STOWE, Vermont – Are you old enough to remember iconic Julie Andrews singing an invigorating version of “The hills are alive with the sound of music?”
The popular film told the story of Maria and the Von Trapp family that were forced to leave the beautiful mountains of Austria when Hitler came to power. They settled in Stowe, Vermont because the mountains that surrounded the town made them feel like they were home again.
Stowe Country Club is located just a few miles from the Von Trapp Family Inn. In fact, when you stand on the elevated first tee and admire the mountain range that borders the course, you can see why Stowe was the perfect home for this famous singing family.
Stowe Country Club, about a 3-hour drive from Boston, features rolling hills that make for a challenging course. Hole No. 1 is a 495-yard par 5 with an elevated green. Like most mountain courses you want to hit your approach shots below the hole. The greens are good- sized and well executed bump-and-run shots will set you up for a birdie opportunity.
There are not many hazards in the fairway so you can tee it up with the driver and let your ball sail through the fresh mountain air. The course is popular with local residents and golfers on vacation and is well maintained. Stowe plays 6,220-yards from the tips and the four sets of tees make it playable for golfers of all skill levels.
Make sure you arrive early because Stowe has a large practice area adjacent to the first tee. The putting green is in front of the beautiful clubhouse, so roll a few and soak in the scenery that makes Vermont special. You can almost hear Julie Andrews serenading the mountains.
After golf, visit the deck that overlooks the Par 3 tenth hole. It’s picture-postcard-perfect place to toast this wonderful course, and watch the sun slowly disappear over the mountains.
If you’re in town for a few days, ask about Stowe’s famous golf school. The school has earned a wonderful reputation for helping golfers sharpen their game. There are dozens of traditional Inn’s that offer a warm Vermont welcome, I had the good fortune to get a room at the Stone Hill Inn. This Inn was awarded “The Best of the Best” award by Trip Advisor in 2020. The Stone Hill has also been the recipient of the trip Advisor “Certificate of Excellence” every year since 2011, and was also named “The Best Romantic Getaway” by Yankee magazine.
My room was quite large with a fireplace that was visible in both the bedroom and bathroom. Step out the backdoor and you are welcomed by a garden and waterfall. In the evening you can slip into your room’s over-sized Jacuzzi and enjoy the flickering flames of the stone fireplace.
Start your day with a three-course gourmet breakfast in the dining room, and if it is a good day take your cup of Green Mountain coffee and enjoy the garden. The property is surrounded by nine-acres of woods so you feel like you are in your own little bit of paradise.
Of course, fall foliage season is prime time to visit with breathtaking colors that will rejuvenate your mind and soul. Not only are the hills alive with the sound of music, the entire landscape is alive with beautiful colors as Nature begins to prepare for another harsh winter.
Be sure to visit the village of Stowe, which is only a 10-minute ride from the country club. The village looks like it came out of a Norman Rockwell painting, and its Independent shops offer a variety of goods and homemade items which are perfect mementos of your visit to the Green Mountain State.
Call Stone Hill Inn at (802) 253-6282 and Stowe Country Club’s direct number is 802 253-4893.
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