Dream Destinations Getaway Guide Fall - Winter 2020

Co-sponsored by AAAFall Travel & Winter

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Smugglers Notch resort

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franklin county, ma

greene county, ny

sullivan county, ny

town of dennis, MA

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DREAM DESTINATIONS GETAWAY GUIDE

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dream destinations getaway guide listings Columbia County Tourism

Enjoy the many purveyors of craft beverages around Columbia County while drinking in the abundant scenic views of our countryside. As you meander through our picturesque back roads, enjoy restaurants, unique shops, outdoor activities, and attractions along the way.

Town of Dennis (Mass)

Unique 5 villages of Dennis, each with their own personality, welcome your visit. Dennis Village; East Dennis Village; South Dennis Village; Dennis Port Village and West Dennis Village, is where you will find something to please all visitors young and old.

To the north is Cape Cod Bay and to the South the views overlooking Nantucket Sound. The early settlers took to the sea for their survival.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Imagine a place in the heart of New England where you can safely visit and enjoy adventure or relaxation.

Imagine a unique region where year round outdoor recreational opportunities meet a vibrant art, culture, and dining scene. Imagine a place close by where you can cycle through beautiful rolling hills, cast a line in a bountiful river, shop the galleries of local artisans and sip delicious hard cider or unique craft brews. Imagine finding all of this within a quick and beautiful ride. Imagine yourself in Western Massachusetts

Greene County

Just a scenic two-hour drive west of Springfield, MA, the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County offer

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some of the best attractions in the Catskills. Visit the mountaintop to hike the Catskill park, walk through Thomas Cole’s house, or fly down the longest, fastest and highest zipline canopy tour in Northern America.

Plimoth Patuxet

A must-see New England destination that tells the story of 17th-century Plymouth Colony and the shared history of the Pilgrims and Native people. Visit the Museum’s 17thCentury English Village, Wampanoag Homesite, as well as the Plimoth Grist Mill and Mayflower II in downtown Plymouth.

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

Saratoga, NY may be most well-known for its world class Thoroughbred horse racing at Saratoga Race Course, the legendary performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and its famous mineral springs, but this gem of a destination offers so much more. Enjoy Victorian architecture, gourmet restaurants to suit any taste, fine shopping at boutiques and galleries, and charming inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels that make for a spectacular getaway anytime.

Explore the Saratoga National Historical Park, one of several great museums or try your luck at Saratoga Casino Hotel. It’s all here for you.

Plan your trip today!

Visit www.ilovesaratoga.us

Smugglers Notch

Enjoy 3 interconnected mountains with terrain for all abilities, a wealth of family activities, pools, snowshoeing, entertainment, the

FunZone 2.0, and more, all nestled comfortably within our mountainside condominium village. Smugglers’ truly is America’s Family Resort with award winning programs and service for decades!

Sullivan County

Hailed as one of the “20 Best Places to Travel in 2020,” the Sullivan Catskills is a legendary vacation destination just a few hours by car. World-famous for the 1969 Woodstock festival, we now host family-oriented resort hotels, boutique lodgings, Catskill-icious food and beverage, destination health and wellness centers, and a major casino-entertainment complex.

Ulster County

Featuring more than 1,000 square miles of scenic beauty, Ulster County is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, art lovers, day-trippers and weekenders alike. Located less than two hours from the greater Springfield, Mass. area, you will feel worlds away when you visit.

Tours of Distinction

Since 1971, Tours of Distinction has offered a diverse collection of lifeenriching group and customized individual tour itineraries carefully crafted by our professional travel team. We are one of the best escorted tour companies specializing in everything from carefree day trips and multi-day adventures to national and international small group journeys of a lifetime.

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All photos courtesy of Franklin County.

Fall in

Franklin County

By Tiera N. Wright

SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN

While this summer was marked by staycations and innovative travel ideas born out of quarantine, fall is rebounding for day-trippers and weekenders alike as things begin to open slowly but surely, albeit with restrictions. Yes, our “new normal” took some getting used to, but it has brought many families closer together; and has fostered a new appreciation for the great outdoors as RV and bike rentals and purchases have increased.

