Every now and again, members of the tourism and leisure industry will do something so special that you can't help but feel compelled to tell the world about it. The generous people of Stowe, Vermont do something extraordinary every year -- they literally open their town up to cancer sufferers and survivors for one weekend a year, as a celebration of life, spring and renewal.
Established in 2001, the Stowe Weekend of Hope (tel. 800/GO-STOWE; www.stowehope.org) is a free weekend of accommodations, activities and entertainment open to all patients (and families members) currently undergoing treatment for cancer, or those cancer survivors who may still be living with the fear of relapse. The weekend aims to bring together all those touched by cancer and provide them with a supportive nurturing environment. In doing so, the weekend helps restore hope and gives participants a chance to heal both pysically and emotionally.
This year the weekend will be held from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, 2005.
Athough famous for its winter time activities, Stowe is a resort village for all seasons. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Mansfield, Stowe can be a magical destination during springtime. Recreational activities abound including scenic hikes, horse-back riding, fishing, bike-riding and golfing, or you can sit back and just take in the beautiful vistas and fresh mountain air. From an indulgence perspective, there are numerous spas and wellness centers and a multitude of fine dining restaurants.
As part of the Weekend of Hope, there is an entire calendar of free events including lectures, area tours, carriage rides, concerts, circus performances, guided walks, yoga and meditation classes. There is also a comprehensive educational symposium that provides insightful sessions with guest speakers from oncologists to nutritionalists.
If you think the idea of a free vacation sounds too good to be true, prepare to pleasantly surprised. This weekend is actually free, except for a minor $50 registration fee to secure a reservation (when you check-in, you will have the option to donate your deposit back to the Stowe Weekend of Hope and cancer-related charities). Over 50 Stowe area lodges, inns and bed and breakfasts kindly donate guestrooms for Weekend of Hope guests for one or two night stays and the accommodation is assigned randomly. Discounted rates are available for extended stays and guests are encouraged to take advantage of Stowe's hospitality.
If getting to Stowe is a problem and you live in or near Washington, D.C., New York City or Philadelphia, there are also a limited number of complimentary seats available on Amtrak's "Vermonter" (train number 57) departing on April 28 and returning on May 1. Even food and beverages will be provided free on the trip. For more information, visit www.amtrak.com.
For those who live elsewhere, you can fly to Burlington Vermont, which is only a 50-minute car ride from Stowe. Jetblue (www.jetblue.com), United (www.united.com) and US Airways (www.usairways.com) all have flights to Burlington at relatively reasonable rates during the month of April.
If you or a loved one is interested in joining the hundreds of cancer patients and survivors who participate in this unique weekend, please visit the Weekend of Hope website (www.stowehope.org) and fill out a registration form.
For more general information about visiting Stowe at any time of the year, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/stowe and www.gostowe.com.
To read an previous attendee's report, simply click over to this thread on our Vermont Message Boards.