When we decided to go to Vermont we quickly discovered that there were a lot of activities that John and I wanted to do that weren’t really geared towards kids. I wanted to go on a kayak trip to a winery, John wanted to check out some of the breweries and the Smugglers’ Notch Distillery. We knew we could take the kids to these places but we didn’t really want to. For our family, the best vacations are those where the kids get to do plenty of things they enjoy and the parents get to do plenty of things they enjoy. Which was why Smugglers’ Notch is the perfect resort for us. With the kids at camp, John and I set out to see how much fun we could have.
Ways to Explore Smugglers’ Notch Without Kids
Wine and Water Kayak Tour
On Friday John and I went on a 4-mile kayak trip to Boyden Valley Winery, on the wine and kayak tour. We met our kayak guide who happened to have gone to the same high school we had! We choose single kayaks and headed down the river. It took me a bit to get my bearings. The river was shallow and gave us a beautiful view of the mountains. We pulled off onto the bank of the river and headed to Boyden Valley Winery’s tasting room, which was a beautifully redone barn situated on a farm. Our tasting consisted of our choice of 7 different wines and ciders that the winery makes. Then we took a glass of wine out to the patio to enjoy with the new friends we had made on our trip.
Hiking
Smugglers’ Notch has hiking trails that range from easy to expert only. Since we are new to hiking John and I choose a “wike” a walk/hike that went along a brook. We followed the brook to a reservoir, along the way you could listen to the sounds of the brook and get lost in the mountains. It was wonderful to enjoy the walk just the two of us.
We hiked part of the way up the ski lift to get a great view of the Smugglers’ Notch Resort.
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery
Located in Jeffersonville the Smugglers’ Notch Distillery is the perfect place for spirit lovers to sample vodka, rum, whiskey, bourbon, and gin. Each tasting includes 4 samples and a bonus sample of their maple syrup that is aged in bourbon barrels. My husband declared the vodka to be the best he’s ever had and I found out that whiskey can actually taste good. We went home with a few bottles of our favorites.
Checking out the selections at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery.
Explore Stowe
There is so much to do around Smugglers’ Notch. A short drive down the Notch into Stowe you will find shops, restaurants, breweries and more. We grabbed lunch at Idyletime Brewery on their outside patio. The Bar is nestled around a tree and the patio is filled with tables. At the back of the patio is a garden, firepit, and games. It was hard to stay here for just one beer. We also wandered around Stowe checking out shops and stopping in Stowe Cider.
The outdoor patio at Idyletime Brewing in Stowe Vermont.
Vermont Breweries
We were told that Alchemist Brewing is a must do. Those in the know about beer will know that there Heady Hopper is rated the best beer in the world. We stopped in for a very quick visit which involves a trip to the gift shop, a free sample of beer and an option to buy beer to take home with you. The grounds are pretty and there is a place to sit and hang out if you choose to.
Breweries abound in Vermont. There are several in and around Smugglers’ Notch, or you can venture further away to check out other breweries.
Alchemist Brewing Stowe Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch Resort has a spa on site, Bootleggers Basin, SUP, guided hikes, mountain biking, yoga, mountain Segway tours and so much more. Adults can really explore Smugglers’ Notch any way they want from relaxation to thrills. All while the kids are having adventures of their own at camp.
While planning our vacation to Vermont, my family found Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Smugglers’ Notch hosted my family at the resort. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Smugglers’ Notch a True Family Vacation
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