“Franklin County is a great place to visit when you want to get away from it all,” says Diana M. Szynal, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. “We’re close by, but you will feel like you are a million miles away. No traffic, no noise, just a beautiful place to enjoy lots of adventure,

culture and beauty.”

Comprised of 25 towns with both the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers running throughout, Franklin County is “nestled at the crossroads of Route 2 and Interstate 91” and bordered by the Berkshires. Says Szynal, “this provides easy access from all points north, south, east and west making us a quick trip from Boston, Vermont and New York and we are easily reached from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT.” “Visitors to Franklin County will be pleasantly surprised by the amazing array of things to do,” says Szynal. “Relax and enjoy one of our stunning views, find adventure along a hiking trail, bike through our scenic routes, wander through historical sites, take a fast ride along our famous river rapids, find treasure in our unique shops...or enjoy a show at

one of our performing arts venues.”

Franklin County is home to popular hotspots such as Yankee Candle Village, Historic Deerfield, The Bridge of Flowers, and Kringle Candle; but Szynal also boasts that Franklin County is filled with “many hidden jewels that will

Ashfield. Boasting performers from around the world, the Double Edge Theatre’s productions are interactive and stunning performances that primarily take place outdoors on a sprawling farm. Adds Szynal, “the audience moves about the grounds as the story unfolds, it is a spectacle of

While any season in Franklin County can lead to adventure and accentuate the beauty of the area, fall is especially captivating with its spectacular foliage and picturesque views, adds Szynal, who lists hiking and cycling as popular pastimes in the fall season, “the view from the top

WHILE ANY SEASON IN FRANKLIN C O U N T Y C A N L E A D TO A DV E N T U R E A N D AC C E N T UAT E T H E B E AU T Y O F T H E A R E A , FA L L I S E S P EC I A L LY C A P T I VAT I N G W I T H I T S S P EC TAC U L A R F O L I AG E A N D PICTURESQUE VIEWS. keep visitors coming back again and again”. One jewel is the critically acclaimed Double Edge Theatre in

acting, dance, lighting and physical performance that includes breathtaking trapeze work.”

of Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield is not to be missed and is one of the most iconic scenes in Massachusetts.” Ad-

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IT’S ALL IN FRANKLIN COUNTY! IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Plus great food, craft beverages, outdoor adventure, the arts and much more!

NATURE & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ·Barton Cove ·Berkshire East ·Bridge of Flowers ·Crabapple Whitewater ·Crumpin Fox Golf Club ·Great Falls Discovery Center

·Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory ·Northfield Golf Course ·Northfield Mountain ·Zoar Outdoor ·16 State Forests

FOOD & CRAFT BEVERAGES

on in can lead to centuate area, fall is ating with its ge and picdds Szynal, nd cycling mes in the fall w from the top

·Berkshire Brewing Company ·CiderDays ·Richardson’s Candy Kitchen ·The Farm Table ·Champney’s at Deerfield Inn

·West County Cider ·Blue Heron ·Terrazza Ristorante ·Cameron’s Winery ·Mesa Verde

Photo by Kim Chin-Gib

bons

ARTS & CULTURE ·Double Edge Theater ·Ja’duke Performing Arts ·Shea Theater Arts Center ·Pioneer Valley Symphony ·Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center

This is just a sampling! For more info, please visit:

·Green River Festival ·Wormtown Music Festival ·Historic Deerfield ·Silverthorne Theater Company ·Piti Theater Company ·Moonlight Magic

VisitFranklinCountyMA.org

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af in South o be missed most iconic husetts.” Ad-

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ditionally, Franklin County is recognized for its fly fishing.

“The Deerfield River boasts excellent trout stock and there are many very qualified local guides who can help you enjoy a wonderful day of angling,” says Szynal.

Franklin County is also known for its apple-picking, which is celebrated by cider producers and lovers alike, annually, at CiderDays, now in its 26th year. “Our apples are considered some of the best in New England and we

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are famous for our delicious sweet and hard ciders,” says Szynal. “CiderDays features tasting salons where people can sample hard ciders from around the world as well as attend workshops on cider producing.”

