Remember a few weeks back when I wrote all about our summer vacation completely unplugged in Maine this summer? Well, what I didn’t tell you (until now!) was that we actually planned a vacation… inside our vacation!
Our summer adventures were disrupted in the most amazing way by a whirlwind trip to Smugglers Notch, Vermont. Nestled amidst the Green Mountains, we found this was the PERFECT place to spend our winter break, riding the slopes for days back in March. But we realized that Smugglers Notch wasn’t just a winter destination. It offered a perfect blend of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and family-friendly fun, so we decided to surprise the kids with a trip back. And this trip, sandwiched between our Maine vacation, was a highlight of our summer!
A Few Pitstop Adventures Along the Way
Before heading to Smugglers Notch, we decided to make a pit stop in Boston. While Mimi stayed with Baby Jack, Papi and I took the four big boys to a Red Sox versus Yankees game at Fenway Park. Watching the biggest rivals in MLB face off in this historic stadium was a thrilling experience for all of us. The energy was electric, and the boys were captivated by the atmosphere. It was a perfect way to blend their passion for baseball into our summer adventures.
After leaving Boston, our journey to Smugglers Notch took us through the picturesque New Hampshire countryside. We made a detour to the Polar Caves, a series of ice-carved caverns that are a popular tourist attraction. Even Baby Jack enjoyed crawling through the cool, dark tunnels. The boys were fascinated by the unique formations and the chilly air. We could have stayed for hours but we had to pack it up and keep moving on to Vermont.
Upon arriving at Smugglers Notch, we were greeted by a charming village surrounded by lush mountains. We wasted no time diving into the fun. The first order of business was to explore the dusty sandbox, where the boys had a blast building sandcastles and digging for treasures. Afterward, we headed to the pool with its lily pad obstacle course, where the boys spent hours splashing and playing. After a long day of traveling, we settled into our condo, knowing that the next 3 days would be jam packed with nothing but fun!
Day 1: Kayaking on the Lamoille River
One of the highlights of our trip was our kayaking adventure on the Lamoille River. We rented kayaks, got a shuttled up-river, then paddled for 4.5 miles through stunning scenery. The river was calm and peaceful, and the boys loved the experience. They felt empowered being able to maneuver the kayaks mostly on their own, it gave them a sense of independence and strength to see what they were capable of!
We even stumbled across a covered bridge that had a rope swing hanging from it’s trussell. What would a kayaking adventure be without parking the boats, climbing the rocks, and each taking a turn swinging from the bridge and landing in the cool river water?! It was an unforgettable day filled with laughter, adventure, and family bonding.
Day 2: Pool Days and Gem Hunting
After a very adventurous first day, we decided to get a little R&R on day 2. So, we spent an entire day just exploring the various pools at Smugglers Notch and playing in the Fun Zone. The boys had a blast swimming, sliding, and climbing. They even discovered hidden piles of discarded gemstone mining dirt, which they eagerly sifted through to find their own gems. It was a fun and educational activity that kept them entertained for hours.
While the MV Squad loves to adventure, and get active, we also need our down time. Having a day with no schedule, no bus to catch, and no meal on the run did wonders to refill our gas tanks for our last day.
Day 3: Bootlegger’s Basin
On our last day, we visited Bootlegger’s Basin, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. We took a shuttle to the top of a trail and hiked down to the clearing. The basin had a trampoline, slides, and a swimming area where we could rent kayaks and paddleboards. It was a great place to roam around, have a little fun, and learn something new.
Every one of us, except Jack, tried our hand at paddleboarding, even Mimi. And Jack got to test out his adrenaline by swimming out to a floating dock and jumping into the water “all by myself!” With a life jacket of course! It was a fantastic way to end our trip and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Importance of Family Time and Adventure
As we packed up and headed out the next day, I couldn’t believe how much we were able to pack into a 3-day surprise vacation within our vacation. Our trip to Smugglers Notch was a reminder of the importance of family time, adventure, and creating lasting memories. As parents, it’s essential to provide our children with opportunities to explore new places, try new things, and connect with nature. These experiences not only enrich their lives but also inspire them to become adventurous and curious individuals.
I hope our story will inspire you to plan your own family adventure and create unforgettable memories together. Remember, our children are young for such a short time, so let’s encourage them to embrace adventure and explore the world around them.