A Fantastic Vacation at Smugglers’ Notch Starts at Burlington International Airport (BTV)
VT – Are you dreaming of a fly-in vacation to a resort that offers four seasons of fun? If you are, you’re in luck. The Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Northern Vermont offers four seasons of fun, from swimming and boating in the summer to skiing in the winter. All you have to do to get there is fly your private plane or corporate jet into Burlington International Airport (BTV) and either rent a car or hire a taxi to help you complete your journey to Smugglers’ Notch. Let’s take a look at why it’s worth the trip to this Vermont destination.
Flying to Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located in South Burlington, VT, next to Lake Champlain. It was activated in 1937 and is a convenient airport for travelers from Vermont, New York, Washington D.C., and Toronto. Private pilots and corporate jets will want to fly into Heritage Aviation, the airport’s FBO.
Runway 15/33 is 8,319 feet long and 150 feet wide, which is wide enough and long enough to accommodate most commercial jets. Runway 01/19 is 4,112 feet long and 75 feet wide, which can accommodate most general aviation aircraft. Both runways are paved and in good condition. Pilots can contact the CTAF on 118.3. Burlington Approach and Departure can be found on frequencies 121.1 and 278.8. Clearance Delivery is on 119.15, and the Burlington Tower can be contacted on 118.3.
Heritage Aviation offers Jet A and 100LL. They have on-site customs for those entering or leaving the country. Patrons of the Fbo can also enjoy the fitness center, media room, pilot lounge, gourmet kitchen, weather and flight planning stations, WiFi, showers with towels, and meeting spaces.
Getting to Smugglers’ Notch
Once you land at BTV, you can rent a car or grab a taxi to Smugglers’ Notch. The interstates and roads to Smugglers’ Notch are maintained year-round. Smugglers Notch can be found by plugging in Smugglers’ Notch Resort, 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT, into your GPS.
Smugglers’ Notch Communities
Guests of Smugglers’ Notch can choose from five communities, including Village East, Village West, North Hill, West Hill, and Highlands Hill. Between the five communities, vacationers can choose from studio units to houses and townhomes with as many as five bedrooms. Of course, with so many options, you might find it challenging to choose. Thankfully, the resort offers some advice. If you can’t decide, choose the community closest to the things you want to do most often, or that has the amenities that you most desire.
How Smugglers’ Notch Got Its Name
When it was first discovered and used more than 200 years ago, Smugglers’ Notch was known as Smugglers’ Notch Pass, and it was used by smugglers. At first, people transported banned goods from Canada to the United States. The area was full of caves and concealed by thick forests, which made it easy to hide and transport the products. These activities took place until the War of 1812.
There was a slight lull between the War of 1812 and prohibition. Once liquor was banned in the U.S., Smugglers Notch Pass was brought back to life in order to transport alcohol into New England.
Fall Fun at Smugglers’ Notch Resort
The fall season at Smugglers’ Notch runs from September 3rd to December 13th, and there are many things to do that are fun for the whole family.
Smuggler’s Notch Haunted History Fridays
These tales are perfect for anyone who’s ten years or older. The event is held at the Nordland Library on Fridays between 5 PM and 6 PM.
Pirate Bingo and Family Bingo
Pirate bingo is held on Tuesdays from 5:30 PM until 6:30 PM, and family bingo is held on Mondays and Tuesdays between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Both bingo events are held on the lower level of the Meeting House.
Singing Around a Bon Fire
Smugglers’ Notch Resort hosts a bonfire sing-along every Wednesday between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM in the Village Green.
Pickleball
Pickleball has recently gained popularity because it’s suitable for all ages. It utilizes a paddle, ball and net, which is similar to tennis and table tennis. Guests can enjoy playing on the pickleball courts between 9 AM and 6:30 PM.
Fall E-Bike Tours
Guests can enjoy the fall foliage from the convenience of an e-bike during the fall e-bike tours. Tours are held from Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. The trail is 93 miles and no cars are allowed on the e-bike trail.
Hayride and Farm-to-Table Dinner
Guests can make reservations for the Valley Dream Farm’s hayride and farm-to-table dinner. This experience is available in the summer and fall on Tuesdays between 5 PM and 8:30 PM. The hayride and farm tour starts the evening off, and while the guests are learning about the history and operation of the organic farm, the chef is preparing dinner. Guests can expect a dinner filled with appetizers, salads, farm-fresh organic meat, fresh bread, a selection of vegetables, and desserts.
Dining at Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Vacationers at the Smugglers’ Notch Resort can dine at several different establishments. Coffee, espresso, and lattes can be found at The Perk, which is located inside the Country Store. The Green Mountain Deli and Cafe serves an array of subs, salads, sodas, and French fries. Patrons who are at least 21 years of age can enjoy a selection of adult beverages.
The Resort Village is home to Morse Mountain Grill. Patrons of this establishment can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. The breakfast menu includes bacon, sausage patties, breakfast potatoes, eggs, English muffins, pancakes, omelets and breakfast sandwiches. The lunch and dinner menus include soups, chicken wings, nachos, salads, french dip and chicken sandwiches, steakburgers, and steaks. Snacks can be found at the ReFuel Cafe, and pizza can be found at the Village Pizzeria.
There’s plenty to do when you choose to fly into a vacation at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. In the fall, you can enjoy plenty of great food, fall hayrides and tours, and various indoor and outdoor activities.