Vermont Activities
There is always something to do in the Okemo Valley, no matter the season you’re here. Scroll down for lots of ideas on where to go, what to do, and where to dine. We’ve tried separating a few ideas by season, but keep on reading because most of what’s here can be enjoyed all the year round. Feel free to contact us at the inn for further details and assistance. Helping you plan your trip is part of what we love to do. We look forward to seeing you in our Vermont B&B.
Seasonal Innkeeper Recommendations
Looking ahead to summer? Offering recommendations for summertime in Vermont is easy! Take a morning hike at Mt. Ascutney, lounge by the pool in the afternoon, and then get ready for a perfect evening. Start your night with some wonderful outdoor dining at one of our favorites — the Inn at Glimmerstone, the Inn at Weston, or the Inn at Weathersfield. Often these restaurants will have live entertainment — this could make a night unto itself. But if you’re looking for more, enjoy some fantastic summertime theatre at Weston Playhouse. Or on Fridays, check out the free concert series at Jackson Gore (less than ten minutes up the road).
Winter Activities
(Contact the inn or read our Specials for discount “Ski and Stay” packages.)
Viking Nordic Center, Londonderry, VT (30 minutes southwest of the inn)
Snowshoe or cross-country ski on 35 km of peaceful, stunning wooded trails. Rentals available. Family-friendly. Discounted tickets available through the inn.
Aveda Spa at Castle Hill Resort (less than 5 minutes from inn, 1 mile)
Enjoy the heated outdoor pool (year round) and use of the fitness center. Discounted passes available through the inn.
Okemo Mountain Resort (4 miles, less than 10 minutes from the inn)
Award winning skiing. Very family friendly. Free Okemo Shuttle stops by the inn.
Okemo Nordic Center (5 miles, 10 minutes north of the inn)
Located at the Okemo Valley Golf Club facility on Fox Lane.
Stratton Mountain (1 hour south of the inn) or Mt. Sunapee (1 hour east of the inn)
Buy a 3-day ski ticket from Okemo and use one of the days at either Stratton or Mt. Sunapee. See our Specials page for fantastic “Ski and Stay” discounted vacation getaways.
Killington (35 minutes north of the inn)
With 140 alpine ski and snowboard trails, this is the largest destination resort in the Eastern United States.
Grafton Ponds Cross Country (25 minutes southwest of the inn)
30k groomed trails, plus 30k back country. Snow tubing too!
Snowshoeing
Visit state parks or blaze a trail out our back door into Proctor-Piper Forest.
Timber Ripper
Vermont’s only outdoor coaster. Fun for all ages!
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities
Check out our Specials Page for seasonal events at the inn.
Honeybee hive tours, honey harvest weekends, road races, candle making, pysanky egg decorating, and more.
Fishing the Black River (great spots 3 miles from inn)
Trophy fishing. Large rainbow and browns through June, and again in the fall. Lower sections fish well for bass and other warm water species.
Golfing in the Valley, There are 12 courses within a 45-minute drive from Okemo Valley.
From Okemo Valley Golf Club’s website: “Featuring bent grass greens, tees and fairways, Okemo Valley Golf Club’s par 70, 18-hole championship course is New England’s first heathland-style course.”
Okemo Adventure Zone (10 minutes from the inn)
Enjoy mini golf, the Timber Ripper mountain coaster, bungee jumping, and Okemo’s disc golf course. Although enjoyed by people of all ages, this may have special appeal for families seeking something for everyone.
Hiking
So many different trailheads of varying ease, each offering a natural beauty of its own. Mt. Ascutney (30 minutes away), Healdville Trail (10 minutes away), Grafton Trails (30 minutes), Killington Trails (40 minutes), Long Trail/Appalachian Trails (15-45 minutes).
Arts and Crafts Classes
Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts (2 miles from inn)
Veteran crafters and absolute beginners alike are encouraged to check this place out. From woodcarving to weaving, jewelry making to stained glass, classes are friendly and professional. Inn discounts are available to Fletcher students.
Six Loose Ladies (½ mile)
A yarn store with a sense of humor is what they call themselves. Offering classes in weaving, knitting, origami, you name it.
Antiques
Chester’s Antique Trail (15 minutes from the inn)
Five antique stores within a couple of miles of one another.
Bellows Falls (less than 30 minutes from the inn)
There are a few different shops for browsing, many of them expansive and unique.
Places to Visit
Singleton’s General Store (one-half mile)
Eclectic and fun. (To our guests’ delight, we get all our bacon here.) The sign outside boasts ammunition, whiskey, maple syrup. They don’t mention their other great stuff: fair trade hippie skirts, gorgeous ski sweaters, fine quality footwear, beer and wine for your BYOB inn. It’s well worth at least a quick visit!
