Our full day in Stowe included a Ben & Jerry’s factory tour, Mt. Mansfield exploration and a scenic mountain drive and covered bridge excursion.
Adventures by Disney New England
Arrival: Traveling to New England
Day 1: Burlington VT – Adventure Kick Off
Day 2: Burlington VT – Shelburne Museum & Clemmons Family Farm
Day 3: Burlington to Stowe VT – Bike Ride, Scenic Cruise, Trapp Family Lodge
Day 4: Stowe VT – Ben & Jerry’s, Mt Mansfield, Covered Bridges
Day 5: Stowe VT to White Mountains, NH
Day 6: Bar Harbor ME
Day 7: Bar Harbor ME & Acadia National Park
Day 8: Traveling Home
New England Memories
New England Pin Set
Ben & Jerry’s Private Visit & Tasting Experience
The sweetest part of the day and one of the most anticipated activities for my boys was the Ben & Jerry’s private visit! We learned how the company grew from humble beginnings in a renovated gas station to manufacturing approximately 350,000 pints per day.
The factory opened early just for us, and we had the run of the place. After a cute and funny little moo-vie, we headed up onto the viewing platform for the factory below. They were hard at work while we munched on a couple of chunks (chocolate fish and cookie dough) and learned about the manufacturing process.
Next we met with a flavor guru just outside of her test kitchen. We got to try the factory exclusive flavor…
Ha! Kidding! It was Triple Caramel Chunk and SO good. Then, we got to try Maple Walnut, which is a flavor you can’t even buy and SO Vermont!
Our guides treated us to a scoop of our choosing at the little shop window. We gladly accepted and called it “second breakfast.”
The final part of our visit included a walk through the Flavor Graveyard, where we mourned the loss of Georgia Peach.
Mt. Mansfield Exploration
We boarded a mini-coach and were joined by a local step on guide to explore the spectacular scenic surroundings of Mt. Mansfield, the highest—and most frequently visited—mountain in Vermont. We took a scenic nature hike down Long Trail South.
We loved learning about Smugglers’ Notch. We brought a mini coach up here so that we could drive through it later in the afternoon!
At the end, we were reunited with our adventure guides, who had set out a lovely picnic lunch! For dessert, they made us a New England delicacy – the Fluffernutter! It was deeeelish! We wrapped up our time here with a friendly axe throwing game.
And, finally, we drove up and over Smugglers’ Notch. It was a little harrowing at times but a neat experience – especially with someone else driving. :-)
Covered Bridges Excursion
Next, it was all aboard the big coach for an excursion to see the Vermont mountain landscape and some of the area’s unique covered bridges. First we stopped at Grist Mills Bridge – a 19th century covered bridge on the national register of historic places.
Our second stop was at Gold Brook Covered Bridge, where we heard the story of how it is haunted by Emily.
Trapp Family Lodge
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the Trapp Family Lodge. Sam von Trapp was super sweet to come down and meet our group again for pictures and book signing.
We enjoyed one last round of von Trapp Brewing beers in the lounge and on the patio.
And then we had a delicious meal in the main dining room.
All About Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney are expertly planned and guided group tours visiting 35 destinations across 6 continents. You can visit the world’s most iconic locations with Disney as your guide and your storyteller, and enjoy experiences, activities, dining and adventures in a way that only Disney can do. This is not a theme park tour with Mickey Mouse and popcorn buckets. These are trips around the world where you experience the service and VIP treatment that Disney is known for.
Now Booking through 2023! Here are just a few of the destinations you can visit with Disney:
- AFRICA – Egypt & South Africa
- ASIA PACIFIC – Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia
- CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA – Costa Rica, Galápagos Islands, Peru
- EUROPE – British Isles (NEW!), Poland / Austria / Czech Republic, England and France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, Sicily (NEW!), Spain
- NORTH AMERICA – Alaska, Canadian Rockies, Disneyland® Resort and Southern California, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona / Utah, New England
There are so many ways to follow along on our trip and see why I am so passionate about Adventures by Disney!
- What Makes AbD SO Special – blog post here
- Private AbD Facebook Group – join me here
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- My Germany AbD Trip Report – read on here
- My Montana & Wyoming AbD Trip Report – read on here
If you’re ready to learn more, I’d LOVE to talk your ear off about YOUR adventure! :-) My job is to handle all of the details so you can enjoy the anticipation of your trip without the stress and time commitment of “figuring everything out”. I am one of very few travel advisors that personally travels with Adventures by Disney – having taken THREE different trips in just 5 years – and can guide you every step of the way. On top of that, family vacations are expensive and my experience and attention to detail make it possible to get the most out of your vacation dollars. Best of all, booking through me does not cost one cent more than doing it on your own.
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