Smugglers' Notch is a Good Choice for Another Outdoor Recreation Transitional Week

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Ran into a fellow parent at one of the Vernon elementary schools on Friday.

He wanted to take the family away last weekend for some recreational fun, but it's one of those transition weeks again.

The leaves have fallen and it's not quite snow sports season.

It's always a dilemma.

"Where did you go?"

"Vermont."

"A mountain?"

"Yes, Smugglers' Notch."

"Did you go go the kiddie pool?"

"Oh yeah."

Good choice. The North Hill Aquatics Center at Smugglers' Notch could be the greatest pool for youngsters ever.

Ever. 

It's only a short walk from the North Hill condos, and the kiddie pool is motion-activated. Once the children walk in, the center comes to life with slides, fountains and tunnels. The pool is not only shallow, but padded everywhere.

It has chutes, ladders, waterfalls and even nooks and crannies for hide-and-seek.

The North Hill center also has lap and recreational swimming.

The family was also able to get some hiking in on an intermediate path on one of the Smuggs' peaks.

It's a good combination for anyone looking for a casual outing before snowmaking starts.

After that, skiing and snowboarding there is a given for families.

For more on Smuggler's Notch, go to www.smuggs.com.