Whether they are traveling alone, as a couple or as a family, for a day or weekend, the sky is the limit for everyone who visits Franklin County. Concludes Szynal, visitors “can enjoy some adventure on the mountain

coaster at Berkshire East, zipline at Zoar Outdoor, visit an orchard for some apple picking, enjoy a round of golf at Crumpin-Fox Golf Club, a lovely dinner, or a stroll through Shelburne Falls, and then some great craft beverages will complete their stay.”

For more information, start planning your trip, go to VisitFranklinCountyMA.org

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RIVER

MOUNTAIN

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VALLEY

LITTLE THINGS BECOME

GREATER

GREATNORTHERNCATSKILLS.COM

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All photos courtesy of Greene County.

Fall in the

Great Northern

Catskills

OF GREENE COUNTY

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or colorful leaves, scenic driving tours, farm stands and farm tours, head to the Great Northern Catskills for a fall getaway that offers all the little things you love about the season – and then some!

Autumn is a traditional time of celebration, when communities come together to enjoy the bounty of harvest. This year, while celebrations might look a little different, fall adventures are still waiting for you in the Great Northern Catskills.

Fans of scenic Sunday

drives will find winding mountain roads, meandering country lanes, and riverside rambles – making it a perfect destination for a scenic drive any day of the week. Take a driving tour of the valley towns of the region to discover its Irish cultural roots.

Drive along the Hudson River to experience charming downtowns and Main Streets open for business. Or head for the hills and wind up mountain passes to explore the ski resort towns of the region.

For motorcyclists, the open

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Hay bales above the Pepacton Reservoir, surrounded by the Catskills Mountains of New York. iStock image

WHERE H I S TO RY COM E S ALIVE ! road beckons with adventure.

Three motorcycle touring routes crisscross the region, offering access to some of the most incredible views in New York State. From Five State Lookout offering views of New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, to parking and taking the short hike

and more. Hull-O Farms in Durham is offering farms tours twice a day to visitors who want to experience what morning or afternoon is like on a real working farm. Participate in farm chores, pet the animals, and learn about this family-owned farm. Reservations are required.

The Great Northern

F R O M C O U N T RY STO R E S TO FA R M STA N D S , F I N D F R E S H B A K E D G O O D S , L O C A L LY G R OW N P R O D U C E , L O C A L HONEY AND MORE. to Pratt Rock, New York’s “Mount Rushmore,” the Catskills offer a motorcycling destination like no other.

Fall wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the bounty of the harvest. From country stores to farm stands, find fresh baked goods, locally grown produce, local honey

Catskills are just two hours from Massachusetts, offering an easy-to-get-to retreat ideal for a fall getaway.

Whether you have a day or a weekend to explore, this fall, rediscover the little things in a big way.

plimoth.org | (508) 746-1622 Outdoor exhibits open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through November SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY

BRING IN THIS AD IN TO RECEIVE $6.00 OFF Adult Heritage Pass $3.00 OFF Child Heritage Pass Applies to Weekend Heritage Pass only.

Expires 11-29-20 | FGG2020

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Sullivan Catskills

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V I B R A N T, C O N F I D E N T A N D A S H O RT D R I V E AWAY

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ith the peak of fall’s glorious colors almost behind us, nature’s ever-changing tapestry reminds us that winter is quickly upon us. During late autumn, mother nature may surprise us with an early whisper of winter. One thing that never changes in the Sullivan Catskills is its reputation as a premier all-season vacation destination.

Whether it’s taking in the regal mountain views, snow shoeing, skiing, ice fishing, hiking or sitting by a roaring fire, this is a place to escape stress, relax, and experience an intimate, socially distant visit with nature.

Harper’s Bazaar puts the Sullivan Catskills in the Top 20 Places to Travel in 2020.

They must have driven the Rt. 97 Upper Delaware Scenic Byway. From the South, you’ll start at Port Jervis– from the North at Hancock.

In between are 70 of the most glorious views imaginable, framed by steep mountains, converging on a rolling river.

