Quechee Club helps guests feel right at home
In a perfect world, you could have your own little hamlet in which to enjoy the Vermont foliage season. It would be tucked into a secluded valley, surrounded by mountains thick with vividly colored trees. It would be close to quaint towns and maybe even a small city for jaunts, but still feel away from it all. You’d be able to arrive, settle into your home and have all the fun things of fall at your fingertips.
You can either keep dreaming or, better yet, head to the Quechee Club, a subdivision of Hartford, Vt., just outside of Woodstock, Vt.
Created in 1970 by locals and regular visitors with a dream, the Quechee Club (3268 Quechee Main St., Quechee) today is a stand-alone vacation spot. Centered by a beautiful farmhouse-red clubhouse that is home to two restaurants, a golf pro shop, function space, a lap pool, massage rooms and more, the Quechee Club has 55 lovely homes on 5,500 beautiful rolling acres. Homes are privately owned, but available to rent.
Arriving at the Quechee Club in the fall is a nextlevel getaway. You drive past the Ottauquechee River, apple orchards and vibrant maple trees thick on the hills, and go down into a secluded valley. Then you see the club itself.
First, there is the aforementioned setting. The Quechee Club’s grounds are pristine, and for a reason. The original mission statement, which still stands today, was “to provide the members with a quality four season community sensitive to the natural beauty of the valley.”
It’s just plain beautiful. And then there’s the vibe. Created as a neighborhood of those who love the Vermont outdoors, even the shortest-term visitors are treated like longtime friends. You’ll find friendly faces and even a concierge to help you plan your fun.
And that is plentiful. There are two awardwinning golf courses: the Highland, which gives you views down into the valley, and the Lakeland, down in the valley looking up at the mountains above. There’s a great pro shop and pros to help you hone your game if you desire.
Hiking (and just plain walking) opportunities abound, as do those for biking. The club has three maintained trails with maps available (and guided hikes are held regularly as well). It is also close enough for a bike ride or crisp fall walk into the vibrant town of Woodstock, where you can find classic Vermont shopping and great dining choices.
Man-made Lake Pinneo has a big beach and a kids playground for fun stops during a walk or drive. You can arrange to kayak or canoe there, as well as on the river or at Dewey Pond, right down the road.
Back at the Quechee Club, there’s always a nice mix of part-timers and full-timers. With the classic small town Vermont feel, you’ll get to know folks immediately.
Should your visit leave you wanting more (how could it not?), be assured: The Quechee Club is very much a four-season resort. With its own ski area, winters are alive there. Planned events offer something in every season (check out their calendar). From regularly scheduled live music to competitive tennis events as well as platform tennis and the wildly popular Pickleball (fall is a great time there for racquet sports as well), to water sports in the thick of the summer, there’s always something special going on. Want to buy and stay forever? They can help you with that, too.
For now, your Vermont fall foliage “home of your own,” even for a weekend, awaits you. Learn more at quecheeclub.com/web/ pages/welcome.