Winter is coming, and in preparation, we’ve compiled the ultimate guides to two of our favorite Green Mountains in Vermont—Mount Snow, in West Dover, and Okemo, in Ludlow. Find out why, sometimes, West isn’t always best. The mountains are only an hour away (Okemo is slightly further north), so it’s an easy option for road tripping. Plus, both ski mountains are part of Vail Resorts and accessible under the Epic Pass, making for a perfect long weekend trip—consider it a Vermont ski safari. And, if you’re based on the East Coast, you needn’t book a flight: Mount Snow is a mere two-and-a-half hours from Boston, and just under four hours from New York City. Read on for the best places to eat, drink, and score fresh tracks in each New England retreat, and get ready to bundle up this winter. Fresh powder awaits.
Okemo (Ludlow, Vermont)
The spiked drinks in the Summit Lodge can't be beat, nor can the Mexican food or the Vermont Country Store. Read on for the scoop:
(Photo provided by Vail Resorts)
Eat
Tacos Tacos, 1 Lamere Sq # B, Ludlow, VT 05149: This is the perfect post-skiing fix, pick up a taco (or seventeen) and head back to your ski lodge to apres with friends.
Downtown Grocery, 41 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149: If you're looking for something a bit fancier, this is the spot. Great for dates.
Stemwinder, 46 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149: Small plates and a menu that encourages sampling different items--ideal if you're indecisive. Order the Vermont Cheese plate.
The Hatchery, 164 Main St, Ludlow, VT 05149: The go-to spot for Bloody Marys and eggs (whichever way you like them).
Drink
The Loft, 300 Mountain Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149: The (only) spot to be when out on the town after a night of skiing. A favorite amongst locals and weekend warriors alike, with delicious nachos. Go there to fight with Patriots fans (God forbid you're not a New Englander) and order the French Onion Soup.
Sky Bar, 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149: Want to feel all the way up? Take the chairlift up to the Summit Lodge, and head to the Sky Bar for a spiked hot chocolate or Irish coffee. Order a "Break a Leg," but try to avoid that fate on the downhill home.
Homestyle Hostel, 19 Main St, Ludlow, VT 05149: Head to the Hostel for the perfect espresso martinis. The Hostel is also opening up a new bar across the street, which--based on the cocktails they're currently serving--sounds very promising.
The Killarney: 44 Pond St, Ludlow, VT 05149: Check out this pub on Tuesday for trivia night, or over the weekends for live performances—solid Irish pub fare & vibe.
(Photo provided by Vail Resorts)
Explore
Okemo Mountain Resort, 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149: Check out the majestic run, Dream Weaver, if snow permits—though it’s only a green, the views are enough to satisfy expert skiers, as well. And good luck getting the song out of your head for the rest of the day.
Long Trail Brewing Company, 5520 US-4, Bridgewater Corners, VT 05035: The perfect ski alternative, head here to sample the different craft beers and run into everyone you know who also avoided the slopes. You don't need to partake in any outdoor activities to enjoy apres—always remember that.
Vermont Country Store, 657 Main St, Weston, VT 05161: Pretty much heaven on earth in nearby Weston. Old-fashioned candy, flannel everything, syrup--go crazy.
Stay
Echo Lake Inn, 2 Dublin Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149: If you don't have a friend to stay with, this inn is gorgeous and ideal for a romantic weekend.
Jackson Gore Village, 111 Jackson Gore Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149: The more luxe side of the mountain resort, Jackson Gore Village has great runs (and great food, as well).
Mount Snow (West Dover, Vermont)
West Dover is more rural, but a 15 to 30-minute drive to Wilmington or Manchester offers some great options for restaurants and bars. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, however. So, snap on your ski boots, and check out the top spots around town:
(Photo provided by Vail Resorts)
Eat
Dot's, 3 W Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363: Enjoy a taste of Americana—literally. This place has the best tuna melts and milkshakes in the state/country. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Hermitage Inn, 25 Handle Rd, West Dover, VT 05356: Book a reservation at the Hermitage Inn for a romantic dinner (or festive post-ski treat). The site of many a wedding venue, you don’t need to be celebrating a friend or relative’s nuptials to enjoy the ambience.
Two Tannery Road, 2 Tannery Rd, West Dover, VT 05356: Enjoy a historic meal at Two Tannery—the building was first built in the 1700s, and bought by Teddy Roosevelt’s son and daughter-in-law in the 1900s … and now has the honor of being visited by you.
Sticky Fingers, 210 VT-100, West Dover, VT 05356: The cinnamon buns at this bakery are unreal. Tip: get there early in the morning, as they nearly always run out of baked goods. Make this your first stop.
River Valley Market, 661 VT-100, Wilmington, VT 05363: This market has the best sandwiches and the best meat to grill. Pick up something for the road (or to grill back home).
Drink
Valley View Saloon, 131 VT-100, West Dover, VT 05356: Super low-key (and also super fun), Saloon has good bar food and—of course, for any apres destination—a great selection of beer.
Cask & Kiln, 4 N Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363: For those of you with more champagne tastes, Cask & Kiln is a higher-end bar just outside Dover in the town of Wilmington. This Vermont institution is as busy as it is charming. The 1930s building is gorgeous, and the American cuisine is even better.
Snow Barn, 294 Handle Rd, West Dover, VT 05356: Head here for live music after the slopes. The ideal place for when you want to get down and bust a move, even at the risk of making your sore muscles from skiing feel even worse. There is no shame on the dancefloor here, so enjoy.
Mount Snow Brewers Festival: The Mount Snow Beer Festival occurs every year at the end of the summer. Head north to sample the vast amount of craft beers on tap, while a traditional German Oompah band performs—the next best thing to Oktoberfest.
(Photo provided by Vail Resorts)
Explore
Hermitage Club, 183 Gatehouse Trl, Wilmington, VT 05363: This club has it all: private ski access, secluded golf course, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations. Members only, though, of course! If you’re lucky enough to score an invite, check out how the other half lives.
Hildene, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05254: Drive into Manchester and visit Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's summer estate. The historic setting is beautiful, and they’ve since turned the house into a museum. They also have one of President Lincoln's hats, for every history nerd.
The Equinox, 3567 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255: Hike up to Equinox Pond in Manchester, a beloved spot for locals and weekend natives alike. Part of the Equinox Preservation Trust, the resort is absolutely stunning and includes over 900 acres of protected land. Depending upon the season, you can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and bike.
Mount Snow Ski Resort, West Dover, VT, 5356: This is fairly obvious, but the skiing and snowboarding at Mount Snow is simply peak—never too crowded, with amazing vistas of the Green Mountains.
Manchester Outlets, 97 Depot St, Manchester Center, VT 05255: This outlet has everything from Armani to Brooks Brothers, and is the perfect last-minute shopping trip before heading out of town. Justify your spending by arguing that you’re actually saving money, since you’re not paying full price.
Stay
The Hermitage Inn, 25 Handle Rd, West Dover, VT 05356: This romantic getaway is perfect for dinner, apres-ski drinks, and—of course—a long weekend away. Alongside White House Inn, it’s among the best places to stay near Mount Snow.
The White House Inn, 178 VT-9, Wilmington, VT 05363: Lovely and quaint, offering a rural respite from daily life. This is always much-needed—so book your next trip soon!
