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If you’ve never seen The Sound of Music, the Von Trapp family name may mean nothing to you. But you don’t have to be a Julie Andrews fan to visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont.
It’s a wonderland of beauty, relaxation, and recreation in the Green Mountains. Be forewarned; you may be singing “the hills are alive with the sound of music…” before you leave!
Let’s learn more!
Who Was the Von Trapp Family?
Maria Augusta Kutschera, a native of Austria, entered a convent after encountering a Jesuit priest in college. However, her love for the outdoors suffered as she couldn’t have fresh air and exercise. When her doctor became concerned about her health, he sent her to live with George Von Trapp, a retired naval captain.
She cared for one of the captain’s daughters, bedridden with rheumatic fever. Von Trapp had seven children with his late wife. Maria never returned to the convent and married Von Trapp in 1927. They had two children together.
In the 1930s, the Von Trapp siblings began the Trapp Family Singers. They could all play multiple instruments and had incredible musical talent. They had concert tours throughout Europe, and once the Von Trapp family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria to New York, they started touring in America.
In 1937, they had another son. In 1942, the family purchased the old Gale Farm in Stowe, Vermont, and settled to begin their life in New England. The farm would later become the Von Trapp Family Lodge.
The world-famous movie The Sound of Music was produced after two German films about the family. Writer Herbert Reinecker and director Wolfgang Liebeneiner told the Von Trapp family story in 1956 and 1958.
The 1965 film that won an Academy Award for “Best Picture of the Year” is only loosely based on the Von Trapp family and is not a documentary.
Where Is the Von Trapp Family Lodge?
The Von Trapp family owns and operates the entire Von Trapp Family Lodge. Resting in Stowe, Vermont, the 96-room alpine lodge is on 2,500 acres with sweeping mountain vistas.
The first property burned down in a tragic fire in 1980. In 1983, the first guests arrived at the new Von Trapp Family Lodge.
The lodge is east of Mt. Mansfield State Forest in north-central Vermont. Highway 108 and Highway 100 offer easy access to the resort. Burlington is less than an hour west, and Montpelier is about a 35-minute drive southeast.
About Stowe, Vermont
The town of Stowe, Vermont, has less than 5,300 residents. However, it’s home to one of the premier ski resorts in the Northeast, Stowe Mountain Resort. Tourists come yearly to experience the atmosphere in “The Ski Capital of the East.”
The peaks of the Green Mountains rise to the west and offer 117 ski runs spread over Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. As a result, Stowe is well-known for its winter recreation.
What to Know Before You Visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge
If you want to go leaf peeping in the Green Mountains of Vermont or hit the slopes over Mount Mansfield, the Von Trapp Family Lodge is an excellent place to settle in for the weekend or longer.
It’s about 15 minutes from the Stowe Mountain Resort and offers beautiful scenery and excellent amenities.
Choose From A Variety of Accommodations
At the Von Trapp Family Lodge, you can choose from rooms, suites, villas, and guest house rentals. Rooms range from a one-bedroom king bed option to a one-bedroom with two queen beds.
The suites include one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, whirlpool tubs, sleeper sofas, wet bars, and more.
If you’d like to enjoy a massive stone fireplace and hardwood floors, the two-bedroom or three-bedroom villas might better suit your needs. They can sleep six to eight people.
The guest house is perfect for families or groups. Each guest house can accommodate up to six people and include a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living room, and spectacular views.
Don’t Be Surprised By the Nightly Resort Fee
The resort fee is $35 per night per room. This covers all property amenities like free WiFi, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, trails, gardens, and more.
The fee also gives guests access to the on-site dining Dining Room, Lounge, Kaffeehaus, Bierhall, and Wine Cellar.
Take Advantage of the Numerous Amenities
Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Von Trapp Family Lodge.
Don’t come to sleep and then drive away every morning to explore Stowe. Take advantage of all the amenities and activities on the property.
Stop by the Bierhall to sample the various Von Trapp Brewing homemade beers. Schedule a brewery tour, which they include in the resort fee. Make reservations for a wine tasting or book a tour of the Von Trapp Family Lodge sugarhouse.
You can rent mountain bikes, play 18 holes of disc golf, hike the 35 miles of trails, or start the morning with yoga if you’re looking for outdoor fun.
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Book One of the Onsite Tours
There are several tours available on the Von Trapp Family Lodge property. You can book a history tour to learn more about the family and property. You can book a “Meet The Cows” tour and get up close and personal with the Scottish Highlander herd.
Guided hikes are available through the forest, and an early-morning bird-watching walk is open every day. The various tours sell out quickly, but you can only book them up to 30 days in advance.
Visit the Kaffeehaus for Coffee and Pastries
Open daily from 7 am – 4 pm; the Kaffeehaus serves freshly-baked Austrian pastries and coffee. The venue has an indoor and outdoor space with spectacular views of the surrounding mountainside.
Enjoy a fire pit during cool evenings and a picnic on warmer afternoons. The Kaffeehaus also serves sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items.
Spend An Evening At the Bierhall or Wine Cellar
The Bierhall is open from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. It’s pretty popular, so we recommend making reservations if you plan on eating. The wood-fired Parrilla grill, providing much of the lunch and dinner food, is the showcase feature.
You can also take back a pack of Von Trapp Brewing lagers. The Wine Cellar has varietals worldwide, including sweet, dry, robust, and fruity wines. Make sure to book a reservation for a wine tasting during your stay.
Is the Von Trapp Family Lodge Pet-Friendly?
You can request pet-friendly accommodations at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. Only eight rooms are available, so if you plan on bringing your furry friend, book your reservation as soon as possible.
However, they do not permit dogs over 50 pounds. A nightly pet surcharge of $75 per dog plus tax applies to guest rooms with pet occupants.
There are plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities to entertain you and your dog. But there are places you cannot take your pet, so read the rules upon check-in.
When you arrive, they’ll give you a fluffy dog bed and blanket, Trapp Family Lodge Treats, Trapp Family Lodge dog bowls, and a map of the dog-friendly areas.
Pro Tip: Looking for pet friendly camping options so you can bring your furry friend along? Here’s How to Find the Best Dog Friendly Camping in the US!
What Are the Outdoor Recreation Opportunities?
Outdoor activities include mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, skiing, and snowshoeing. Whatever season you visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge, you’ll find outdoor recreation opportunities. The outdoor space is also dog-friendly.
As long as you pick up after your pet, you’re welcome to walk your furry friend on a leash around the property. However, they do not allow dogs on the Von Trapp Family Lodge trail network for mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge?
The Von Trapp Family Lodge is always open. The type of weather and outdoor recreation you’re looking for will determine when to visit Stowe, Vermont. If you love cross-country skiing, visit during the winter months. However, temperatures are regularly below freezing.
If you prefer comfortable temperatures, plan a family vacation in the summer when you can spend an entire week hiking, exploring, and relaxing in the beautiful scenery.
Is a Stay At the Von Trapp Family Lodge Worth It?
The Von Trapp Family Lodge is a fantastic place to stay during a visit to Stowe, Vermont. There is so much to do on the property that if you don’t want to leave, you don’t have to.
From groceries and gift shops to equipment rentals and restaurants, the Von Trapp Family Lodge has it all.
Now you have to decide which season you’ll be making a trip to New England. When would you like to visit?
