Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.
Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.
Quick tip: The most successful anglers are those who spot gulls or other wheeling seabirds feeding on baitfish driven to the top by stripers and who then cast into the melee without dispersing the bass. From a boat, the trick is to approach schools carefully and take advantage of wind or tide to drift to within casting range. The stripers will stay up as long as the baitfish are hemmed against the surface.
Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.
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Location. Location. Location. Bayside is within walking distance from the bay, and it is one of largest bait and tackle dealers in Vermont. With your satisfaction guaranteed, you’ll find a full line of bait and tackle, and they’ll buy your catch right there at the store, year round. You’ll spend hours looking through all of the gear, but don’t forget to visit the seasonal ice cream shop.
At Big River, you will find raw fish, Dobson larvae, crawlers, minnows, pike bait, mealworms, and more. All live bait is licensed, inspected, and registered for use in Vermont, according to their website. Plus, for ice fishing, you will find augers, ice shanties, IceArmor suits, HT Polar lined gloves and mittens, lures, jigs, and spins, and so much more.
At the Fly Rod Shop, they offer both fly fishing and spin instructional fishing classes along with various guided fishing adventures. Explore Lake Elmore, the Waterbury Reservoir, or Lake Eden, as well as rent gear and equipment to make your fishing journey excellent. Plus, buy flies, leaders, or tippets, and get waders and other gear.
Old Fishing Hole stocks a wide variety of tackle, bait, and equipment, like ice fishing gear, boating supplies and equipment, marine batteries, and trolling motors. They carry a little bit of everything here, including camping supplies, guns, and ammo. Plus, find crawlers, shiners, minnows, and more.
At Tom’s they only accept cash or check, but the bait doesn’t get any fresher. Get crawlers, crayfish, shiners, fatheads, reds, dillies, spikes, and a variety of tackle. Also, find ice fishing gear as well as custom jigs and flies. So, if you are in Castleton, there is only one place to go for expert advice and the best bait, boating supplies, and more.
Welcome to the Northeast Kingdom and D’s Bait Shop, where the bait is lively, and the staff is knowledgeable. Whether you are fishing Lake Memphremagog or the Clyde River, you can get crawlers, emerald shiners, perch bait, hooks, sinkers, swivels, bobbers, fishing line, nets, and more at Big D’s.
If you are looking to fish Lake Champlain and want the best ties around, there is only one place to go. He’s got freshwater flies, saltwater flies, and fly fishing accessories. Plus find fly tying materials, custom made fly rods, and a high-quality selection of tackle and gear explicitly made for fishing on Lake Champlain.
Featuring Vermont trout flies, guide services, fly fishing instruction, custom fly rods, and more, no one knows the tributaries of southern Lake Champlain like Ed Schirmer. Take his flies and custom rods on many of Vermont’s trout rivers and streams and see for yourself. Fish the Lamoille and Winooski Rivers, Otter Creek, Furnace Brook, East Creek and more.
For fishing licenses, top-quality fishing supplies, bait, and more, stop in and see Wayne and Diane Jones at Otter Creek. Plus, find Shappell portable shanties, Shappell jet sleds, ice augers, ice fishing rods and reels, and a great selection of ice fishing tackle and live bait, like rosy reds, minnows, crawfish, leeches, shiners, and more.
]]>If you’ve seen enough white snow while on the mountain, avert your eyes to something more colorful and intriguing at this unique art space. This place is always full of vibrant art for viewers to gaze at for hours. You won’t be bored pacing through the current exhibits presented both indoors and outdoors. Check out art of all different formats and explore the whimsy side of Stowe at this unexpected spot.
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At the turn of the century, the small gap in Mt. Mansfield that connects the towns of Jeffersonville and Stowe was a known smuggling route for the Vermont/Canada illegal trade industry, which included liquor and fur. Thus, a distillery at the base of the pass is a rather ironic exclamation point to this lurid bit of Vermont history. However, the spirits produced here are anything but ironic, and you’ll find organic Vermont vodka, maple infusions, rum, gin, and bourbon.
A little south of Smugglers' Notch Distillery, the Lodge at Spruce Peak is an eastern-facing resort that is the perfect place to enjoy the majesty of Mt. Mansfield while sitting back and relaxing with a cocktail and an appetizer. This mountainside ski resort village offers plenty of options for food and dining, and you can choose from the sophisticated Hourglass Lounge, to the lively Great Room Grill, which is home to the popular Spruce Bar.
Established inside an 1830s blacksmith’s shop, Idletyme is both a brewery and a restaurant. Featuring Vermont hoppy ales and darker brews, this spot also serves a simple, seasonal menu that includes fried pickles, maple bacon barbecue wings, cheddar ale soup, pork belly sliders, house smoked ribs, juicy burgers, and fish and chips.
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One of Vermont’s more well-known wineries, this 800-acre farm that is home to the winery boasts over 10,000 grapevines and has a storefront inside a historic 1875 carriage barn. Perhaps best known for their fruit and blended wines, Boyden also produced delicate whites and medium and full-bodied reds.
