FAQs
Question
Should I stay at the Aspen?
Answer
Yes. Unless you don't want to hang with the cool kids.
Question
When are the bride and groom checking in and out of Aspen?
Answer
Tommy and Alisa will check in on Friday during the day, and will stay thru Sunday night, checking out Monday, August 25.. If guests would also like to stay Sunday night, please let us know so we can make sure your room remains booked, as we have the entire resort from Friday through Sunday only (check-in on August 22, check-out on Sunday August 24).
Question
I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?
Answer
Yes, please do! Include this info on your response card.
Question
What type of clothing should I pack?
Answer
August in Vermont can be warm. Keep an eye on the weather ahead of packing to be sure you don't need a raincoat & umbrella (eek!) It can also get cool at night, a light jacket is good to have. There's a pool at Aspen so remember your swimsuit and flip flops. The sun is still strong up here in the mountains, don't forget your sunblock. Manchester has many shops, if you plan to walk around, pack sneakers or walking shoes. The wedding isn't overly formal, we recommend "summer cocktail" attire. Light dresses with an optional shawl/wrap/cover-up. Men should feel comfortable too, jackets and collared shirts always look nice in pictures. Guys, if any of you visit Castle Rablogan you are required to buy a kilt and wear it!
Question
Any other packing recommendations?
Answer
We have the WHOLE resort! There are adirondack chairs, but if you have a favorite beach or backyard chair, feel free to bring it and position where you'd like. There are multiple well-manicured lawns and a lovely pool; you can position your chair anywhere you'd like if you're seeking or hiding from the sun! All rooms come equipped with a mini fridge, and if you would like to have a more mobile way to enjoy your favorite beverage cold, consider bringing a cooler. Aspen is Party Central. There are many places in town to stock up on ice, beers, and all grocery items.
Question
What is the best route from Long Island to Manchester Center, VT?
Answer
We travel this route all too often so we can honestly say this is THE BEST WAY TO GO! So you know, this route is 20 miles shorter than taking I95 to I91, and takes the same amount of time. We do NOT recommend following your GPS and taking Taconic State Parkway (TSP). It is not scenic and it's easy to speed and get pulled over :( Less places to stop and use a restroom or grab a bite to eat on the TSP. Take Route 22 and enjoy the ride! FROM LONG ISLAND: Depending on traffic take the Cross Island Parkway North to the Whitestone Bridge*. Whitestone Bridge will let you out on the Hutchinson Parkway North. Take the Hutch to I684 North. It's a LEFT Exit (2 lanes). Continue on I684W to Brewster, all the way to the end. 684 ends on Route 22 North in Brewster. This is a local highway, so the speed limit does fluctuate--keep your eyes on posted speed limits. This is a great job for your copilot :) Continue on Rt22N for the next approx. 112 miles. When you get to Hoosick, you will come to a blinking red light (stop sign) at the corner of NY Route 7. There will be a Stewart's Shop and gas station on your right. Make a right turn for NY Rt.7 East. Continue on this road, you are three miles from the VT border. When you cross into VT, this road becomes VT Rt. 279 East. Continue on this road for a couple of miles, you will see signs for VT Rt. 7. Take the exit for VT Rt. 7 North towards Manchester. Continue on VT Rt 7N to exit 4 Manchester Center. At the end of the exit ramp, make a left turn on to Rts. 11/30 towards Manchester Center. Continue until you get to the traffic circle (see FAQ on traffic circles). At the circle, take the first right on to Rt. 7A No. There will be a second roundabout immediately--take that first right as well, to remain on Rt. 7A North. Continue past the Mobil station, until you reach Aspen, on your left at 5669 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
Question
Can I take the train there?
Answer
Yes. Amtrak's Ethan Allen line serves NYC to Burlington, VT daily. Be sure to book the local route that stops in Rutland, VT. Rutland is about 40 minutes north of Manchester Center. Copy/paste into your browser: amtrak.com/ethan-allen-express-train
Question
Can I fly there?
Answer
Yes, the two best options are: 1) Fly to Boston Logan. From there, transfer to a Cape Air flight to Rutland. Rutland is about 40 minutes north of Manchester Center. 2) Fly to Albany International. ALB is about one and a half hours southwest of Manchester Center. If you do plan to fly, let Tommy or Alisa know and we can work details.
Question
What essential stores like grocery, pharmacy and convenience are there?
Answer
Grocery: Price Chopper | Depot Street | Smaller selection, quicker to navigate Shaw's | Main St. | Large supermarket, better deli Pharmacy: Walgreen's | Main St. | Your friendly neighborhood pharmacist Convenience: Stewart's Shops | Main St. | Snacks, convenience, excellent ice cream (closes at 10) Maplefields | Main St. | Snacks, convenience (closes at 11)
Question
What are the rules of the roundabout/rotary/traffic circle?
Answer
Always yield to traffic in the circle. Traffic approaches from your left, so wait until oncoming traffic turns out of the circle or passes before you enter. You can enter the circle at the same time as the car on your left.