Crisp leaves crunched under the tires of our rental car as we approached the gates of Twin Farms, a luxury escape in the countryside of Barnard, Vermont. Alleviated to have made it to the end of our five-hour journey from Brooklyn (us New Yorkers aren’t accustomed to driving cross countries), I rolled down my window and pushed the button on the intercom, eager to explore our space and lie down.
” Welcome, Samantha! We’ve been waiting on you,” a thrilled voice came through the speaker as eviction in front of us opened onto a perfectly thick driveway. “How did they understand it was us?” I asked my good friend, Kate, who was in the traveler seat. We slowly pulled in, awing at the fairy-tale forest all around us. It was the start of fall, and the landscape was a blanket of green with pops of yellow, orange, and red spread throughout.
A few members of the hotel team greeted us in front of the Main House. Kate and I looked at each other– our plans for an afternoon nap would have to wait.
We informed our waiter we wanted something light and revitalizing and were immediately served honey-drizzled goat cheese with fresh greens from the on-site garden. We chatted with different members of the team between courses, getting the within scoop on all of the must-do activities in the location. The goat cheese was followed by a classic Caesar salad topped with grilled salmon, and finally, apple fall apart with ice cream and caramel-covered popcorn.
” So, should we go for a walking?” I stated to Kate as we ended up consuming. In some way, a locally grown lunch and discussions with the skilled personnel were more rejuvenating than a nap.
The Twin Farms group was one step ahead of us from the moment we showed up on home. They anticipated our needs better than we could have done ourselves and personalized our experience in a manner that made it feel effortless. This is simply among the numerous factors the home is regularly voted among the best hotels in New England by Travel + Leisure readers.
As we found out at that very first meal, food is at the heart of the Twin Farms experience. The Main Dining Room serves three meals a day, consisting of the hotel’s signature degustation menu, which is focused around Vermont’s finest active ingredients. However with customization being the farm’s speciality, the dining choices are, in a manner, endless.
Visitors have the ability to picnic almost anywhere on the estate. On our 2nd day, we opted to have lunch cozied up by a fire pit beside the pond. All we needed to do was let the group know where and when we wanted to eat and select from a menu of gourmet sandwiches and wraps (which featured white wine pairings, obviously). The team dealt with the rest, making certain everything was set up perfectly– rocking chairs, blankets, and all.
As if dining across 300 acres didn’t leave guests with enough options, the farm just recently opened yet another restaurant. Twiggs, an informal restaurant serving burgers, stews, and more, is suggested to match the sophistication of the Main Dining Room. The menu is still centered around locally sourced components, as is the nature of the farm, but provides dishes that develop a more casual, unwinded environment.
The opening of Twiggs signifies the start of a brand-new age for the farm. It’s the first rollout of a multiphase renovation. The Main House terrace will be expanded, making room for more outside dining. The renowned Japanese furo (or indoor soaking swimming pool) will get a face-lift, including the addition of a rain shower feature. There are also a number of updates that are still under covers.
Twin Farms has actually been wowing guests with its flawless service and spectacular grounds for nearly 30 years, and the ongoing remodellings will only enhance the experience.
Completion of any journey is regrettable, however I was specifically disappointed to leave the farm. Its home-away-from-home feel makes it the sort of place you might remain for weeks and be content.
The team knows nobody likes to bid farewell, so to make things a little simpler, you’re offered a picnic lunch for the road, total with local cheese, sandwiches, fruit, dessert, and more. We took turns driving and enjoyed our last lunch, still amazed at the quality of the ingredients, even after days of eating them. (Tip: The takeaway chocolate chip cookies are not to be missed.).
Similar To Twin Farms is one action ahead of you when you drive into the gates, it’s also one step ahead as you drive off.