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October 5, 2005
Smugglers' Notch: Away from the Pollution
Vermont, USA
--By Norman Goldman
--Art Work by Lily Azerad-Goldman
Norm and Lily Goldman are a husband and wife team who meld
words with art focusing on romantic destinations.
Norm is the Editor of the team’s travel site, Sketchandtravel.com,
where you will find Norm’s travel articles and Lily’s
art work. Norm is also the Editor of the book reviewing and author
interviewing site, Bookpleasures.com.
The latter comprises over twenty five international book reviewers
who come from all walks of life and who review all genres.
No smog, no pollution and an abundance of fun, isn't that what
you want when you plan a vacation? Look no further than the majestic
corner of Vermont known as Smugglers' Notch Area or, as the locals
like to call it, "Smuggs."
Just driving along The Smugglers' Notch Scenic Highway (SR 108)
and observing the misty light filtering through the trees is sufficient
to beckon you to park your car and meander about. For nature lovers
and artists this truly is a treasure. If there were such a place
as heaven on earth, Smugglers would qualify.
A word of caution, however, don't let go of the steering wheel
as you wind your way around the large boulders that protrude onto
the narrow passageway. It can be hair-raising! Oh yes, I forgot
to tell you, watch out for the ghosts of the past.
Legend tells us that the Notch derived its name as far back as
the early 1800's, when President Thomas Jefferson prohibited trade
with Britain. Vermonters were up in arms when they were told that
trading with the British would no longer be tolerated. Their livelihood
depended on importing silks and drugs from Montreal. What were they
to do? Of course, smuggle and hide the contraband within the caves
of the Notch. Apparently, many years later, during the era of prohibition,
the Notch was used as a storage place for smuggled liquor.
As you drive through the Notch you will notice some parking spaces.
Park your car and explore the flora and fauna. You won't be sorry.
Who knows, maybe you will find some of the hidden booty? Just bear
in mind that during the winter, part of the highway is closed.
If you were planning to vacation a few days in the area, a good
suggestion would be to stay at the Smugglers' Notch Resort. This
certainly can be your home base and jumping off point and will also
provide endless hours of activities.
This resort is located in an area known as "the quiet side
of the Mountain," and has been in existence since 1956. It
has been classified, and rightfully so, as one of the best family
resorts in North America. Moreover, the resort is a leader in practising
superior environmental stewardship and responsible business ethics.
The "mommy, I'm bored" syndrome is not part of its vocabulary.
In fact, the resort is supposedly the only one in North America
to guarantee family fun. Their policy is that if any member of a
family participates in one or more of their programs and doesn't
have fun; they will refund the entire program portion of that family's
member stay.
It is difficult not to have fun. You can hike, bike, fish, golf,
canoe, swim, kayak, ski, snowboard, tennis, waterslide, volleyball,
dance, and participate in endless activities within a three thousand
acre playground. You name the sport or activity, and for the most
part, they can accommodate you and all members of your family. During
the summer you will discover eight pools and three waterslides with
splash pools. The winter season is the time to ski or perhaps learn
to ski on one of the three interconnected mountains. If you prefer,
you can try snowboarding within one of the resort's designated facilities.
On a more serious note, we all know how a multitude of recreational
activities can sometimes play havoc with our environment. Realizing
this danger, Smugglers' Notch Resort has made a concerted effort
to become a responsible corporate citizen in matters related to
its surroundings. As a result, the management is continuously collaborating
and consulting with researchers, scientists, and staff from Vermont's
Agency of National Resources. They have even hired a full time environmental
manager. Something you would rarely find at many other resorts.
In 1998, Smugglers Notch Resort received the Governor's Award for
Environmental Excellence for various innovations, such as the use
of the most efficient compressors for snowmaking, recycling of construction
scrap material, adhering to Vermont's Five Star specifications when
related to building, and using live bullhead catfish as part of
the sewage treatment process. The latter is certainly innovative!
The resort is also very keen on demonstrating to visitors and guests
the extent it practices good environmental behaviour. This is evidenced
by the many children and adults' environmental sensitivity activities
it organizes in and around the resort's complex. Their main objective,
according to the
management, is "to raise the environmental awareness of guests
and employees, and to broaden their knowledge of environmental efforts
through their educational programs."
In addition, by respecting nature, the resort is able to provide
artists with a pollution free environment. No doubt, the surrounding
mysterious forests and towering mountains provide an endless source
of inspiration. However, if the fauna and flora were to be destroyed,
this stimulus would be non-existent. Programs, such as the "Artists
in the Mountains," offered by the resort, would find it difficult
to attract participants. After all, who would want to draw, paint,
watercolor, or participate in anything, if you are surrounded with
pollution? All of the fun of the vacation would be lost.
Welcome to a State and a vacation resort that cares!
For more information concerning the area you may refer to the following
sites:
Weather
Smugglers'
Notch State Park
Sites Worth
Visiting
The
Timeshare Beat review of Smugglers' Notch
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