DESTINATIONS — THE US
of New York State on the other side, Lake Champlain is a much-loved spot. Accommodation- wise, the lakeside Basin Harbor Club is popular, with its lake-view rooms, golf course and activity programme. For the wow factor, it’s hard to beat Seaplanes R Fun. Set up by Jason Grieff in 1998, his repurposed 1940s-1950s planes offer fantastic views, with a 30-minute trip for up to three passengers starting at £110. Basin Harbor is also handy for the Shelburne Museum’s extraordinary collection of Americana, including the majestic Ticonderoga steamboat, which once sailed on Lake Champlain. Like Loch Ness, Lake Champlain has its own mythical monster, Champ.
l BUY LOCAL Heading south, we stop in Montpelier, the US’s smallest state capital (of course) with its impressive State House and good choice of diners and cafes. Most head this way for the town of Waterbury, home to the ever- popular Ben & Jerry’s factory, while Warren Falls’ tiered pools,
one of many Vermont swimming holes, are perfect for a wild swim. The driving never gets dull.
Route 100 passes farmsteads, covered bridges and miles of wooded hillsides before turning off to pretty Woodstock, no relation to the festival. Here, mom-and-pop businesses thrive, from bookshops to restaurants, and the new 506 On The River hotel is a welcome addition. Nearby attractions include Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Quechee Gorge and the famous ski resort Killington, hosting Vermont’s second-highest peak. For shoppers, Manchester’s designer outlet shops, such as Michael Kors,
J.Crew and Gymboree, will appeal. Unusually, it’s the male in our group who has the penchant for shopping – the girls make a beeline for Mrs Murphy’s Doughnuts. Manchester is also home to Lincoln family home Hildene, where Abraham’s son Robert Todd lived, and country sports store Orvis whose fly-fishing lessons prove fun if unproductive for this first-time fisherwoman. Food is big business here,
TRIED & TESTED
506 On the River, Woodstock Part of the luxury Zanzibar Collection, this newcomer has 30 river-facing rooms and a relaxed, spacious feel. Facilities include a pool, library, restaurant and bar/lounge complete with vintage working
jukebox. There’s also a playroom, teens room, yoga area and gym.
ontheriverwoodstock.com
Black Bear Lodge, Stratton Stratton is a popular ski resort, but the three-star Black Bear Lodge is a good out-of-season base too. Rooms are comfortable, breakfasts plentiful and staff friendly. There’s an outdoor pool, two
restaurants, spa and nearby golf course, all in a great location.
blackbearlodgestrattonmountain.com
Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe Home to The Sound of Music’s real-life Von Trapp family, the only thing made of curtains are the curtains. Cosy, comfortable rooms include suites, chalets and villas, all
overlooking Stowe’s mountainscape. Food and their own-brewed beer is excellent, and activities, from cross-country skiing to yoga and kids’ clubs, are extensive.
trappfamily.com
Basin Harbor Club and Resort, Vergennes Spanning 700 acres on the shores of Lake Champlain, this family- and dog-friendly resort dates back to 1886. With a huge choice of rooms and cottages, varied dining options, and countless activities
from paddle-boarding and kayaking to on-site golf and kids’ clubs for ages three to 17, it’s a lakeside favourite for many returning visitors.
basinharbor.com
70 •
travelweekly.co.uk — 27 November 2014
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PICTURE: HUBERT SCHRIEBL
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