Our little town of Ludlow, Vermont has some big things happening this summer! Okemo Mountain Resort is hosting its first All Come Come Home Music Festival named after Okemo’s Native American name. The festival is taking place at the Jackson Gore Inn Thursday, July 12 through Saturday, July 14th.

The festival has two parts that will keep you busy all weekend long! In the afternoons, the Labatt Blue Stage, located across from the Adventure Zone, will feature free live music on Friday and Saturday. There will be craft vendors, a BBQ lunch on the outdoor patio of Coleman Brook Tavern, along with all of the fun the Adventure Zone has to offer.

The main attraction of the festival will take place in the Paleo-Field, with headliner shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! There are tickets available for single-night shows or for the full 3-day festival.

Event Pricing:

Festival Pass – access to all 3 headliner shows

• $75 advance purchase, when purchased online through July 8

• $85 after July 8

• FREE for children 10 & under

Single Headline Show – Thursday, Friday or Saturday (show-specific ticket)

• $30 advance purchase, when purchased online through July 8

• $34 after July 8

• FREE for children 10 & under

Thursday:
Start the weekend off with headliner, Super Diamond- The Neil Diamond Tribute band, from 8-9:30pm on the Main Stage. The band is coming all the way from San Francisco, California. The band members are lead vocalist Randy Cordeiro (Surreal Neil), guitarist Chris Collins, bass guitarist Matt Tidmarsh, keyboardist James Terris and Rama Kolesnikow and drummer Vince Littleton.

The opening act for Super Diamond is Studio Two- The Beatles before America tribute band, who will play on the Main Stage from 6-7:30pm.

Friday:
Friday’s headliner is certainly one not to be missed! The David Bowie tribute band, Space Oddity, will be featured on the Main Stage from 8-9:30pm, to transport the audience back in time through some of the most exciting moments in the history of Rock music. Lead singer, David Brighton and his band put on an electrifying show that will bring you all the way back to the 1970s.

Opening for Space Oddity is the Talking Heads Tribute band, Start Making Sense, playing on the Main Stage from 6-7:30pm. If you are able to join us in the afternoon at the Labatt Blue Stage, check out Get Up Jack, playing 12-1:30pm, and The Tricksters, from 2-3:30pm.

Saturday:
The festival will end with Almost Queen, a Queen tribute band, that recaptures the live energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen. The band consists of a 4 part harmony and genuine costumes. They will play on the Main State from 8-9:30pm.

Opening for Almost Queen is Josh Panda Misty Mountain Hop, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, playing on the Main Stage from 6-7:30pm. We hope you can join us in the afternoon at the Labatt Blue Stage for shows from Summers the Sammy, 12-1:30pm, and Fox on the Run, 2-3:30pm!

36 years ago, Tim and Diane Mueller purchased Okemo Mountain Resort and began their journey in the ski industry. Over the years they have made many improvements to Okemo, along with acquiring Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire and Crested Butte in Colorado. They have truly made a great impact on not only Ludlow, but the ski industry in New England.

With the ski industry at its peak, Vail Resorts has approached the Mueller’s to buy Okemo, Mount Sunapee, and Crested Butte. Vail Resorts is based in Colorado, but owns several mountains around the country, along with the recent purchase of Stowe Mountain in 2017. It has been reported that the sale of Mueller’s Triple Peaks LLC will be final this summer. Tim and Diane have said, “we want you to know that this was the hardest decision we have ever made, especially as we begin to transition through this deal and say goodbye to each of you”.

While we are sad to lose the Mueller’s, we are very excited about what this purchase could mean for all three mountains, Okemo in particular. We are sure that improvements and changes to the mountain will continue for years to come, making Ludlow a prime destination, not only in New England, but in the country. If you are thinking about purchasing your own home in the Okemo Valley, now is the time to do it!

We would like to thank the Mueller’s for being such an integral part of our community, as well as wonderful friends of our Vermont Properties team. We wish you luck on your next chapter!

