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Ludlow: Tons of Fun in Southern Vermont

Ludlow, Vermont is the place to be for an active mountain vacation. Located in Windsor County in the south-central portion of the state, Ludlow is surrounded by state and national forests, farmland, and granite quarries. This picturesque little village is just what you think of when you imagine a New England hamlet. Incorporated in 1761 as part of the New Hampshire grants, Ludlow sits at the base of what was once called "Ludlow Mountain". The mountain now comprises the Okemo Mountain Ski Area, and is just one of the many areas near Ludlow that make outdoor enthusiasts giddy with excitement. A day's activities in Ludlow can include hiking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, horseback riding, or hopping in your car for a scenic drive in the countryside.

Before heading out for some physical fun, history buffs will want to visit the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, located in nearby Plymouth Notch. This is the home where the 30th president was born and spent many of his summers. Well-preserved clapboard buildings include a one-room schoolhouse, a country store owned by Coolidge's father, the 1924 Summer White House with all its furnishings, and the home where, upon President Harding's sudden death, Coolidge took the oath of office at 2:47 am.

Okemo Mountain Ski Area looms over Ludlow, offering four-season fun for active vacationers. This is one of the only resorts in Vermont to be family owned. Its smaller size has made Okemo a popular spot for families. Mainly for beginners and intermediate skiers, Okemo has 18 lifts servicing 113 trails spread over 600 acres of trails. Snowboarders will love the two super pipes where they can practice their skills. When the snow melts, those same trails serve hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.

More active fun can be found in nearby Green Mountain National Forest. Encompassing a total of 350,000 acres, the forest is a one-stop shopping mall for outdoor fun that runs through the very heart of the state. Dense and pristine, the forest is home to an abundant wildlife population including black bears, coyotes, moose, and the protected peregrine falcon. Hapgood and Grout Ponds, located near Stratton, make great swimming holes. Anglers fly fish over 440 miles of rivers looking for brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Hiking enthusiasts can set out on the Appalachian Trail, which twists through the forest. Guided horseback tours of the park are also popular ways to spend an afternoon.

Still more active frivolity can be found nearby at the Killington Ski Area. This is the place to be if you like skiing on a large scale. 30 chairlifts and 2 gondolas take visitors to 1100 acres of skiable terrain. Killington has over 60 miles of trails spread over 200 runs that are serviced by 19 ski lifts. Killington has the most extensive snowmaking system on the planet (thanks to a connection to the Woodward Reservoir), and over 250 inches of annual snowfall that keep skiers and snowboarders moving well into May. Perfect Turn, the skiing and snowboarding instructional program, has a roster of over 100 instructors, making Killington one of the most comprehensive ski schools in the country. When the snows give way to Spring's thaw, Killington becomes the place for mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you're an XC climber, a DH free styler, or a casual cruiser or first timer, Killington has over 40 miles of trails that can serve your needs. The trails range from easy coast-as-you-go rides to bumpy, rock laden adrenaline runs that will have your heart jumping out of your throat.

Ludlow can serve as a jumping off point to other Vermont attractions. Visit Springfield and see the Baltimore Covered Bridge, a quintessential New England lattice style truss bridge. The bridge was built in 1870 and is great for photo ops. Head into Windsor and visit the Vermont State Craft Gallery, an enclave of over 100 artisans that create hand-made crafts. Car lovers will want to visit the Precision Valley Corvette Museum in Springfield, housing a collection of all five Corvette generations and assorted memorabilia related to the popular sports car. Ludlow has everything one could ask for during a vacation in the Green Mountain State.