Saying "Thanks"...all year long

This time of year many people are inspired by the holiday season to show appreciation and say "thanks". While its certainly nice to extend your appreciation to co-workers, friends and family. I would suggest that we would all be better served by sharing our feelings throughout the year.

I for one go out of my way to make sure that the people closest to me know how much I appreciate their help, direction, and support. I do it daily (sometimes hourly). I've often wondered if it ever gets old for them...I've wondered if they even hear it after a while. I've decided that the impact on them is probably equaled by the impact on me. Showing appreciation is as important to give as it is to receive. It makes the world go round.

As we go into the new year, make the single best resolution possible...make 2010 the year of saying "thanks". Let your actions say "thanks". If you employ people...thank them daily/hourly. Hire people that understand the importance of saying "thank you". In this economic climate...has there ever been a time in our lives that was more important to thank the customer. I have a policy in my hotels, every guest is to be thanked a minimum of five times during each stay. The four "gimmes" are while booking their reservation, at check-in, in the breakfast room, and at check-out. The staff simply needs to find one additional time during a guests stay to say thank you (hallways, elevators, etc.). The impact??? Well, guests are convinced that I drug my employees or have sprinkled pixie dust over them. The culture of appreciation carries over to the relationships among my team members. We work in an environment of mutual appreciation. Not exactly the norm in a lot of businesses today.


One of my all time favorite books is the "Ultimate Gift". I loved it so much that I gave a copy to each and every one of my employees. In the book, ten life lessons are taught. The life lesson "Gift of Gratitude" compels you to spend a minute or two each morning before rolling out of bed and identify ten things you are grateful for. It would mean a lot to me and the ones you love, if for the 365 days of 2010, you adopted this gift and embraced the process daily. Do yourself a favor, pick up a copy of the book. After reading it...share your copy...and ask them to pass it on.

"Thank you" for reading my blog. I wish you and yours nothing but the very best in 2010.

Happy Holidays!!!

Burlington Vermont's Best New Years Eve Party - First Night Packages

Tired of rolling into the New Year battling a case of "First Night Frost Bite"???

Anyone that has had the pleasure of freezing to death in downtown Burlington on New Years Eve knows what a great time it is...arctic temperatures, brutal winds coming off the Champlain, seriously over tired children, and don't forget the college crowd running wild. Oh, the special memories...

This year put 2009 in the rear view mirror while celebrating, laughing, and dancing the night away. Did I mention heat and warmth??? We are bringing the one and only (thank god there is only one) Mr. Artie Fletcher back for New Years. "NY City's Bad Boy of Comedy" is guarantying you ring in the New Year with a smile on your face.

"THE FLETCH" (only his friends can call him that...don't say I didn't warn ya'!)

In addition, an all you can eat buffet will be served and the area's best DJ "Top Hat Entertainment" will keep you on the dance floor (don't count on me being out there...for that matter...if I start cutting a rug...PLEASE for everyone's safety send me to my room...PLEASE). Count on a champagne toast and all the obnoious noise makers you could ever want.

The following packages are still available:

$20 per person...comedy show, DJ, Noise Makers, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight

$40 per person...dinner buffet, comedy show, DJ, Noise Makers, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight

BURLINGTON'S BEST NEW YEARS PACKAGES...
ONLY $149.99 PER COUPLE...Overnight Accommodations, Dinner Buffet, Comedy Show, DJ, Noise Makers, Champagne Toast at Midnight and a Hot Breakfast the next morning.

To reserve your space today, call (802) 655-6177

Happy Holidays!!!

Tonight in Burlington, Vermont...Vermont's Best (and maybe only) Comedy Club / Show!!!

Tonight we're going to rock the Burlington and Colchester region...the Hampton Inn, Colchester proudly presents our "semi-new" Bonkerz Comedy Club. With the holiday season in full swing, EVERYONE I know needs to take a break. I don't know about you but some uncontrollable good-natured laughter...couldn't hurt. Tonight (as in Thursday 12/17/09) is a special evening for our comedy club. Tonight, we are giving back to the community, ticket prices remain the same but a portion of the proceeds from tonight's show will go to our local Rotary Club. Rotarian business leaders think locally and act globally. Come out tonight and support Rotary and at the same time enjoy "letting your hair down". Lets face it...you deserve a break!