It’s great from your car and even better from a private kayak, canoe, or raft. Just bundle up. If you like to be more in the middle of things, Rt. 17 from Wurtsboro to Roscoe is a picture-perfect highway, perfect to pull over for landscape photos or obligatory selfies to document the trip. No matter which path you follow, you’ll find hiking and rails-to-trails adventures perfect for a couple or a carload. Of course, bring your snowshoes in case Mother Nature blesses you with some fluffy white stuff.

Not to be outdone, there are 50 colorful hand painted dove sculptures nesting in every town and village, an homage to the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. A

All photos courtesy of Sullivan County.

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Always vibrant.

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We’ve always been a destination for fall adventure and wellbeing.

Here, you can get out, spread out, and enjoy autumn’s bounty and the blazing colors of nature. Tour the Dove Trail, the beverage trail, a farmers’ market, or a harvest festival. Just wear your mask and keep your distance. Plan a sleepover, too. All our accommodations have enhanced sanitizing protocols in place with your health in mind.

Pack your bags and come make fall memories. We’re just a short drive away.

SullivanCatskills.com

#SullivanCatskillsDoveTrail

$_bv bmvঞ| ঞom bv -m ;t -Ѵ orrou| mb| ruo b7;u -m7 ;lrѴo ;uĺ ® I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.

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THE CATSKILL-ICIOUS LOCAL CUISINE IS YUMMY— INDOORS, OUTDOORS OR AS TAKE-OUT TO THE PERFECT SP OT OF YOUR CHOICE. THE BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES AND WINERIES ON THE GOOD TASTE BEVERAGE TRAIL TAKE AS MUCH CARE WITH YOUR HEALTH AS THEY DO WITH THEIR AWARD-WINNING BEVERAGES.

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downloadable map of the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail is available at SullivanCatskills.com.

The proprietors, artisans, and hoteliers here welcome guests with the friendliness and warmth generations of visitors have come to expect.

Hospitality aside, tourism businesses beckon visitors with a county-wide program called Catskills Confidence, which underscores the extra health and safety measures in place as recommended by state and local governments and health agencies.

The Catskill-icious local cuisine is yummy— indoors, outdoors or as take-out to the perfect spot of your choice. The breweries, distilleries and wineries on the

Good Taste Beverage Trail take as much care with your health as they do with their award-winning beverages.

Sullivan Catskills hotels, inns, B&B’s, and vacation rentals are making sure that you’ll find pristine, clean accommodations for a warm, cozy and goodnight’s sleep.

Details on attractions, things to do, and places to stay are available at SullivanCatskills.com where you’ll also find an easy to use trip planner. Consider booking your fall trip now. You’ll most assuredly be met with some good old-fashioned Catskills Confidence and you’ll want to go back for many seasons to come.

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4 WAYS TO S AV E M O N E Y O N

SKI TRIPS

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kiing provides a great ets in advance. Resorts chance to enjoy the may offer discounted great outdoors at a time rental and lift ticket prices of year when such opportuto guests who purchase nities are often few and far these items online in between. As a result, ski trips advance of their stays. can help combat cases of cabin fever that can settle in 3. SKI LOCAL. during winter months. Avid Skiing locally can save skiers and even novices often skiing enthusiasts cannot wait for the season’s substantial amounts of first trip to the slopes to enjoy money while still allowing the fresh powder. them to enjoy the slopes.