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For the adrenaline junkies, you won’t want the adventure to stop. Why not explore the area a bit more on a powerful snowmobile? The folks at Green Mountain Snowmobile Adventures right in Jefferson “will take you through lush forests to some of the most awesome views of the majestic Mount Mansfield and Smugglers Notch State Park" according to their site. It is unlikely that anything can top this magical experience exploring Vermont in its best light.
There are certainly many dining options at the resort at the top of the mountain, but for authentic Italian pizza pie, local Vermont brews, and live entertainment that won’t break the bank, there’s none better in town than Piecasso. You’ll find 17 tap lines with well-respected local nation-wide brews, while the menu features burgers, lasagna, truffle fries, eggplant parm, and more.
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You don’t have to go far to find great food at an affordable price on the mountain either. Plus, you'll find a giant warm fireplace with a crackling fire, as well as a surprisingly comprehensive wine list. Moreover, menu items include New England clam chowder, French onion soup, barbecue ribs, filet mignon, and fish and chips.
If you want to splurge, there is one dining destination on the mountain that is unique among all others. There’s just one catch. You have to ride the gondola to get there. The upshot, though, is that you are in for panoramic alpine views, and the food is mouth-watering and farm-to-table. Plus, the cocktails are some of the best in the state, and your server is glad to help pair one with your meal.
There are not many spots in Vermont that feature live entertainment every night of the week, but Bootlegger’s is definitely one of them. You will find live music, comedy, karaoke, cold brews, pub grub, and more, but leave the kids with a sitter because this spot is an adults-only venue. However, if you are looking to for great entertainment and an aperitif after a long day of hurtling down the mountain at breakneck speeds, this is the spot for you.
]]>Opened in 1976, R&L is family owned and family operated and they believe archery is a family sport. For over 40 years, R&L has delivered outdoor products with exemplary service. Offering hunting, fishing, kayaking, camping, and archery equipment, it is you one-stop-shop for all things outdoors. It’s archery with a personal touch at R&L.
Established in 1975, Pelkey's has a passion for the sport of bow and arrows. So, whether you are shopping for the young archer or the seasoned bow hunter, you will find youth bows, package bows, crossbows, game cameras, bow slings, knives, flashlights, and more. Plus, with their indoor shooting range and personal instruction, you can shoot before you buy.
Since 1983, VFS has been family owned and operated and offers outdoor apparel, firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows, and targets and sights. Featuring Parker bows and crossbows, plus products from PSE—including sights, tree stands, and more—Vermont Field Sports is the place to go for archery equipment in central Vermont.
Known for their friendly customer service, Datillio’s is family owned and operated and has been since 1981. Jim, the shop’s owner is a hunting and fishing jack of all trades, and his place is a colorfully cluttered with fly reels, fishing nets, lures, ammo boxes and crossbows. He also runs a bow repair service out of his shop.
When you are this far north in the Northeast Kingdom and looking for sporting goods, there’s only one spot you need to know. Mr. O's carries firearms, ammo, hunting gear, and more. Mr. O's also carries archery equipment by Mathews, Browning, and PSE, and performs gun and bow repair right there on site.
Rack N' Reel specializes in archery, guns, ammunition, outdoor gear, work and technical apparel, camping gear, and more. Plus, their Archery Pro Shop carry full lines of Elite, Prime, and Hoyt. You find Truglo arrows, accessories, and more, as well.
Moe’s specializes in custom-made bows and arrows for experts and beginners. Most products consist of compound bows from name-brands such as Martin and Browning. They also offer expert training as well as a wide array of archery supplies. They also fine tune, restring, and repair bows on site.
Locust Creek Outfitters has been a family-owned sporting goods store and consignment shop since 1987. Their friendly staff and knowledgeable professionals are committed to providing outstanding customer service, and they offer hunting, fishing, and archery gear, plus snowmobile, ATV, and motorcycle accessories. Find products from BlackHeart, Browning, and more.
On the southern edge of the Northeast Kingdom lies the Linwood Smith Archery Shop, featuring Martin, PSE, and Bear bows, archery repair, archery lessons, and hunter safety courses. Plus get custom arrows, custom string building, bow tune ups, and more. With over 30 years of experience, it is said Smith can fix anything.
Also in the Northeast Kingdom, CCR is locally owned and operated and they offer one of the largest inventories of archery equipment in the region, as well as ammunition for just about any type gun. Find products from Elite, Excalibur, Parker, Diamond, and more. Plus, get sights, quivers, stabilizers, and target.
]]>If you’re into paddling and primitive camping, you’ll want to plan your next adventure here. The 92-mile waterway takes you along a middle-of-nowhere journey that’s nothing short of breathtaking. There are also tons of hiking trails to explore, along with old railroads and trains that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
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The Genesee River and gorge create a beautiful backdrop for camping. In the fall, the bursts of bright orange, red, and yellow along the river gorge make the entire trip worthwhile. With river rafting and more than 66 miles of hiking trails, it’s no surprise this park has been voted the number one attraction in New York State.