Carmen Vallone, our headliner, will be on tonight and tomorrow (two shows on Friday). He's been seen on "Last Comic Standing", CBS National Lampoon's Comedy Night, HBO Comedy Arts Festival, and Nick at Nite. He's an exceptional comedian that will take your mind off credit card debit, wrapping gifts, and/or what to do with fruit cakes (speaking of which...did you hear about Artie Fletcher coming back our New Year's Eve event???). Mr. Artie Fletcher is returning by popular demand and its his night to shine. Ring in the New Year with New York's Bad Boy of Comedy. Can't make the big event??? We are also offering a show on NEW YEARS DAY! What's more funny the Artie Fletcher??? Artie Fletcher with no sleep and hung over!!! Cannot wait to see the New Years Eve and New Years Day events.

Click on the link below to get a sneak peak at one of Carmen's performances:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=6989773

Hope to see you tonight or at one of the two Comedy shows this Friday evening.

Early Bird Skiing Packages - Burke Mountain, Jay Peak, or Bretton Woods

Both Thanksgiving and the lengthy/exhausting ski show season are in the rearview mirror

{{{The hotel's sales teams collectively let out a thunderous cheer}}}.

We are no longer eagerly looking forward to the start of the ski season... it is here!

I am offering three early bird specials that no one can touch. Your ski and stay packages includes: your overnight accommodation, hot breakfast, and TWO adult lift tickets. Both your stay and skiing must occur before December 25th, 2009.



COMFORT INN & SUITES
ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT (802) 748-1500

www.vermontvacationland.com

Burke Mountain is only $129.99
Burke opens in early December

Jay Peak is only $129.99 Per Night

HAMPTON INN - LITTLETON, NEW HAMPSHIRE (603) 444-0025
www.littletonhotel.com

Bretton Woods is only $119 Per Night

SKI YA' SOON!!!

"It is a small world, after all"...c'mon now sing a long

Several years ago, after our first visit to the Bahamas, my wife and I promised each other that we would go back annually. With four school-age children, my wife running a daycare and me overseeing four hotels, by the time September rolls around each year...we seriously need to recharge our batteries.

On our first visit to the Bahamas we befriended an incredible local bartender, Christal. On our first encounter, she introduced me to a drink she created called the "Comfort Zone". I am still convinced that the drink is 98% 151 rum, 1% juice and 1% ice. I think the drink should be renamed "Island Time". After flying for half the day, clearing customs, getting ground transportation, checking-in, unpacking... just one of her drinks lets you know... you are officially on "Island Time". Christal works at one of the best swim up bars on Pleasure Island, located at the Comfort Suites, Paradise Island.

On our last visit, my wife, Christal and I were talking about the different hotels that I manage (just what I want to be doing on vacation). As a result, the next night, I brought Christal a business card and brochure. For years, we've been trying to convince Christal that she and her family should visit northern New England. Christal has always joked that it is too cold in August to visit New England, never mind any other time of the year.

It was the following night that Christal left me with my jaw on the ground... no it wasn't because I had too many "Comfort Zone/Island Time" drinks. After sitting down at the bar, Chrystal excused herself. To my amazement, Christal returned holding a postcard of and from my hotel in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. To put it mildly I was confused and was looking for some explanation. After flipping the postcard over, I noticed that the card had been sent back in 2003 and was addressed to Christal. The sender had written that the hotel "was really nice! The grounds were breathtaking - so pretty".

Apparently my wife and I are not alone in our appreciation for the job Christal does. Christal went on to explain that the two people who had sent her the postcard were also regulars of the island and fans of her mixology skills. After a visit seven years ago, they left the island and toured northern New England. Their travels brought them to my Vermont hotel. They simply sent Christal a postcard letting her know that they were thinking of her. Each employee of the hotel, keeps a safety deposit box for valuables and other items. The postcard has sat in that box for almost seven years as a reminder of some of Christal's favorite guests. The whole experience was strangely ironic. Needless to say, since returning to my hotel, I have reprinted the complimentary in-room postcards. Three large postcards are now available for our weary travelers. Guests have stopped by daily thanking us for the postcards. My staff smiles each time they are left at the desk to be mailed... wondering where I might find them on one of my next travels.

