SMUGGLERS NOTCH RESORT
By Norm Goldman
No smog, no pollution and an abundance of fun, isn’t that what you want
when you plan a vacation?Look no further than the majestic corner of
Vermont known as Smugglers' Notch Area or as the locals like to call it
“Smuggs.”
Just driving along The Smuggler’s Notch Scenic Highway (SR 108) and
observing the misty light filtering through the trees is sufficient to beckon
you to park your car and meander about. For nature lovers and artists this
truly is a treasure. If there were such a place as heaven on earth,
Smugglers would qualify.
A word of caution, however, don’t leave go of the steering wheel as you
wind your way around the large boulders that protrude onto the narrow
passageway. It can be hair-raising! Oh yes, I forgot to tell you, watch out
for the ghosts of the past.
HISTORY OF SMUGGLERS' NOTCH
Legend tells us that the Notch derived its name as far back as the early
1800’s, when President Thomas Jefferson prohibited trade with Britain.
Vermonters were up in arms when they were told that trading with the
British would no longer be tolerated. Their livelihood depended on
importing silks and drugs from Montreal. What were they to do? Of
course, smuggle and hide the contraband within the caves of the Notch.
Apparently, many years later, during the era of prohibition, the Notch was
used as a storage place for smuggled liquor.
As you drive through the Notch you will notice some parking spaces. Park
your car and explore the flora and fauna. You won’t be sorry. Who knows,
maybe you will find some of the hidden booty? Just bear in mind that
during the winter, part of the highway is closed.
If you were planning to vacation a few days in the area, a good suggestion
would be to stay at the Smugglers' Notch Resort. This certainly can be
your home base and jumping off point and will also provide endless
hours of activities.
This resort is located in an area known as “the quiet side of the
Mountain,” and has been in existence since 1956. It has been classified,
and rightfully so, as one of the best family resorts in North America.
Moreover, the resort is a leader in practising superior environmental
stewardship and responsible business ethics.
FAMILY FUN AT SMUGGLER'S NOTCH RESORT
The “mommy I am bored” syndrome is not part of its vocabulary.
In fact, the resort is supposedly the only one in North America to
guarantee family fun. Their policy is that if any member of a family
participates in one or more of their programs and doesn’t have fun; they
will refund the entire program portion of that family’s member stay.
It is difficult not to have fun. You can hike, bike, fish, golf, canoe, swim,
kayak, ski, snowboard, tennis, waterslide, volleyball, dance, and
participate in endless activities within a three thousand acre playground.
You name the sport or activity, and for the most part, they can
accommodate you and all members of your family. During the summer
you will discover 8 pools and 3 waterslides with splash pools. The winter
season is the time to ski or perhaps learn to ski on one of the 3
interconnected mountains. If you prefer, you can try snowboarding within
one of the resort’s designated facilities.
SENSITIVE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
On a more serious note, we all know how a multitude of recreational
activities can sometimes play havoc with our environment. Realizing this
danger, Smugglers’ Notch Resort has made a concerted effort to become
a responsible corporate citizen in matters related to its surroundings.
As a result, the management is continuously collaborating and consulting
with researchers, scientists, and staff from Vermont’s Agency of National
Resources. They have even hired a full time environmental manager.
Something you would rarely find at many other resorts.
In 1998 Smugglers Notch Resort received the Governor’s Award for
Environmental Excellence for various innovations, such as the use of the
most efficient compressors for snowmaking, recycling of construction
scrap material, adhering to Vermont’s Five Star specifications when
related to building, and using live bullhead catfish as part of the sewage
treatment process. The latter is certainly innovative!
The resort is also very keen on demonstrating to visitors and guests the
extent it practices good environmental behaviour. This is evidenced by the
many children and adults’ environmental sensitivity activities it organizes
in and around the resort’s complex. Their main objective, according to the
management, is “to raise the environmental awareness of guests and
employees, and to broaden their knowledge of environmental efforts
through their educational programs.”
In addition, by respecting nature, the resort is able to provide artists with a
pollution free environment. No doubt, the surrounding mysterious forests
and towering mountains provide an endless source of inspiration.
However, if the fauna and flora were to be destroyed, this stimulus would
be non-existent.
Programs, such as the “Artists in the Mountains,” offered by the resort,
would find it difficult to attract participants. After all, who would want to
draw, paint, watercolor, or participate in anything, if you are surrounded
with pollution?
All of the fun of the vacation would be lost.
Welcome to a State and a vacation Resort that cares!
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Tel: 1-800-451-8752
Norm and Lily Azerad-Goldman are a unique husband and wife team,
writer and water colorist, who write and paint about romantic destinations.
Basically, they meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel
story, which generates interest, particularly because of the fact that each
painting appears to have been ‘custom-made’ for the story-original story
and original art. They can be contacted at: l.goldman@sympatico.ca
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