Experience the laid-back charm of this understated town, whose family-owned ski resort and superb golf course draw visitors from near and far.
Ludlow is a down-to-earth industrial town in Vermont, built around an old mill that once produced fabrics and aircraft parts. Today, the town is best known as the home of one of New England’s few remaining family-owned ski resorts. Enjoy the varied skiing and snowboarding terrain in winter or visit in summer for excellent hiking and golf.
Join many other winter sports enthusiasts visiting Ludlow to ski at Okemo Mountain Resort. The resort offers more than 120 trails, with many options for downhill skiers of all levels as well as more than 14 miles (22 kilometres) of groomed cross-country trails and well-maintained halfpipes for snowboarders.
Off the slopes, bring the kids to the Spring House, which is located near the entrance of Jackson Gore Inn. This 18,000-square-foot (1,700-square-metre) activity facility offers a kid-friendly pool with slides, fitness centre, sauna and racquetball court.
In the warmer months, tee off at Okemo Valley Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course used on several championship tours. With water and sand traps as well as some elevation changes, Okemo Valley is a challenging 70-par course.
Drive to Buttermilk Falls, one of Ludlow’s most popular natural swimming areas. The falls are comprised of three major drops about 1,000 feet (300 metres) apart. Jump into any of the large natural swimming holes, including the 25-foot-wide (8-metre) pool at the lower falls.
Learn about the interesting history of the region at the Black River Academy Museum, located on High Street near the village green. Inspect the museum’s replica of Main Street during the late Victorian era and look for an exhibit focused on President Calvin Coolidge, who graduated from the academy in the late 19th century. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday in the summer and by appointment only during the winter.
Ludlow is less than a 3-hour drive from Boston. Travel to this part of Vermont in autumn to enjoy the beautiful fall colours of New England’s forests.
