Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo MountainBy Sheree BykofskyWhile Vermont is renowned for superb East Coast skiing in the winter, visit Vermont in the summer for a perfect escape without the ski crowds and callous chill. Zip up the turnpike on a sunny day and exit in a land of green carpeted fields, pigs, cows, antiques, barns, covered bridges, breathtaking Victorians, country stores and small villages.
Tucked at the bottom of Okemo Mountain’s Jackson Gore Peak, the Jackson Gore Inn offers everything under the sun, with the charm and comfort of a luxury hotel. Rooms range from individual guest rooms to three bedroom suites for families. Pelted in snow during ski season, you can ski right down to your room, relax, and sip on hot cocoa.
All of sun-drenched activity will surely work up quite an appetite. No matter where your head is hitting the pillow at night, it would be a sin to miss the fine dining experience at the romantic River Tavern at the Hawk Mountain Inn, named for the running river beside which it sits. The extensive wine list includes a fine selection of half bottles and glasses. Start with a Tavern Salad with goat cheese crostini and continue with a seafood martini or duck quesadilla. Save room for remarkable entrees such as Lobster Ravioli and Pan Seared Rainbow Trout. The Inn’s property extends for miles with a large swimming and boating lake with giant floats and no real crowds.
The land of maple syrup, dairy, and liberal politics is clearly so much more. The placid scenery as the backdrop for sports, fine dining, and sun basking truly makes Vermont the perfect getaway, not the mention the most notable skiing on the East Coast come Winter. Just don’t forget to support the state tree and indulge in some authentic maple syrup. Vermont, is of course, the leading producer of syrup in the country! The collision of all things Vermont will make you come back season after season, golf to ski, grass to snow. If you go: Jackson Gore Inn Coleman Brook Tavern Okemo Valley Golf Club Hawk Inn and Mountain Resort |
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Assuming you can take your eyes off the enchanting scenery, stop on a Sunday for an all you can eat roasted chicken meal or root beer float at City Slickers on route 103. Nothing like its name, it's a local diner with down home chow. Continue on to the newest property at the Okemo Resort called the Jackson Gore Inn.
The Jackson Gore Inn is conveniently located less than a mile away from the Okemo Valley Golf Club. Golf at this emerald coated course is challenging, contemplative, and calming. Tricky dips, ripples, and bunkers pose a healthy challenge. All perfectly maintained 18 holes are studies in bucolic country splendor. Hawk Mountain Inn is another four season escape with excellent resort and spa facilities and one of the most beautiful heated indoor/outdoor pools anywhere.
After a 18 holes in the sun, a massage at the Okemo spa will be alluring, as will a swim in the beautiful pool or one of the many coed Jacuzzis nestled within the swaying trees of the intimate enclave. Other summer activities include fly fishing, clay bird shooting, or a pontoon boat ride right on the striking resort property. Experience the local village life in surrounding Okemo with scheduled events such as sheep herding with border collies at the Billings Farm and Museum or the Annual Vermont State Fair at the beginning of September. If you want to experience even more local flare, then take a ride to Buttermilk Falls for a dip in a true country swimming hole.
Another fine dining choice is the Coleman Brook Tavern, mixing a cosmopolitan atmosphere with comforting countryside cousine. The pancakes are divine, served with strawberries, cinnamon and bona fide Vermont syrup. The dining room has a variety of comfortable seating options from banquettes to tables with high-backed upholstered arm chairs.