Smugglers Notch Journals

Fall in Vermont and Smuggs

An October 2004 trip to Smugglers Notch by minafeld

Quote: Autumn will never be the same for us now that we have seen Vermont in October. An artist's pallette is no match for Mother Nature at the Notch in Vermont.

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Hotel | "Smuggler's Notch Resort"

Quote:
Best Things Nearby:The absolute best place to be is at Smugglers Notch State Park which is about 4 miles from the resort. Also, Mount Mansfield and the Toll Road. If you enjoy hiking and nature this is the place to spend your days.Best Things About the Resort:The unit was very spacious and they have an indoor pool which opens on September 20. The hot tubs are great after a day of hiking. There is also a nice store onsite which has very reasonable pricing on hiking and outdoor clothing.Resort Experience:I never realized autumn could be so beautiful. Smuggs (as they call it) is a very central location for exploring Vermont. Stowe and Jeffersonville are gre...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 12, 2004

Smugglers' Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Smugglers' Notch 05464
(802) 644-8851

Quote:
Make sure you make your reservations before you leave home, especially if you are going during a popular time. I imagine the view is spectacular, but in the fall it gets dark early, so we missed that experience. The menu is expensive, but it was very memorable. The service was attentive yet friendly. The appetizers and entrees were outstanding. Mussel soup, duck confit, venison, lamb, scallops, lobster. Everything was done to perfection. The desserts, by comparison, were good but more ordinary. The Maple Creme Brulee was very good but I have had better. If you are going to cut corners, I would omit dessert and order another appetizer.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 12, 2004

Michaels on the Hill
4182 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Smugglers Notch, Vermont 05677
(802) 244-7476

Quote:
We ate here for lunch and breakfast. The food is surprisingly upscale although the prices are very reasonable. The portions are very generous. If you want lunch, be sure to get there before 3pm. After that, only dinner is available and you have to go upstairs.

The chowder was excellent, full of clams and cream, but yet still light. They have big sandwiches-try the maple wheat bread! The blueberry pancakes at breakfast are loaded with fruit. Everything is great. I don't think you can order a bad meal there.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 12, 2004

158 Main Restaurant and Bakery
158 Main St.
Smugglers Notch, Vermont 05444
(802) 644-8100

Sterling Pond

Attraction

Quote:
Mostly uphill. At the end, there is a pretty, large pond where you can relax and have a snack. It takes about 45-60 minutes to get up there - a little less to get down. Although many people were complaining that going down was worse. Sure-footedness is a definite plus.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 12, 2004

Sterling Pond
6443 Mountain Road
Smugglers Notch, Vermont 05672