{"id":1926,"date":"2014-03-25T13:00:57","date_gmt":"2014-03-25T17:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wanderlust.com\/?p=1926"},"modified":"2018-01-31T19:05:24","modified_gmt":"2018-02-01T00:05:24","slug":"insiders-guide-co-founders-recommendation-wanderlust-stratton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderlust.com\/ko\/journal\/insiders-guide-co-founders-recommendation-wanderlust-stratton\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider\u2019s Guide: A Co-Founder\u2019s Tips for Wanderlust Stratton"},"content":{"rendered":"

Attend a Wanderlust Festival! <\/span><\/a><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/i>One of the aspects I love about Wanderlust is how each festival takes on the essence of its natural and cultural surroundings. This is particularly true at Stratton Mountain.<\/p>\n

The beauty of the Vermont landscape is hushed. The mountains roll, the grass is lush, the sky often heavy. The colors blur like a watercolor and the energy is peaceful, old. If our Tahoe festival is Wagnerian with its high, jagged mountains thrusting into the thin air, then Vermont is more Debussy, impressionistic and dreamy.<\/p>\n

It’s hard to find a town without a green market. Vermont didn’t so much rediscover the local food movement as it has served as an example for the local-based economy. From maple syrup to cheeses to micro-brews, Vermont is the national capital of the cottage and craft industry. Even scaling brands like Cabot continue to work closely with local farmers.<\/p>\n

On your way to the festival, I highly suggest stopping at the Grafton Cheese Factory, on Route 30, on your drive just out of Brattleboro. See the inner workings of the factory and stock up on some cheese for the trip. A little further down the road, just before you get to Newfane, you can pull off at Dutton\u2019s Farm Stand. Strawberries are perfectly in season during festival time. You can pick your own for cheap!<\/p>\n

Even as Wanderlust Stratton continues to grow (and this year is going to be the biggest yet), the festival has retained a tight-knit, community feel. Snug in the shadow of the mountain and surrounded by dense summer forest, Stratton gives us a unique opportunity to create an\u00a0intentional community. As you make the final turn up the access road\u2014local victuals in tow\u2014you’ll see what I mean. Stratton really becomes a little Wanderlust village, with yogis blissfully relaxing on the central lawn and strolling down the cobblestone walkways.<\/p>\n

Hiking<\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/b>The famous 2,200-mile trail crosses the peak of Stratton Mountain as it winds its way from Georgia to Maine, and at Stratton \u2018lusters can get a taste of a particularly scenic section. We offer a variety of hikes, but make sure you sign up for one that takes you up the mountain, either via walking or the gondola.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you near the top, you can amble to the Stratton Fire Tower and climb to its peak. From your perch, you can see five different states (try to name them!). The Fire Tower is tended by one of Vermont\u2019s most legendary characters, Hugh Joudry. Hugh and his wife, Jeanne, are sculptors who live at the top of Stratton Mountain for nine months every year. They\u2019ve been up there for 45 years and have the stories to prove it. When a tree falls, Hugh, who has a fair resemblance to a tree stump himself, carves it into a spiritual character that protects the wood.<\/p>\n

Yoga<\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/b>Okay, I\u2019m biased. But I love my wife, so what can I say? Take a class with my better half, <\/span>Schuyler<\/a>. I recommend Kula Flow. It\u2019s a strong, alignment-based vinyasa class that will energize you for the rest of your day.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also take classes with the legendary Seane Corne\u2014an inspiring teacher who blends activism into each of her lessons. Other teachers include Wanderlust favorites such as Chelsey Korus, Mary Beth LaRue, and Caley Alyssa. The varieties are as diverse as the teachers, with a nourishing combination of Yin, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and DJ-led flows.<\/p>\n

<\/b>Music<\/b><\/h3>\n

Music floods the mountains at Wanderlust Stratton. This year’s lineup includes modern folk and dream pop foursome, Kunika, the soulful melodies of Roothub, and the hauntingly gripping songs of Wanderlust favorite, Garth Stevenson. DJ Jesse Blake and Tazdeen Rashid will be throwing together some inspiring beats for signature classes and pool parties, creating an exciting and evocative musical experience.<\/p>\n

Eats<\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/b>At the base of the mountain and through the town you\u2019ll find several food trucks and vendors with yummy, healthy options: gluten-free pizza, dairy-free frozen treats, tasty Thai and salads from a local farmers market.<\/span><\/p>\n

But by far the most memorable culinary experiences at the festival are the Farm to Table dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. Seated at a long serpentine communal table, 200 people dine together\u2014family style. The setting of the Stratton Mountain Club ski lodge\u2014with its hearth, patio, and big glass windows\u2014transports you out of the 21st<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

The elevation in Stratton is relatively low, making it easier for farmers to have a wide selection of produce. There are tons of organic farms nearby. We often work with our friends at the West River Farmers Market<\/a> in nearby Londonderry to source local, seasonal produce.<\/p>\n

If you want to explore options off campus, check out:<\/p>\n