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By far one of the most diverse parks in Connecticut, Rocky Neck is simply stunning year-round. The area is teeming with birds and other wildlife, which are best seen from the viewing platforms in the saltwater marsh. Beautiful beaches, saltwater fishing and swimming, camping, and hiking make this the perfect site for families.
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One of Vermont’s most visited parks, Little River is a destination for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. The site was once an early settlement that later become flooded, and you can still see the remnants of old saw mills, cemeteries, bridges, and other vestiges.
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Home of the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse, this state park remains a family favorite place to stay and play. Most notable are the miles of diverse hiking trails, including a challenging-yet-rewarding three-mile trek to the White Clay Cliffs that overlook the Chesapeake Bay.
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Self-proclaimed as the largest corn maze in New England, the Vermont Corn Maze is back and better than ever. This mammoth-sized corn maze consists of three miles of walking trials amidst 10-foot tall walls of corn. Not only can you take in the Green Mountain State’s panoramic views, but there is also a Scenic Maze which offer some wild structures, an underground tunnel, and plenty more surprises.
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One of the most exciting ways to explore the Killington Mountains is in an ATV or UTV. Hop in one of their top-of-the-line Polaris’ vehicles and you’re ready for a real adventure. Knowledgeable guides will take you through the mountains to soak in some jaw-dropping views of the towering peaks.
This driving tour is meant to encapsulate the beauty and bounty of Vermont’s Fall, where the hills have been described as “alive with color” and the tastes and smells are second to none. You’ll experience bucolic forests, pastoral fields, and idyllic mountain passes, as well as old-world covered bridges dirt-covered backroads.
Offering jaw-dropping vistas in any season, Skyline Drive is especially spectacular in the fall. And, with a vertical gain of 3,848 feet to the summit, this 5.2-mile road is the longest, privately-owned paved drive in the United States. Plus, there is a welcome area at the top with information on when the road was built, as well as the Carthusian monks who currently maintain it.
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Arguably the prettiest park in all of Vermont, the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is a 16,000-acre area sandwiched in between the mighty Green Mountains and Lake Dunmore. With over 70 miles of well-kept biking and hiking trails, Moosalammo was the location where Robert Frost took inspiration for many of his enduring poems.
One of the only towns that still shuts down Main Street and the town green to through traffic for the day, the Peru Fair is the highlight of many local folks’ year. You will find live music, food vendors, craftspeople, clowns, demonstrations, actors in period costume, historians, and more. Plus, there are always fresh pies, jams, and cheeses to be had, as well as the town pig roast.
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Locally famous for their fluffy, cakey mini-cider doughnuts, the Apple Barn is one Fall stop not to be missed. But, to be sure, it is not the only cider doughnut game in town, so make it a point to work your way up Vermont Route 7 and check out the Sugar Shack in Arlington and Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury. Plus, don't forget to take a detour to Waterbury and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. You won’t be disappointed.
Now, the idea of celebrating the fall harvest with a malty, spicy beer and a fatty, savory sausage might not sound like an entirely original Vermont idea, but few venues across the country can match the natural beauty of the Queen City’s Waterfront Park, and no other state has a higher brewery per capita rating, so why attend Oktoberfest this year Green Mountain-style?
You’ve heard of bus tours, car tours, and even bike tours, but with Country Walkers, you can see Vermont’s fall foliage up close and personal as you traverse the State along short, moderate-to-easy, well-maintained hiking trails. Over a period of six days, you will become a local hiker, transported to different areas of Vermont for two to four-mile hikes.
Finally, what list of Vermont fall activities is complete without a brewery and spirits tour to sample the best of the fall harvest in liquid form? The VT Brewery and Spirits Tour is an eight-hour smorgasbord of craft beer, small batch spirits, hard cider, and snacks. So, what could be better than being transported about the idyllic Vermont landscape and getting happy along the way?
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Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, is the self-proclaimed “Sportfishing Capital of the World”—and you know, it just may be. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Florida Bay on the other, Islamorada is exceptionally well positioned to offer a tremendous variety of fishing opportunities, including inshore, offshore, reef fishing, and flats fishing. So, whether you’re targeting tarpon, trolling for tuna, or stalking snook, you’ll find a fishery in close proximity to the island.
The Hadley House Resort, located right on Islamorada, is one of the best lodging values on the key. Hit Florida Bay for some “backcountry” fishing (inshore and flats) with Pirate for Hire Charters, or head offshore on one of Dirty Boat Charters’ trips.
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Venice, Louisiana, is another U.S. fishing Mecca with its own title—alternately known as the Redfish or Fishing “Capital of the World”—that derives from its unique location, which places it at the center of a variety of fisheries: Inshore, offshore, bottom fishing, and even freshwater bass fishing. You could catch a bull redfish and trophy largemouth in the morning and bring home yellowfin tuna steaks for dinner in the afternoon.