    Throughout America, Memorial Day is celebrated to honor the men and women who have given their lives for our beautiful country. To us, the people of Ludlow, Memorial Day is much more than just a day of honor; The day also represents a sense of community with the tradition of the Memorial Day Parade.

    You will find the local businesses showing their sense of pride by putting American flags outside their doors, while the town hangs a flag on every light post. A group of students from Ludlow Elementary School reads the Gettysburg Address to those who take part in the ceremony at Veterans Park, while the Black River High School band marches in uniform during the parade, playing patriotic songs. The Ludlow Ambulance, Police Department, and Fire Department cruise through town with lights aglow. The American Legion sends the Color Guard to represent our fallen soldiers. Among the parade, you will find families lining the streets to show their support, proving once again that Ludlow is a strong community.

    Please join us in attending the Memorial Day Parade on May 28th, 2018, beginning at 9am. The parade begins at Benson’s Chevrolet on the north side of town and will then proceed to the bridge for the Tossing of the Wreath. Once the bridge ceremony ends, the parade will move to Veterans Park for the presentation of several readings and awards. Finally, follow the parade to the Ludlow Cemetery for an auxiliary showing to honor our fallen veterans and the playing of Taps.

    The afternoon gives way to a BBQ at the American Legion Post 36 in the center of town where community members come together to reminisce and enjoy the company of one another. If you would like to continue the celebration into the evening, join Homestyle Hostel at Main and Mountain Bar + Hotel for a BBQ dinner, music from Sammy Blanchette and Saints & Liars, and beer from Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

    Don’t forget to stop by our William Raveis Vermont Properties office to see how we can help you to buy or sell your Vermont home throughout Memorial Day weekend! Have a safe, family-filled holiday!

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Generally, we don't like to toot our own horn. But our agents have had such a terrific year, thanks to all of you, that we wanted to recognize their hard work and say thank you to those who have placed your trust in us by working with our team or referring your family and friends.

You can read more about us at 

https://www.raveis.com/agentawards.asp?ST=3&OFF=Ludlow&YR=2017

But to give you a quick rundown:

Top Producing Team of all William Raveis Affiliates

Top Team in Closed Units of all William Raveis Affiliates

Top Listing Team of all William Raveis Affiliates 

William Raveis Platinum Club - Top 1% Sales Volume

So, please… Stop by and say hi to our entire team and of course, Bailey, our office mascot.

As we head into the much anticipated Winter Olympic season, it is a great time to reflect upon and celebrate the contributions of Okemo Mountain and other Vermont ski schools. From Hannah Teter to Mikaela Shiffrin and others, Vermont ski schools have produced several Olympians. But let’s not forget the little guys. The Cochran family is looking at their second generation Olympian competing this year.

If we look back at the last winter Olympics in Sochi, 19 athletes with Vermont ties competed and took home 21% of all US medals.

As impressive as the 2014 Olympics were for Vermont attendees, there will be 30 athletes with VT ties headed to Sochi this year. In fact, Vermont produces more Olympian athletes-per-capita than any other state and continues to be a breeding ground for talented winter sport athletes.

We are all proud of our kids and will do anything to support their dreams. So the next time you see a fundraiser for one of our Vermont ski schools, step right up and contribute. Because the reality is, when you contribute to these schools, you contribute to the Olympics.

On that note, I know you are ALL eager to know when that next local fundraiser is! You won’t have to wait long. On March 3^rd, William Raveis Real Estate will hold its 16th annual Comedy Night to support OMARA (Okemo Mountain Alpine Racing Association). Check out Comedy Night details and buy your ticket today. Not only will you be supporting the winter athletes, but you’ll be attending one of the best shows in Ludlow VT.

As you know, Okemo Mountain is open! The snow guns are humming and the snow makers welcome the colder temperatures. We have had some natural snow here in Vermont but most of the trails will be brought to you, courtesy of the Snow Making Team of Okemo Mountain.