Buttermilk Falls (6 miles, 10 minutes)
Park on the side of the road and get out your camera and even your swimming trunks. Beautiful swimming hole with multiple cascades.
Cavendish Gorge (5 miles, 10 minutes)
A very short hike brings you to a wonderful vista.
Crowley Cheese (6 miles, 10 minutes)
View how the cheese is made while enjoying some samples. Buy some cheese as travel gifts for friends back home.
Green Mountain Sugar House
Vermont maple products, cheeses, unique souvenirs and gifts, and penny candy too!
Camp Plymouth State Park
Canoes, kayaks, swimming, easy hiking, picnic area, snack bar. Small entrance fee. Perfect for families with children.
Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
This could last a full day, or just take an hour. An entire village preserved, many buildings open to the public. Guided tours available. Museum, country store, cafe.
Village of Weston (25 minutes)
Home of the renowned Weston Theatre, and the original Vermont Country Store. Galleries, cafes, classic river mill, old country stores. Well worth a day trip. Better yet, tie in your visit with a show at the theatre. You will not be disappointed.
Wellwood Orchards, Springfield, VT
Pick Your Own. Petting Zoo. Shop. Great for Families!
Chester
Quintessential Vermont village. Galleries and shops. A great little whole foods cafe. High tea (by reservation) at Inn Victoria. Some neat littel restaurants.
Woodstock
Pastoral and beautiful, Woodstock has an active town center with shops and restaurants. Home of Billings Farm, museum and working farm great for kids and adults. While you’re up there, stop by Quechee Gorge for a great view and a chilly swim!
Breweries & Wineries
Harpoon Brewery, Windsor, Vt (35 minutes from inn)
Long Trail Brewing Company, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont (30 minutes from inn)
Contact the inn for brewery tour weekends! A bus brings you from the inn to multiple breweries and out for dinner. Pick your own date for groups of ten or more or join us on an already scheduled adventure. (Currrenly booking for Oct 20, 2012.)
Restaurants
(and their approximate distance from inn)
The Castle (1 mile, a couple of minutes)
Superior ambiance, truly elegant. Wonderful place for that “special night.”
The Inn at Glimmerstone (an easy 1.5 miles from inn)
Newly opened. Fantastic outdoor dining, sometimes with live music. Pub and indoor dining room also available. Currently serving from a limited menu.
Sam’s Steakhouse (3 miles, a couple of minutes)
Innkeepers’ favorite. Great food, extensive salad bar, excellent service.
Mr. Darcy’s (3 miles, a couple of minutes)
Formerly Panarellos, this upbeat pub atmosphere offers traditional fare with some creative twists. Comfortable prices.
DJ’s (5 miles, less than 10 minutes)
Casual, comfortable, affordable. A local favorite.
Downtown Grocery (5 miles, less than 10 minutes)
We’ve heard that they take their food seriously and deliver a wonderful culinary experience. Great reviews.
Pot Belly (5 miles, less than 10 minutes)
Traditional pub fare. Lively atmosphere, sometimes offering live music.
Cool Moose Café (6 miles, 10 minutes)
Outback Pizza
Very casual, upbeat atmosphere. Wood fired pizzas. Popcorn machine.
Inn at Weathersfield (15 miles, 20-25 minutes)
A true foodie’s favorite. An elegant culinary experience, specializing in local foods. Two menus: full restaurant and simpler fare in the tavern.
Fullerton Inn (13 miles, 20 minutes)
Eat in the dining room or pub. Great food, relaxing northern setting.
MacLaomain’s (13 miles, 20 minutes)
Innkeepers favorite. Small, intimate Scottish pub. Great comfort food. Great beer.
Alice’s Restaurant (13 miles, 20 minutes)
We’ve heard only good reviews about this restaurant in the heart of Chester Village.
Bella Luna’s (5 miles, 10 minutes)
Lively atmosphere, good Italian food.
Harry’s Restaurant (7 miles, 15 minutes)
Small, fun restaurant. Thursday night is Thai night. A hit with most guests!
Tacos, Tacos (4 miles, 10 minutes)
Counter service, but not quite “fast food.” Abundantly portioned tacos, burritos, and such. (Sadie’s favorite!)
The Art of the Chicken (4 miles, 10 minutes)
Very small restaurant. Good home cooking. Eat in or take-out. (Samantha’s favorite!)
We are a proud member of the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont.com. You are invited to call or visit them for more ideas or information: 802-228-5830, 57 Pond Street, Clocktower in Ludlow VT,
