Summer Vacations in Vermont

With the exception of a couple of trips to see "Mickey" and of course, the essential three week road trip out West (which I will elaborate more on in a separate post), Wendy & I have been packing up the kids and heading north to Vermont almost every Summer since they were little.

I get asked quite a bit why we frequently take summer vacations in Vermont, so I thought I would share a few reasons why.

1) It's hard to beat Vermont mountain weather in the summer. We have traveled as early as the 3rd week of June, and as late as the 4th week in August, and have found the weather to be fantastic. Sure, there is always the chance of a day or two of rain, but for a shot at beating the city heat and humidity, it's a no-brainer. Here we are a few summers ago at the top of Killington Peak doing just that. It was about 60 degrees on top that day. In July!

2) There are almost to many activities to choose from, and the nice thing is you can be as active or sedentary as you want to be. We've had times when all we wanted to do was lay around our lakefront cabin on Lake Hortonia in Hubbardton and immerse ourselves in a good book. Other summer weeks have found us at Killington and Pico doing some hiking, mountain biking, riding alpine slide and water slides. A camping trip on the White River, featuring campfires, tubing, and marauding raccoons is my kids' favorite memory.

Also, I usually manage to sneak the golf clubs and/or fishing rods in the back of the van, as there are endless golfing and fishing opportunities available throughout Vermont in the summer. I especially recommend the Green Mountain National golf course, and fishing on Lakes Bomoseen, St. Catherine, and Hortonia. If you are into bass fishing, as I am, these Vermont lakes get very little fishing pressure, and the bites are frequent and fun. This is especially nice when you have young kids that you may be introducing to fishing.

3) Speaking of little ones, you can find plenty of things to keep their imaginations engaged. We found when our brood were small, that they particularly enjoyed day trips to places like Ben & Jerry's, the New England Maple Museum, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and Story Land (I know, this one is in New Hampshire, but well worth the drive).

4) Not to be overlooked is how genuinely friendly the people are. Tourism is a pretty big deal in Vermont these days, and not just during ski season. Folks seem to appreciate that you have chosen to spend your hard-earned time off in their verdant corner of the country. From giving directions to recommending a restaurant to giving a bit of local history, Vermonters are eager to please.

5) Your choice of lodging options is pretty much unlimited. From cozy inns (straight out of Newhart), to luxury hotels and spas, to remote backcountry cabins, to well-appointed condos, the choice is yours and there is something to fit every budget. If you are planning a summer vacation in Vermont around a family reunion, there are even large individual homes and farms for rent that can accommodate 20-50 people.

I think that's a pretty good list of reasons to give Vermont a try this summer. I'll be happy to field any questions anyone may have regarding logistics, scenic driving routes, and where to stay and what to do. Just ask!

And yes, for the record I do believe Champ is real. Haven't seen him yet, but we'll take another look when we are up on Lake Champlain this summer!

Experience "Old Country" Golf this Summer at Okemo

You don't have to fly across the Big Pond the summer, to get a taste of the 15th century roots of our favorite game. The Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow is Vermont's only heathland-style course, and a round here will make you swear that you have been cart-napped to somewhere in the British Isles.

The rolling terrain of the meticulously manicured fairways will test every club in your bag, and like any good heathland course, the rolling doesn't stop on the fairways. The undulating greens will test your nerve as well as your eye.

After your round you will want to linger in the club's state-of-the-art clubhouse modeled after an 18th century farmhouse and barn. The club offers a full-service Pro Shop, indoor practice facility, and men's and women's locker rooms. Willie Dunn's Grill, the on-site restaurant and pub, is just the 19th hole reward you will be looking for, and make sure you try the sweet potato fries (wow!).

Contact your golf buddies at Tours de Sport to set up a visit this Summer. In fact make a weekend of it by getting a round at Okemo's sister course, the Tater Hill Golf Club in nearby North Windham. Just refurbished a year ago, this championship layout provides the perfect compliment to the Okemo Valley layout. A round at each course and a night or two at Okemo's fabulous Jackson Gore Inn and all of its amenities makes for the perfect golf getaway or even a family summer vacation. The Okemo/Ludlow area has plenty of other outdoor activities to keep the whole family busy.

Insider's Tip: Come up during the middle of the week, and you feel like you are playing at your own private club.

New Summer Activities at Sugarbush, Vermont

Our friend Jen from Sugarbush in northern Vermont has recently informed us that the resort has added some new exciting activities for this summer! Here is a brief rundown of the recent additions and improvements:

“This summer, Sugarbush Resort will re-open its network of legendary mountain bike trails! Whether you prefer high-speed downhill runs, long technical descents on your cross-county bike, or leisurely loop rides, Sugarbush Resort is the place for your next mountain bike adventure.

Another great addition is the new Zip Line. Located at Lincoln Peak, the Zip Line will start above the Valley House Lodge and take riders over 600’ through the air to the landing pad behind the Gate House.

Finally, Sugarbush has added disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, to the list of warm weather activities. Players start from a tee and make their way to a pin; only in this sport the “hole” is a standardized chain-and-basket disc-catching assembly mounted in the ground.”

These great new activities add a great deal of variety to an already wonderful family vacation in northern Vermont. Don’t forget about the fabulous Sugarbush Golf Course and the natural wonder of the Mad River Valley! Sugarbush is just a 6-hour drive from New York City and 3 hours from Boston.