Stay at Nicole’s Fishing Bed and Breakfast, which partners with several local houseboats to provide accommodation for visiting anglers. To hunt trophy-size inshore species like bull redfish, tarpon or speckled trout, hook up with Reel Tite Fishing Guide Service. Voodoo Fishing Charters will put you on the offshore species, like yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi.
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The Kona Coast of the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island) is yet-another destination that draws sport anglers from all over the world. Kailua-Kona’s large charter fleet is testament to the large numbers of marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi that make their home in the warm Hawaiian waters. Shore anglers can get in one some of the Big Island’s massive ulua (giant trevally) action—if you can get a local to tell you where to go.
Camelot Kona Fishing Charters is a skilled and respected charter outfit that has been putting people on fish for more than four decades. The Royal Kona Resort, on the bay in Kailua-Kona, is just minutes from the marina and is a great place to stay and relax after a long day on the water.
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Largemouth anglers have it tough in the winter time, especially in the more-northern latitudes of the United States. Well, here’s some good news to soothe your winter bassin’ blues: One of the Lone Star State’s best largemouth fisheries is located deep in South Texas, along the Mexican border. On Falcon International Reservoir, more commonly called Falcon Lake, the day time air temperatures during the winter months average in the 70s and 80s. You won’t even need a jacket.
Falcon Lake is an impoundment of the Rio Grande, just southeast of Laredo. The 83,000-acre lake is a renowned largemouth bass and catfish fishery. Five and six-pound bucketmouths are not uncommon. If you’re looking for a different kind of challenge, Falcon Lake also supports a decent alligator gar population. The lake does straddle the border, so if you intend to fish in Mexican waters, you will need a Mexico fishing license. If you don’t bring your own, you can rent a boat from Falcon Lake Marina. Lakefront Lodge offers a variety of accommodations, from RV sites to motel rooms and rental cabins.
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St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is another sunny island destination you can reach without a passport. And the flight is definitely worth it! More than 20 IGFA world records have been set by angler’s fishing out of the Virgin Islands, including the women’s all-tackle record for blue marlin, which was set by a 1,073-pound monster billfish. The islands’ location on the edge of the Puerto Rico Trench and in close proximity to the Gulf Stream make the USVI the perfect launching point for hunting big pelagic species, ranging from massive marlin to trophy tuna.
Consider Point Pleasant Resort, not far from Red Hook, for lodging. Double Header Sportfishing will get you out to the fish.
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Enjoy skating old school in the fresh air, like when communities got together, and families had outdoor fun. Hockey and figure skates, and sharpening are available. There are also heated changing rooms and restrooms, and the rink is divided into one half for skating and one half for stick-and-puck. Lessons, groups, and parties can be accommodated and Tuesday evenings feature a "Potluck Picnic."
Remember when an ice rink was just the frozen over pond? Well, revisit your youth by heading to the North Barre Rink, a hometown community effort to keep bare-bones winter fun alive. Featuring nets for hockey, a warming hut, and a lot of hard work from local volunteers, this outdoor rink is home to night skating, pick-up games, and open skating. Part of the ice is utilized for hockey while to other section is reserved for recreational skating.
The facility is comprised of a 600-seat hockey arena with two NHL-size rinks, a cafe, and a pro shop. It is home to the Saint Michael's College Purple Knights men's and women's ice hockey teams, and many high school teams, and it also served as a location for the 2012 IIHF Women's World Championship. Plus, you can find public skating, stick and puck, and many men and women's leagues on the schedule.
The Ice Haus, part of the Jay Peak Resort, is an ice skating arena featuring a state-of-the-art facility that offers rentals, repairs, as well as four locker rooms. Dive into hockey, figure skating, and curling—the opportunities are endless. Take a seat and enjoy the views of the rink at the heated snack bar and cafe bar. You'll find the NHL-size arena situated at the base of the mountain, located right across from the Jay Hotel.
Featuring hockey, broomball, public skating, and stick and puck classes, the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center opened its doors in December of 1998. It is the home of the local high school hockey team, the U32 Raiders and also supports the Vermont Skating Association. The Vermont Flames, a youth hockey league dedicated to developing hockey skills, also calls CVMCC home.
The home of the local high school hockey team, the Burr and Burton Bulldogs, Riley Rink at Hunter Park is a first-rate, nonprofit civic center that hosts sporting events, exhibitions, and more, and provides an excellent space for athletic, cultural, and social events for all ages. Don’t miss the pickup league, ice skating lessons, public skate sessions, and more!
The Union Arena is a non-profit organization featuring six months of winter ice for adult and youth ice hockey and figure skating, and public skating. Union Arena is also home to the Woodstock Curling Club, the Woodstock Jr. Wasps youth hockey club, and four adult hockey leagues.
