http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/vermont/ Sat, 19 May 2012 19:17:59 +0000 43200 http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/vermont/the-2-best-ski-resorts-in-north-vermont-r164
1. Jay Peak Resort

Jay Peak Resort has the most snow out of any ski resort in Vermont. The scenery here is also out of this world. It’s the best scenery you’re going to find for a ski resort east of the Mississippi River. The staff here is incredibly friendly as well as very good at what they do. Your accommodation options will be an apartment or a townhouse. Don’t put too much thought into this because they’re both great options. Your experience begins on a high note the instant you arrive thanks to a complimentary valet. When you enter the resort, you will find a spa, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a game room. There is also an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and bicycle rentals. The only negative as far as amenities go is that there is no indoor pool, which makes little sense considering this resort is so popular in the winter months. The food here is very good, but there are also other restaurant options nearby.

2. Smuggler’s Notch Resort

Smuggler's Notch Resort (Smuggs) is a more popular ski resort since it’s much easier to get to. The terrain here is amazing and the powder is excellent. Lines are also very rare. The slopes are on the challenging side, so keep that in mind if you plan on bringing any a newbie. This is a scenic resort. Perhaps not at the level of Jay Peak Resort, but it’s still very scenic. What makes the scenery extra-special is that it’s available from the restaurant. The food here is very good, though expensive. Amenities include a fitness center, a Jacuzzi, a massage, a sauna, tennis courts, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a FunZone. If you choose to stay at Smuggler’s Notch Resort, request a room in one of the new buildings.

Both ski resorts listed above are exceptional. This is one of those situations where it would be impossible to make the wrong decision. The service, scenery, and amenities at both locations are phenomenal.]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 10:37:38 +0000 00e26af6ac3b1c1c49d7c3d79c60d000 http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/vermont/spa-hopping-in-new-england-r101
TOPNOTCH AT STOWE

It takes just a little over four hours to drive into northern Vermont to the wonderful town of Stowe. On entering Topnotch, at Stowe, the warm New England ambience begins with crackling fire in the lobby of this world class, four-star resort.

Although Stowe is recognized as one of the great ski areas in the northeast, Topnotch is quickly becoming known as one of the finest spas in the region. With a recent renovation that almost doubled its original size to 35,000 square feet, the Spa at Topnotch is, in a word, heaven.

Since the three below temperature outside felt more like twenty-one below with the wind, we were delighted to remain indoors and make the most of the spa services, where it was warm and invigorating. To get to the spa, you pass through a spectacular solarium complete with pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a hot tub with a magnificent waterfall.

Sitting in the hot tub, beneath the waterfall, and gazing out the window at the icicle-covered branches and snow-filled woods produced absolute serenity. But then, wait until you actually enter the spa. The workout facilities are state of the art and a wide variety of exercise classes are available at no extra charge.

The lounge and shower areas ooze comfort, cleanliness, and service. The therapists are knowledgeable and professional. Choose from a wide variety of facials, massages, hair, make-up, rubs and wraps. Assistant Spa Manager Alex Robinson insisted on the Vermont Maple Sugar scrub for me and she was right—it kept me sweet and glowing for days.

After an invigorating workout and pamper at the Spa, head back through the lobby to elegant Maxwell’s for dinner. The cuisine is diverse and delicious and much of the menu is designed for health-conscious diners offering fat grams and calories. Although many people go just for the day, Topnotch makes a great getaway with overnight accommodations available in one of the newly refurbished rooms or nearby condominiums. (info@topnotch resort.com)