Golf at "The Loaf"

Here’s a suggestion for a golf destination you may not have thought about: Sugarloaf/USA. One of the most enjoyable ski resorts in New England is also home to one of the most spectacular golf courses in the region. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr & built in 1985, Sugarloaf golf course is a classic Mountain course with many elevation changes and some great views. Seeing wildlife, including moose, during your round is not uncommon. Sugarloaf golf course has received several honors over the years including Maine’s #1 public course by Golf Week.

Sugarloaf/USA is a full service resort with lodging options including hotel rooms and condominiums. There are several dining & entertainment options at the resort including the Shipyard Brewhaus. You can also take advantage of some of the area activities which include hiking, watersports & fishing.

Tours De Sport is partnering with Sugarloaf/USA to provide you with a single stop for your summer golf and/or family vacation. It’s a bit of a drive to get there but well worth the trip. Call one of our vacation specialists today or log on to www.toursdesport.com or www.golfzoo.com & let us plan a summer trip you won’t soon forget.

Mountain Golf

Do you like the mountains of the northeast in winter? If so you should see them in the summer!

As you know, ski season in the northeast usually lasts four to five months on a good year. Some years ago many of those who operate eastern ski resorts decided to try to attract visitors during the other seven months of the year. These resorts have lift rides and on-mountain activities as well as some great golf. Many of the resort golf courses were designed by such noted architects as Robert Trent Jones JR, Geoffrey Cornish & Graham Cooke.

As you would imagine, given the terrain surrounding ski resorts, most of these tracks are mountain courses. What you will find are championship courses with many blind shots, undulating (ok, hilly) terrain and some great views. For many golfers, used to southern, flatter courses, this will be a new experience.

Tours De Sport / Golf Zoo is now working with many of our partners in the northeast United States and eastern Canada in designing golf and family activity trips for the coming spring, summer & autumn seasons. Go to our web sites & check out the offerings: www.toursdesport.com ; www.golfzoo.com.

If blind shots, varying fairway lies & undulating greens sound interesting to you, you’ll find that and more at the mountain courses. If flatter, more traditional tracks suit you better we have that also. We have partnered with courses within short drives of the resorts and the lodging properties we work with to give you several golf options at each resort.The ski season has ended, golf season has begun and we have some great early season packages available. Or get a jump on that summer vacation planning. Log on or call one our vacation specialists and we’ll take it from there.

Favorite Evening Spots at Mont-Tremblant

The one amenity that separates Mont-Tremblant from all other Eastern resorts is the pedestrian village at the base of the mountain. Over a dozen hotels and condo properties are scattered throughout the village, which is no more than a half-mile in length, making it just a five-minute walk from one end to the other. Those preferring not to walk the gentle upslope can hop a free ride on the Cabriolet, a small lift that takes guests directly over the village for an amazing view. The foremost benefit of staying in the village is that a vehicle is not necessary to do virtually any activity. Furthermore, there are numerous restaurants and evening hang-outs just outside your hotel's front door. Here’s a look at some of the best spots to enjoy a cool summer evening and a great meal or beverage:

Le Shack:
Located near the top of the village in the Plaza Saint-Bernard, Le Shack offers casual family dining and sports bar atmosphere in the evening with two big screen TVs. An outdoor patio is a great pot to enjoy the night sky.

Casey’s:
Adjacent to the Country Inn and Suites, Casey’s offers all the traditional family favorites: ribs, steaks, fajitas, chicken. Of course, a large terrace and a lively bar add to the fantastic atmosphere.

Spag & Co:
This romantic nightspot is tucked away near La Tour des Voyageurs at the base of the village, and offers authentic Italian cuisine, and the largest selection of fine wines in the village.

Lounge du Westin:
A modern lounge bar in the lobby of the village’s most upscale property: The Westin. It offers a low-key, relaxed atmosphere. A great selection of wines by the glass and contemporary cocktails are featured, and a small menu of tasty delicacies is offered for guests looking for an upscale alternative.

The Northeast is not just for skiing!

As the snow laden mountains start to thaw and the spring skiers get that one last run in, thoughts of Spring fill the air. Flowers and trees start to bloom, rivers and streams run deep and full of life and the mountains of the Northeast take on a whole new life.

The resorts you love to ski in the winter turn into the ultimate outdoor weekend vacation spots. Trade in those ski boots for hiking boots and hit the trails. Places like Sugarloaf, Maine offer some of the most beautiful hiking trails stretching from mountain peak to peak with trails for all ability levels.

For your 2 wheeled friends, Mount Snow, VT is the place to be seen. Known as the Mountain Bike capital of the East, this resort offers over 45 miles of terrain just waiting for you.

Golf enthusiasts take note; some of the top rated courses in the country are nestled in these areas. These courses will offer any player an exceptional round of golf against a truly magnificent backdrop. As rated in publications such as Golf Digest, Golf Magazine & Golfweek these courses are worth the trip!

And that’s just to name a few of the wondrous outdoor activities waiting for you. So pack up the family and take a few hours drive out of the city where a whole new world opens up for the taking. And remember, leave the laptop at home, there’s no internet in the woods!