You may be thinking that you can't wait until we are buried in natural snow. After all, that's what winter is about in this area. There is no such thing as too much snow, right? But the snow team at Okemo will make up for that until we are inevitably buried under…. You got it…too much snow. Hey, who said that’s a bad thing?

Never fear, regardless of Mother Nature's gifts (or lack of), the Mountain’s team can handle anything that comes their way; there will be snow, it will be groomed. Winter is Okemo’s time to shine and they will not disappoint.

If you are newer to the Okemo scene, check out our Condo Guide. This is a great tool to orient you to the Mountain and what the different complexes have to offer. We also have links to help familiarize you with the area and to find other activities in the area.  There is so much to do both on and off Okemo.

Come Live Where You Play ~ The team at William Raveis Real Estate Vermont Properties can make Okemo your place to call home.

As we were having lunch this past Tuesday, the first flakes of the season began to fall. We half jokingly said that it is officially ski season; within 24 hours word came out announcing Okemo's opening day for the 17-18 season.

The Mountain will be opening for sking and riding on Saturday, November 11th at 9:00 a.m. First chair ceremonies will be held at the Sachem Chair. Link & Lower World Cup will be open with the Upper Mountain trails coming later in the day. The weather forcast for snowmaking temps are great and Okemo has the capability to make the snow needed for quality skiing and riding. 

So.. dust off those winter toys and gear and head North! We look forward to seeing you on the Mountain.

Okemo Mountain continues to receive accolades. The most recent come from skimag.com. Their reader-ranked survey of “Best in the East 2018” puts Okemo Mountain in the top spot. They have also grabbed a top ten spot in 5 out of the 6 categories surveyed.

More reader rankings for the Best of the East?

Okemo got high marks for several:

#1 For Best Lifts

#3 For Best Grooming

#5 For Best Snow

#6 For Service

#9 for Best Overall Resort

Once again, this proves that Okemo has what it takes to be your favorite family friendly mountain of choice. When you come to Okemo, stop by and see us across from the golf course on route 100. If you decide you want to make Ludlow your second home, we can help!

We’ll see you on the Mountain.

Boston Magazine is featuring a one of a kind listing on Okemo Mountain and William Raveis Real Estate Vermont Properties is excited to be the listing agent for this "Luxe Log Cabin in Ludlow". 

"Ski Bums-meet ski mansion"...

To see more details, check out the link to Boston Magazine's article, or call the team at William Raveis Vermont Properties. 

Vermont’s Green Mountains are most well known as a winter attraction, but they’re here to be enjoyed all year round! Take advantage of the sunny summer weather and spend some time hiking in the Ludlow area.

 

Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of Okemo and take on the challenge of picking out local area attractions from afar! Choosing your starting point may not be the most difficult part of your adventure, but it won’t be easy to pick from the available options. Start from the Okemo Mountain base or the Jackson Gore base and make the 4.5 mile journey to the summit. For those looking for shade, try the 6 mile round trip Healdville Trail. A quick 9 minute drive from the base of Okemo will bring you to the neighboring town of Mount Holly, where you can enjoy the woods and wildlife of Vermont on your way up the back of Okemo Mountain. Once the top, test your limits and try to climb to the top of the fire tower. Your efforts will surely be rewarded as you stand above the treetops and appreciate all of Vermont’s beauty.

 

The Vista Trail is a great option for those wishing to enjoy a hike and the beach. Located in Camp Plymouth State Park, visitors can tour the Plymouth cemetery and take in the view of Echo Lake and the state park from the Vista. Afterwards, go for a refreshing swim in the lake to cool off. Be aware that admission to the park is charged during the summer season.

 

After you’ve finished your hike head over to the Green Mountain Sugar House located on Route 100 North for a maple creemee! You don’t want to miss this favorite Vermont treat.

 

~ Alyssa Collins