Expert: David Beckett - 12/30/2007

Question
David, We are an older couple that spends most of the winter in Arizona, but live in Oregon. We have been to New England on a tour an we are thinking of spending Christmas 08 in that "winter wonderland" kind of place. Want a place with snow, sleigh rides and fireplace..good food, not fancy necessarily, and friendly persons..we are rather easily pleased. anyplace on your list that will meet these qualifications?? Or another suggestion..Thanks..Bill

Answer
Hello Bill!

Some specific suggestions follow, but first, a few general observations if I may...

You're describing something wonderful, and frankly, not terribly difficult to find in Vermont. The one caveat I'd offer right at the start is that, sadly, the scene you're describing often doesn't include snow at that time of year in VT. I was a ski instructor for 18 years at a wonderful place called Sugarbush. There's really nothing I enjoy more than offering people some of the fun of skiing. But you'd be surprised at how often we had green grass or rain at Christmas. A lot depends on chance of course, and you could very well have lovely snow. This year, for instance, we had two wonderful storms well before Christmas, and some of the best early season skiing in living memory...and that means all that you describe... But then just a few days before Christmas we had some rain.
For beautiful Winter weather, I always suggest March. It's warmer then, and sunnier than December, but all the beautiful accumulated snow remains in the ground. At the ski areas, we're all skiing in very light clothing and eating lunch outside with sunscreen on.

If the visit IS at Christmas time, and you don't mind some company from the other families who had the same idea - you'll have no problem finding friendly people, a fireplace, and lots to do if you want it.

Perhaps the most unspoiled and beautiful area of the State of Vermont is a region known as The Northeast Kingdom. My wife and I spent a lovely time a few years ago, at a place called The Windflower Inn in Lyndonville, VT. As I recall, it's in a high valley, and the scenery is gorgeous. The nearby town of St Johnsbury is full of fascinating places to visit - there's a link to the Northeast Kingdom's Chamber of Commerce (as well as the NEK travel and tourism association) at the Wildflower Inn's site. The high elevation of The Wildflower Inn might also help increase the chances of snow for sledding at Christmas!

I imagine you'll be flying into Burlington. If the drive to The Northeast Kingdom seems more than you want, I can also suggest two areas which you'd get to very easily: The Mad River Valley...and The Stowe Area. Drive 30 minutes from The Burlington International Airport to the town of Waterbury, and you'll either go right and be in The Mad River Valley in half an hour...or turn left and be in Stowe in little more than half an hour. Both of these are world famous resort areas, known for exactly what you're looking for, ...plus world class skiing. Stowe offers stunning scenery, and a truly charming little town. There are probably 3 dozen little Inns and B & B's on The Mountain Road which connects the ski area and the town. The Mad River Valley is similarly beautiful, if a good deal quieter. And while the town of Warren is much smaller than the town of Stowe, it's not a smidgen less charming.     

If you search "Stowe Vermont" "Northeast Kingdom Vermont" and "Mad River Valley Vermont" you'll find lots of information about 3 of the nicest and prettiest places I know.

Here are a few sites for starters:

http://www.travelthekingdom.com/
http://www.gostowe.com/about/saa.php
http://www.madrivervalley.com/

Have a wonderful time, ...and next year at this time I'd love to have YOUR suggestions for great places to vacation in Vermont!

Warmly,
David Beckett
Burlington, Vermont