The Surprise Road Trip: Post #2 – Springlike at Smuggs

Now that my kids are older and more self-sufficient I actually look forward to school breaks. Yes, it is really possible to have days and days off with your kids and not long for the routine. My son hangs out with his pals and my daughter fills her days with friends and imaginary play. It is relaxed and enjoyable for the most part.

This March Break we were lucky enough to actually fit in a little road trip ski vacation. As I mentioned in a previous post we borrowed the awesome Buick Enclave for the week and headed off to Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont for a few days of spring skiing. The kids were totally surprised (it took them 3hrs to figure out we were not going to their grandparents!) and they were actually pretty patient on the 7+ hour drive. Once we arrived we met up with my husband’s sister and brother-in-law and settled in to our 3 bedroom condo in the North Hill Community at Smuggs.

I hadn’t skied in over a year because of my back injury so I was a bit tentative but one run in and I knew I would be OK. Although, by the end of the day my legs might have begged to differ! What we discovered at Smuggler’s Notch was a low-key, family friendly, laid back environment. The hill had everything from fabulous beginner runs to expert glades and everything in between. Being mostly a fair-weather skier I was thrilled by the winding, groomed blues from the summit. Everything at Smuggs is family friendly. The kids loved the the camp, we loved the hill and we all loved our accommodation.

 Plus, we had one of the best meals ever there. If you go to Smuggs you MUST eat at The Hearth and Candle. It is upscale so a bit pricier but not unreasonable but it had one of the most unique and interesting menus ever. Plus, they have a “Young Diners” menu for your tweens/young teens like my son. He selected the filet mignon (medium rare) with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies. And we shared the selection of fine Vermont cheeses as an appetizer. I love cheese. It was glorious. Here he is with my sis-in-law waiting for the cheese!

We had so much fun! I even got to meet UrbanMoms member Jen (yes, another one) and we chatted forever over coffee in the Village. She was amazing – her first time on skis at 39! Here we are enjoying the spring weather (ignore the fact that it is a terribly unflattering pic…please):

So, our road trip was a huge success. We loved Smuggs and would recommend it. I am going to write a full Travel Review soon!