Author: Ashley Billings of Okemo Mountain School in Ludlow, Vermont

Many of you may know Kathy Burns as a broker for and owner of William Raveis Vermont Properties. However, we know her as an Okemo Mountain School alumni parent, as well as one of our biggest supporters. This year, Kathy is receiving the Crown Point Board of Realtors Good Neighbor award, which proves her dedication not only to OMS, but to many others within our community. 

 

This award complements the NAR and VAR Good Neighbor Award programs and highlights REALTORS® whose extraordinary commitment to volunteer work has helped make their community a better place to live. The winner of this award is submitted to NAR and VAR for consideration on the state and national levels. The award shines a spotlight on the important work that REALTORS® all over the country do to help others.

Kathy has been a part of our OMS family for over 15 years now and before that, a parent within the Okemo Competition Center. Kathy supported her two daughters in their dreams of ski racing while they attended OMS. However, even after they had completed their time at OMS. Kathy continued to show her support. Not only does she attend, volunteer or donate at every OMS event, but she also frequently spearheads many of our fundraising efforts. When we endeavored to build our Fitness Facility, Kathy worked to help us achieve our goals with a primary focus on raising the funds necessary to build the trampoline silo. Needless to say, she succeeded and now our student-athletes have a state of the art facility to utilize.

More recently, Kathy has taken on the role of Co-Chair for our annual appeal, Campaign for our Community. Last year was our first year running the campaign and Kathy helped to raise over $100,000 for OMS. Without her ambition and belief in raising the highest fundraising goal possible, we would not be nearly as successful. We are now in our second year of the Campaign and once again, Kathy has pushed us to dream big and is with us every step of the way.

Okemo Mountain School, along with the rest of the rest of the Ludlow snow sports community, would like to congratulate Kathy on achieving the Good Neighbor award. We appreciate all you do and continue to do to help make so many dreams come true.

The countdown to Halloween is on! There are several events happening around the Okemo Valley to celebrate Halloween. Whether you are a trick-or-treating ghoul or a spooky night owl, these events will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit! 

 

 

Fletcher Memorial Library Halloween Party | Friday, October 25th

Kick off Halloween at the 6th Annual Fletcher Memorial Library Halloween Party! Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy creepy snacks, spooky games and more! This family-friendly event is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. making it a perfect party for the younger crowd. 

 

Mount Holly PTSA Trick or Treat | Friday, October 25th

Don’t miss this family fun event at the Mount Holly School! The night starts at 5 p.m. with trick or treating around the village, followed by hayrides by Plew Farm from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wrap up the night with a costume contest starting at 6:30 p.m. Need some costume ideas? We’ve put together a list of Okemo Valley inspired costumes below!

 

Main + Mountain Halloween Party | Saturday, October 26th

Adults love Halloween too! Stop by the Main + Mountain bar between 9 and 12 p.m. for an epic Halloween Party featuring drink specials, music and a costume contest. Dress to impress!

 

Trunk or Treat | Thursday, October 31st

If you are looking for a family-friendly Halloween event, be sure to head to Benson’s Chevrolet for the first annual Trunk or Treat from 4 to 7 p.m. Local businesses sponsor this event and fill up their trunks with candy for the trick-or-treaters. Vermont Properties will be there with our own trunk set-up so be sure to stop by! Bonus: Bring a carved pumpkin for a chance to win a prize and some serious bragging rights. 

 

Ludlow Recreation Department’s Halloween Party | Thursday, October 31st

This is another great family-friendly event right in the heart of Ludlow. Kick off the night at 6:30 p.m. with a Halloween Parade starting at the Black River Academy Museum. After, head to the Community Center for candy, games, music, pizza and a haunted house! 

 

Cavendish Trunk or Treat | Thursday, October 31st

Join the Cavendish community to celebrate Halloween with another Trunk or Treat at the Cavendish Elementary School. Trick-or-treating starts at 5 p.m. and be sure to come in your best costume to collect your candy! Hey adults, do you want to participate? Bring your car, decorate your trunk and hand out treats!

