Frog Meadow Provides Men With Space to Rejuvenate in Vermont
Frog Meadow in Newfane, Vermont has been serving the gay community since 2006. It is described as a “country bed & breakfast and massage oasis for men”, but it is much more than that, especially to its loyal visitors. Owned and operated by longtime gay couple Scott Heller and Dave King, the pair’s mission is to “provide a welcoming, non-judgmental and comfortable space for men to relax and shed the trappings of busy modern life.” Initially designed to be their own place of sanctuary and respite in 1995, the men decided to open up their home to share the peace and tranquility they had found within Frog Meadow after an incredibly inspiring and life-changing trip to Hawaii in 2005 that motivated Dave to pursue an education in massage therapy.
Visitors to the 63-acre estate can expect to be treated as ‘ohana,’ or extended family, to the couple and will be welcomed with a big hug. From there it is up to you to do as much or as little as you want to. Community is the emphasis here. There will never be more than 12 to 14 men here at a time in order to foster more intimate connections amongst travelers. You will be free to enjoy Frog Meadow’s spring-fed swimming and lap pond, explore their 4-season hiking and snowshoeing trails, soak in their 750-gallon, eco-friendly wood-fired hot tub, or book a 60- or 90-minute therapeutic massage with Dave. All activities are clothing optional.
Frog Meadow also hosts men’s gatherings, workshops, and retreats to “celebrate, transform, integrate and heal body, mind & spirit.” In light of Covid, they offer virtual classes with their most popular workshop and retreat facilitators including Qi Gong and Tantra with Adam Brown of the Heart-Centered Studio, yoga with Colby Smith of Shankara Studio, and meditation with Christian de la Huerta of Soulful Power. With respect to in-person events, guests are invited to join them for Ciderfest! On October 8, you can help harvest the apple orchard on the grounds and press some cider. You can also join them for their Thanksgiving Week R&R and Putney Craft Tour from November 21-27. Visitors will spend their leisure time on Frog Meadow but will also be encouraged to visit the nearby town of Putney for their 46th annual Craft Tour. There you will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind crafts, eat fabulous food, drink local wine, and take in a performance at one of Putney’s local theaters.
In terms of accommodation, Frog Meadow offers six options, all of which include a full country breakfast (made from local ingredients) each morning of your stay. There are suites, rooms, and cottages for you to choose from that can comfortably house 2 to 4 people. The North and South Rooms, in addition to the Frog Meadow Suite (featuring a private jacuzzi) are located in the main house while the Carriage House Suite and the Brook and Honeybee Cottages are in separate dwellings throughout the grounds. Frog Meadow also has Work and Fellowship Programs available at specified times of the year for the budget conscious.
For more information and to book your stay at Frog Meadow click here.