Burlington, Vermont has gone BONKERZ - Awesome weekend of comedy shows!

Remember "Hannibal" from the show A-Team??? For those of you that don't...Colonel John H. "Hannibal" Smith led a band of misfit retired soldiers on mission after mission to help a needy cause. Nothing ever went as planned. Yet, by the end of each show, the team was always successful.

All the pieces of the puzzle miraculously would fall into place, and Hannibal would exclaim "I love it when a plan comes together!".


Our first weekend with the Bonkers comedy club in Burlington Vermont was a tremendous success!!! Hundreds and hundreds of people flocked to the Hampton Inn, Burlington for the grand opening of our Bonkers Comedy Club. The local management team that pulled this off, should be incredibly proud of themselves (Maureen, Jim, Vicky, Darcy, Joe...they're my version of the A-Team...except leave out the part about them being misfits). Another huge thank you to our sponsor's WIZN (Classic Rock that REALLY Rocks) and Bud Light...we could not do it without your help and support.

And as Hannibal would say..."I love it when a plan comes together!"

GREAT JOB!!!

Friday night was our grand opening. We had an acoustic act from 7-8pm. It gave attendees time to have a drink, mingle, grab a bite to eat and settle in for what promised to be a great night of Comedy. At eight o'clock the opening act, took the stage and warmed up the crowd. By 8:30...Artie Fletcher "New York City's Bad Boy of Comedy" hit the stage like I have never seen before. It was obvious from the start that Artie knows the region well and had played the Burlington market in the past. Fans from days gone by, had called in and reserved their seats in advance. You could tell it was special for both them and Artie. Artie was enjoying himself so much that he ran 30 to 45 minutes long. On multiple occasions, he said . "Okay, this is the last one"...15 minutes later he was still up on stage, sharing stories and having a great time. At the end of the show, Artie took time to sign autographs, sell CDs and take pictures with the fans.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Hampton Inn's on-site restaurant T-bones. There we discussed our plans for New Year's. While not all the details are worked out, I am pretty sure we will be ringing in the New Year on "Fletcher Time". We are already planning our own "stimulus packages" for this very special evening.

Always remember..."Laughter is the Best Medicine"

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB at the Hampton Inn, Colchester, Vermont
(802) 655-6177 call in advance to reserve your seats and/or make group reservations
Our Local Sponsors...WIZN & Bud Light
BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB is located at the Hampton Inn, Colchester, just off exit, I-89, next to Costco (Lower Mountainview Drive)
OUR NEXT SHOW...

HEADLINER CARMEN VALLONE
Thursday, December 17th at 7:30 and Friday, December 18th at 8pm and 10pm

HAMPTON INN & SUITES - BURLINGTON, VERMONT http://www.burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com/

Bonkerz Comedy Club in Burlington / Colchester, Vermont

Today's the day...I am seriously pumped! Our new BONKERZ comedy club is set to open in just a few hours. In addition to running a large hotel in West Virginia. I also opened and operated my own comedy club for two years. A tremendous amount of work goes into starting a comedy club and I am really proud of my local management team that made this a reality.

Our first show is tonight, with doors opening at 7 PM (and two shows tomorrow night at 8pm and 10pm). In addition to an opening act, we also have some local entertainment. This week's headliner Artie Fletcher... is out of this world. I could not ask for anyone better for our grand opening night. I hear he is already at the hotel, planning his own New Year's Eve celebration in Burlington. It's not set in stone but ringing in the New Year "Fletcher Style" has some merit.

New York City's Bad Boy of Comedy, ARTIE FLETCHER as seen on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Late Show with David Letterman”. No Stranger to film and television, Artie has been taking the industry by storm. He has been seen in dozens of TV appearances including Law and Order, Third Watch, and NYPD Blue. He has performed his dynamic act in such places as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and even Radio City Music Hall in New York.

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB at the Hampton Inn, Colchester, Vermont

(802) 655-6177 call in advance to reserve your seats and/or make group reservations

I want to send out a huge "thank you" to our local sponsors...WIZN & Bud Light

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB located at the Hampton Inn, Colchester, just off exit, I-89, next to Costco (Lower Mountainview Drive)

OUR NEXT SHOW...

