Country Village Rentals and Real Estate Weblog » Stowe News

Stowe turns down Dunkin’ Donuts

Heather — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:16:42 +0000

Dunkin’ Donuts proposal dropped

10/30/08
By Jesse Roman
Email this story to a friend
There’s a hole in the Stowe Center Complex, but it won’t be filled by Dunkin’ Donuts.The New Hampshire investors who applied to open the restaurant at 1056 Mountain Road withdrew their application this week. They did not return phone calls seeking comment.In an e-mail to the town zoning office, Tina Barten, a clerical assistant for the investment group, did not go in to detail about the decision to pull the plug on the Dunkin’ Donuts project.

“We would like to formally withdraw our application for Dunkin’ Donuts that was submitted to the development review board,” Barten wrote. “We are putting things on hold right now while we explore all available options. If in the future we decide to move forward, we know we will have to start the process over again.”

A controversy started brewing after news broke that the doughnut chain might open a store in Stowe. Letters poured in to the zoning office, saying the well-known national chain runs counter to Stowe’s hyper-local identity and would lead to more franchises. Other letter writers complained the food at Dunkin’ Donuts is unhealthy and littering problems could occur.

Writers on the Stowe Reporter’s message board had more mixed reactions. Some opposed the project; others favored it.

“This type of establishment has no business being here,” wrote one. “If tourists want doughnuts, let them walk to another city to get one. Maybe that will keep them healthy!”

“While I am not a resident of Stowe, we are frequent visitors and am very surprised at the uproar over a possible Dunkin’ Donuts coming to town,” wrote another. “I live in Connecticut and we have a significant number of small towns/villages that want to keep their â€˜homey’ atmosphere, but have found that Dunkin’ is a good neighbor; they give a lot to the community in return for becoming a part of it.

“â€¦When placed in a â€˜strip mall,’ other occupants have found that their business is increased also. They also bring in needed tax dollars to a community. So before saying â€˜no’ to them, think of what they could bring to the village of Stowe.”

Another entry said: “I’d be much more concerned with giving companies like AIG my money every time I buy a lift ticket than buying a coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts every once in a while.”

“If you have not noticed, Stowe is DYING,” wrote another poster. “Business after business closes and no one seems to notice. Pretty soon the only thing that will be open here will be real estate shops and the post office. Any new business should be evaluated on its merits and value to the town and welcomed with open arms. Open your eyes — this town is sinking.”

The Dunkin’ Donuts would have been installed in the former Decisions, Decisions store, a 1,650-square-foot retail space adjacent to Apple Tree Learning Center, Chez Claudine’s and the former Stowe Gym.

Pomerleau Real Estate manages the property; until the Reporter called, it was not aware that the investors had pulled the restaurant’s permit application.

“They weren’t returning phone calls so I was worried something like this might happen,” said Yves Bradley, a broker with the company.

Stowe Events: December

Heather — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:42:21 +0000

Thu, Dec 4th – Sat, Jan 3rd
Festival of Trees and Lights & Member Art Show
December 4, 2008 – January 3, 2009 Festival of Trees and Lights & Member Art Show
Location: School St. Stowe, VT

Fri, Dec 5th – Sun, Dec 14th
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Presented by the Lamoille County Players December 5-7 and 12-14 In this hilarious holiday tale, a replacement director who is struggling to put on the annual church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history! You won’t believe the mayhem — and the fun — when the Herdmans collide with the nativity story head on! “One of the best Christmas stories ever — and certainly one of the funniest.” ~Seattle Times Times: Friday-Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm Location: Hyde Park Opera House Admission: Adults $15; Students and Seniors $12. Website: www.LCPlayers.com More Info: 802-888-4507
Times: Friday-Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm
Location: Hyde Park Opera House
Admission: Adults $15; Students and Seniors $12.
Website: www.LCPlayers.com

