STOWE, Vt. -­ Summer is already sizzling in the Green Mountains of Vermont, and nowhere more so than at Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe. The rural resort is serving up easy access to the region's most invigorating pursuits ­ as well as a new summer menu at its signature restaurant, Norma's.

Tuck into Chef Brian Tomlinson's creative take on locally grown, organic provisions at Norma's, where the action in the open kitchen is as captivating as views of nearby Mount Mansfield and glistening pools from the terrace. With each meal poised as "an experience," appetizers run from Roulade of Prosciutto, to Ahi Niçoise Carpaccio and salads from Bibb Lettuce and Frisée to Whole Leaf Caesar. A selection of "lighter dining," such as Norma's Black Angus Burger and Misty Knoll Organic Turkey Panini are as tantalizing at mid-day repast as for dinner.

Full-fledged entrees like Pan Roasted Halibut over saffron cous cous-quinoa salad and Grilled Lamb Chops with gingered sweet potato puree, Asian pear slaw and pomegranate-Szechuan peppercorn sauce, assure culinary experiences to recollect. And don't forget to ask about dessert ­ a.k.a., "Something Sweet" ­ with new summery selections such as chocolate ganache raspberry tart and a fresh lemon mousse by new Pastry Chef Veronica Wirth.

Of course, what good is divine dining without working up an appetite first? Topnotch offers plenty to bide your time in the comfortable mountain climate. The newly renovated and expanded Spa at Topnotch has been consistently acclaimed as one of the Top 10 spas in the U.S., with 35,000 square-feet of space and more than 120 treatments and services to go around. Sink yourself into an Aroma Mountain Massage, a Four Hand Massage, or an Ayurvedic Cleansing Ritual & Massage, and follow with a dip in the resort's indoor or outdoor swimming pools.

Not to be outdone, the Topnotch Tennis Center was recently ranked #1 in the northeast and one of the Top 10 resort facilities in the country by Tennis Magazine. There are over 30 tennis programs to choose from for all ages and levels of play, with six outdoor and four indoor courts set amid spectacular views.

Topnotch's new Group Hiking program returns for its second season this summer, with moderately paced, fitness-focused and blissfully small-group hikes into the Green Mountains departing each Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day, at a cost of $50 per person. Meanwhile, the resort's Nordic Barn Recreational Center provides rental equipment for cycling, mountain biking, in-line skating, canoeing and fly-fishing, while the Topnotch Equestrian Center offers private and group riding lessons, as well as guided English and Western trail rides. And, of course, there are miles and miles of hiking and jogging trails to take at your own pace throughout the Green Mountains, as well as an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course just a quick dash away.

Summer rates at Topnotch Resort start at $385 per night for double occupancy in a deluxe guest room. For more information or to make reservations at Topnotch Resort and Spa, please call (800) 451-8686, or visit www.topnotchresort.com.

A model of sophisticated rusticity in the rolling mountains of Vermont, Topnotch Resort & Spa is a premier New England destination retreat offering endless recreational pursuits in a thoroughly luxurious atmosphere. A AAA Four Diamond property perched on 120 acres near the village of Stowe, the resort offers 68 guest rooms and suites dressed up in European Country Manor style, with contemporary amenities and most with exceptional views of the lush Green Mountains.

Topnotch also has a selection of 40 luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom resort homes ­ the last ranging over 2,500 square feet ­ each with its own personality and full resort privileges. In June 2006, Norma's Restaurant opened at the resort, serving eclectic cuisine in a casual setting, with an inviting open kitchen. Acclaimed as one of the Top 10 Resort Spas in America by Spa Finder and as the #10 Resort Spa in North America by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler on the 2007 Spa Poll, voted #1 for service, the recently renovated Topnotch Spa covers 35,000 square feet, including 30 treatment rooms in which to experience more than 120 exotic and rejuvenating treatments and services. For sports and leisure, the resort features a Tennis Center with indoor and outdoor courts, cross-country and downhill skiing, a wealth of fitness pursuits at a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an indoor pool with a cascading massage waterfall, a new whirlpool/Jacuzzi, and two new outdoor pools ­ one of which will be heated year-round. Topnotch was honored as the #4 best ski resort in North America and the highest rated in New England in the 2007 by Condé Nast Traveler Ski Poll.

The Tennis Center at Topnotch played host to the Fed Cup Semifinal Tie in July 2007 and has been recognized as the #1 tennis resort in the Northeast in 2006 by Tennis Magazine.

Pets are welcome in select guest rooms and suites at the resort.

Topnotch Resort and Spa is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Associated Luxury Hotels. www.topnotchresort.com.

Contact:
Ashley Bleimes
Hawkins International
(212) 255-6541
ashley@hawkpr.com