 

Killarney Halloween Party | Thursday, October 31st

Looking for an event that is kid-free? Its parents night out at the Killarney Irish Pub in Ludlow starting at 9 p.m. Enjoy the live DJ, drink specials and a costume contest with prizes. 

 

Fall is in full swing here in the Okemo Valley! The trees are changing, the weather is perfect and there are so many upcoming events for locals and visitors alike. We know that mid-October is the ideal time to visit, so we put together a schedule of events and things to do this weekend, just for you! 

 

Big Buzz Chainsaw Festival: Friday, October 11th to Monday, October 14th

The Big Buzz Chainsaw Festival is in its 10th year of production, bringing over 25 carvers from across the country and around the world the Okemo Mountain Resort. Watch the carvers create their masterpieces or create sculptures of your own! Located at the Jackson Gore Ice Arena from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend long. For details, click here! 

 

Ludlow Farmers Market: Friday, October 11th | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Visit the Ludlow Farmers Market for the final market of the season at 53 Main Street. Shop the local vendors to stock up on seasonal veggies, fresh baked bread, Vermont coffee and wine, pottery, crafts and more. Support your local farmer! 

 

Fall Into Winter: Saturday, October 12th | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the transition of the seasons at Okemo Mountain Resort! This event is filled with hayrides, games, pumpkin painting, craft vendors and food. There will be a seasonal and regional beer tasting tent, too! Okemo's Adventure Zone will be open all weekend long for zip lining, mini golfing and rides on the mountain coaster. Bring the family for a fun fall day in the mountains. Visit www.okemo.com for details.

 

29th Annual Chili Cook-Off: Saturday, October 12th | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Don't miss out on this annual tradition!  and Enter your favorite chili or come as a participant and enjoy a selection of chili, bread, cider and ice cream for only $10/person. Located at the traffic light on Depot Street, the Ludlow Rotary Club hosts this event as a fundraiser to benefit community projects.  Visit www.ludlowvtrotary.org for details. 

 

Light Up the Night: Saturday, October 12th | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the Okemo Valley community for a night of pumpkin carving and illumination in the heart of downtown Ludlow at the Gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park. This event is a fundraiser for two notable non-profit organizations: Tedy's Team Foundation and the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. Make a donation, pick your perfect pumpkin, carve your design and light it up the night with locals! 100% of the proceeds will benefit both charities. There will also be a pizza food truck, fresh lemonade and more! Click here for more details. 

 

Happy Fall! Have a safe and happy weekend here in the Okemo Valley! - The Vermont Properties Team

 

 

Foliage season is here! If you haven’t already, head over to Part 1 of this foliage blog for a little background on the season here in Vermont and the start of our top favorite foliage viewing spots.

Don’t forget to take a picture and tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #vtpropfoliage and we will happily share your leaf-peeping memory on our page.

 

4. Lake Rescue via Boat Launch

Viewing foliage doesn’t always have to be via car or foot. Head over to the Lake Rescue Boat Launch and bring your kayak, canoe, paddle boards or your boat out onto this gorgeous lake. Enjoy over a mile of water surrounded by mountain views and of course, foliage. You will experience 360-degree views of the bright trees and fiery mountains, plus, it’s a great place to enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Lake Rescue offers better views of all the surrounding lakes due to its size, but you could also find foliage on Lake Amherst, Echo Lake or Lake Pauline!

 

 

5. Ludlow Cemetery Trail

Don’t let the name of this one scare you away! This trail offers one of the best views of Okemo Mountain in the Ludlow downtown area. You can either drive up the cemetery road or walk this one. As you head up the road to the upper level of the cemetery, the views of Okemo are already incredible. Continue up and head towards the gate on the backside of the cemetery, now you are on a cross-country ski trail that leads you to the Okemo Valley Golf Course. But before you get there, you’ll pass an open view of Okemo and the surrounding foliage. The green ski trails pop against the brightly-colored leaves and the mountain feels like it is towering over you.