Fri, Dec 5th
Wine Tasting in the Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Friday, December 5th 4:00 to 6:00 We will be tasting new releases of Pinot Noir from Oregon, for inclusion on our list. Stuart Timmons of Farrell Distribution will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer any questions. Oregon’s wine industry has been built on small wineries producing wines of impeccable quality. The state ranks third in the U.S. in number of wineries, but only fourth in wine production. Most of the state’s production is in the northern Willamette Valley, from vineyards on lush rolling hillsides in the foothills of the Coastal Range. In this cool environment, Pinot Noir has made the wine industry justly famous. Pioneering Oregon winemaker David Lett, widely considered the father of Oregon’s thriving pinot noir industry and a major force in winning worldwide respect for this state’s wines, has died this Fall at age 69. Lett was the first to plant the pinot grape in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, more than four decades ago. His was also the first to plant pinot gris in the United States, his family said. Since then, Oregon’s pinot noir industry has boomed, earning a reputation for quality worldwide. In January 1965, he came to Oregon’s Willamette Valley with 3,000 baby vines. He found a place to plant them in the Dundee Hills and began Eyrie Vineyards, which Jason Lett now manages. Lett’s wines gained worldwide respect for the state in 1979 when his 1975 vintage ranked among the top 10 at a prestigious Paris tasting. Now, pinot noir vines span more than 10,000 acres in Oregon, and the wine is, by far, Oregon’s top produced variety with 20,000 tons in 2007, according to the Oregon Wine Board. Pinot gris comes in second at 6,000 tons. The wine industry in general has grown to become the 10th largest agricultural commodity in Oregon, making the state the 4th largest wine producer in the U.S.The format will be casual, walk around with cheese and bread. The wines featured will be:

Bridgeview, Southern Oregon 2006
Brandboug, “Northern Reach”, Umpqua Valley 2005
Anne Amie, “Cuvée A”, Oregon 2006
The Four Graces, Willamette Valley 2006
Maysara, “Jamsheed”, McMinnville 2006

A sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk (802)253-5742 or (800)-826-7000 and there will be a $15.00 fee per person.
Times: 4:00PM to 6:00PM
Location: Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Admission: $15.00 fee per person
Website: http://www.trappfamily.com/dining/winelist_overview.php
More Info: (802)-253-5742 or 800-826-7000)

Fri, Dec 5th
Member Art Show and Sale 2008
Member Art Show and Sale 2008 Opening reception Friday, December 5th, 5:30pm Member Art Show and Sale 2008 All Helen Day Art Center Individual and Family members are invited to exhibit their own artwork. Mark your calendar, come and enjoy this spirited annual tradition, support our local artists and celebrate the season with our Helen Day Art Center community!
Times: 5:30 pm
Location: Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, Vermont, 5 School St., Stowe, VT
Website: http://helenday.com/events/details/3-member-art-show-and-sale-2008
More Info: 802.253.8358

Sat, Dec 6th
Stowe Community Church will hold their Annual Christmas Fair
Stowe Community Church will hold their Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m . The bazaar features hand made wreaths, crafts, baked goods, and our historic Stowe afghans. This year’s quilt raffle is a queen-sized, hand tied “Sunflower Wreaths” pattern. The raffle will be held at the close of the fair. The pocket lady and crafts room will amuse the children, so bring the whole family.
Times: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Stowe Community Church
Website: http://www.stowechurch.org/

Thu, Dec 11th
Christmas Oratorio Part II
Vermont Mozart Festival presents Christmas Oratorio Part II The second half of Bach’s exciting, festive “Christmas Oratorio” (Cantatas IV, V and VI) will be presented. Soloists include last December’s sensational tenor, John Tiranno, and Oriana’s glorious baritone, Gary Moreau. PLUS the perennial audience favorite, a group of Carols and Motets for Advent and Christmas Thursday, December 11 7:30pm Stowe Community Church, Main Street, Stowe Village Admission: $35.00 802-862-7352 www.vtmozart.com
Times: 7:30 PM
Location: Stowe Community Church, Main Street, Stowe Village
Admission: $35.00
Website: www.vtmozart.com
More Info: 802-862-7352

Sat, Dec 13th – Sat, Dec 20th
Santa Claus is Coming to Stowe
Stowe Mercantile in Stowe Village hosts Santa Claus to raise money for Lamoille Community Food Share, donating $5.00 per child that visits Santa. Saturdays, December 13 & 20 2008 12:00-2:00pm Stowe Mercantile, Main Street, Stowe Village 802-253-4554
Times: 12:00-2:00pm
Location: Stowe Mercantile, Main Street, Stowe Village
More Info: 802-253-4554

