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!
Stay at the Smugglers'
Notch Timeshare Resort to enjoy hiking, swimming,
horseback riding, and sight-seeing year-round! Timeshare
rental is great for family travel. Rent from owners
and save money.
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