 

 

6. Lake Ninevah in Mount Holly

Lake Ninevah is also a great escape that offers a naturalistic setting. There is so much wildlife to be found here among the foliage. Head over to the boat launch and drop in your toy of choice, whether it’s a kayak or paddleboard, enjoy the day on the lake and take in the mountain views covered in orange, red and yellow hues. 

 

 

That's the local scoop on the best places to view foliage in the Okemo Valley! While these locations are definitely top-notch, we urge you to find your own adventure and soak in the foliage wherever you can. Happy leaf-peeping!

 

The Local Scoop for Viewing Foliage! Part 1

Vermont is arguably the best state in the country to visit during foliage season thanks to the higher elevations, beautiful valleys, peaks and the 4.5 million acres of forest land that come together to create the brightly-colored landscapes we love! 

Experts believe that Vermont will have a great foliage season this year because the trees are currently vibrant, rich and green and have seen minor to normal amounts of defoliation from insects and disease throughout the past year. Did you know that the speed and timing of foliage season is dependent on factors including light, temperature and soil conditions? These factors can change every year, making foliage season a moving target. However, you can expect to see the foliage at its peak between the end of September to mid-October. While there is no one “perfect” time to plan your visit, the rule of thumb is to start your leaf-peeping party at higher elevations, since these trees will start to change color first, making Ludlow a great place to begin your Vermont fall vacation or excursion.

Leaf-peeping is the official hobby of the fall season throughout Vermont, which is why we have created a list of the best locations for foliage viewing in the Okemo Valley! If you end up visiting one of these locations, take a picture and tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #vtpropfoliage and we will happily share your memory on our page.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog for more epic foliage viewing spots!

 

1. Okemo Mountain

While this seems like an obvious one, we couldn’t leave it out. Okemo Mountain offers sweeping views of the Okemo Valley and there is more than one way to enjoy the views. The first option is to drive up Mountain Road, a ski trail that transforms into an actual road in the summer and park at the gate. Before you get to the parking area, you will pass the Mount Holly Overlook and the Ludlow Overlook. You can most definitely soak in the views here, or you can keep driving to the parking area and then walk to the summit! If you decide to reach the summit, enjoy a mild 15-minute walk to the top. The summit of Okemo is also home to the fire tower, which could offer thrill-seekers an even more jaw-dropping experience. If you are looking for a bit more exercise, hike up the Healdville Trail in Mount Holly, which leads you up the backside of Okemo and drops you off at the top. You could also pick your favorite ski trail and hike it…perhaps Chief or Sapphire? And finally, if you want to take a more relaxing route, buy a ticket for a Scenic Chairlift Ride on Okemo’s Sunburst Six Chairlift! No matter which option you choose, they all lead to some epic foliage views. 

 

2. Echo Lake Vista Trail

The Echo Lake Vista trail is a great option if you are looking for a beginner hike and you only have an hour to spare while on your leaf-peeping excursion. Pop the Plymouth State Park into your GPS and park in one of their free parking lots, which are located on the opposite side of the road from the park. Walk down the road past the park entrance and you will find an inconspicuous trailhead and you’re there, we promise! This hike is about a mile loop with a few steeper sections but nothing your young children can’t handle. The hike through the trees is gorgeous, but the view from the top is even better. You’ll know you reached the top when you can see Echo Lake surrounded by the popping foliage. This is a must-see!

 

3. Buttermilk Falls Trail

Although this trail doesn’t necessarily lead to anything, this beginner hiking area is so beautiful and serene. Buttermilk Falls is located on Buttermilk Falls Way across from the Jackson Gore Resort entrance. Follow the road down to the trailhead and park along the side of the road. There are several different pathways that adventurers have paved for you. As you enter the woods, you will be enveloped in the foliage with extreme tree coverage overhead. The trees pop against the roaring falls and offer a fantastic photo-op. Pack a picnic or hike with your dog through the glittering woods, you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog! We will have more locations for you to visit during your foliage tour in the Okemo Valley. 

 

Have you noticed the nights getting colder already? This is a sure sign that summer is coming to an end. While many of you may be excited for autumn leaves and snowy trees, don’t rush the summer by just yet! There is still a lot of fun to be had and Labor Day weekend is coming up, giving you an extra day to enjoy the great outdoors!

