Even Without Snow, Stratton, VT is the Place to Go

By Millicent K. Brody

While the traffic inched its way toward the Jersey shore, we chuckled as we cruised to the village of Stratton, Vermont. Once there, I was totally mesmerized.

Stratton is, essentially, a bit of Switzerland a mere five hours from my Westfield doorstep. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains of Vermont, Stratton is ready to provide whatever Vermont has to offer.

From Thanksgiving to Easter, the area is perfect for skiing. If you’re more of a fan of warm-weather pursuits, head up there during the summer months for golf, tennis, swimming, hiking, canoeing, biking, kayaking, or even a game of paintball. For golf and tennis enthusiasts who want to take their game to the next level, there’s Stratton’s renowned Golf University or the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School. And for those of us non-sporting types, there are plenty of shops to peruse, local theatrical productions to check out, and, of course, pastoral landscapes wherever you turn.

A favorite summer pastime is a gondola ride to Stratton’s summit, then a climb to the top of the fire tower for 360 degree views of the White and Green Mountains, the Berkshires, and the Adirondacks. And while you may not be up to hiking all 270 miles of the Long Trail, (the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States), you are welcome to join other hikers and explore the spine of the Green Mountains.

Lucky for us, friends have been visiting the area for more than twelve years, so we were in good hands from the moment we arrived.

Cynthia Knowles, a local rental manager, was able to book a two bedroom/two bath condo replete with lovely furnishings, and a delightful deck for two weeks in August. However, I’ve subsequently learned that for as little as $69 per night, you can stay at the Inn at Stratton Mountain and walk to nearly everything the resort has to offer. You can also create your own home-away-from home at the Long Trail House where premium one-bedroom accommodations, including a kitchen, deck, outdoor pool, and hot tub, start at $130 per night. And if you want to spread out in style, three-bedroom condos with chef’s kitchens at the Hearthstone Lodge, on the Common, start at $249 per night. There you can soak in the Jacuzzi hot tub, or take in the scenery from your own private deck.

If you visit, you really must take time to enjoy your favorite flavor of ice cream at Silver Springs Scoops, in Manchester. I’ve got to confess, as an ice cream enthusiast, I was a constant consumer.

Not to worry about meals. Restaurants at Stratton Mountain Village welcome families and are priced to suit your budget. Try Mulberry Street Pasta and Pizza, which offers two-for-one pizzas on Wednesday, or Mulligan’s, where lobster specials reign on Monday and prime rib on Sunday. For breakfast, swing by Partridge in a Pantry deli, where folks congregate for bagels. Afterward, you may consider a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track and other exciting local attractions.

Forget that it’s all about snow and winter: Consider Vermont for your next summer getaway.

FYI:

the Inn at Stratton Mountain: Call: 1.800.STRATTON

Visit: stratton.com/summer

For Rental Reservations:

Cynthia Knowles: 802.297.4572

Patty Hernandez: 802.297.4571