MOHEGAN SUN
You can bet on having a great time at the Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. It opens early and closes late (10pm on weeknights, 11pm on weekends) so there is plenty of time to take advantage of the full range of spa, salon, and fitness services as well as playing the slot machines, poker, or whatever your betting pleasure may be. The recently renovated Mohegan Sun is like a trip to an adult Disney World--it is magical and energized with non-stop activity from great shows in the Wolf’s Den, casual (think Food Court) to fine dining, (try Todd English’ Tuscany), and shopping ‘til you drop. But when you do feel ready to drop, or at least to rejuvenate, don’t miss The Elemis Spa. It is a unique experience because it incorporates the signature Elemis style of spa indulgences with authentic Mohegan themes and designs, such as Mother Earth and Father Sky treatment suites. Sales and marketing manager Jennifer Chiappone, says, “It’s the products that sets us apart.” The relaxation may be heavenly but there is a sense of the good earth below. Plunge into a ten thousand square foot indoor pool and be on a deck that stays open until 10pm. For warmer weather, the outdoor sun terrace spans more than 17,000 square feet, and the aerobic and cardiovascular workout facilities are first rate. (www.mohegansun.com).

NOELLE DAY SPA
Enter the Noelle Spa for Beauty and Wellness in Stamford, Connecticut and you’ll hear the gentle snipping of scissors as customers get transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. Hair, plus a broad array of spa services have been standard fare at Noelle, where the day spa concept was invented many years ago.

The Health and Healing Center at Noelle has been a welcome addition for the past year and is proving to be immensely popular, according to JoAnn Wolff, co-director of the HHC. Ms. Wolff, and her co-director Dr. Tim Frank, a former masseur who is now a naturopathic practioner, are “dedicated to helping people live their lives,” by combining mind, body, and spirit to bring about a sense of balance and healing. The Health and Healing Center promotes Noelle’s philosophy, “Beauty is from the inside out.” Although priced similar to spa services, the treatments are very different with masters, as they refer to them, brought in for Reiki, Tarot card readings, memory techniques, yoga classes, nutrition, cranial sacral, spinal and neck alignments, and therapeutic body massage—all involving more introspection and greater awareness than the more indulging spa treatments.

Many of the customers are people with specific issues as both Ms. Wolff and Dr. Frank apply their healing techniques to cancer patients, women with fertility issues, abused women… Workshops and treatments take place in a separate residence, which creates an intimate and less-trafficked setting, creating the comforts of home rather than a trip to the spa. (www.noelle.com).

THE SPA AT LITCHFIELD HILLS
From the moment Pat, the receptionist, answered the phone, I knew this was going to be a special place. She was so genuinely warm and friendly that I couldn’t wait to go to the Spa at Litchfield Hills. When I arrived, my feelings were confirmed. Under the new mother-daughter ownership team, the Spa at Litchfield Hills is the real thing in terms of spa, personal service, and cleanliness.

Megan Harpin worked in the spa for two previous owners. Last year, it was up for sale and Megan, a junior at Babson College in Boston with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, called her mother and said, “Let’s buy it.” Debbie, a retired nurse, thought one day she might open a drapery business. Instead she now focuses on “the little things” to make sure every client has a great experience at the Spa.

After remodeling the entire facility, Megan and Debbie changed the product line, marketing and advertising. They are now searching for the perfect line of cosmetics. Over the past year, this dynamo mother-daughter team have increased sales by 150%. Both women agree the spa industry is no longer just for the rich and famous—everyone is looking to take better care of themselves. The Spa at Litchfield Hills does great packages with the nearby Litchfield Inn, plus offers a wide range of spa packages for holidays and special occasions. I loved everything about this place— the attitude, the most fabulous facial, the heated tables, and especially, the people. (860) 567-8575#]]> Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:20:48 +0000 c6bff625bdb0393992c9d4db0c6bbe45 http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/vermont/a-break-in-burlington-vermont-r100
Burlington boasts a true New England climate. Burlington has long, snowy winters and mild summers that seldom require air conditioning. January has average highs of 25 and average lows of 8 F. July is the warmest month with an average high of 81 and an average low of 59. Burlington enjoys an average of 80 inches of snow during the winter season. The combination of lake effect weather and the nearby mountains make Burlington one of the cloudiest cities in the USA.

