Reunion Sightseeing – Becoming a Tour Guide This past weekend I took on a new persona: tourist in Killington and the surrounding region. A group of my college girlfriends and their husbands came to the inn for a reunion, and what a wonderful time we had! In order to showcase the area and maximize the fun, I packed the four days with activities and events. It is very gratifying to experience our region from the “other side”. It was actually a challenge to choose our agenda from the myriad of options available from our perch here in the epicenter of the state. We hiked on Killington Mountain and the Appalachian Trail and around beautiful Kent Pond, kayaked, enjoyed a magnificent performance of Fiddler on the Roof at the amazing Weston Playhouse, and spent time (and money) in the one of a kind Vermont Country Store. Of course we ate extremely well, with fine cuisine at the Bryant House before the show, and at the Brew and Barbeque dinner at the Red Clover Inn. Our lovely deck here at the inn was the location of several impromptu “parties”. Manfred and the more ambitious members of the group took a 60 mile bike ride with the rest of us enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the state by car. Disc golf was a popular experience, as was shopping in the quintessential New England town of Woodstock. All of this was, of course, topped off by the good company of very special friends. Everyone raved about the experience, and I was once again reminded of the very special nature of our beautiful state and how lucky I am to live and work here.
Categories: Discover Vermont,Killington
Tags: disc golf, Killington Resort, Vermont, Vermont Country Store, Weston Playhouse
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Killington’s Snowed Inn Offers Special Killington Wine Festival Package Featuring More Than 500 Wines From Around the World, July 20-22 Lovers of wine will be drenched in tasting options during Killington’s 11th Annual Killington Wine Festival, July 20-22 and the Snowed Inn, a country inn tucked away in a quiet, woodland setting just off Killington Road, will offer festival goers a discounted lodging and festival package that includes tickets to the weekend’s tasting events. The Snowed Inn Wine Festival Package provides a 10 percent lodging discount to all festival goers plus 10 percent off of the Killington Wine Festival Estate Tasting, Grand Tasting and Patron Tickets. The weekend begins Friday night at 6 p.m. at the Killington Grand Hotel with the Estate Wine Tasting, featuring a sampling of estate and reserve wine selections from the world’s leading wine makers. Participants will have a chance to meet vintners and wine representatives while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres and wines. Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, guests will participate in the signature event of the weekend, the Grand Tasting, which takes place in outside under a large tent at the base ofKillingtonPeak. Five hundred wines from 40 wineries will be available for sampling, plus live music and food pairings includingVermontspecialty products like cheese and chocolate, round out the event. Green Mountain National Golf Course will play host to the Wine and Nine Golf Tournament, beginning at 3 p.m. Specially selected “Golf Friendly” wines, nine holes of golf, a light dinner and awards are all included in the event. Separate tickets are available for $50 and reservations are required. For more details about the event, visit www.discoverkillington.com. For the special lodging package and reservations, visit www.snowedinn.com or call 800.311.5406. Family-owned and operated by Manfred and Jeanne Karlhuber, the Snowed Inn is a classic AAA 3-Diamond rated lodging property with 20 different rooms, all with private bath and wireless Internet access. From standard rooms with one, two or three beds, to deluxe rooms with fireplace and/or Jacuzzi tub and even some with a living rooms and kitchen/dining area, staying at the Snowed Inn is intimate yet provides the modern conveniences and amenities just steps away from the front door. A year-round outdoor spa with hot tub is nestled in the woods off the back deck, or guests can sit and share stories of their day in the common living room area.
Categories: Killington,Packages
Tags: Killington, Killington Wine Festival, Vermont, wine lovers
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Lemons to Lemonade I have a friend who is battling cancer, and she appears to be winning the battle. Her secret? In her words, an “attitude of gratitude.” What a mantra for any difficult situation. Here in Killington, and in other parts of Vermont, we have been put to the test. But we are finding that in spite of the hardships, there is much to be grateful for. For us for starters, Irene caused no loss of life or bodily harm, and our inn and our home were undamaged. Yes, business has suffered, but here’s the lemonade part—folks are informed about the quick rehabilitation of our roads and infrastructure, and they are coming toVermont. They have become much more aware of the tenacious aspect of the Vermonters’ character and are rewarding us with their presence, often because they want to help us back on our feet, knowing their experience will be vintage Vermont—beautiful views and warm hospitality. Yes, Irene dumped a lot of water on us, but it turns out that’s good for the quality of the foliage colors (more lemonade). We are in turn more grateful than ever for the faith our guests have in us and in this beautiful state. Killington Resort is squeezing those lemons as well. First of all, Killington Base Lodge was NOT destroyed by Irene. Damage to one small section, yes; destruction, no. As a result, the damaged section has been removed and will be replaced by a brand new deck topped by two European custom built outdoor bars, fully heated, with adjustable walls and windows to adapt to the changing weather conditions, offering prime views ofKillingtonPeakand Superstar. What a great, brand new way to savor the après ski experience at the finest ski resort in the East! Lemonade, anyone?
Categories: Discover Vermont
Tags: Irene, Killington, skiing, Vermont, Vermont Foliage
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An Inside View to Living in a Tourism-Driven Town As a serial civic volunteer, I recently completed my three year term as a member of the fledgling Killington Economic Development and Tourism Commission. Calling it a tumultuous three years would be more than accurate, as small towns, especially resort towns grapple with a struggling economy, rising taxes, shifting tourism trends, etc. In spite of frequent controversy we, in conjunction with Killington Resort and the Killington Chamber of Commerce, were able to get things moving, as our rejuvenated summer calendar has shown. As we enter the final stages of summer (egad, so soon?) the fruits of the commission’s labor with, of course the fantastic director, Seth Webb and staff at the helm, have been and continue to be extremely gratifying. The second year of the resurrected Killington Stage Race was a terrific summer opener. Well over 600 racers participated, up 100 riders from last year. The women’s field was particularly robust. The weather held, as rain circled the area, but never dampened the race courses. Our race guests here at the inn pronounced the event a resounding success and are looking forward to next year already. The Killington Wine Festival just celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a three day event from July 22 thru July 24. How can you go wrong, with an Estate Tasting, Grand Tasting, Bubbly Brunch, Wine and Nine (a golf course treat) and special wine dinners throughout the area’s restaurants? Additionally in July we saw the return of the AJGA Golf Tournament, a nationally recognized tournament series for nearly 150 high ranking junior golfers, which took place July 10-14. What a great group of families to welcome to town. In early August nearly 2000 extreme athletes came to town Killington’s Spartan Race and this past weekend the emphasis shifted to more lighthearted fun when the famed Cirkus Smirkus came to town. Attendance at our free Saturday afternoon Cooler in the Mountain concert series is climbing to new heights every weekend with a few more fantastic concerts to go. And this is just a portion of the components of the Killington summer/fall events roster! So, did I mention “serial” volunteerism already? Well, glutton for punishment that I am, or as I prefer to see it, passionate Killington resident that I am, I find myself once again in a seat on the Killington Economic Development and Tourism Commission. My enthusiasm for the potential of this great town once again overrides my disdain for sometimes testy political catfights. After all, someone has to stick their neck out for the greater good.
Categories: Discover Vermont
Tags: Vermont
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