While an enjoyable recreBy choosing to visit local ational escape, people who mountains, skiers can love to ski would probably do save on overnight lodging it more often if skiing were costs. And since resorts more affordable. The folare close, skiers won’t lowing are four ways skiers need to purchase potencan save some money when tially expensive flights. In hitting the slopes this season. addition, skiers with their own equipment can save on rentals by bringing 1. BOOK AN their own skis. It’s possiALL-INCLUSIVE TRIP. ble to do so when flying Lift tickets and equipto a resort, but that can rement rentals can be sult in additional baggage expensive. Lift tickets are and/or packaging fees. typically valid only for the day of purchase, so such expenses can quickly add 4. MAKE IT A GROUP up for skiers who want EFFORT. to spend several days on Many resorts offer distheir favorite mountains. counted rates on passes Before booking a trip, and activities to groups shop around for all-inof a certain size. Look clusive offerings that into the requirements for include rentals and lift group discounts at local tickets for the duration of resorts, and then recruit the trip. Skiers who plan friends and family to to spend several days on make the trip together. the mountain may find it more economical to Skiing is an enjoyable activpurchase all-inclusive ity and a great way to avoid packages than to pay daily the cabin fever that can settle charges for lift tickets and in as winter drags on. Skiers equipment rentals. with tight budgets but a little creativity can spend much of the upcoming season travers2. BOOK IN ADVANCE. ing their favorite mountains.

If all-inclusive packages are impractical or too expensive, skiers can explore paying for equipment rentals and lift tick-

ULSTERCOUNTY NEW YORK

It’s been a long year and you deserve a vacation. Head Upstate for wide-open spaces, fresh air, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. We can’t wait to see you.

SEEK FOR YOURSELF RETURN TO NATURE ulstercountyalive.com

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Dennis

T H E H E A RT O F T H E C A P E

By Tiera N. Wright

are still open for long walks and solace.”

Like summer, there are ummers on the Cape a number of indoor and are an annual staple outdoor activities for families for many families, but to enjoy. In addition to the for some, this year’s jaunt was sadly put on hold due to beautiful beaches located on the ongoing pandemic. With the north and south sides of Dennis, DeMeyer says visirestrictions and travel bans tors can also enjoy a number slowly subsiding, families of activities such as, “boatwill soon be rediscovering their love for the Cape, albeit ing, fishing, go carts, antique shopping, wine tasting, brewin a different season. ery tours, and many more.”

Located in Barnstable Additionally, she adds, “the County, Dennis is the heart golf courses are still beautiful of Cape Cod— located at its and less busy, the bike path is center; and comprised of five villages, Dennis, Dennis a great fall activity, and bike and kayak rentals are availPort, East Dennis, South able.” DeMeyer also assures Dennis, and West Dennis.

“The fall is the most beauti- that prospective visitors, ful time to visit Dennis,” says “can easily social distance at many dining establishments, Kathy DeMeyer, President beaches and at all the above of the Dennis Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the activities.”

For those planning their Town of Dennis Tourism Committee. “The weather is stay in Dennis, there are still nice with warm days and various options for lodging, crisp nights, and the beaches to suit everyone’s vacation SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN

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All photos courtesy of the Town of Dennis, MA.

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Dennis, MA

“there are many restaurants preference. Guests can choose the charming comfort offering indoor and outdoor seating.” of a bed and breakfast or

LOCATED IN BARNSTABLE COUNTY, DENNIS IS THE HEART OF CAPE COD— LOCATED AT ITS CENTER; AND COMPRISED OF FIVE VILLAGES, DENNIS, DENNIS P ORT, EAST DENNIS, SOUTH DENNIS, AND WEST DENNIS. being one with the great outdoors at a campground.

Dennis also has several cottages, inns, hotels, and motels, to provide all visitors with a quality night’s sleepy away from home. In terms of dining, while takeout is available, DeMeyer says

Experience the Fall Season on the Cape Town of Dennis

For more information, and to start planning your trip, visit the Dennis Chamber of Commerce website, DennisChamber.com, or call 508-398-3568.

www.visitdennis.com phone 508-398-3568 for information

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All photos courtesy of Smugglers Notch Resort.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort HOME AWAY FROM HOME

By Tiera N. Wright

venience.” Adds Chait, “this helps solidify your family exn a time when families are perience by offering plenty of space for everyone to spread reuniting after months of out, and all the comforts of quarantine or looking for home you need to sit down for an escape from the everya nice dinner at the table, enday doldrums the ongoing joy a game or puzzle, and slow pandemic has imposed on down to connect in ways you their routines; Smugglers’ typically cannot during busy Notch Resort is the perfect everyday lives.” Additionally, salve for families who are Smugglers’ has a variety of ready to leave the virtual onsite dining options offering space and re-enter the real a diverse selection of cuisines, world. “Smugglers’ specialfrom fine dining to delicatesizes in sharing family values sen and grilled foods to satisfy and bringing great value to your family,” says Mike Chait, everyone’s taste buds.