Thursday, December 17th at 7:30 and Friday, December 18th at 8pm and 10pm

Chronicle on WCVB TV Boston - Explores St. Johnsbury and Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

If the old adage of "a picture is worth a thousand words" is true...streaming video on Vermont's majestic Northeast Kingdom must be worth a trillion. WCVB TV Channel 5's Chronicle out of Boston aired a wonderful thirty-minute special last night on why you should escape the rat race and rejuvenate in Northern Vermont. Having grown up in southern New England, I know firsthand why people vacation in what is now...my backyard.

Driving up I-93, the first sense of relief will occur when you come through Franconia Notch State Park and get a glimpse of New Hampshire's "North Country" and Vermont's "Northeast Kingdom". Less than 3 hours north of Boston, Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is far enough away from southern New England to make it feel "special". Truth is...it is special. It is clean, it is safe, it is unassuming, it is unique and it is very much like going back in time. The best part...Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is close enough to visit multiple times in a month (just ask my snowmobiling and skiing enthusiasts). When I-93 ends...you're officially "there". I mean "here"...I mean in St. Johnsbury. For those that are directionally challenged...let me just reiterate the directions from Boston...I-93 North til' it ends...ok, that's it.

Vacationers coming north on I-91 experience the same stunning views but approach them in a slower and less dramatic fashion. Foothills in western Massachusetts, roll into southern Vermont and continue to the White River Junction region. North of White River the 60 minute drive offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of New England. Be sure to take a few minutes at the rest areas to "stop" and "start" the rejuvenating process. A well-placed picnic table, breathtaking views and a cup of freshly brewed java can go along way towards setting the pace for the rest of your vacation. "You're on island time" is a standard phrase in the Bahamas to remind vacationers that there is no rush or reason to hurry. The same applies in the kingdom..."You're on green mountain time"...slow down and take it all in.

If the video snippets below peak your interest and you are new to my blog, please take time to go back through my entries. The Chronicle did an amazing job but only scratched the surface of what I would recommend doing in Vermont's majestic Northeast Kingdom.

I hope to see you soon!

Chronicle WCVB TV Boston - Explores St. Johnsbury and Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

Main Streets and Back Roads, Saint Johnsbury, Vermont: Segment One
Kingdom Trails and Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/21525702/

Main Street, Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury History, Boxcar and Caboose Bookstore, Fairbanks Scales, St. Johnsbury Atheneum, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/21525765/

St. Johnsbury Academy; Graham Highlanders
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/21525793/

Great Vermont Corn Maze
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/21525817/


COMFORT INN & SUITES - ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT
http://www.vermontvacationland.com/

FAIRBANKS INN - ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT
http://www.stjay.com/

5000 miles of Vermont's Magical Winter Highway...New England's Best Snowmobiling is in Northern Vermont and New Hampshire!!!

Over ten years ago, I moved to Northern Vermont. My children were young and collectively we were happy to be back in New England (home of the three time World Champion...NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS...but I digress). We moved here in the spring and experienced a glorious Vermont spring, summer, and fall. As winter approached, we became concerned when the first snow fell in early October. My wife and I didn't ski at the time and were not sure how we would adjust to the long winter season. Having grown up in southern New England, I was use to snow but not to the extreme that the locals described. The first winter started snowing in early November and didn't stop until mid-April. For the first time in my life, I experienced what hundreds of inches of snow was like. We were introduced to the sport of snowmobiling early that year and it wasn't long before we owned our own "sled" (you'll need to speak language). If you have never been...you have no idea what you are missing!

The "Vermont Association of Snow Travelers" aka VAST maintains 5000 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails across privately owned land. Over the years, I have taken hundreds of friends and family members snowmobiling that have never been before. Amazing day trips into the Northeast Kingdom for winter picnics, wildlife viewing and breath taking scenery. Every person has made a point of saying that the experience is one they will remember for a lifetime. Be forewarned that it is an extremely addicting hobby and not particularly inexpensive. If you are interested in trying it for a day or a weekend, a local company All Around Rental will deliver sleds and helmets directly to the hotel. You can rent their equipment for several hours or days. The trail system is mapped out in amazing detail and allows riders to navigate the backwoods of Vermont with ease. The Comfort Inn and Suites, St. Johnsbury, Vermont is "home away from home" to thousands of snowmobilers annually. They snowmobilers arrive in mid-December and are here until the end of March. The trail system connects to the back of the hotel which allows guests to ride directly from the hotel. Snowmobiles are parked in the front circles of the hotel and make for quite a scene when everyone is warming up their engines. A two stroke fog bank hovers over the hotel each morning. It's a sight to be seen.

