Intro, Okemo & links

Me at 'The Loft' , base of  Okemo Mountain. I  can direct you to the most economical but best quality food, drinks & service  in the area!

A lot of people have asked me:

• 'Why Okemo?'

• 'Why Southern Vermont?"

• And, a lot of people in the Ludlow area have asked  "How did you get here?"

Here we go. After taking 12 years off from skiing (too busy in Real Estate) a Mate on my charter fishing boat suggested that winter was not a time to work seven days a week...just 'cause we can't fish!  Carlo took me one time to NY (2.5  hours from Okemo) at Windham.  Good skiing, but not the Vermont slopes & snowfall I remembered from my youth.

Second ski trip, I was on the NY Thruway on the way to NY ski slopes, thinking 'Vermont', called Carlo I said 'Vermont' & he said 'Okemo'...the rest is history.

Why Okemo?

Best snowmaking in the Northeast, wonderful staff, great equipment & facilities.  Good enough for me.  To prove it,  I spent 2004, 5 & 6 Thanksgivings here: it was 'brown in town' but the slopes were easily a "7 out of 10"! And just look at the great early season skiing in 2006 we had! Okemo does a wonderful job of blending 'Mother Nature' & their own snowmaking to offer the best conditions around.

The difference in quality of skiing versus NY is well worth the extra couple of hours drive for a three-day trip or weekend.

I recommend coming up Thursday night, get a great Friday all by yourselves on the slopes, ski Saturday & 1/2 day Sunday. Makes for a helluva trip!

Shot of Okemo Mountain from Ludlow town square

Now my mom & dad are looking forward to the summers, fall foliage & ski seasons. They think the people are wonderful, the staff at Okemo is great (we leave my nephew up there on his own) and otherwise agree with me that  Vermont is one beautiful state to explore & discover!

• When I describe the Ludlow area as the perfect 'base location'  for your 'Discover Vermont' or Ski Vacation, I really mean it.  Within one hour you have five other mountains to ski;  you are within 1-2 hours drive of some of the most magnificent state & federal parks that Vermont and the United States have to offer; 45 minutes to great outlet shopping in Manchester.

Here's some great links to get your Vermont juices flowing!

Okemo Mountain

Stratton Mountain

Bromley Mountain

Killington

VAST Snowmobile Network

My house backs right up to a feeder trail for this wonderful network of snowmobiling trails...bring your sled! That's me, below, at 'The Pinnacle' right across Route 103 from Okemo. Great trails close by!

Manchester Shopping Outlets

What can  I say?  I'd rather eat my foot than go shopping, but it is a  short hop for a bit of diversion. & you fly-fishermen can visit the Orvis headquarters!

Trails End Accommodations

 Need further assistance with lodging needs around Okemo? Get in touch with Jane Bixby and her staff at Trails End.

However, if you're interested in my home, please deal with me directly...thanks!

Ludlow Chamber of Commerce

If you need to contact any local businesses during your stay, or just want to familiarize yourself with area, before you come here, try the link above.

Hemingway's Restaurant

Three years after 're-arriving' in Vermont, I finally take the time (on Super Bowl Sunday, no less!) to visit this fine establishment. Trust me on this, the reputation is well deserved! Wonderful service from the front bar to our table to the wait staff to the lovely owner, Linda & her head-chef/husband, Ted. Super wine list, wonderful menu, superb all-around dining experience.

Old Town Farm Inn

Good sushi in central Vermont? You bet, at Aleks & Michiko's wonderful Japanese Restaurant in Chester. Just ten minutes from my house, you will be more than pleasantly surprised at the menu, quality & freshness of their sushi; & the full Japanese menu contains something everyone can enjoy! Tell 'em Captain Bob sent ya!

Inn at Weston

If you come up the 'back way' through Albany, Troy, Bennington, etc...you will pass this place on the way to my house! It is wonderful, the Inn is quite warm and inviting & the food and service great! Ask for Bob or Linda and tell 'em Captain Bob from NJ sent ya! "For the record" it's 25 minutes from here to my house!

Fullerton Inn

Located in Chester, about 30 minutes from Okemo. I've heard about this place for the last couple of years & finally had the chance to meet friends & dine there this season. It is a lovely restaurant, cute menu, affordable & serviceable win list...& great service! Guests tell me the rooms are lovely.  Please tell Bret & Nancy that Captain Bob sent ya.

Religious Worship of all kinds!

Last but not least, my Roman Catholic Parish in Vermont is 'Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary' in Ludlow.

Masses

Saturday 4 p.m. (& 5:30 starting December 15)

Sunday 8 & 11

but the link above will help you find all denominations of religious worship wherever you may stay.