1. Rent a kayak or paddle board from Tygart Mountain Sports or the Tyson Store and head to one of the great lakes in the Okemo Valley. If you are looking for calm water, check out Lake Pauline, a great spot for a leisurely paddle. However, if you are a bit more experienced and want to take a swim, as well, Lake Rescue or Echo Lake may be the way to go!

2. Do you love brunch? Let’s be honest, who doesn’t! This Sunday, September 1st, is the last Rose on the Fairway at Willie Dunn’s where you can sip a crisp rose and try some delicious brunch specials.

3. Head to Trout River Brewing Company in Springfield, VT on Saturday, August 31st for a Labor Day Party. There will be live music by the Blue Grasoles, along with pizza being served by Goodman’s American Pie!

4. If you are looking to get out of the area this weekend, check out the Southern Vermont Garlic Festival in Bennington. This is one of my favorite festivals of the entire year with delicious food and booze options, along with awesome local craft vendors!

5. Attend the last Jackson Gore Summer Music Series Concert this Friday, August 30th! The Blind Owl Band will be taking the stage from 6-9pm.

6. Go to the Okemo Adventure Zone for a fun day of zip lining, mini golf, mountain coaster riding, the challenge course, disc golf, and so much more! 

7. Check out a show at the Weston Playhouse! “Who’s afraid of Virginia Wolf” is currently playing through August 31st!

8. Go for a hike up the backside of Okemo on the Healdville Trail to the summit and firetower! My favorite way to do this is to start around 9am, pack a picnic lunch, and head to the top for an awesome view.

9. Spend a day at Plymouth State Park relaxing on the sandy beach, playing volleyball, and grilling up some hamburgers! 

10. Spend a day at the Okemo Valley Golf Course for a round of golf!

Summertime is the best time for adventure. There are so many different kinds of adventures just waiting to be had, especially in our backyards in the Okemo Valley! Did you know that Okemo offers several summer activities that are fun for the whole family?

One of Okemo’s newest attractions and probably the most extreme adventure is the Evolution Bike Park. The Bike Park is located at the main base area of Okemo, where mountain bikes can be rented, along with helmets and other gear. The trail systems are placed throughout the lower mountain trails around the A and B Quads and extend from the top of the Sunburst Six (bubble chair). The lower trails are great for all kinds of riders, from beginning mountain bikers to serving as just a warm-up run for more experienced riders. There is still a trail from the top of the mountain, Scrambler, that is accessible for moderate riders, however, it is longer and takes more endurance. If you are looking for a more extreme trail ride, check out Shake and Bake! Another option is to hike to the top of Mountain Road and take a nice, long, coasting ride to the bottom! While you are at the top, enjoy the views and breathe in the fresh Vermont air!

Much of the summer adventure happens at Jackson Gore in the Adventure Zone! Here you will find anything from zip lining to miniature golf. One of my favorite activities is the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. This is similar to an alpine slide but on rails. Ride alone or with a friend! Another fun activity is the Segway Tour. These tours are available for all levels. Start with an introductory lesson or take the off-road tour. How often do you have the chance to ride a segway, so take advantage when you are in the area!

The most popular activities in the Adventure Zone are the Sawyer’s Sweep Zipline and the Haulback Challenge Course. Glide through the trees at 40 to 50 feet above the ground on a zipline tour with 7 different ziplines to complete. When you have finished ziplining, head to the Haulback Challenge Course for a fun adventure in the trees where you get to challenge your mind and body to complete several different obstacles.

If you are looking for a less extreme adventure, check out the Lumberin’ Cal Miniature Golf course or The Maples Disc Golf course. If you are looking to fill up the majority of your day, play some disc golf, which will bring you through the beautiful woods of Jackson Gore, but if you just want a quick activity, play some miniature golf!

There are so many adventures to be had, so don’t wait! Head to Okemo Mountain Resort today to start your first adventure!