Vermont welcomes over one million guests each fall. Sitting on the shores of Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop, Burlington offers some exquisite in-town walks along the lake front boardwalk or through the Church Street Market, home of specialty shops and European style cafes. You can sample a cider donut, check out the beach, or rent a bike or Roller Blades. But a car is essential to really enjoy the entire area. If you fly into Burlington you’ll find that Avis, Budget, Dollar, National, and Hertz all have Burlington locations. Amtrak also serves the city.

Lake Champlain Ferries provides service between New York and Vermont; you can call them at (802) 864-9804. For a romantic cruise on Lake Champlain during your sojourn in Burlington call (802) 862-8300 for information. Lake Champlain offers a lot to do starting with boating, fishing, sailing or cruising. The lakefront is lined with benches, swings, and grassy areas. The Lake Champlain Basin Science Center is a kid-friendly facility teaching children about Lake Champlain and the birds, fish, and animals that live there. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum at Basin Harbor displays the cultural and economic history of the lake starting with the Revolutionary War to its use as a trade route from Southern New York to the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Home to the University of Vermont main campus, Burlington is the largest city in Vermont. The views of Lake Champlain and the Green and Adirondack mountains combined with a 7-mile lakeside bike path for walkers, bladers, runners and cyclists and off-road trails for mountain bikers and hikers give the city a small town outdoorsy ambiance. The area’s excellent restaurants give Burlington a bit of urban spice. Try Pauline's, 1834 Shelburne Rd, Route 7, South Burlington, VT Phone: 802-862-1081 for an incredible Sunday brunch. In the Church Street Market area stop by Leunig's Bistro - An Old World Cafe, 115 Church St., Burlington, VT Phone: 802-863-3579, it’s open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. Leunig’s features live jazz from 7:30 until 10:30, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For lake view dining on scrumptious seafood visit Shanty on the Shore, 181 Battery St., Burlington, VT Phone: 802-864-0238.

Burlington is only 25-60 minutes to ski resorts, including Bolton Valley, Stowe, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen and Smuggler's Notch. Golf courses surround the city. It’s 200 miles northwest of Boston and 100 miles southeast of Montreal.

Area attractions include:

Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria, Lake Champlain Islands, VT. Phone: (802) 372-5683.Open July 10 through Aug 24. Performances Thurs & Fri 6 p.m.; Sat & Sun 2:30 p.m.

Ethan Allen Homestead, off Route 127, Burlington, VT. Phone: (802) 865-4556. Open May 11 through Oct 18. Call for hours and more information.

Spirit of Ethan Allen II, Spirit Landing, College St, Burlington, VT. Phone: (802) 862-8300.

Shelburne Farms, Bay Roads, Shelburne, VT Phone: (802) 985-8686.

Shelburne Museum, Rte 7, Shelburne, VT Phone: (802) 985-3346. Open every day 10 - 5, late May through Mid October.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, RT 7, Shelburne, VT Phone: (802) 985-3001 ex 1800.

Vermont Wildflower Farm, Box VAA, Rte 7, Shelburne, VT Phone: (802) 985-9455.

Open daily May 1st through late Oct.

UVM Morgan Horse Farm, RD 1, Middlebury, VT Phone: (802) 388-2011.

Rokeby Museum, Rte 7, Ferrisburgh, VT Phone: (802) 877-3406.


Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Rte 22A at Vergennes to Basin Harbor, VT Phone: (802) 475-2022. Open May 5 - Oct 19.

Factory Marketplace at Kennedy Brothers, 11 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491. Phone: (802) 877-2975. Open daily year round.

Robert Compton Pottery, Rte 116, Bristol, VT Phone: (802) 3453-3778.

Dakin Farm, Rte 7, Ferrisburgh, VT Phone: (800) 993-2546. Open 7 days a week year round.]]> Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:17:37 +0000 1e6e0a04d20f50967c64dac2d639a577