Sat, Dec 20th – Sun, Dec 21st
Eastern Cup Cross Country Ski Season Opener
TD Banknorth Presents Eastern Cup Cross Country Ski Season Opener The best cross country ski racers in New England compete at New England Nordic Ski Association’s first event of the year. Co-hosted by Stowe Nordic Outing Club. Spectators welcomed. Saturday, December 20, 2008: 1 Km Classic Sprint. Qualification Rounds at 10AM. Final Heats at 2PM. Sunday, December 21, 2008: 5K and 10K Skate Race. Interval starts at 10:30AM. Trapp Family Lodge Information: www.nensa.net or 802 253-4500.
Times: 10:00 AM.
Location: Trapp Family Lodge
Website: www.nensa.net
More Info: 802 253-4500

Mon, Dec 22nd
17th Annual Handel’s Messiah Community Sing
Stowe Performing Arts & Stowe Community Church present 17th Annual Handel’s Messiah Community Sing Soloists perform Handel’s masterpiece, and you are the chorus! Join the 20-piece orchestra for the choruses and celebrate the season in song. No rehearsal required; singers and listeners welcome, scores provided if needed. Monday, December 22, 2008 Doors open 7:15; Performance 7:30pm Stowe Community Church, Main Street, Stowe Village Admission: $8.00 donation 802-253-7257
Times: Doors open 7:15; Performance 7:30pm
Admission: $8.00 donation
More Info: 802-253-7257

Stowe Events : November

Heather — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:38:04 +0000

Sat, Nov 1st
Framing Our Future: Stowe Land Trust Annual Meeting and Art Auction
Join Stowe Land Trust and your friends and neighbors at Stoweflake next Saturday, November 1st for a celebration of the year’s successes and the inaugural art auction fundraiser. With over 100 people expected to attend, the evening will bring together old and new friends for a fun social event. Following our annual meeting, enjoy cocktails and good company at Stowe Land Trust’s inaugural art auction. We have partnered with Marlin Art, a leader in fundraising art auctions since 1969, to bring you an evening of fun and entertainment in support of Stowe Land Trust’s land protection efforts. This event will feature original and lithographed artwork including your special requests. Selections may include Wyeth, Gorman, Rockwell, Kincade and many others. Please join Stowe Land Trust next Saturday to celebrate the accomplishments from 2008 and show your support for future conservation efforts! Annual Business Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Preview Hour & Silent Auction: 6 – 7:00 p.m. Live Auction: 7:00 p.m.
Times: Annual Business Meeting: 5:30 p.m. – Preview Hour & Silent Auction: 6 – 7:00 p.m. – Live Auction: 7:
Location: Stoweflake Mountain Resort
Admission: Auction Tickets $30 each or $50 per couple
Website: http://www.stowelandtrust.org/
More Info: (802) 253-7221

Fri, Nov 7th
Wine Tasting in the Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Friday, November 7th 4:00 to 6:00 We will be tasting new releases of Argentine Reds, for inclusion on our list. John Fagan of Calmont Beverage, will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer any questions. Surprisingly, Argentina is one of the world’s top five largest wine producing nations. Mendoza is Argentina’s powerhouse and centre of quality accounting for over 80% of total production (or to put it another way, over half of the entire wine production of South America). Mendoza, the epicenter of the Argentinean wine industry, lies just a hundred miles or so east of Santiago, the capital city of Chile. However, the journey between the two is as much vertical as horizontal, separated as they are by the highest peak of the Andes, mount Aconcagua at over 23,000 feet. As with Chile, the Andes is the backbone that supports the Argentinean wine industry. In the rain shadow of the Andes, Argentina is for the most part an arid landscape, but like Chile it benefits from a supply of irrigating water off the mountains. Unlike Chile however, the generally warmer inland region can support vine growing down the length of the country. In the north, the vineyards lie at the same latitude as Morocco; in the south, vineyards share latitude with New Zealand. One of the keys to growing quality wine grapes here is altitude, with vineyards planted at between 2,000 and 3,000 feet to exploit cooler temperatures. The format will be casual, walk around with cheese and bread. The wines featured will be:

Tannat, Quara, Cafayate Valley 2005
Malbec, Almos, Mendoza 2007
Vino Tinto de Gran Altura, Colomé, (85% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Tannat) Calchaqui Valley 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon, Altura 1,024, Mendoza 2005
Cabernet Sauvignon , Catena, Mendoza 2004

A sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk (802-253-5742 or 800-826-7000) and there will be a $15.00 fee per person.
Times: 4:00PM to 6:00PM
Location: Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Admission: $15.00 fee per person
Website: http://www.trappfamily.com/dining/winelist_overview.php
More Info: (802-253-5742 or 800-826-7000)

Sun, Nov 9th
Pilates Workshop with P.J. O’Clair
November 9, 2008 A six-hour STOTT Pilates workshop that includes a mat based and athletic reformer training. Trainings include: Stability Ball Challenge #5, Mini-Flex Ball and Athletic Reformer workshop.
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Educational Center at the Spa at Stoweflake
Admission: $200.00
Website: www.stoweflake.com
More Info: 802.760.1083

Fri, Nov 14th
Wine Tasting in the Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Friday, November 14th – 4:00 to 6:00 We will be tasting new releases of Chilean Carménère, for inclusion on our list. Anthony Wagner of G. Housen, will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer any questions. Carmenère was imported to South America in the 1850s, along with other Bordeaux varieties, prior to the European outbreak of Phylloxera. The largest established vineyards of this variety are in Chile, although many of these were misidentified as Merlot (the two vines share many similarities) for more than a century. French ampelographer Jean Michel Bourisiquot discovered the truth in 1994. Historically, Carmenère has been difficult to grow in cold, humid climates, and, although this is one of the most ancient varieties in Bordeaux, plantings have not been maintained even in this region, let alone any other in France, or for that matter, anywhere in Europe. Carmenère was prized in the Medoc for both its depth of color and, in ripe years, flavor that can range from herbal to gamy and add complexity and interest to blends. Carmenère requires more heat to ripen than the other varietals planted in Bordeaux. This and its erratic tendency to develop a condition called coulure, poor fruit set after flowering, may have caused Carmenère to fall out of favor. The format will be casual, walk around with cheese and bread. The wines featured will be:

(oops), Central Valley 2005
Undurraga, “Reserva”, Colchagua Valley 2004
In Situ, Aconcagua Valley 2006
Carmen, “Reserve”, 60% Carménère & 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle del Maipo 2004
Viña von Siebenthal, “Reserva”,Aconcagua Valley 2006

A sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk (802-253-5742 or 800-826-7000) and there will be a $15.00 fee per person.
Times: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Admission: $15.00 fee per person.
Website: http://www.trappfamily.com/dining/winelist_overview.php
More Info: (802-253-5742 or 800-826-7000)

Sun, Nov 16th – Wed, Nov 19th
Balance for Mind Body and Spirit
November 16-19, 2008 The Balance for Mind, Body and Spirit retreat includes meditation exercises, yoga classes, and a healthy eating seminar where guests will learn how to improve their daily habits. Included on the schedule: welcome reception, skin care specialist session, meditation class, Nordic Walking Adventure, Stretch Fusion class, healthy eating seminar, STOTT Pilates small equipment circuit training and yoga class.
Location: Educational Center at the Spa at Stoweflake
Admission: Day and Overnight Packages Available
Website: www.stoweflake.com
More Info: 802.760.1083

Sun, Nov 16th
STITCHERS CAMP
Why should your “hunter” have all the fun? Come enjoy a day with other stitchers and just STITCH! When: Sunday, November 16 Where: The Wooden Needle and Hob Knob Inn, Stowe, VT Cost: $38 Details: Call The Wooden Needle by Nov. 13 to reserve your place at “Stitchers Camp” ($18 non-refundable deposit will hold your place). Sunday, Nov. 16: come to The Wooden Needle any time between 9:00 and 11:00 to pick up your brunch ticket and gift — a $10 coupon so you can shop! 11:30 brunch: Hob Knob Inn, Mountain Road, Stowe After a delicious brunch served by Barbara Fisher, chef owner of the Hob Knob Inn and Restaurant, you may stitch on your own project until 5:00. Plan to enjoy the company of other stitchers — sharing a good meal, chat and have a full day to stitch! Don’t worry about coming alone — you might meet a new stitcher friend!
Admission: $38