We now have a snowmobile access trail out of my Hampton Inn, Littleton, New Hampshire. Riders can leave the hotel for the day and ride over to Franconia Notch State Park. Once there, plan to take the aerial tram to the top of Cannon Mountain for lunch. It'll make for one memorable day.

Snowmobiling can be dangerous. Never drink and ride. Always stay right and use proper hand signals when encountering fellow snowmobilers. One last piece of advice...dress appropriately. Skiing gear is designed to allow for the evaporation of sweat produced while skiing. When riding a snowmobile, such gear would result in frost bite in a short period of time. Snowmobiling gear blocks the cold out and keeps your body heat trapped inside. Trust me when I say there is a huge difference and that the two should not be confused.

The snowmobiling trails will open around December 15th. Email vermonttajmahal@aol.com or call (802) 748-1500 for trail conditions. We'll hope to see you soon!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Two FREE Lift Tickets!?!?!?

Ok, so I've come to grips with the fact that it is only mid-October and has snowed three times. I just need to accept that winter is already here...I don't have to like it! Living in northern Vermont you either embrace Mother Nature or go completely stir crazy. Some would say I've chosen the latter of the two...

If you ski or snowboard, take five minutes and do some "vacation math"...award winning accommodations, hot breakfast, and TWO FREE lift tickets included with every ski and stay package. What would you expect to pay? You learned growing up that "nothing is free" and while that maybe so...our ski and stay packages will make you wonder. There's no smoke and mirrors involved here, just a great vacation deal.

My four hotels offer the best value in ski and stay packages on the entire east coast. We work in conjunction with SEVEN mountains offering New England's best value in family winter vacations. For ten years, my Comfort Inn & Suites and Fairbanks Inn, St. Johnsbury, Vermont (2 hours and 45 minutes from Boston) have been hosting skiers and boarders visiting Vermont's majestic "Northeast Kingdom". Families discovered Vermont's best kept secret at Burke Mountain and fell in love with the amazing skiing at Jay Peak. After opening the Hampton Inn, Littleton, New Hampshire, (2 and a 1/2 hours from Boston) I developed relationships with Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain. This past summer, I accepted responsibility for the incredible Hampton Inn, Burlington, Vermont (3 and a 1/2 hours from Boston). As a result, I was able to form new relationships with STOWE, SMUGGS, and BOLTON VALLEY!

ROOM + HOT BREAKFAST + TWO LIFT TICKETS =
Bolton Valley $159.99 Ski and Stay Package
Bretton Woods $199.99 Ski and Stay Package
Burke Mountain $179.99 Ski and Stay Package
Cannon Mountain $179.99 Ski and Stay Package
Jay Peak $179.99 Ski and Stay Package
Smugglers' Notch $159.99 Ski and Stay Package
Stowe $179.99 Ski and Stay Package

So what's so special about our ski and stay packages...the overall value you and your family will get when staying with us. At the three franchised hotels you will get overnight accommodation, hot breakfast, and TWO lift tickets to the mountain of your choice. There are no strings attached to this offer...the price is per night not per person. Our offer is good mid-week and weekends throughout the 2009/2010 season. The only time the package price climbs is during Christmas Week, Martin Luther King, Jr Weekend, and Presidents Week. Book now for the holiday periods as all the hotels fill up three to four weeks in advance.

Ok...I can hear some of you..."we don't need all the bells and whistles...the free breakfast, indoor heated pool, and whirlpool are nice but we're all about the skiing". To you I say...check out my Fairbanks Inn Ski and Stay Packages! Spacious modern rooms that offer all the comforts of home and of course TWO lift tickets with each night of your stay. ONLY $139.99 A NIGHT AT THE FAIRBANKS INN...SKI EITHER BURKE OR JAY PEAK!!!

Hope to ski ya' soon!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Economics 101 meets the "Wheeler"

I'm always proud of my kids. I'm proud of them on many levels but this summer my two boys really impressed me. Over the past few months, they learned the value of a hard earned dollar. The best part was watching them learn it...more specifically, watching them learn it two different ways.