The Essex Skating Facility is a state-of-the-art community center for both on-ice and off-ice activities. The rink is home to the Essex High School Hornets, the Mount Mansfield Cougars, the Vermont Skating Academy, and the Essex Youth Hockey. This facility also supports stick and puck programs, public skating, the U.S. figure skating basics program, and more.
From the months of June to March, the Stowe Arena offers ice activities for the public. Although the arena is home to several of Stowe's local hockey teams, the public skate schedule is very accommodating. The arena is a fantastic place to host birthday parties, even in the spring/summer months when indoor turf covers the floor. Come and enjoy everything this exhilarating place has to offer!
Supporting Learn-To-Skate programs, youth hockey, stick and puck, high school athletics, and adult leagues, the MSC has been around since 1993. Home to the Middlebury High School Tigers, the arena also supports local tournaments, like the Face Off Against Breast Cancer and the good-natured North Branch Tournament.
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The Alpine Shop offers winter gear galore and rentals. With a vast selection of top brands for “skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and biking,” their friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you and your family choose the right equipment without overselling. Get skis from Black Diamond, Blizzard, and K2 and boards from Burton and Lib Tech, as well as gear for the whole family, and a top-notch repair shop.
Established in 1969, Skirack was always about getting people outdoors, and they specialize in running, biking, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic gear and equipment. One thing you may not find in other state is the presence of a Nordic skiing community, but in Vermont, there is a thriving population of devoted sports people. Luckily, Skirack was voted “New England Nordic Shop of the Year for 2016/2017” and carries the latest racing, touring, backcountry, and Telemark skiing gear.
We know we are preaching to the choir here, as boarding fans probably know this by heart, but Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards in a Vermont barn in 1977, pushing quality over quantity. Helping to drive snowboarding toward legitimacy, Burton shied away from his beliefs. And, today, the brand offers gear, apparel, and a bit of a museum on-site at their flagship store in Vermont’s Queen City.
Rider owned and operated since 1989, Darkside offers snowboard and ski rentals, as well as snowboard sales. They try to demo every board they sell to give you first-hand knowledge about what you are buying. Plus, Darkside has won "New England Snow Sports Retailer of the Year” multiple times. So get boards from Burton, Arbor, and Rome , and then get your way to the slopes. Find locations in Killington, Ludlow, and Stowe.
Founded in 1967, Totem is the self-promoted “oldest family-run ski shop” in Vermont. Over the years, Totem has made its home in many places: a barn, an old gas station, a bakery, and a 200-year-old farmhouse. Through all of that, they have offered rental and repair services, and the skiing products you want.
The full-service ski and shop in located in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. With downhill, snowboard, and Nordic skiing gear and apparel, Alpine Options sells product meant exclusively for the packed powder. You won’t find bikes or racquets here, just products from all of your favorite brands like Burton, K2, and Nordica, to name a few.
Offering alpine, backcountry, and Telemark skiing equipment, this husband and wife team is passionate about winter sports. Plus, with products from K2 and Madshus, plus snowshoes, roof racks, apparel, and more, Mountain Travelers has been outfitting skiers since 1976.
Serving the ski area around Mount Snow for over 20 years, they rent skis and snowboard for all abilities and levels “from the first time beginner to the seasoned veteran.” And they believe you shouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy the slopes. Plus, they carry brands from the top manufacturers like Rossignol , K2, and Burton.
Established in 1974, the Snow Job serves the area around the mighty Jay Peak Mountain Resort. Owned and operated by Mike Murphy, also known as the “Boot Doctor,” Snow job is the place to go to find alleviation from those cramped, painful snow boats. Plus, find brands like Blizzard, Volkl, Merrell , and Spyder.
Henderson features skis from Volkl, Rossignol, and K2. They also carry outerwear from Helly Hansen and a “complete line of Burton snowboards.” Plus, their helpful and knowledgeable staff will help you choose from their vast selection, and you can get a three-state snow report right on their website.
]]>Okemo Mountain experienced 600,000 skier visits in 2009 and Parents Magazine rated it the “Top U.S. Family Snow Resorts,” so there are plenty of reasons to get to this ski destination. Racking up accolades for snow quality, terrain parks, family programs, resort dining, and friendly service, Okemo is one stop you don’t want to miss.
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With 78 trails and over a 2,600-foot vertical drop, this resort offers award-winning children's ski and snowboard programs for all ages. Plus, the "Snow Sports University" (SSU) connects you and your family to the mountains through safety, fun, and learning. And Smuggs offers experienced guides to help you develop the skills and confidence to meet your goals on the mountain.
Sugarbush Resort is located in the Mad River Valley of Vermont and is one of the largest ski resorts in New England. And, with an annual snowfall of just over 21 feet, 111 trails, and a top elevation of over 4,000 feet, this spot has something for everyone. Plus, with an on-site restaurant and pub and a Kids Adventure Zone, what is not to love?
Jay Peak offers a vertical drop of 2,153 feet, which is the fifth largest in Vermont. Plus, with 78 trails, nine lifts, four terrain parks, and just under 400 skiable acres, Jay Peak offers affordable skiing and lots of amenities. In addition to great skiing, the family will enjoy a year-round indoor water park, ice arena, brand new rec center, championship golf course, amphitheater, onsite dining, and more.
