4-Day Family Adventure from Jersey City to Smugglers' Notch with Budget-Friendly Activities

Day 1: Travel and Settle

Jersey City, NJ to Smugglers' Notch, VT on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Jersey City

Start your trip early to make the 5-hour drive to Smugglers' Notch, Vermont. Ensure to pack snacks for the road to stay within budget.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch stop at Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour, Waterbury, VT

Experience a fun and free factory tour to learn how the legendary ice cream is made. Samples are complimentary. Open 10am-4pm.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Resort

Get settled into the resort and relax before the days of adventure ahead. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
CURRENCY0, N/A

4:00pm

Swim at Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Indoor Pool

Cool off and have fun at the resort’s indoor pool, perfect for family bonding and relaxation.
Included with stay, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at the Inn at Smugglers' Notch

Enjoy affordable American cuisine with kid-friendly options within walking distance from the resort. Open until 9pm.
Approx CURRENCY30, 1h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Relaxation

Smugglers' Notch, VT on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Smugglers' Notch Resort Cafe

Start the day with a budget-friendly breakfast at the resort cafe offering fresh pastries and coffee. Opens at 7am.
Approx CURRENCY15, 1h0m

11:00am

Hiking Smugglers' Notch Trails

Explore scenic and family-friendly hiking trails like the Sterling Pond Trail offering breathtaking mountain views. Open daylight hours.
Free, 2h30m

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Sterling Pond

Enjoy a picnic lunch packed from local grocery stores while soaking in nature beside the serene pond.
Approx CURRENCY20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Resort Pool

Relax with some swimming back at the resort pool before heading out again.
Included with stay, 1h0m

5:00pm

Light dinner at The Black Bear Restaurant

Savor hearty dishes at this cozy family-friendly restaurant. Open till 8pm.
Approx CURRENCY30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Local Attractions

Stowe and vicinity, VT on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Butler's Pantry, Stowe

Enjoy wholesome breakfast options at this local eatery known for fresh ingredients and friendly service. Opens at 7am.
Approx CURRENCY15, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Stowe Recreation Path

Take a stroll or rent bikes on this beautiful 5.3-mile path along the West Branch River, perfect for a family outing. Open all day.
Free (bike rentals approx CURRENCY20/hr), 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge, Stowe

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed setting, accommodating families. Open till 9pm.
Approx CURRENCY25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Resort Pool swim

Unwind with a swimming session at the resort pool before wrapping up the day.
Included with stay, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Local Market or Resort

Opt for a budget-friendly dinner by picking up groceries from a local store or eating at the resort’s casual dining option.
Approx CURRENCY20, 1h0m
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Day 4: Return Trip Highlights

Smugglers' Notch, VT to Jersey City, NJ on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a quick breakfast at the resort before checkout to fuel up for the journey home. Opens 7am.
Approx CURRENCY15, 1h0m

11:00am

Departure from Smugglers' Notch

Begin your 5-hour drive back towards Jersey City.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Stop at Quechee Gorge, VT

Visit Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” for a short scenic walk and photo opportunities. Open daylight hours and free.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Simon Pearce Restaurant, Quechee

Enjoy quality farm-to-table American cuisine with scenic river views, offering reasonably priced lunch options. Open noon to 3pm.
Approx CURRENCY30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Continue drive back to Jersey City

Finish the trip with a comfortable drive, aiming to arrive home by early evening.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m
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