Fri, Nov 21st
Wine Tasting in the Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Wine Tasting in the Trapp Family Lodge Wine Cellar Friday, November 21st 4:00 to 6:00 We will be tasting new releases of Alsace wines, for inclusion on our list. Robert Boehme of Vermont Wine Merchants Company will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer any questions. High in the northeast corner of France sits Alsace. Sheltered by the Vosges mountains to the west and hard against the German border to the east, lie some of France’s best vineyards and best wine-makers. The wines of Alsace are relatively unknown and misunderstood by many people, even wine lovers. The shape of the bottles gives a clue to the turbulent past of the region, which has indeed been part of Germany in its past, being returned to French ownership only at the end of the Great War. Alsace wines are made in a French style however, and tend to be drier, more full-bodied and higher in alcohol than their German counterparts – being vinified so that more of the sugar is converted to alcohol during fermentation. The naming of the grape variety on the labels of Alsace wines is unique amongst the “great” French regions. This was a marketing decision taken by the Alsaciens in the 1920′s (long before the Australians and Californians thought of it!). The format will be casual, walk around with cheese and bread. The wines featured will be:

Pinot Blanc, Sipp Mack 2006
Pinot d’Alsace, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2006
Pinot Gris, Sipp Mack, “Reserve” 2005
“Zind”, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, 35%Auxerrois & 65%Chardonnay 2005
Riesling, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2006

A sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk (253-5742 or 800-826-7000) and there will be a $15.00 fee per person.
Times: 4:00PM to 6:00PM
Location: Family Lodge Wine Cellar
Admission: $15.00 fee per person
Website: http://www.trappfamily.com/dining/winelist_overview.php
More Info: http://www.trappfamily.com/

Fri, Nov 28th – Sun, Jan 4th
Shop, Savor, Sip & Ski
Shopping has its rewards this holiday season. Spend at least $75 at any combination of participating shops in the Stowe area, from November 28 through January 4, 2008, and receive a Stowe Points Card offering discounted lift ticket prices all season long at Stowe Mountain Resort. Plus, any purchases made at Stowe Mountain Resort earn points; when you reach a set number of points, receive a free unrestricted ski voucher. Shoppers will also receive coupons for free chocolate or candy cane at Laughing Moon Chocolates and a free coffee drink at the Green Mountain Coffee Visitors Center & Café. And, each $75 spent is an entry in the Shop, Savor, Sip & Ski Grand Prize Sweepstakes. Win a 3-night stay in Stowe and a one-day lift ticket for 2 adults & 2 children; a Keurig coffee maker from Green Mountain Coffee and a year’s supply of chocolates from Laughing Moon Chocolates.
Location: STOWE
More Info: 802 253 7321

Stowe Skiing Info

Heather — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:15:40 +0000

Hours of operation	8 am – 4 pm weekdays; 7:30 am – 4 pm weekends;
Address	5781 Mountain Road Stowe, VT 05672
Public information phone	(802) 253-3000 or (800)253-4SKI (800-253-4754)
Advance ticket sales	(888) 253-4849
Media relations phone	(802) 253-3437
Fax	(802) 253-3439
Summit elevation	4,395 Feet
Highest skiing elevation	3,640 Feet
Base skiing elevation	1,280 Feet
Vertical drop	2,360 Feet
Amount of skiing	485 Acres; 39 miles
Longest run	3.7 Miles; Toll Road
Average annual snowfall	333″
Beginner trails	16%
Intermediate trails	59%
Expert trails	25%
Total trails	48
Average trail length	3,603 ft (Longest of any other resort in New England!)
“Front Four” trails	Goat, Starr, Liftline, National
Snowmaking coverage	80%
Lifts	13 total
Lift types	1 ten person high-speed transfer gondola, 1 eight person high-speed gondola, 3 high-speed quads, 2 triples, 4 doubles and 2 surface lifts
Uphill lift capacity	per hour 15,000
Email	info@stowe.com
Airport	Burlington International Airport, 40 minute drive
Directions	From Interstate 89, take exit 10, go North on Route 100 to Stowe Village. Turn left on Route 108, Mountain Road, and drive about seven miles to the parking lots.
Car rentals	Thrifty Car Rental (802) 476-3535 or (800) 367-2277
Mountain transportation	New Over Easy 10 Person High-Speed Transfer Gondola connects the base areas of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak! Enjoying the whole resort has never been easier!
Village transportation	Free Trolley service operates daily in the winter months. From village : 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every 30 minutes. From mountain: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every 30 minutes.