August in Vermont. What started out as a weekend spent working in Ludlow, Vermont back in August of 2012 has evolved into summer tradition I look forward to all year long. Though we visit Vermont every now and again during other months, these August visits have become so special to us over the years. We’ve grown accustomed to staying at Topnotch Resort in Stowe because we’re allowed to eat our meals outside with Orvis. The sunset view of Mt. Mansfield from the patio at Flannel is a tough one to beat, but the fact that we can watch it with Orvis at our feet makes it all that much more enjoyable.

Not only is there so much to see and do in Stowe, we also love that Topnotch is just a short drive away from the Mad River Valley towns of Waitsfield and Warren. On our most recent trip, after hiking Wiessner Woods in Stowe, we drove south down Route 100 to pick up sandwiches from the Warren Store for a river picnic at Bobbin Mill. Splashing around the river together with Orvis post-hike proved to be my favorite memory of the entire summer!

In addition to visiting some old favorite trails, shops, and restaurants, we also made a point to try a few new places this time around. Dinner at the nearby, beautiful Edson Hill was certainly a highlight. We’ve always wanted to stay there, but since they don’t allow dogs (and we feel too guilty to sneak off to Vermont without Orvis in tow), having dinner at the restaurant seemed like the best alternative. The food and the aesthetic of the inn and restaurant were both wonderful.

Three nights in Vermont – one more than we’re used to – still proved to be too short of a visit for us. Some of our happiest memories have happened in Vermont over the years, and we feel so fortunate to be able to leave our lovely piece of the Maine coast every now and again to experience the beauty of the Vermont mountains and rivers.

Photos by Meredith Perdue for Map & Menu.