Tag: Vermont

Six Excellent Mountain Resorts for your Next Vacation

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or this is your first time in ski lodge country, there’s no denying the utter beauty of mountain resorts. In the United States alone, there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from. Thanks to this excellent travel blog post from Travel + Leisure, you can survey and explore six of the best mountain ranges in the United States. This list covers all sorts of different terrain so that you can find the perfect fit for your next hike, weekend trip, or wintertime vacation.

Under Canvas Moab, Moab, Utah

Under Canvas Moab is nestled in the heart of Moab, Utah nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This beautiful resort and town is surrounded by red rock cliffs and towering mountains, making it the perfect spot for Under Canvas Moab to offer luxury camping experiences with all the amenities of home. Each spacious canvas tent includes a king-sized bed, private bathrooms, and a deck with stunning views. Guests can enjoy on-site activities such as hiking, biking, and canoeing– as well as on-site programming that includes guided tours, yoga, and s’mores by the campfire.

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley, California

Designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1927, The Ahwahnee is a historic luxury hotel located in Yosemite Valley, California. The Ahwahnee is known for its grandiose architecture and spectacular setting, and has been featured in many films and television shows over the years for its decadence. If you’re looking to relax in style while also being in close proximity to Half Dome and El Capitan trailheads, you’re in the right place.

Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming

Both Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge are operated by the Grand Teton Lodge Company, and they’re two of the best mountain lodges in all of Wyoming, which is saying a lot. They offer stunning views of the Teton Range, as well as a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. Jenny Lake Lodge is located in Grand Teton National Park, and it offers a variety of accommodations, including suites, cabins, and cottages. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, and gift shop. Guests can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking. Jackson Lake Lodge is also located in Grand Teton National Park, near Moran, and it’s seen as a complement to Jenny Lake Lodge, as both have similar amenities and rave reviews.

Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont

Looking to hit the slopes this winter? Then you’ll want to check out Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. Ranked as one of the best mountain resorts in the country, Topnotch offers superb skiing and snowboarding conditions on its world-class trails. But it’s not just the slopes that make Topnotch a top pick for winter vacationers. The resort also boasts luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. So whether you’re looking to hit the powder or simply relax and enjoy the winter scenery, Topnotch Resort is sure to please.

Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass Village, Colorado

Viceroy Snowmass is a AAA Four-Diamond resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado that features ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass Mountain, as well as a number of luxury amenities and services. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at one of the resort’s three restaurants, relax in the spa, or take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center. Viceroy Snowmass also offers a variety of event and meeting spaces, making it the perfect place for weddings, conferences, and other special occasions.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado is one of the best mountain resorts in the United States. The resort overlooks the city of Colorado Springs and is situated at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. The Broadmoor offers a variety of accommodations, including suites, townhomes, and villas. The resort also features an award-winning spa,championship golf courses, tennis courts, and several restaurants.

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Destinations Perfect for a Weekend Getaway on the Eastern Seaboard

Traveling the Eastern Seaboard is one of the most popular getaway weekend vacations. There are so many things to see and do! From Burlington, Vermont, where you can take a rewarding hike on The Long Trail, to Long Island and its many top-rated beaches. From the magic of Toronto’s Waterfront Trail to the rich historic whaling village of Cape Cod’s Nantucket —the possibilities for adventure are endless. Thanks to Travel + Leisure’s guide of where you should visit if you’re looking for an enjoyable weekend getaway along the East Coast, you’re set to escape the city grindphysically and mentally in no time at all.

Simply put, North America’s Eastern Seaboard has no shortage of excellent, culturally-rich cities that are brimming with features, experiences, and wonders to explore. This region’s collection of the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, countless surrounding forests, and history-rich metropolises makes it easy for travelers of all types to find the destination perfect for them. You can spend your days hiking through national parks or visiting museums, but if you need a break from nature and history, there are also plenty of great restaurants and social spaces where you can relax with family or friends after a long day of exploring.

