Stowe-ing Away in Vermont

Photo: Karen Asp

When I was in college, there was nothing a pint of Ben & Jerry's cookie dough ice cream couldn't fix. You name it -- a broken heart, frustrating classes (hello, statistics!), even the afternoon sleepies -- and Ben & Jerry's was my buddy. So when I had the chance to travel to the birthplace of one of my favorite splurges, how could I refuse? Turns out, there's more than ice cream in Stowe, Vt. True, it's a leaf peeper's dream destination, but it's also the ideal location for a little H&W (that's health and wellness in my book). Here are my top six pick for activities to do during a retreat in Stowe:

• Take a hike. Stowe's located in the Green Mountains, which means hiking opportunities are everywhere. But if there's one trail you should hit, it's the Long Trail (catch it at Smuggler's Notch). The trail gets steep near the top and requires some scrambling over rocks and boulders, but you wind up at Sterling Pond, which is stunning.
• Paddle the Lamoille River. Rent a kayak through Umiak Outdoor Outfitters. You'll hitch a ride in a school bus powered by vegetable oil and get dropped off at the put-in spot. As you enjoy this lazy river, you'll cross under four bridges, including a covered one.

• Swing it. If tennis is your thing, head to Topnotch Resort, one of the country's best tennis resorts. Take lessons and clinics or get video analysis of your game.
• Be a pedal pusher. Rent a bike and ride the 5.3-mile paved recreational path that runs along a winding river, stopping along the way at various shops and restaurants. For instance, if you've got fur kids at home, visit Gracie's for fun toys and treats. Hungry? In the heart of the village, stop at the Whip for lunch (I loved the vegetarian Southwestern quesadilla) and then the Malt, a 50s style diner, for a skinny frappe, a vanilla milkshake with skim milk and low-fat yogurt.
• Go spa-ing. Those active muscles deserve some pampering so check out the spa at Stoweflake or Topnotch. My recommendation? The Mount Mansfield Saucha at Topnotch, which includes an exfoliation, wrap and massage.
• Get the scoop. You can't go to Stowe without visiting Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury. Take the tour (it's only $3/adult), and you'll get a free scoop of the day's flavor. Then visit the Flavor Graveyard to pay respect to dead flavors, including, I'm sad to say, one version of cookie dough.