowe.com)

Golfers need not despair, tee times can easily be arranged at nearby Country Club of Vermont. When the colors of autumn are at their peak, you won't even notice that you just missed a two-foot putt for par.

Topnotch Resort is situated on 120 acres of woodland nestled at the base of Mansfield Mountain in Stowe. Renovated in 2014, the resort features 68 guest rooms with an additional 17 Resort Home accommodations scattered throughout the grounds. Most of the two or three bedroom homes have views of Mt. Mansfield.

Hitting the trail early for a brisk morning hike 
(Courtesy: Topnotch Resort)

There are also two first-rate restaurants. Flannel's contemporary atmosphere features what many consider the best views of Mt. Mansfield in the area as well a menu that pays homage to Vermont's favorite dishes.

The Roost offers both indoor and outdoor dining (during warmer months), with a creative twist on pub cuisine complemented by local craft beers and small batch spirit cocktails.

Cycles of the season at Topnotch Resort 
(Courtesy: Topnotch Resort)

Rounding out the best that Topnotch has to offer is the spa which features 33 treatment rooms and over 120 rejuvenating and exotic treatments in a 33,000 square foot facility.

The "Pathways to Wellness" program is a customized spa experience that caters to the specific needs of a client using four principle paths to maximize the outcome.

Zipping into fall the fun way 
(Courtesy: Topnotch Resort)

Simply put, the Topnotch spa will not rub you the wrong way.

Fall is upon us. The all-too-brief tableaus of autumnal colors are rich and vibrant, so get there soon if you can. But if the season begins to fade into the metamorphosis of winter, no matter, the fireplaces are already ablaze with crackling firewood.

The serenity of fresh memories created at Topnotch Resort 
(Courtesy: Topnotch Resort)

The snows of winter are not far behind with their own unique blend of adventure in a place that is just plain Topnotch.