Twin Farms Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Memorable Weekend Experiences

Steeped in romance and folklore, Twin Farms is Vermont's only luxury, five-star experience, and this year the idyllic Relais & Chateaux resort honors two decades with a series of memorable weekend experiences and special guest events. To say thank you to its loyal guests and welcome new visitors, Twin Farms is celebrating 20 years by extending special rates for stays Sunday through Wednesday nights at various times throughout the anniversary year. The resort is also thrilled that New York interior designer and decorator Katie Ridder will refurbish two of the resort's luxury suites, Hillside and Grotto, this year. In addition, Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil) recently bestowed its highest five-star rating to Twin Farms – for the 18th year in a row.

The intimate, all-inclusive hideaway invites new and familiar faces to join in the year-long celebration, with notable experts, including wine aficionado Kevin Zraly, art experts Kathleen Kolb and Bronwyn Dunne, Chef Alan Wong, winemaker Robert Foley, Vermont's famous Stave puzzle-maker Steve Richardson, local wildcrafters Les Hook and Nova Kim, among others to be announced soon. Upcoming anniversary events include:

• Indulge and Learn with Kevin Zraly, March 8-10: Wine aficionado, author and recipient of the 2011 James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, Kevin Zraly provides unparalleled wine experiences. Kevin will lead an educational wine tasting and a sumptuous wine dinner at Twin Farms.

• Celebration of Art, May 10-12: Guests will rekindle their own creativity and explore Twin Farms' impressive private art collection with experts associated with Shelburne Museum. Kathleen Kolb, a nationally recognized painter in the realist landscape tradition, will paint onsite and offer guests a supportive opportunity to try their hand with watercolors, pencils, and oil pastels. Curator Bronwyn Dunne, who worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The New Museum, and the Mary Boone Gallery before becoming the director of Arts America, Inc., a not-for-profit art documentary production and distribution company, will lead tours to illuminate select paintings in Twin Farms' art collection.

• Morel & Wildcrafting Weekend, June 1-2: Local wildcrafters Les Hook and Nova Kim will guide guests through a hunt for wild mushrooms, educating visitors on traditional lore and wild spring edibles, ecology, and responsible collection, followed by dinner with the fresh morels.

• Robert Foley Vineyards Wine Weekend, July 19-21: Winemakers Robert and Kelly Foley will lead seminars, informal discussions, vertical tastings, and wine paired with fine cuisine.

• Chef Alan Wong Commemorates Twin Farms' Hawaii Heritage, August 23-25: Renowned Hawaii chef and author of The Blue Tomato, Chef Alan Wong will join Twin Farms' Chef Ted Ask in the kitchen to create a truly special menu that blends the best flavors of Hawaii and Vermont.

• Stave Puzzling Weekend, November 1-3: These hand-cut, wooden, artisan creations are full of wit and whimsy, in addition to being a challenge! Guests are invited to join Vermont's famous Stave puzzle-maker Steve Richardson for a weekend learning about the finest and cleverest handmade wood puzzles and competing against other puzzle aficionados for special prizes and giveaways.

Originally the home of Nobel prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis, Twin Farms is perched on 300 acres of pristine Vermont wilderness and has long been defined by its natural surroundings and rich heritage. The author purchased the 1795-era farmhouse for his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson, who promised to marry him if he bought her a farm in Vermont with sweeping lawns, orchards, and “delicious air.” For 30 years, they celebrated the seasons and entertained at Twin Farms. Esteemed guests included political and literary figures who lingered for provocative discussions, outdoor activities and the opportunity to attend the couple's legendary parties.

In 1974, Thurston Twigg-Smith acquired the property as a second home for his family, and after enjoying its sanctuary for over a decade, they decided to share Twin Farms with the world in the late 1980s. The first nine rooms opened on October 1, 1993 to national acclaim. The Twigg-Smiths enlisted renowned American interior designer Jed Johnson to fashion the resort's original accommodations, and five additional cottages were added in 1995 and 1996. The completion of spa treatment rooms, Chalet, Aviary and the Farmhouse at Copper Hill in 2005, by famed architect Peter Bohlin and interior designer Thad Hayes, brought the number of accommodations to 20, where it remains today.

Hand painted murals, rich maple and pine woodwork, American folk art, and museum-quality contemporary oils adorn the rustically elegant accommodations and lounges. Although each space is incredibly different in style and theme, a playful sophistication is found throughout the property.

Like the art and design, each element of the culinary experience is a delightful surprise. Led by Chef Ted Ask and Pastry Chef Christopher Wilson, meals are inspired by the freshest ingredients available each day from the on-property gardens and local organic farms, and backed by a 20,000-bottle wine cellar.

Outside, guests can enjoy miles of hiking trails, private downhill ski slopes, snowshoeing, ice skating, swimming, fly fishing, and leaf-peeping during the fall, with all sporting equipment provided by the property. Twin Farms also offers a fitness center, Japanese-style soaking tub (Furo) and Out of the Woods Spa with custom treatments that change with the seasons.

Located approximately three hours from Boston, five hours from New York City, and 90 minutes from Burlington, VT, the journey into Twin Farms' bucolic landscape sets the mood for a truly unique escape from the pace of daily life. Rates range from $1,400 to $3,100 per night for two people, and include all meals, beverages, and full use of any on-site recreation and equipment. For more information or to book a stay, please contact our guest services team at 1 -800-894-6327 or visit www.twinfarms.com.

About: Twin Farms