Bromley is a family-friendly Vermont ski resort featuring tons of activities for kids, a terrain park, and 14 beginner trails. Plus, the centralized base boasts slope-side lodging, and everyone loves the southern exposure, making it one of the warmer mountains on our list. You will also find an on-site restaurant and a festive atmosphere, featuring an array of events.
Suicide Six is home to the longest-running ski race in North America: The Fisk Trophy Race. The event was first held in 1937 and is essentially a rite of passage for eastern ski racers. But with its 23 trails and over 100 miles of skiable terrain, Suicide Six is also a wonderful place to bring the whole family for a ski vacation. Trails are rated 30 percent beginner and 40 percent intermediate, so there’s a safe trail for skiers of all ages and abilities.
Stratton Mountain is one of larger ski resorts in New England and offers 97 trails, more than 100 acres of glades, more than 600 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, and the self-promoted “fastest fleet of lifts in the East.” Plus, don’t miss convenient lodging, a slope-side village, a training and fitness center, a full-service spa, and a full slate of winter and summer events and activities.
Killington is largest ski area in the eastern U.S., and it has the most significant vertical drop in New England at 3,050 feet. With its six peaks, 1,509 skiable acres, and a summit of 4,241 feet, this mountain is aptly named, “The Beast,” and the resort offers lodging, dining, a full-service spa, and many beginner packages so why not bring the family?
Magic Mountain is located on Glebe Mountain and features a 1,500-foot vertical drop and a summit of 2,850 feet. As one of the smaller mountains on our list, Magic still has a lot going for it: a convenient, centralized lift system and lodge, a relaxed vibe and strong community spirit, and no crowds on slopes or at lifts, making it an excellent mountain for kids and beginners.
Pico Mountain was established in 1937, and it was one of the first commercial ski resorts in the Green Mountain State. With a peak elevation of just under 4,000 and only under 60 skiable trails, Pico is a smaller-sized ski area with just 19 miles of trail. But, with on-site lodging and a menu of classes and camps, there won’t be a single member of your family not racing down the mountain by day’s end.
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Groton State Forest comprises 26,164 acres in the towns of Danville, Groton, Marshfield, Peacham, Orange, Plainfield, and other areas. In the forest and its lands, you will find VAST trails, bog, and remnants of sawmills from another time. Plus, this state forest supports year-round activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping, skiing, and snowshoeing.
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Off-Roading in the wintertime in Vermont almost always means snowmobiles, and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) was founded almost 50 years ago to groom and maintain the state’s snowmobile throughways, of which Groton State Forest has many. With hundreds of miles of trail to explore, you’ll see Vermont back roads, bucolic winter forests, packed powder pastoral fields, and pristine frozen lakes. Be sure to have proper permits and to be well-versed in Vermont’s snowmobiling law!
Groton State Forest, or Seyon Lodge as it is often called, offers 6 miles of groomed x-country skiing trails, restrooms, a warming shed, and even serves hot lunch on Wednesday. With nominal suggested day fees, the on-site Nature Center also offers free plowed parking and access to several trailheads to wooded trails, including The Little Loop Trail, The Nature Trail, and the splendid Peacham Bog Loop (4.5 miles).
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There are no less than eight major ponds encompassed in Groton State Forest and they all freeze over during the winter months. Kettle Pond and Lake Groton via Boulder Beach, however, are the most popular places to fish due to the pond being cleared out and the free plowed parking. Just remember, fishing in The Green Mountain State requires a license, which you can get nearby at the nearby Upper Valley Grill.
Hunting in Groton State Forest is allowed with a license, and the season starts the first week in Oct. As imagined, the over 26,000-acre park makes for an exciting and challenging sporting experience, where you can hunt red and gray fox, otters, bobcats, partridge, deer, and more. Trapping is also allowed, be sure to check the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife’s website for more information about hunting and trapping seasons.
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Just over 30 minutes away from Groton State Forest, head to the town of St. Johnsbury where you’ll find one of Vermont’s most well-stocked independently owned sporting goods stores. There, you will find a variety of hunting, fishing, and archery supplies, as well as binoculars, scopes, knives, and other accessories. Plus, get muzzleloaders, ammunition, and other traditional firearms in one convenient location.
White in St. Johnsbury, why take a peek at some art made entirely of bugs, exhibits of wildflowers and plants, a butterfly house, plenty of natural history, a planetarium, and much more at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Make sure you can spare a few hours before you head here, you’ll definitely want to take your time seeing and experiencing all that the museum has to offer. Anyone at any age is sure to love walking through the exhibits that are displayed. You’ll be rich in fascinating natural history in no time.
