Back to Ski: Smugglers Notch Resort for teens and advanced skiers

We covered Smugglers’ Notch amenities for young kids and babies last winter, but Vermont-based Smuggs has older kids, teens, and advanced skiers covered as well. In fact, this combination makes Smuggs an excellent resort pick for multigenerational family travel, so bring Grandma and Grandpa along, too. If you have expert skiers and older kids or teens in your midst, here’s what you need to know … [Read more...]

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich Vermont

The Montshire Museum of Science is considered one of the best children's museums in the US, and for good reason. The museum has some wonderful exhibits inside, but perhaps the best (and most unique) part of the museum is the outdoor water park and nature trails. The Montshire is so full of exhibits and activities that we couldn’t hope to get to all of them in a single morning, so we settled for … [Read more...]

WilloughVale Inn and Cottages, Vermont

Few places are as beautiful and family-friendly as Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Think brisk fall days, clear lakes, and great hiking. If you’re looking for a great place to stay while visiting, I highly recommend the WilloughVale Inn and Cottages at Lake Willoughby. Lake Willoughby is cool, clear, and beautifully situated between two steep mountains, making it an idea spot to swim and play in … [Read more...]

Vermont skiing with kids: Okemo Mountain Resort

For families itching to spend a weekend skiing in Vermont, but dreading a long car ride, Okemo Mountain Resort is the answer! It’s located only about an hour into Vermont, making it one of the state’s most accessible resorts. But don’t let its southern location fool you—it’s a big mountain with a lot of varied terrain. There’s plenty to keep the kids busy, while letting the more experienced … [Read more...]

Vermont farm experience for kids: Retreat Farm

The Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, VT is a great stop for families of all ages. Its 450 acres include hiking trails, a petting farm, and even an artisanal cheese shop (cheddar, of course!). The farm was originally part of the Brattleboro Retreat, a private mental hospital built in the 1840’s. The Retreat Farm provided milk, meat, and vegetables for the hospital and even served as a mental health … [Read more...]

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: guide to skiing for adults

I grew up skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so I have a healthy skepticism of New England skiing. The mountains aren’t as big, there’s not as much snow (although there also aren’t as many giant Manzanita bushes to get stuck in…just saying), and there’s too much ice. Well, I still can’t ski on ice, but I’m coming around to New England ski resorts, and Smuggler’s Notch is one of the best spots … [Read more...]

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: programming for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

If you’re like a lot of families with very young kids (think pre-K), the prospect of a ski vacation is tempting, but overwhelming. Who wants to spend precious vacation dollars taking endless runs on the bunny hill with a toddler while your partner is stuck in the lodge chasing a baby determined eat every French fry she finds on the floor? Family ski resorts like Smuggler's Notch understand this, … [Read more...]

Smuggler’s Notch Resort: planning your winter ski vacation with kids

If you’re planning a ski vacation at one of the resorts in Vermont with young kids this winter, then Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont is the place for you. We recently got back from a great weekend at Smuggs with Homer (3) and Greta (1), and the convenience and accessibility of the resort made the weekend not just possible, but so much fun! When reserving Smuggler's Notch lodging, it's important … [Read more...]