For the past few years, my oldest, Matthew, has been working for me on the hotel's maintenance staff. He's always been eager to learn and loves getting his hands dirty.

At the beginning of the summer, Cass, my youngest son approached me and asked if he could work at one of the inns. After speaking with the managers, the only position we were hiring for was housekeeping. I wasn't sure how he would respond but was pleasantly surprised when he jumped at the opportunity. He knew that I had started in the industry "cleaning toilets and making beds". He also knows that everyone pays their dues in life...one way or another. Cass was the target of some serious ribbing from his older brother and friends. He took it all in stride..."you're going to look so cute in a skirt and waving a feather duster". Cass wanted to work and was determined to make the most of it. From day one...he loved working! He loved his team members, he loved the sense of accomplishment, and he REALLY loved pay day.

In no time, our entire family had to endure the nightly squabbles at the dinner table, who's job was harder...who's job was more important...it got old quickly. With their new found wealth, discussions quickly turned to what they would spend the money on. The decision was made, both would be purchasing four wheelers. They grew up driving mine and I was confident that they were more than capable of having their own "wheelers" (ya' have to know the lingo). Each boy had a plan...Cass was paying cash and getting an older "fixer upper". Matthew was going for the newer high-end model...as well as securing a loan to make the purchase.

Both love riding their wheelers. Trail riding is abundant around our home situated on top of a mountain. A few short miles through the woods and the "Top of the World" ATV club in Concord, Vermont offers an amazing trail system. Riders from all over New England converge on northern New Hampshire and Vermont for the regions amazing ATV trail riding. New Hampshire's ATV trail system is just 15-30 minutes away. They offer four completely different trails systems ranging from 20 to 120 miles long. The trails are mapped out and allow for amazing day trips into the rugged wilderness.

As summer drew to a close, Cass, a high school freshman, explained to me that he planned to do his part to stimulate our nation's economy. I watched as he made one purchase after another. First a ridiculously huge TV showed up in his room, next an Xbox 360, and by the start of the school year...a quality laptop.

Matthew on the other hand...is still making payments and can barely afford gas for his truck never mind his four wheeler.

Cass is now given up on the economy and is saving towards his first vehicle. The moral of the story...life lessons don't always come cheap or easy.

Oh, and by the way, in my humble opinion...neither job is "easy" but housekeeping is SIGNIFICANTLY harder than maintenance!




COMFORT INN & SUITES - ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT http://www.vermontvacationland.com/

HAMPTON INN - LITTLETON, NEW HAMPSHIRE http://www.littletonhotel.com/

HAMPTON INN & SUITES - BURLINGTON, VERMONT http://www.burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com/

FAIRBANKS INN - ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT http://www.stjay.com/

Foliage From A Whole New Perspective

The changing of the seasons is my favorite time of year. Visitors from around the world flock to our region to experience the foliage. Majestic purples, blood reds, stunning yellows, and bright oranges cover the rolling hills and mountains. Mother nature at her very best.


My family and I are always taking advantage of the region's attractions and natural wonders. Recently, I received an offer from the Mount Washington Resort "Bretton Woods Canopy Tour" to take a complimentary ride on their tree top zip lines. I'm an adventurous soul but there is something about sliding on steel lines high above the ground that simply isn't happening. Doesn't mean that I'm not intrigued by the concept...but count me out. I didn't need to go far to find someone in my hotel to take advantage of the offer. Brandi, my hotel's front office manager, jumped at the opportunity to go "zipping".


This past weekend, she and her boyfriend, Nate experienced the canopy tour. Monday morning Brandi was all smiles and couldn't wait to share her pictures. She went on to describe getting her "zipping" gear on (WARNING...according to Nate...the harness is not exactly "comfortable"), being driven to the top of a ski mountain and hooking on to the first zip line. She said the first time or two was nerve racking. After that, they settled in and enjoyed the entire experience. More specifically...they LOVED it!!! The views were described as truly breathtaking. Brandi reported that the guides were extremely professional and fun to be with. The overall experience was given an A+++ (even after being forced to wear those sexy helmets). Obviously, it is not an experience for those that have a fear of heights. In addition, there is just a little bit of hiking between zip lines.