It’s almost here, one of the biggest weekends of the summer in Ludlow, Vermont; Hops in the Hills! This awesome beer festival will be held this weekend, August 2nd-4th, at the Jackson Gore Courtyard on Okemo. The event runs Friday, 5-9pm, Saturday, 12-8pm, and Sunday, 11-5pm.

The 11th annual Hops in the Hills will have over 100 beers and ciders to taste and several worldly wines! There will be live music all weekend, food trucks, and several other craft and food vendors. The event truly is great for the entire family as the Jackson Gore Adventure Zone has many fun activities to try! Check out the Sawyer Sweep Zipline Tours, Segway PT Tours, Lumberin' Cal's Miniature Golf, Haulback Challenge Course and the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Of course, don’t forget to come see us in the blue William Raveis Vermont Properties tent!

Now for the inside scoop on some of my personal favorite must try beers of the weekend! If you are a fan of IPA’s, Hops in the Hills is certainly the place to be because they have a great variety to choose from. I am a huge fan of pretty much everything from Stone Corral in Richmond, VT and you certainly can’t go wrong with Hipster Salad, which will be on tap at Hops in the Hills. This is a double IPA with a great citrusy aroma and fruity flavor. While it is 8.1%ABV, it is still a very drinkable beer! Another brewery that I am quite fond of, even though it isn’t based in Vermont, is the Maine Beer Company. I have yet to find a beer that I don’t like from them! The best IPA from them, in my opinion, is Another One, so be sure to check that out! This is a great summer IPA, dry and crisp, but with some great hoppy flavor!

If you are looking for something a little bit lighter in the pale ale variety, the Maine Beer Company will also have Mo and a tiny beautiful something, both great options! Another beer that is on the lighter side and the perfect summer beer is Harpoon’s, UFO Big Squeeze Shandy. If summer had a flavor, this would be it! Sticking with the fruit theme, you must also try Rutland Beer Works, Blueberry Blonde. If you try this at home, add a few fresh blueberries to it; I promise your taste buds will thank you!

While all these are great, a new trend is sour beer, and these certainly have my heart. Hops in the Hills is serving up some of the best sour beers you can find, so if you are unsure, make sure to try them out! A personal favorite of mine is the Dogfish Head, SeaQuench Ale. This is a refreshing summer beer that will make you feel like you are sitting on the Atlantic coast with the tartness of limes and a finish of sea salt. Another great Vermont beer is You Can’t Get There From Here by the Burlington Beer Company. This great fruity beer is a mix of dragon and passion fruit, what could be better?!

Each ticket option comes with three tasting tickets, some just samples and others full 16oz pours. However, more tickets can be purchased for additional tasting or for multiple day visits to Hops in the Hills. There are so many great beers, ciders, and wines to try, so be sure to choose wisely!

On another note, if you are looking to burn off some of those extra beverage calories, check out the Okemo Mountain School Penguin Pursuit 5K Walk/Run on August 3rd. You can pre-register for the event here for $25 or pay $30 the day-of. They will also have a registration table setup at Hops in the Hills on Friday evening! This is a fundraiser for the OMS Scholarship Fund, for students who need extra financial assistance to follow their dreams in competitive skiing or snowboarding. The event is taking place at OMS, 53 Main Street, in Ludlow; registration begins at 8:15am and the run starts at 9:15am. There is also a Kids Scavenger Hunt at 9am!

No matter what you choose to do this weekend, be safe and have fun!

    Can you believe that summer is already half over? You know the saying, “Time flies when you are having fun?” Well, this couldn’t be more true! However, the fun shouldn’t stop now! This weekend is the perfect opportunity to check out some other parts of Vermont, while enjoying the best wine and/or beer that Vermont has to offer.

    If you are a wine connoisseur, head to the Killington Wine Festival starting on Friday evening, July 19th. Kick off the festival with the Premier Tasting event at the Peak of Killington by taking the gondola to the Killington Peak Lodge for an exclusive wine tasting. This portion of the festival allows you to meet the vintners, ask questions, sample the varieties, and pair them with tasty hors’ d'oeuvres. There is also live music to enjoy! It doesn’t get much better than this; the scenic views of Vermont, wine, food, and music! Get your tickets here!

