Preliminary program and registration materials now available.  Register by June 20 to receive discounted registration. We look forward to seeing you in Vermont.

OPTIONAL TOURS

The Stowe area has a bounty of activities to enhance your New England experience.  Several optional tours are being promoted to help you experience this unique area. Please note the tours include both guided tours and self-guided tours.  Registration for all guided tours should be directed to the Alpine Concierge, conveniently located in the lobby of the Stowe Mountain Lodge.  All guided tours require a minimum number of registrants to run.  Advance registration by July 1 will help to ensure your participation in the tours (Note: Optional tours are not official Symposium events.)

Self-Guided Tours:

Taste of Stowe Arts Festival:  Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, AND Sunday, July 31, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Taste of Stowe Arts Festival is a popular annual event held at Topnotch Meadow which is located within 5-10 minutes of the resort.  This festive artistic event is sprinkled with local Vermont flavor and features handmade crafts, original art, music and gourmet foods.  The main tent will showcase over 150 boutiques of unique arts and crafts including furniture, pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings, sculptures, leatherworks, clothing, and more.  Many of the artists and artisans will be on hand and live music and gourmet foods will be offered.  The festival runs rain or shine under Camelot Tents.  Prices are $8 for adults, $2 for youth, and children free.  The Stowe Mountain Lodge’s Alpine Concierge (802-760-4796) can assist with directions and more information.  Note:  Transportation is on your own.

Lamoille County Covered Bridge Tour: Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, AND Sunday, July 31, At Your Leisure. The Stowe Mountain Lodge’s Alpine Concierge has put together a wonderful self-guided tour itinerary to help you experience the essence of the Lamoille Valley. You will travel over Mt. Mansfield through Smuggler’s Notch to the back roads of this beautiful valley.  In addition to the sweeping Vermont landscape, you will experience several “very Vermont” attractions.   One of the main highlights of this tour is the covered bridges, a definite Vermont must-see since the state boasts the highest number per square mile in the U.S.  Other highlights include art galleries, antique shops, the Butternut Mountain Shop which specializes in maple products, the Johnson Woolen Mill, and unique bakeries and eateries. Since this tour is self-guided, you can experience all of the Valley’s attractions at your own pace; however, plan at least four hours.  Note:  Transportation is on your own.

Guided Tours:

Water & Wine Tour:  Friday, July 29 AND Saturday, July 30:  12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. During this excursion, you will float the Green River’s calm waters, sample Vermont’s local wine and cheese, and end your day in the local art galleries.  Enjoy the scenic 20 minute drive through Smuggler’s Notch, over the mountain, to the quaint town of Jeffersonville to the Green River Canoe and Kayak Guided Adventures and Tours headquarters.  Choose a canoe or kayak for your guided 1 ¾ hour float down the scenic Green River.  You will take out at the Boyden Valley Winery where you will experience a tasting of the winery’s best paired with French bread and local cheeses in the winery’s restored carriage barn.  Prices are solo kayak ($45), tandem kayak ($65) and canoe ($65) and include paddles, life jacket, and wine tasting and transport from the winery (take-out point) back to the canoe headquarters (put-in point).  Please arrive 20-30 minutes early. After completing your water and wine tour, feel free to stop in the town of Jeffersonville and check out the numerous art galleries before heading back to the resort.  Advance registration required.  Limited space available. Register with the Stowe Mountain Lodge’s Alpine Concierge at 802-760-4796 and advise you are with the American Sugar Alliance group. Note:  Transportation from the Stowe Mountain Lodge to/from the canoe company is on your own.

Stowe Soaring:  Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, AND Sunday, July 31:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stowe Soaring will offer you an unforgettable experience as you soar above the gorgeous Vermont landscape on silent wings.  Located at the Morrisville-Stowe State Airport just 30 minutes from the Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe Soaring boasts highly experienced FAA certified pilots who will give you the ride of a lifetime.  After you climb above the mountain range, your peaceful glider ride will afford you incredible views of the area.  Depending on which tour you choose, your views might include the Lamoille Valley, Lake Champlain, Mount Mansfield, the Adirondacks of New York, Mount Washington in New Hampshire and the Green Mountains.   Stowe Soaring offers tours of varying lengths ranging from 10-40 minutes and varying prices of $99 - $250 (plus tax). Gliders can accommodate up to 2 people plus the pilot. Please arrive at the airport 15 minutes prior to scheduled ride.  For more information, visit http://www.stowesoaring.com/ or call 1-800-898-7845.  Advance reservations required.  Space is very limited.  Weather permitting. Register with the Stowe Mountain Lodge’s Alpine Concierge at 802-760-4796 and advise you are with the American Sugar Alliance so you may be placed with our group.   Note:  Transportation is on your own.