A few years ago, my family and I visited Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont and had a super winter vacation. Last week, we returned and made new summer memories at this wonderful family-friendly resort, located 30 minutes outside Burlington.
Billed as “America’s Family Resort”, Canadians can also enjoy the fabulous facilities, great programming, and beautiful location. There is so much to do for kids of all ages, we had the enviable task of trying to determine how to spend our time. Before we even left home*, a DVD arrived so we could watch and review the many programs and activities offered. It was a great way to introduce the resort to the kids and get them excited as well.
Smuggs (as it is affectionately known) offers vacation packages and options for a variety of interests, ages, and price ranges. An easy four-hour drive from Ottawa, you can arrive at the resort, park your car and not need it again until you leave. From hiking to swimming to disc golf, day camp to dining, there are many options for you and the kids to enjoy.
Accommodations are available for a few days, or a few weeks and range from a one room loft to a four or five bedroom condo. An on-site, on-call shuttle can pick you up and take you wherever you want to go on the campus.
Smugglers' three summer vacation packages each include condominium lodging with full kitchen, use of pools and waterslides, use of the indoor FunZone with games and climbing inflatables, daily guided hikes and walks, and family fun & evening entertainment. The packages feature varying levels of programming, which can include children's camps. For a four night stay in a one bedroom condominium, rates start at $1600 for four people.
Before arriving at the resort, we stopped at a local grocery store, picked up essentials for basic breakfasts and meals. This is a great way to help keep costs down. A fully accredited on-site child care facility is available for children age six weeks to three years of age.
There are four awesome swimming areas including the Mountainside Water Playground, Notchville Park and Rum Runner’s Hideaway. These include a variety of waterslides, lagoons, lily pad walks, playhouses and waterfalls. My kids were determined to try out all the pools, and made it to three of the four, enjoying each one.
Other free activities include basketball courts, shuffleboard courts and the FunZone, an indoor play area with slides, obstacle courses, bouncy houses and a toddler play area. A teen zone is also available for your older kids to chill and hang out. Upon arrival, every guest receives a resort info guide that includes a full description of free and paid activities. My family, in particular, enjoyed Marko’s Magic Show. Held on the Village Green, this all-ages event had the kids amazed and the adults entertained.
Paid specialty activities include disc golf, zip lining, skate parks, hiking, health and wellness programs, and tennis and golf programs.
Smuggs offers a great selection of day camps for kids. Starting at age three and running until age 17, programming offered includes active dynamic camps for all interests as well as specialty programs. My boys took part in the camps and had a choice between arts, sports and hiking themed activities. The day- long programs are run by trained counselors and include a daily swim. Kids have the choice of bringing lunch or including lunch in their fees.
While most of our time was spent at the resort, we did venture off to visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, VT. This half hour tour includes a history of the delicious ice cream, visit through the facility and a sample of the decadent frozen treat. Our tour guide was fantastic, knowledgeable and funny and the visit to the flavour graveyard is a must.
If you are looking for a family-friendly vacation spot, consider Smugglers’ Notch. There is a ton of things to do, the location is beautiful, the staff are super friendly and everyone is guaranteed to have a great time.
* Editor’s Note: Our family were guests at Smugglers' Notch. Smugglers’ Notch did not receive an advance copy of the review or influence the content of the review.
Smugglers' Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Smugglers' Notch, VT 05464-9537
(800) 419-4615
