Okemo Mountain Resort

Located in Ludlow, Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort attracts big fans in the winter for skiing, but it's also a great destination in the summer and fall.

There's plenty to do outside the resort as well. Golf aficionados will enjoy the new family fore golf course at the Okemo Valley Golf Club. Families can enjoy a farm visit or, to truly enjoy a Vermont specialty, they can visit a working cheese farm. The state is famous for its cheese--for good reason--and a visit to the iconic black-and-white diary cow farms is educational and fun. Another fun day excursion is the Vermont State Fair, in nearby Rutland.

I stayed in a two-bedroom suite in the Jackson Gore Inn. The full kitchen, stocked with dishes, utensils, silverware and all the essentials, was perfect for my family of four. The large living room and adjacent balcony were spacious and afforded plenty of space to spread out. As requested, they sent a high chair and pack and play to the room. The two-bedroom suite is a one-bedroom suite with an adjoining room, so the door could be completely closed for privacy (if traveling with older children) or left open in our case in order to hear our two young children in the next room.

Guest rooms range in size from standard accommodations to three-bedroom suites.

The resort's restaurant, Coleman Brook Tavern, offered amazing breakfasts. The omelets and corn beef hash were two of our favorite menu options. The food was wonderfully fresh and local. The service was also very good and accommodating to our young kids. Dinners were more upscale and included salmon, filet Mignon and pork loin.

The resort offered a wonderful program called Penguin Playground Day Care Center, opened to children six months through six years. We visited Labor Day weekend, which was at the end of the season (the program is offered during the summer months and then again during the ski season). Attendance among kids was light during that time which made for wonderful personalized service for our two-year-old and six-month-old. The care givers were very warm and sweet and they took the kids out on a walk, played plenty of games, visited the pool with my older child and made sure both kids napped and ate their meals (something mom isn't always able to achieve). I would definitely recommend the daycare service as my children were very happy there.

Hiking and biking are two other popular activities at the resort; hiking and biking maps are available at the Spring House. For adventurous travelers, the Adventure Zone is a must. It includes the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, a two-person sled that can obtain speeds of 25 mph through alpine forest and the mountainside. The Maples Disc Golf Course circles the Jackson Gore Inn and creatively highlights the history of maple sugaring in Vermont. You can play nine holes or a challenging 18 on The Maples.

A favorite for the young crowd is the Stump Jumper Bungee Trampoline where people can reach heights of 20 feet high. Not to be missed is the Lumberin' Cal's Mini Golf which attracts adults and kids alike. The Adventure Zone was quite popular during my visit, with families of various sizes enjoying the activities.

Friday nights in the summer are a real treat with The Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series. We took the two kids, spread out on a blanket and enjoyed the warm weather and great sounds. The free concert attracted a lot of picnickers. Other dining options for the concert include freshly grilled fare and al fresco seating at the Coleman Brook Tavern.

For kids, the outdoor playground and indoor frog pool were perfect fit. The frog's tongue is a water slide and lots of fun for the toddler set. Adults will love the large indoor lap pool and Jacuzzi as well as the outdoor pool with amazing views of the surrounding mountainside.