All-Season Family Bliss at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont

Topnotch Resort provided media rates for our stay. As always, our opinions are our own. 

A visit to the mountain town of Stowe, Vermont has been on my bucket list for many moons and I finally got a chance to experience its glory first hand this fall. The idyllic small-town vibe, spectacular leafy setting, and outrageously delicious culinary scene did not disappoint. Our home-base was the newly renovated Topnotch Resort and Spa, a longtime family favorite resort in Stowe (Preferred Family Certified) offering both traditional guest rooms and rental home accommodations.

My husband  and I were sans offspring on this occasion, but I still got a great feel for what makes this resort work so well for families with kids of all ages.

Topnotch Resort and Spa Highlights for Families

Room to Roam

Topnotch sits on a bluff with a fantastic grass and patio area for lounging. There are a few outdoor fire pits and plenty of seating so parents can relax while kids play.

Casual Dining at The Roost

We couldn’t get enough of The Roost, their new lobby bar and restaurant.  The space is open and airy with large windows overlooking Mt. Mansfield, comfy seating, and a built-in shuffleboard table for a little family competition.

The Nibbles Menu is a highlight with shareable plates featuring Vermont-inspired goodies with a creative twist. From Roost Wings (they say Best on the street, I say Best on the planet) to Frito Pie, to an unbelievable local cheese menu, there’s something to please everyone.

They don’t have a kids’ menu but will create kid-friendly fare on request.

Kid-Friendly Fine Dining at Flannel

Flannel is the upscale, fine dining restaurant at Topnotch, but the beauty is that it is still lively and casual enough for kids with an open kitchen and a relaxed feel. The cuisine is sophisticated but hearty, from Misty Knoll Chicken with carrot romesco and pea spaetzel to King Salmon with creamed corn and barley risotto.

Unlimited Activities

Topnotch takes their activities seriously and there is plenty to do without leaving the property from their Tennis Center (indoor/outdoor courts) to their Equestrian Center, to the 35,000 square foot spa and fitness zone offering classes, guided excursions, and year-round family and adult swimming pools.

The Nordic Barn is adjacent to the property and offers cross country skiing, plus snowshoeing in the winter, and fly-fishing, mountain biking and road biking over the summer months. Stowe’s wonderful recreation path is right outside the door.

Stowe Mountain Resort is renowned for skiing and all of this goodness is just a quick 5-minute drive down the road. Topnotch offers a complimentary car on-demand service for shuttling to the resort and into town.

Concierge

There’s a long list of activities around this area. The concierge team at Topnotch is top notch! No pun intended. Seated at the entrance for easy access, the concierge team is ready and willing to help. There can be a crowd … for good reason. We found that they continually dish out excellent advice and recommendations.

Oh, and if you live in the Northeast and have a dog, I’ve never seen such pampered pooches. They get personalized notes on arrival, treats, and can get in on the Topnotch spa bliss with their own service menu(!).

Guest Rooms, Suites, and Rental Homes

Although our Deluxe Room didn’t wow me like the other areas of the property, they are well-appointed and comfortable, and have been updated. I didn’t get a chance to peek at a Suite as the resort was fully booked, but they have been remodeled and feature a fireplace, kitchenette, and private deck from each room. Many room categories offer pullout sofas for kids.

Topnotch also offers 23 Resort Homes. Independently owned but rented and managed through the resort, these units are spacious and immaculate. Add in all the Topnotch onsite amenities and services and families get the best of all worlds.

Topnotch is part of our hand-selected, curated list of the best family-friendly hotels and resorts. Go to our review of Topnotch for families for more information and to check for the latest and greatest pricing (requests go right to the hotel). Want planning assistance? Our Connect with a Travel Advisor page can book a room on your behalf and help with other vacation details.

Relevant Links:

Vermont family travel tips and best family hotels and resorts

Stowe family travel tips and best family hotels and resorts

Tips for skiing in Stowe, Vermont with kids