Burlington, Vermont

Located only three hours away from Boston, the Eastern Seaboard city of Burlington is a charming Northwestern Vermont town that has a lot to offer in terms of rewarding outdoor activities, culturally-rich city exploration, and acclaimed restaurants. Many visit Burlington to check out its collection of renowned hiking trails and walking paths that offer panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. If you’re looking for something set at a slower pace than hiking, be sure to spend time on the city’s beaches and boardwalks, or go kayaking or canoeing along the shores of Lake Champlain.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a city’s rich history of architecture and culture, you’re in the right spot, as Burlington is known as one of America’s best-preserved Victorian cities thanks to its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene. In addition to this, the city is also home to several outdoor markets where you can find locally made goods, art, and produce. Burlington offers a wide variety of restaurants, from local favorites like America’s Flatbread to critically-acclaimed fine dining establishments like Chef Eric Warnstedt’s Hen of the Wood. There’s plenty to love about this treasured New England city, making it the ideal weekend escape destination.

Long Island, New York

New York’s Long Island is a great place to visit for a quick but satisfying Eastern Seaboard weekend vacation. Supplied with plenty of beaches, restaurants, and local vineyards to check out, there are tons of options for you to experience this city that has its own unique charm. Once you find yourself settled in and wanting to explore Long Island, you should consider taking a ferry out to North Folk where you can observe some truly memorable views of the Long Island Sound and taste some heavenly offerings from the nearby vineyards.

If you’re looking for a place to spend some time out on the town, then consider catching a performance at the 1933 Art Deco-styled Suffolk Theater or an afternoon under the stars at the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. In fact, if you’re particularly interested in the stars above, then be sure to also check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum, as it is an aerospace fan’s dream due to its collection of life-sized jets, rockets, and lunar landing models. Because Long Island is both rich in culture, experiences, and authenticity, it’s no wonder why so many in New England return to this coastal city time and time again whenever they’re looking to relax, explore, or simply experience something new.

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Spend Christmas in these Winter Destinations

The end of the year always serves as a wonderful time to visit with loved ones in a calming environment to look around, take stock, and cherish the experiences from the past year while setting your sights on the new dawn right around the corner. So when it comes to the ideal Christmas vacation setting, who says you have to open gifts at home? Thanks to this article from Travel + Leisure that suggests the fifteen most cheerful destinations to spend Christmas this year, it’s never been more tempting to spend the happiest time of  year in these winter destinations.

As always, recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

Highlands, North Carolina

Consider spending your Christmas morning in Appalachian amazement in the charming town of Highlands, North Carolina. This idyllic winter destination, modern-day setting is so humble and quaint that residents and visitors alike compare its environment to a Nancy Meyers film or Lifetime Christmas special. For over a century, Highlands has been suggested to visitors as being the perfect setting for a “break from it all,” as it’s colloquially known as a mountain respite. Located in one of the few temperate rain forests of North America, the mountain resort town is located only ten miles from Cashiers, North Carolina, and is surrounded by the main attraction that is Nantahala National Forest.  Spend your Christmas in a mountain cabin on the outskirts of this forest or nestled deep within, either way you’re sure to enjoy your time spent among nature.

Inside the town proper, you’ll find many shops, experiences, and community-laden amenities to keep you entertained in between the holiday’s festivities. Downtown Highlands is often called a “postcard” for just how perfectly situated and pictured its various buildings and features are laid out, such as the historic building that houses a full European-style spa. Other spots nearby that are worth a dedicated visit are the Bridal Veil Falls, located on the Waterfall Byway, the historic High Hampton Resort, and the unforgettable American Museum of Cut and Engraved Glass. No matter where you go in this comfortably charming little hamlet, you’re sure to be delighted by it’s size and attention to detail this holiday season.

Stowe, Vermont

For those who were raised on Christmas movies and other similar media, it’s hard to make it through the holiday season with an abundant absence of snow in the background. So, if you’re looking to celebrate a snowy white Christmas, then look no further than the East Coast ski paradise of Stowe, Vermont for your winter destination. Located at the foot of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe is quite literally a winter wonderland that is known not only for its world-renowned trails and ski slopes, but it’s also famous for its accompanying town as well.  Once you make your way to Stowe, it’s hard to believe that you’re not literally stepping foot into a snowglobe, as the buildings, trees, and grounds are often blanketed with thick layers of smooth snowfall.