As Brandi said..."There is no better way to see the foliage or have a memorable day. I'll never forget this experience".

The Bretton Woods Canopy Tour costs just over $100 per person and lasts more than three hours.

COMFORT INN & SUITES - ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT
www.vermontvacationland.com

HAMPTON INN - LITTLETON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
www.littletonhotel.com

HAMPTON INN - BURLINGTON, VERMONT
www.burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com

FAIRBANKS INN - ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT
www.stjay.com

Happy Jetting!

My wife and I just returned from an amazing trip to the Bahamas.

I could go on and on about Paradise Island, pool bars, beaches, crystal clear ocean, or learning to scuba dive but the experience that most impressed me was very unexpected...JetBlue.

I fly five to ten times a year. I fly out of Burlington, Manchester, and Boston depending on my destination. For whatever reason, I have never flown JetBlue. Yes, I had heard about the TVs, legroom, and service but our paths had never crossed. On this recent trip, JetBlue simply was the easy choice. Not knowing what to expect, I looked forward to experiencing the airline.

It started at check-in...my bag (not my wife's) was over the weight limit. After weighing both our bags, the two people at the counter said "we" are repacking your bags so you don't get charged extra. Syrup (we were bringing as gifts), snorkeling gear, and some clothes were moved from one suitcase to the other. Both agents smiled as the bags weighed in at 49 pounds each and followed it up with "Mr. and Mrs. Loehr thanks for flying with us...have an awesome vacation". Happy to have avoided the overweight charge, appreciative of the service...off we went to the terminal. I'm convinced that through osmosis the JetBlue culture has even infected the TSA agents. There was no screaming about shoes, lighters, laptops, or liquids. They smiled...I'm serious...I had a TSA agent look me right in the eye and SMILE!!! They actually welcomed us, did their jobs and ushered us through the security gauntlet with no wand waving, pat downs, or special screening. We were two for two so far...I wanted to see how far this would go. Boarding the plane was uneventful except for the gate agent who after taking our ticket stubs said "We appreciate you flying with us...happy jetting". I was honestly impressed.

The seats were leather, they were large, great leg room, and the TV was a blessing (football was on). Before taking off the pilot came out and greeted the passengers and announced that we would be getting off the ground shortly and we could expect a smooth flight to Fargo, North Dakota...everyone paused...and then laughed. I'm sure he's used a similar line hundreds of times...I don't care...I ate the whole thing up. As we pushed back from the terminal and taxied to the runway. This is when it happened. I thought I was going to pass out. Looking past my wife and down on the tarmac, I was amazed to see the gate agents, maintenance staff and luggage handlers all in a line waving to the passengers.

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! PINCH ME!!! I MUST BE DREAMING!!!

Did they use magical pixie dust? Spike the kool-aid? Something "different" is going on in JetBlueLand and I for one love it. The rest of my flights and experience with JetBlue actually improved from there. Snacks and beverages were included in my airfare (what a concept). Complimentary high speed internet access in JFK allowed me to get caught up on work after eight days of suffering Bahamian style.

My hotels team members pride themselves on offering similar "wow" experiences for our guests. Feedback on the service they provide is overwhelmingly positive. On a daily basis, guests share JetBlue like experiences with me. In today's economic culture, you would think providing quality service would be the norm. Instead, as companies make staffing reductions and try to cut costs, we end up with even worse service then before. The part that drives me crazy is that providing exceptional service doesn't cost a penny...conversly...poor service can cost you millions. I'm guessing that JetBlue and my company have similar corporate cultures...hire the right people, provide quality training to new hires, encourage team members to genuinely care about their role, continue to provide training and eductional opportunitues, give them the tools needed to do the job, promote from within, and recognize team members that go above and beyond the call of duty.

For my hard earned money...I'm flying JetBlue

"Doggy Dog World" or "Dog Eat Dog World"

Is it a "Doggy Dog World" or "Dog Eat Dog World"??? I think you'll find the answer is "both" when visiting Stephen Huneck's "Dog Mountain" in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Just a little background...my family and I have endured the loss of two of our dear pets in just the past twelve months. "Boo" our cat of 18+ years passed after a lengthy battle with a stomach tumor. "Holly" my young and amazing German Shepard passed very unexpectedly of bloat. She was 6+ years old. If you have a large breed dog...take time to learn about bloat (great site for information) and possible ways to prevent it. I had never heard of bloat but it is the second leading killer of dogs behind cancer.