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You could try your luck camping at any of the surrounding state parks, but when you spend the day outside there’s nothing better than spending the night at a warm and cozy farmhouse inn. Pie in the Sky is a “Civil War-era Greek Revival 18-room farmhouse on a traditional Vermont hill farm.” This charming farmhouse offers views of the beautiful wintery fields and gardens on the premises, farm animals making appearances from the old barn, a luscious greenhouse and spa, and plenty more. You won’t want to leave! If you stay for three or more days, you are able to enjoy a full traditional breakfast.
The Boulder Beach parking lot is plowed throughout the winter, so if a shiny smooth lake of ice isn’t enticing enough, maybe easy means of travelling will do the trick. Lake Groton makes for excellent skating, not only will the experience be nice to take in, but so will the surrounding trees and snow-covered mountainous terrain. Another popular place to skate is surprisingly the flooded tennis courts at the Blue Mountain School.
If you want a great home-cooked meal as well as lots of local color, then the Upper Valley Grill and General Store is the place you want to be. Offering burgers and fries, homemade soups, and other hearty warm dishes, this diner inside of a general store will leave you with a full belly and a smile on your face.
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Ice fishing differs greatly from open-water fishing, and it is a demanding sport. It requires an understanding of and an ability to cope with winter weather, knowledge of the cold-weather habits of the fish, and the use of an unusual assortment of gear, most of it unique to ice fishing.
There are two basic ice-fishing methods: tip-up fishing and jigging. In general, tip-ups are usually used on larger fish—pike, pickerel, walleyes, trout, and such—that prefer bait and require the angler to play the waiting game. Jigging is usually preferred for smaller fish that tend to school up—bluegills, perch, crappies, and the like. But these are merely generalizations, not hard-and-fast rules. For example, jigging (sometimes called chugging) is often quite productive on big lake trout and salmon in the Great Lakes.
Also called tilts, these come in various styles, but they all perform two basic functions: they hold a baited line leading from a revolving-type reel spool, and they signal the bite of a fish. The most common type of tip-up consists of three strips of wood, each about 18 inches long. Two are cross pieces that form an X as they span the hole. The third piece is an upright; at its bottom end is attached a simple line-holding spool, while the upper end holds the signaling device. The signal is usually a piece of very flexible spring steel with a red (some anglers prefer black) flag on the end. After the hook is baited and lowered to the desired depth, the steel arm is “cocked”—bent over and down and hooked onto a “trigger.” When a fish strikes, an arm on the revolving spool releases the steel arm and it flies erect.
In this type of tip-up, the reel is positioned underwater. In other variations, the reel is positioned above the ice. Each type has its advantages. The above-the-ice reel can be more sensitively adjusted for light-biting fish, but the line tends to freeze on the reel once it gets wet. The underwater reel largely eliminates the problem of freezing, but the fisherman must remove the tip-up from the hole before he can grab the line.
Baits for tip-up fishing are usually live. In general, it pays to match the size of the bait to the size of the fish you’re after. Baits range from tiny maggots (often called mousies) and grubs for panfish, to worms and small minnows for walleyes, and up to 6-inch baitfish for pike.
As done by ice fishermen, jigging is simply a method of imparting an up-and-down movement to a lure or bait. Jigging can be—and is—done with any sort of line-holding rod or stick.
Some jigging rods—more appropriately called sticks—are simply pieces of wood 18 inches or so long, with U-shaped notches in each end. The line—10-pound-test monofilament is very popular—is wound lengthwise onto the stick around the U-shaped notches and is paid out as needed. There are other types of jigging sticks of varying designs, and many ice anglers use standard spinning or spincast rods or the butt half of a fly rod.
Rods made specially for ice jigging are simple affairs consisting of a fiberglass tip section that is 2 or 3 feet long seated in a short butt. The butt may have a simple revolving-spool reel or merely a pair of heavy-wire projections around which the line is wound. The tip section may have two to four guides, including the tip guide. The shortness of such a rod lets the user fish up close to the hole and have better control over the lure or bait at the end of his line.
There are many and varied jigging lures and baits, but flashiness is built into most of them. Others produce best when “sweetened” with bait. Two popular jigging lures are: an ungainly looking critter with a heavy body shaped and painted to resemble a baitfish, a hook at each end and a treble hook in the middle of its underside, and a line-tie ring in the middle of its upper surface; and a long, slim, three- or four-sided, silvery model with a treble hook at one end and a line-tie ring at the other.
Jigging methods vary with the fisherman and with the fish being sought. However, a productive way to fish many jigging lures, especially flashier types, is to twitch the lure slightly and then jerk it suddenly upward with a quick upward movement of the arm. The proper interval between jerks is learned with experience.
Popular jigging baits include a single perch eye (either impaled on a small hook or used to sweeten a tiny hair or rubber-bodied ice fly), worms, grubs, maggots, insect larvae, minnows, and cut bait (pieces of skin or flesh that are cut from the tail or body of such fish as smelt and perch).
Jiggers tend to move around more than tip-up fishermen, boring holes in different areas until they find a productive spot.