Be sure to spend Christmas in the style of a storybook by reserving a horse-drawn carriage ride for you and your loved ones to see the sprinkled pine trees. Alternatively, take a trip down Main Street for nightly winter activities that are sure to make ever-lasting memories. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can host your holiday celebrations and then cap it off by planning an unforgettable day on the slopes, or you can simply spend the time quietly around the fire of the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort. No matter the reason, there’s no question that Winter is the perfect season to see all of the wonders that Stowe, Virginia has to offer.

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Small Town Fall Travel for 2021

Each year the transition from summer to fall has many looking forward to new opportunities for fall travel, chances, and experiences, and this sensation of new beginnings is often mirrored in the changing weather conditions and transformative color patterns found in the fall foliage of the country’s smaller towns. Thankfully, Travel + Leisure has published an acclaimed list of the seven best towns to visit so that you can ring in the new season in the best way and in the best places.

As always, it’s advised that you research and look to local travel guidelines and CDC recommendations prior to booking any accommodations in these unprecedented times so that you may keep yourself and those you care about as safe and responsible as possible.

Manchester, Vermont

Set between the Taconic and Green Mountain Ranges of southwestern Vermont, the town of Manchester is a quintessential destination for anyone who wants to experience fall travel by enjoying the colorful vibrancy that comes with the changing fall foliage, and according to the Vermont Foliage Forecaster, the best time to observe them in Manchester is around mid-October. The town takes pride in its offering of premier cultural events and world-class recreational activities that can be experienced in a dreamlike environment that is conducive to someone who needs to unplug, restore, and recharge. The town abounds with accommodations to best serve your autumnal vacation as there are plenty of quaint cottages, boutique hotels, and charming inns that can be booked ahead of your stay, such as the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, located in the middle of the village.

Due to the area’s close proximity to the Taconic Mountain Range, some of the best views of the fall foliage can be seen while on a rewarding hike (or drive) up Mount Equinox, the tallest mountain in not just the state of Vermont but the entire Taconic Range at an elevation of 3840 feet. Mount Equinox protectively stands watch over the idyllic village, and it can be accessed by car or on foot. If hiking the 6.8 mile (round trip) trek, it’s suggested that you are among the more intermediate or advanced hikers, but no matter the skill level, all reaching the summit agree that the views from the top can’t be beat.

In summation, there are countless activities to engage in if you are spending an autumnal escape in the town of Manchester such as a round of two of vivacious gaming at Pastime Pinball, a perusing of the shelves of the cozy, acclaimed inn-turned-independent bookstore known as the Northshire Bookstore, or discovering new aspects of presidential history while visiting the stately 1905 mansion, the Hildene, which was once the home of the only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd. Take the trip to Manchester, Vermont this fall and fall in love with New England, nature, and the fall season all over again in the perfect location for doing just that.

Torrey, Utah

The astoundingly small town of Torrey stands watch at 6,800 feet above sea level as the chief gateway to the Capitol Reef National Park. Especially in the autumn months (particularly November), the population of fewer than 200 residents regularly enjoy the cool temperatures while observing the astoundingly panoramic view of the Cathedral Valley, Boulder Mountain, and the Henry Mountains that is seen in the background of the quaint town.

Other than being a beneficial home-base for fall travel to those looking to explore, trek, and enjoy the offerings of the nearby National Park, the town itself has been known over the past 25 years for keeping a vibrant art scene alive and well in the area. This is most notably seen in the Torrey Chamber Music Festival, bi-monthly gallery showings by local artisans, and the Wayne County County Fair. If you’re stopping by the town before the end of the year, be sure to try and attend the highly-anticipated  Wayne County Farmers’ Market, which is held on Saturdays for the best offerings in food, commerce, and community that the town has to offer.

Be sure to check out the full published list, which can be read at Travel + Leisure, as it includes the towns ofBardstown, Kentucky; Cambria, California; Cape May, New Jersey; Cashiers, North Carolina; and Gretna, Louisiana.

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