    The Killington Wine Festival continues through the weekend with the Grand Tasting kicking off at noon at the Killington Grand Hotel and Resort Ballroom. There will be a wonderful and large selection of a variety of wines produced domestically and internationally including France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Not to mention, a great selection of Vermont wine and spirits, as well. There will also be delicious local cheeses, chocolates, and more to enjoy while tasting. Make the event even more fun by showing up in your best formal wear. Get your tickets here!

    The event continues into Sunday with the Wine & Nine Golf Outing at the Green Mountain National Golf Course. The afternoon starts off with champagne and snacks at registration with a shotgun start at 3pm. You will play 9 holes of golf each with a tasting of a different specialty wine. After golfing, enjoy dinner and prizes in the club house! Click here for more information!

    If beer is more your style and you are looking to get away to another part of Vermont, head to the Vermont Brewers Festival at the Burlington Waterfront Park! Throughout the weekend, there are four different sessions; Friday, 12-4pm or 5:30-9:30pm, and Saturday, 12-4pm or 5:30-9:30pm. There are over 250 beers to test and trust me, you will not leave thirsty! Some of my favorite breweries in attendance are Stone Corral Brewery, Trout River Brewing, Good Measure Brewing, and Otter Creek Brewing. For a full list of participating breweries and the beer list, click here!

    The Vermont Brewers Festival also has great music throughout the weekend. Each session features a different band; Session One- Funk Shui, Session Two- Nico Suave, Session Three- Chicago Afrobeat Project, and Session Four- Big Ol Dirty Bucket. If you want to take the festival to the next level, check out “The Experience Tent” where you can sample beer paired with a variety of cheeses or chocolates. Don’t worry, there will also be lots of other food vendors in attendance throughout the weekend!

    No matter what you choose to do this weekend, just make sure you enjoy it because summer will be over before we know it! If you are sticking around Ludlow on Friday night, head to Jackson Gore for the Summer Music Series and be sure to visit us under the blue tent!

One of my favorite days of the year is coming up; the 4th of July! First and foremost, Independence Day is a time to remember the history of America and what those that came before us went through to give us this beautiful country. It commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence when the thirteen colonies became free from British rule.

While the 4th of July is about remembering the history of America, it is also celebrated by spending time with your family and friends. The 4th is typically the first real kick off to summer, which is so exciting! Even better, the hope is that you have an extra long weekend to keep the celebration going!

What is the best part of Independence Day? FIREWORKS! Start the holiday weekend off right on July 3rd with fireworks at Plymouth Notch! Join in the fun beginning at 9pm to sing patriotic songs prior to the fireworks show, which will begin at dusk! This has always been one of favorite firework displays and should not be missed! 

Another great option on July 3rd is to head to the Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center in Grafton, VT. Here they have a spectacular show put on by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. After the show, is a beautiful fireworks display! Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a great summer evening! This is a ticketed event; or purchase them at MKT: Grafton, Village Square Booksellers, and Vermont Artisan Designs.

This year, Ludlow will be hosting their fireworks on Thursday, July 4th, at the West Hill Recreation Area. The Chris Kleeman Band will be playing from 7-9pm and food will be served by Goodman’s American Pie, Squeels on Wheels, and the Simply Asian Food Truck! Make it a full evening with the family with music, a picnic and fireworks kicking off at dusk!

If enjoying the history of America is something you are interested, you came to the right place because in the heart of the Okemo Valley is the Calvin Coolidge Foundation, the birthplace of the thirtieth President of the United States. Did you know that President Coolidge was born on Independence Day? This day is commemorated at the Foundation with public readings, a ceremony, the Coolidge Cup National High School Debate Tournament, and a screening of "Recollections of 1919 and the Boston Police strike with President Coolidge”. This is a great event to commemorate the United States and President Coolidge. 

There are so many fun events to attend and things to do for the 4th of July, but as you are celebrating next week, please remember why we have this holiday, but also enjoy the time with your friends and family!