Family friends have told us repeatedly to take time and memorialize our pets at St. Johnsbury's "Dog Mountain". Until this weekend I had only driven past the unique chapel built by Stephen Huneck. The chapel at Dog Mountain was built to memorialize the special bond that exists between families and their dogs. Over the years, visitors have made the chapel a memorial to all their beloved pets.

This past Saturday I picked my youngest son, Cass, up from work. At the last moment I had decided to take my new puppy "Crown" for the ride. Crown, is an Australian Shepard, who got his name after my favorite past-time...I mean drink. My wife, Becky, vetoed "Whiskey" saying it was an inappropriate name for my puppy. My wife runs a daycare out of our house. Becky was concerned about children going home or to friend's houses and telling them about playing with Whiskey at Becky's Playcare. Not exactly the exposure/reputation she was looking for. Crown is a beautiful puppy that has an amazing personality to match. This was Crown's first truck ride. After picking up my son, Cass suggested that we stop by Dog Mountain as it was on our way home.

Dog Mountain is both beautiful and secluded. You are encouraged to bring your companion(s) and experience the chapel, art gallery, agility course and hiking trails. The chapel along with Stephen Huneck's artwork make this a do not miss location for pet lovers.

The three of us loved the agility course. I was able to convince my son to role model for the dog. I fell over holding my side on more than one occasion as Cass completed obstacles. All the while, Crown sat there in amazement looking at his young master jump over bars...six inches high. Cass also scaled teeter totters and ramps at a vicious rate. Ultimately, Crown and I decided that for a human Cass was pretty agile. We're planning to enter him in some shows and hope to bring home some blue ribbons.

My Fairbanks Inn is pet friendly and located only minutes from Dog Mountain. Plan your pet friendly vacation today!

Fairbanks Inn

http://www.stjay.com/

802-748-5666

An hour away and worth every minute of the drive...

I absolutely love this time of year. The black fly season is finally coming to a close and all the little kiddies are going back to school (YES!). I'm not sure there is a direct correlation between black flies and my children but it makes you wonder. My oldest son, Matthew, is a varsity football player at St. Johnsbury Academy. Each year, my wife and I find ourselves traveling all over Vermont to watch the academy football games. These early morning treks allow us to take in some of the best Vermont has to offer.

This past weekend we traveled to Woodstock, Vermont (one of my wife's favorite locations...one of the most expensive for me...I mean us) for the season's first football scrimmage. Woodstock...in my humble opinion...is the way life should be. No matter how many adjectives I throw at it, you need to experience it for yourself. No internally lit obnoxious business signs here. Instead, handmade wooden signs adorn buildings. Beautifully manicured lawns surround homes, churches, and inns. You drive slow in Woodstock...everything happens at a more relaxed speed there. For the record...I'm not a "shopper". For that matter...I officially hate shopping. There's something about spending a day in Woodstock that fools my senses and allows me to think I'm not shopping. Whether you are a shopoholic or not, don't plan a visit to Vermont without including Woodstock in it.

When visiting Woodstock...set aside an hour or two for the Quechee Gorge area. Just minutes from Woodstock is "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon". This amazingly beautiful gorge offers a quick photo opportunity from the highway bridge or hours of exploring wilderness trails. Either way it's a natural wonder that old and young alike will always remember. The gorge is over a mile long and 165 feet deep. The trail system is well marked and my five year old went down and up the gorge trail system without needing to be carried.

My family LOVES eating at the "Farmer's Diner" located in "Quechee Gorge Village" shopping center. It is a one of a kind diner experience. While shopping is at the bottom of my "to do" list...eating good food would probably be at the top. You won't go wrong at the "Farmer's Diner". After eating at the diner, stroll through the different village shops. There is truly something for everyone. The village offers Vermont made furniture, Cabot Cheese, pewter, jewelry, handcrafts, glassblowing studio, antiques, wine, blacksmith shop, and a toy museum.

It probably goes without saying but my son and the Academy football team dominated Woodstock. After watching the scrimmage...I think it's going to be a great year for our local Hilltoppers.