Located in the heart of Public Relations Director of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Smugglers’ Notch Resort.

Smugglers’ Notch has always “Unlike most mountain been a family affair, whether resorts, Smugglers’ lodging defined as the family you is comprised specifically of choose or the one, you’re condominium-style homes, most with ski-in/ski-out con- born into, beginning with SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN

I

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its inception back in 1956.

Originally Smugglers’ Notch Ski Ways, Smugglers’ started out as a “small trail network on a big mountain” and “was operated by the folks of the town of Cambridge, and attracted mostly local guests,” says Chait. A decade later, Smugglers’ was purchased and expanded by new owners Tom Watson (of IBM fame), and his brother, Arthur. Together, the Watson brothers broke ground on several expansions that helped catapult the resort into what it is today. Purchased by its current owner, William Stritzler, in 1996, Smugglers’ is one of the last independently owned resorts in Vermont.

Adds Chait, “thoroughly in love with the Smugglers’ family brand, Stritzler has continued to expand and improve its family offerings and has become the standard by which other family resorts are measured.”

Operating year-round, Smugglers’ is a four-season resort, and while spring and summer boasts a variety of activities, both indoor and outdoor, for people of all ages; the resort truly comes alive in the fall and winter.

“Guests in fall typically enjoy the peace and quiet that precedes the busy winter,” says Chait, who lists the gorgeous and verdant foliage views as a must for visitors in the fall. The winter season is the cornerstone of Smugglers’ operation, but, stresses Chait, “we believe that there should be far more to a ski vacation than just skiing and snowboarding. That’s why we offer a bevy of programs and amenities to provide options for your family. More than just pools, Smugglers’ offers educational activities, guided snowshoe tours, snowmobiling, a 26,000 square foot FunZone 2.0 and so much more.”

For the ski and snowboarder enthusiast, Smugglers’ does offer “three interconnected mountains and 1000 acres of terrain.” Whether you are a beginner or signing up for the Winter Olympics (imagined or otherwise), guests can enjoy the Morse,

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Madonna, and Sterling Mountains, respectively.

Morse Mountain, says Chait, is “composed of trails with a green rating entirely, this mountain eliminates the concern for beginners straying into terrain that is outside of their ability or comfort zone.”

Conversely, the Madonna and Sterling Mountains “offer more challenging terrain, exclusively.” Adds Chait, “Sterling is best known for its wider trails...and Madonna offers some of the best scenery in the east and the only triple black diamond trail around, The Black Hole.”

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is a home away from home for many families, and visitors can rest assured that the resort is taking the safety of all their guests seriously. Launched in March, Smugglers’ efforts to prioritize the safety of their guests and employees, were implemented under policies dubbed “Keep Smuggs Shining”. Says Chait, “for the fall and winter seasons, we will continue to keep our families safe by exercising social distancing, working from home when possible, reporting any symptoms, performing deep cleans on all work areas and lodging, and offering personal protective equipment like masks and sanitizer, for those guests who might have misplaced or forgotten theirs.” Concludes Chait, “additionally, activities are spread out and offered in smaller sessions to limit the number of attendees, and whenever possible, private lessons and tours are available.”

For more information, or to book your stay at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, visit smuggs.com. Smugglers’ can also be found on Facebook @smugglersnotch, Instagram @smugglersnotchvt, and Twitter @ smugglers_notch. Prospective guests can also check out, #smuggslove for more information and guest testimonials.

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Feel the Freedom S A R AT O G A C O U N T Y, N Y

Fall at it’s finest! Lots of wide open spaces, fall foliage, shopping and dining with your safety first. Take a drive into the beautiful Adirondacks and around our many lakes.

Enjoy one of three state and national parks, play championship golf, visit one of our museums, and choose from our many outdoor and indoor dining options.

518-584-3255

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