Like most other forms of fishing, ice angling requires some auxiliary equipment. Most ice anglers prefer to keep such gear to a minimum, for they have to haul it with them wherever they go on the ice.
If you’re going to fish through holes in the ice, you need something to make those holes. The ice auger is a popular tool for this job. Augers come in different designs. One has a long handle with a U-shaped bend at the top, and a rounded cutting blade at the bottom. The handle is turned much like that of a manual drill, and the blade cuts a round hole through the ice. Another type looks like a giant ice drill with sharp, widely spaced threads. It is used in the same way. Gasoline-powered ice drills are also available.
Then there’s the ice spud or chisel. This is a heavy metal handle with a large, chisel-type blade at the bottom. The spud’s weight helps the angler punch down through the ice, but the user must shape the hole once he has broken through.
An indispensable item of accessory gear is the ice skimmer, a ladle-type device that is used to keep the hole clear of ice chips and chunks and to skim ice. A heavy sinker will serve the same purpose.
Many ice anglers like to use an attached spring clip. It is attached to the fishing line and used to determine the water depth—an important factor because in winter most game fish are found on or near the bottom.
Winter is the time of year when ice fishermen venture out onto frozen waters. Most will have fun, but a few will get into trouble because they don’t know how to make sure that the ice is safe. The first rule is never take chances. There are two periods when accidents are likely to happen: early in the season when slush ice doesn’t freeze uniformly and late in the season when ice melts at an uneven rate. It takes prolonged periods of freezing to make ice safe. Here are some rules to remember:
• Be cautious of heavy snowfalls while ice is forming. Snow acts as an insulator. The result is a layer of slush and snow on top of treacherous ice.
• Clear, solid river ice is 15 percent weaker than clear lake ice.
• River ice is thinner midstream than near the banks.
• River mouths are dangerous because currents create pockets of unsafe ice.
• When walking with friends, stay 10 yards apart.
• Lakes that have a lot of springs will have weak spots of ice.
About the author:
Vin T. Sparano is the author of Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia as well as three other guides for Rizzoli.
He has been an outdoor editor and writer for more than fifty years. He is editor emeritus of Outdoor Life, and has written and edited more than fifteen books about the outdoors. In 2013, he was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
]]>Located just outside the village of Berlin, Jericho Mountain State Park is one of the newest additions to the New Hampshire State Park system. The park boasts dozens of miles of trails across beautiful terrain that includes forest, mountains, lakes, and streams. The trails within Jericho Mountain State Park also connect with other local trail networks, such as the Success City Trail, so that riders have near-unlimited room in which to ride and days-worth of exploring to do. Ride-in, ride-out camping is available in the park, near the visitor’s center at Jericho Lake. Every August, the park hosts the annual Jericho ATV Festival, which consists of food, music, and lots and lots of mud. Be sure to check state laws and park rules for licensure, age, and safety gear requirements.
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Tall Pines ATV Park is located in western New York, near the Pennsylvania border. With more than 70 miles of groomed and forested trails—as well as mud bogs and an obstacle course—Tall Pines has something to offer riders of all experience levels. Accommodations, in the form of rental cabins, are located on the Tall Pines premises. The Hann Homestead Inn, just minutes from Tall Pines, offers a lodging alternative.
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Located in western Maine, near the state’s borders with Canada and New Hampshire, “The Forks” is the area surrounding the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Several ATV clubs in the Upper Kennebec Valley joined forces and created an extensive network of trails—stretching all the way to the Canadian border—through this ruggedly beautiful region of the state. Maps of local trails are available from the Forks Chamber of Commerce or online. The trail network is expanded regularly, so be sure to get the most up-to-date maps before setting out. If you need accommodations in the area, Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort is connected to the trail system. Offering lodging, a pub, and ATV rentals, Northern Outdoors makes an excellent basecamp for exploring the hundreds of miles of trails in The Forks area.
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Some of the Northeast’s most impressive ATV trails can be found in the Allegheny National Forest of western Pennsylvania. The trail system contains more than 80 miles of riding room through a forested mountain landscape. Even the most advanced riders will be challenged by the rugged terrain on the 23-mile Penoke Trail loop. Novices can enjoy all that the forest has to offer on the 39-mile, out-and-back Timberline Trail or challenge themselves on the more rugged Marienville Trail loop. Camping is available at several places within the forest and near the ATV trails. Locate a campground and make a reservation at Recreation.gov or check the Forest Service website for dispersed camping opportunities. The Forest Lodge and Campground is located within the Allegheny National Forest and offers direct access to the ATV trail system.
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Beartown State Forest is a 12,000-acre expanse of hardwoods located in extreme southwestern Massachusetts. ATV riders can access dozens of miles of multi-use trails and unpaved roads across the area’s low-slung mountains and through the gorgeous wooded landscape. Several lakes, including pristine Benedict Pond are located within the forest’s boundaries. Camping is available inside the state forest, or there are several lodging options, like the Monument Mountain Motel in nearby Barrington.
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