Escape Guide: Ludlow, Vermont
by Katherine Parker-Magyar
Our Vermont mountain tour continues. We've already given you Burlington and West Dover, so this week we're headed to Ludlow, home of Okemo. The spiked drinks in the Summit Lodge can't be beat, nor can the Mexican food or the Vermont Country Store. Read on for the scoop.
Put 'Em Back
Tom's Loft
300 Mountain Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149
The (only) spot to be when out on the town after a night of skiing. This place could be the answer to every category below--from local's picks, to good eats. Go there to fight with Patriots fans (God forbid you're not a New Englander) and order the French Onion Soup, and the nachos.
Sky Bar
77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149
Want to feel all the way up? Take the chairlift up to the Summit Lodge, and head to the Sky Bar for a spiked hot chocolate or Irish coffee. Order a "Break a Leg," but try to avoid that fate when skiing home.
Homestyle Hostel
19 Main St, Ludlow, VT 05149
Head to the Hostel for the perfect espresso martinis. The Hostel is also opening up a new bar across the street, which--based on the cocktails they're currently serving--sounds very promising.
Local's Picks
The Killarney
44 Pond St, Ludlow, VT 05149
Check out this pub on Tuesday for trivia night, or over the weekends for live performances. Solid pub fare & vibe.
Good Eats
Tacos Tacos
1 Lamere Sq # B, Ludlow, VT 05149
This is the perfect post-skiing fix, pick up a taco (or seventeen) and head back to your ski lodge to apres with friends.
Downtown Grocery
41 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149
If you're looking for something a bit fancier, this is the spot. Great for dates.
Stemwinder
46 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149
Small plates, and a menu that encourages sampling different items--ideal if you're indecisive. Order the Vermont Cheese plate.
Get Your Fix
The Hatchery
164 Main St, Ludlow, VT 05149
The go-to spot for bloody Marys and eggs (whichever way you like them).
Good Times
Okemo Mountain Resort
77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149
Well, duh. Check out Dream Weaver if snow permits, and good luck getting the song out of your head for the rest of the day.
Long Trail Brewing Company
5520 US-4, Bridgewater Corners, VT 05035
The perfect ski alternative, head here to sample the different craft beer, and run into everyone you know who also avoided the slopes. You don't need to actually do anything to apres, remember that.
Fill Your Bag
Vermont Country Store
657 Main St, Weston, VT 05161
Pretty much heaven on earth in nearby Weston. Old-fashioned candy, flannel everything, syrup--go crazy.
Hang Your Hat
Echo Lake Inn
2 Dublin Rd., Ludlow VT 05149
If you don't have a friend to stay with, this inn is gorgeous and ideal for a romantic weekend.
Jackson Gore Village
111 Jackson Gore Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149
The more luxe side of the mountain resort, Jackson Gore Village has great runs (and great food, as well).
Shoutout to Pete Gronlund for the insider tips!
Anything to add? Let us know in the comment section.
Photo Credit: SlopeFillers, Family Vacation Critic, Vermont Journal, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Downtown Grocery, SnowPak, Jonathan Adler
