We are proud to once again be sponsoring the Hops in the Hills Beer and Wine Festival at Okemo Mountain Resort! This year’s festival marks the 10th anniversary and will take place August 3rd-5th in the Jackson Gore Courtyard. They are anticipating having over 100 regional beers on tap, along with a selection of wine, food trucks, and craft vendors!

Festival Hours:
Friday, August 3- 5 to 9pm
Saturday, August 4- 12 to 8pm
Sunday, August 5- 11am to 5pm

Some of the breweries that will be represented are Frost Beer Works, Lost Nation Brewing, Sea Dog Brewing, and Fiddlehead Brewing. Of course, if you read our blog last week, you know we love some of the local favorites that will be represented, as well; Long Trail Brewery, Harpoon, Trout River Brewing Company, and Rutland Beer Works.

Don’t miss out on the selection of food trucks! If you are familiar with American Pie, a local favorite pizza joint, you will have to check out their pizza truck with a built in wood fired pizza oven. Another favorite is Squeels on Wheels with delicious barbeque. On Saturday, August 4th, Okemo will also hold their annual chicken wing championship during the festival. The Killarney will be returning to defend their Peoples’ Choice Championship and Willie Dunn’s Grille will be returning to defend their Best Wing Title.

On top of Hops in the Hills, the Adventure Zone will also be open with fun for the whole family! Take your pick of riding the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, playing Lumberin' Cal's Miniature Golf, swinging through the trees on a Sawyer Sweep Zipline Tours, competing with friends on the Haulback Challenge Course, or taking a Segway PT Tour.

The festival wouldn’t be complete without music! See below for the full lineup:
Friday, August 3rd:
5-9pm  East Coast Soul

Saturday, August 4th:
12-2pm North and South Dakota’s
2:30-5pm Rek’Lis
5:30-8pm Nine Deeez Nite

Sunday, August 5th
11:30am-1:30pm Los Elk
2-5pm Josh Panda
 

Click here to purchase your tickets!

Click here to purchase a lodging packing for the Jackson Gore Inn that includes festival tickets!

William Raveis Real Estate Vermont Properties is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Karl to our exceptional team.

Many of you may already know Joe. He has been selling real estate in the Okemo area since 1998, initially as part of the team brought together to sell Jackson Gore. Joe has been helping people find their perfect home for over 20 years and continues to enjoy the challenge. When he decided to build his own dream home, he cleared the land and oversaw all aspects of the building process. This provides him a unique perspective which he uses to guide his customers through the sometimes complex process of real estate.

As an active member of the Crown Point Board of Realtors, Joe served as president and was named Realtor of the Year in 2015. In his “spare” time Joe tends a 36-acre mini farm with his wife and three grown daughters. The entire family enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and all the great activities this year round area offers.

Joe knows this area well and is a great addition to the William Raveis Vermont Properties team. Please join us in welcoming Joe to the team! If you are in the area, stop by the office and say hi.

You may reach him at 802-228-8877 or Joe@vtprop.com.

 

Vermont has a delicious little secret; we LOVE beer! Did you know that Vermont is home of some of the best beer in the nation? Better yet, did you know that Ludlow is surrounded by several breweries within a 30 mile radius?

Long Trail Brewing Company is located in Bridgewater, VT, about 20 miles from Ludlow. Take the scenic drive on Route 100 North, where you can stop along the way to take in the beauty of many Vermont lakes. You also don’t want to miss a visit to the Green Mountain Sugar House for a Maple Creeme or even take a short detour to the Calvin Coolidge Homestead where our 30th president grew up. Once arriving to Long Trail Brewery you can choose to sit in the the German inspired pub inside or along the banks of the Ottauquechee River in their lovely outdoor seating area. Long Trail always offers a great variety of seasonal beers, including a personal favorite, Blackberry Wheat. Don’t forget to try the Loaded Nachos and the Jonas Wings; you won’t be disappointed!

Harpoon Brewery is located in Windsor, VT, about 30 miles from Ludlow. Once again, take a scenic drive along Route 131 that follows the Black River. In the river, you will find a variety of native Vermont trout, perfect for fly fishing. So, if you have the time, breath in the fresh air and catch some fish. After spending some time in the sun, you might be thirsty, so continue on your way to Harpoon. Harpoon has a wonderful outdoor Beer Garden, along with a lively Tap Room. Choose from several Harpoon beers on tap and purchase a growler to take home with you. The kitchen is always serving several great specials, however, The Vermonter sandwich is always a great go-to! Don’t forget to also visit Blake Hill Preserves, Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. Market, SILO Distillery, and Great River Outfitters!

Trout River Brewing Company is located a short 15 miles from Ludlow in Springfield, VT. This hidden gem was purchased by three local boys who had been dreaming up this idea since being in high school together. From the outside, the brewery looks like a factory, but the inside is a Vermont haven, filled with fishing paraphernalia and homemade tables made from Vermont trees. On the tables you will find games to play with friends, along with music playing or a sporting event being projected for all to see. On the weekends you will often find a band playing outside and a food truck serving some delicious grub in the outdoor seating area. You can try several selections of beer by the pint or a sampler tray made out of old tap handles. If they are serving Trout of Solace, be sure to give it a try!

Last but not least, the Rutland Beer Works was a great new addition to Vermont in 2017. The owners of Hop ‘N Moose in downtown Rutland began this new venture to expand their love of beer and we couldn’t be more excited. Rutland Beer Works is currently a brewery and canning facility, but their beer can be tasted at Hop ‘N Moose, among other locations in the surrounding areas. There are also many places to buy cans, including Brewfest Beverage right here in Ludlow! However, if you are heading to Rutland, we highly recommend checking out Hop ‘N Moose, both for their food and beer. They are known for their pizzas, including a personal favorite of mine, the Hawaiian. Hop ‘N Moose is usually serving Rutland Beer Works’ Rutland Red on tap, but if you are feeling adventurous, try the Hide and Seek, an Extra Pale Ale.

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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.