STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION
51 Main St., Box 1320
Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-7321
www.gostowe.com

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jo Sabel Courtney, (802) 253-7321 extension 219, josc@gostowe.com

TAKE HOME A PIECE OF VERMONT THIS SEASON WITH THE STOWE HOLIDAY SPIRIT PACKAGE

From November 1 through Christmas, visitors to Stowe, Vermont can bring home an unusual souvenir from their trip that is sure to make their Christmas holiday sparkle – a fresh Vermont Christmas tree. On the “Stowe Holiday Spirit” package, visitors can not only experience a wonderful Vermont getaway, but also tag and cut their Christmas tree, participating in an age-old Green Mountain tradition.

“Many of us who live here have grown up with the tradition of heading out to a Christmas tree farm to search out and then cut down the perfect tree,” states Valerie Rochon, Executive Director of Stowe Area Association. “Recognizing that in most parts of the country people must select their trees in make-shift forests erected in nearby shopping center parking lots, we realized that this would be an ideal way to both enhance guests’ visit to Vermont and give them a special something to remember us throughout the holidays!”

This one or two night package, which starts at $119, includes lodging for two at one of several choice Stowe properties, a 6’ to 9’ fresh Vermont Christmas tree right from the Farm, and a package of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters new "Better World" cocoa mix, a free-trade organic cocoa made in conjunction with Vermont’s own Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Paine’s Christmas Tree Farm is located in Stowe and offers visitors a whole new take on the holiday. “Visiting a Christmas tree farm is an event, an experience!,” continues Rochon. “Visitors can take a wagon ride through the orchards in search of the perfect tree, or choose from various fresh pre-cut trees. Then they can watch as the farmers spin twine in a special machine to bind the tree for transportation while Holiday music wafts through the air. .” For visitors traveling prior to December 10 or who do not wish to transport the tree home, the Farm will allow you to simply tag your tree and will ship your tree to your home for an additional fee.

Also well worth the visit, Evergreen Gardens, located on Route 100 just South of Stowe, transforms their shop into a Holiday decoration-shopping mecca with wreaths, garlands, trees, and handcrafted decorations for visitors to bring home..

Vermont Christmas Trees Facts at a Glance
o There are about 250 Christmas tree farms in Vermont, with about 8,000 acres in commercial production.
o The state of Vermont will be sending the official Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington DC this holiday season, direct from the Green Mountain National Forest, which is celebrating its 75th year in 2007.
o The 1994 Christmas tree crop in Vermont was valued in excess of $10 million.
o Retail Christmas tree prices normally range from $5 for a small, low-grade tree up to $45 for a high-grade, 8-foot tree.
o Approximately 70% of the Christmas trees harvested in Vermont are of the Balsam variety.
o Vermont Christmas trees are sold retail, wholesale, choose and cut, and through mail order.
o Southern New England, New York, and New Jersey are the major markets for Vermont Christmas trees, but trees are shipped to nearly every state in the country.

For additional holiday cheer while in Stowe, try a sleigh ride (conditions permitting), attend one of several holiday performances, take a candy cane making class at our village chocolate shop, or check a few items off of your holiday list at the many wonderful shops and galleries throughout Stowe. Visit www.gostowe.com for additional information and schedules.

Stowe, Vermont combines a legendary historic village with a magnificent mountain. The peak, Mt. Mansfield, is Vermont’s highest. In summer, Stowe visitors find all the diversions expected of a world-class resort: above-timberline hiking, cycling, paddling, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing, tennis and much more. In winter, Stowe – named #1 Ski Resort in the Eastern US by Ski Magazine, offers world-famous downhill skiing and snowboarding terrain, over 150 km of meticulously groomed cross country trails and 100km of backcountry trails. Stowe is also the birthplace of modern snowshoeing with many miles of snowshoeing trails for every ability. And in every season, guests are superbly served by Stowe’s nearly 70 unique shops, 60 lodges and 50 restaurants catering to every taste and budget. For additional information about Stowe or to book your trip visit www.gostowe.com or call 1-800-GOSTOWE.

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