Introducing a new series called “Guest Choice”, where we highlight select places to explore on your next Trek Travel vacation.
You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.
For our first edition of the series we are excited to feature Vermont. There’s no better place to celebrate the brilliance of summer or the beauty of changing seasons than Vermont’s Green Mountains. On our explorer trip you will discover the charm of quaint town squares and sample regional specialties from golden maple syrup to smooth Vermont cheddar and rich, velvety ice cream. On Day 4 of the trip, upon arriving in the quintessential mountain town of Stowe, the evening is yours to explore the town and enjoy dinner at the restaurant of your choice. Here are our favorite places:
Where To Go For Social Hour: Crop Bistro and Brewery
On a warm summer evening there is no better place to enjoy happy hour than the patio at Crop. Find a seat at the outdoor bar or enjoy a game of corn hole (bag toss) while sipping a variety of small batch beers from a sampler board. In the same building that housed the Shed, one of Vermont’s storied breweries, Crop now provides the perfect setting to enjoy live music, appetizers and a Helles Brook Lager.
Where To Go For Dinner: Plate
After drinks enjoy a stroll down the recreation path as it winds along the West Branch River back to Main Street. Here you will find Plate, a small 50-seat restaurant with an open kitchen. This new restaurant combines a lively atmosphere with a trendy country vibe. Whether you’re a meat-eater or vegetarian, the local Vermont flavors and healthy food style is sure to leave your mouth watering.
Where To Go For Dessert: I.C. Scoops
If you left room for dessert, walk across the street to I.C. Scoops to taste the premium homemade all-natural ice cream. With 20 flavors to choose from, the decision can be difficult. We recommend indulging in a local favorite maple ‘creamee’, otherwise recognized as soft serve outside the state of Vermont. It is the perfect end to a sweet summer night.
Sadly, I.C. Scoops has shut down operations since this article was originally posted. A top-recommended Vermont ice cream shop worth checking out is lu•lu ice cream!
The trip turned out even better than we expected. 
We were also fortunate that trip planner and guide Penny Gatward lives in the nearby resort town of Sitges. She knows the region well and planned a variety of routes leading from the house each day to a featured destination. One day it was a tour, wine tasting and tapas at an outstanding local winery. Another day we rode past a medieval castle to enjoy a classic Catalan lunch at a surprisingly elegant country restaurant. And a third day we celebrated some legendary climbing in the Garraf National Park on a high terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. There was enough terrain to challenge even the most avid riders in our group, but those desiring a mellower experience found that, too.