Falling for Vermont
Okay, so I’m a sucker for the Green Mountain State. But who isn’t? Especially in that Vermontiest of seasons, Fall. Cruise this easy-peasy zip from Boston, NYC or Montreal through peak foliage and you’ll be proud to let locals gently deride you with title of “Leafpeeper.”
We split the trip into Northern Vermont, Southern Vermont and—in honor of proximity to Ben & Jerryland—Midsections. Here’s the lowdown on October happenings for the family in the not-so-green mountains:
Southern Vermont:
Tucked away in tiny Chittendon, this property is a great place to go parking. No need to venture out with 350 acres of color changing goodness, topped off with inclusives like buffet breakfast, private beach, kayaks, canoes, lake activities, tennis court, trails and lawn games (massage therapy, clay bird shooting, pontoon boat cruises, mountain biking, and fly fishing available at additional cost). The best bet for multi-family getaways are the private chalet homes with bonuses like fireplaces for the Autumn chill or a billiard room to engage the kiddos.
*Plan Ahead Tip – Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt and rumor has it…DOGSLEDDING!
Okemo Resort – Jackson Gore Village
Loose, laid back family-friendly lodging slopeside means easy access to walking trails, tennis courts and outdoor hot tubs. Kids will dig the fitness center’s play area with splash and slide features and hoops for aqua basketball. Most of the comfy rooms offer TV’s with DVD (make Backyardigans your snooze button), jetted tubs, and many include washer dryer. If opting for a kitchen, it actually has everything you need to make a full meal (shocker!). Great spot to venture out to the plethora of Vermont fall festivals.
*Plan Ahead Tip – Winter family programs have hit a bunch of magazine top ten lists—visit M-F, Nov 26-Dec 21st and guests 7 and up can learn to ski or snowboard free. Rentals, lift pass and lessons. Seriously, free.
Midsections:
The Hills Are Alive…c’mon, you know I had to go there. Grandkids of Maria and Captain, charming Sam and Kristina often mingle with guests and share their family history over complimentary afternoon cheese, fresh fruit, cookies and tea. Tour the foliage on bike trails or with kid-friendly guides to highlight wildlife. Visit Pastry Chef Marshall Faye in the Austrian bakery to learn the lessons of linzertorte—this sweet as his goodies guy loves kids so much he played dad to FORTY-SIX of them, so even elbow-deep-in-flour-rugrats don’t faze him. You haven’t lived until you’ve grooved to Julie Andrew’s “Lonely Goatherd” echoing from the mouth of a bebopping stuffed goat—join family singalongs to get it out of your system.
*Plan Ahead Tip – Harness up a Pulk sled and Nordic ski your little ones (along some of Trapp’s 45k groomed trails) to mountaintop Slayton Pasture cabin for a hearty fireside lunch.
Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa
Mini-me can join Mom for a mani or hang in the pool, check out lawn games with volleyball, croquet and children’s playset. Tennis courts, free onsite 9-hole, par-3 golf course and borrowing Stoweflake bikes/inline skates to zoom down the village’s 5 mile beautifully forested paved rec path complete with Vermont-y covered bridges will fill a visit.
*Plan Ahead Tip – Drop the kids at Stowe Mountain Resort’s most excellent Ski Program (I picked up my kid who was not only riding the lift the first day but skiing down the mountain backwards!) and hit Stoweflake’s amayhayhayzing spa. Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish did me in, I was glowing inside and out.
Northern Vermont:
Finally a place that doesn’t ditch the kids programs at Labor Day! I know it’s supposed to be “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” and all, but that is sooo not the way it works in my house. Award-winning Autumnfest superfun activities (and Kid’s night out on weekends) let kids 6wks to 5 years have a blast and mom enjoy a hot cider with a good book with a gorgeous view of gold, red and yellow mountains or a meal where the only meat you cut will be your own. Bigger kids can chill at FunMeister’s Clubhouse and play ping-pong, shuffleboard, pool, air hockey, board and video games, while teens can hunt down the onsite teen centers.
*Plan Ahead Tip – Tiny skiers from 2 1/2 and snowboarders from 4 can hit the hill in the all day kid program. Adaptive program with special equipment gives access to those in need of extra assistance (physical or cognitive) at any age.
October 21st, 2008 | by Sascha Zuger 3 comments
1. Kristy Hall on October 22nd, 2008
I am so making a reservation for the Trapp Family Lodge this winter. Thank you Sascha for the inside scoop.
2. Linda (minnemom) on October 24th, 2008
All of these places sound wonderful, especially the Trapp Family Lodge. Do they really have family singalongs there?
3. Gretchen on October 27th, 2008
I am sooo jealous just reading your adventures! Think I can fit in your suitcase next time? :)
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