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    Monday, March 7, 2011

    Smugglers Notch Resort, Our Family Takes 1st Place in the "I Did a Sled' Competition!

    Just call it "Smuggs"
    (JEFFERSONVILLE, VT). I totally forgot to share news of our amazing end-of-year vacation, this past December at our host Michael's timeshare at Smuggles Notch Resort! Smuggler Notch, or "Smuggs" as the regulars affectionately call it, has been ranked "#1 for Family Vacations," by Ski Magazine, among a host of other impressive awards. 

    I've only ventured to Vermont in the summer, so it was a great thrill to see the "Green" Mountains in winter, capped as they were with powdery snow and promise. Our family weathered the seven hour car-trip from the Fingerlakes to Jeffersonville a day after Christmas. In a tasteful condo that comfortably sleeps ten, we enjoyed the Master Suite with a jacuzzi and stunning mountain views. We were thrilled to share our week's vacation with our our other dear friends Heather and Charles and their two children.

    Heated Pools, Trails, Playhouses
    Add a heated pool (and I do mean HEATED)steps from your condo and the thrilling spectacle of amazing cross country trails right below the pool area, and you might just be in heaven. And when you discover that the Nordic Shop serves freshly popped popcorn and tasty cocoa, and right next door is a late night kids playhouse of sorts, well, you feel it's all too good to be true.

    Torchlight Parade, Fireworks, Zipline Tours
    Each day, dozens of programs (yoga, painting, crafts, karaoke, nature walks and more) are available to guests. On Thursday evenings of each holiday week, the Resort’s Snow Sport University instructors ski or ride in a dramatic torchlight parade as they descend a ski trail into the Village, where guests gather can around a bonfire.

    A spectacular fireworks display lights up the evening sky with the Green Mountains as a backdrop. If you  are all about collecting memories that last a lifetime, then you have to put this on your "to do" list. We saw these fireworks on New Year's Eve. It was a special way to ring in 2011. And don't forget to put the heart-racing, "Zipline Canopy Tour,"  a couple of classes at their renowned"Ski School," dog-sled tour adventures and moonlit guided snowmobile tours on your "wish lists" as well.


    Michelle Berry, Robert Lofthouse and Nina Berry-Lofthouse
    "I Did a Sled Competition"
    See that good looking family on the left? That's us posing in front of our winning sled- which we actually took two rides on- a test run (in which we came in second place) and a WINNING run, in which we placed ahead of forty other great participants. That's right, we came in 1st Place at the "I Did a Sled Competition!" Combining the Berry-Lofthouse family prowess in engineering, design and elegance, with just electrical tape and cardboard, our handmade "sled" went the farthest down the hill (and also the fastest). We hope to return next year to defend our title!
    So, if you're looking for a fun and enriching family-friendly vacation, make sure to check out Smuggs!  Families visiting Smugglers’ Notch Resort over the Winter holiday periods typically enjoy a full complement of package inclusions and special activities during Christmas Week, December 19-26, 2010; New Year’s Week, December 26, 2010 – January 1, 2011; and Presidents’ Week February 18-25, 2011.


    For more information, about booking your family vacation at Smuggs, contact: 
    Karen Boushie, mediarelations@smuggs.com
    802. 644.1156

    Raise a Toast to Monterey Wines this Summer: Save the Date

    Monterey Wine Country’s Annual Summer Festival Announces Date and New Location!
    (Monterey, CA)—March 7, 2011—Taste Monterey Wine Country at 19th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration on August 13, 2011, at The Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) will bring together over 40 wineries to pour roughly 200 wines at the outdoor summer festival.  The Winemakers’ Celebration festivities will include: culinary samples from international restaurants located in the Barnyard Shopping Village; jazz music in the shopping square; winemaking displays, and the bidding excitement of the Silent Auction—including numerous lifestyle packages, special wine items, photo sessions, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, and more. Featured wineries and restaurants will also be offering guests special offers and pricing to be enjoyed the day of the celebration and beyond.

    Tickets for the 19th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration, August 13, 2011 The Barnyard, Carmel, 1-4 p.m., are available online at www.montereywines.org or by calling 831.375.9400, $30 in advance / $35 at the door.

    Nine American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) make up the world-class designation of Monterey County. Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, Hames Valley, Chalone, Carmel Valley, San Antonio Valley, and San Bernabe comprise 200 vineyards. Vineyards are located from the cooler north, heavily influenced from the Monterey Bay, to the warmer southern end, still influenced by the late afternoon winds and resulting cooling temperatures later in the day. Winemakers will be on hand to discuss their craft and showcase how 42 varietals can be made from a single winegrowing region.

    The Barnyard Shopping Village is Carmel's one-of-a-kind shopping haven. Situated on more than six acres, the open-air shopping village delivers a unique, upscale boutique environment nestled into cascading levels of breathtaking gardens lined with red brick pathways. Located only one mile south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, off of Highway 1 and Carmel Rancho Boulevard, the Barnyard Shopping Village boasts more than 45 locally owned and operated shops, eight International restaurants and cafés, as well as a variety of professional services.

    About MCVGA

    The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) partners with community members to promote and support leadership in the art, the science, and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 80 vintners and growers in Monterey, California. For additional information, please visit www.montereywines.org or call (831) 375-9400.

    CONTACT:
    PARKER SANPEI & ASSOCIATES
    Linda Parker Sanpei
    805.543.2288
    Linda@parkersanpei.com