One of my favorite types of vacations is one that includes athletic endeavors. It brings out the tomboy in me and places my endorphins into overdrive. May it be barreling down a snowy steep mountain, zipping  through trees in a hot dense jungle or snorkeling in cool clear water  among colorful tropical fish, there’s almost nothing better than getting that rush and workout.

I decided to share this passion of mine and some of the fine getaways that allow tapping into the inner athletic side in all of us. Stay tune for future fit and fun travel blogs such as skiing in Utah, sailing in the Virgin Islands, rafting in West Virginia, ziplining in Maui, mountain biking in Pennsylvania, hiking in Colorado, snorkeling in the Cayman Islands and European adventures. This edition features jumping horses in sunny outdoor rings, riding through endless wooded trails and cantering across wide open cross-country courses in lovely Vermont. This is not all that is available in this New England state. Read on to learn more.

Two hours north of Albany, New York in central Vermont sits Mountain Top Inn and Resort in scenic Chittenden, a hidden haven for riding horses, enjoying an assortment of outdoor activities or just kicking back lakeside with spectacular mountain views. Just 11 miles from ski magnet Killington, Mountain Top Inn sits on 350 acres of spectacular property with sweeping views of a mountain lake and the Green Mountain National Forest and creates a comfortable respite from day-to-day stress and pressure. Here you will find over 37 miles of trails right on the property for riding, running, biking and cross-country skiing … a private lake for swimming, canoeing and kayaking … and a first-rate equestrian center for riders of all ages and experience levels.

Mountain Top Inn is one of only a few resorts in the Northeast to offer horseback riding getaways for the experienced horseman to the novice rider. Guests can board their own horse or use one of the Inn’s many horses and can choose from lessons in English or Western, guided trail rides with breathtaking views, dressage, stadium jumping, cross-country jumping and more. There is also a summer horsemanship camp for children six years and older.

For those traveling who would like to do more than just ride, the Inn’s private beach on the lake offers kayaking, canoeing, scenic pontoon boat rides and swimming. Also available onsite is clay bird shooting, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, volleyball, croquet and more. Right next door to the property is the Green Mountain National Forest with 400,000 acres that stretch across nearly two-thirds the length of Vermont.

The Main Lodge has 33 comfy guest rooms and five classic mountain cabins that are also pet friendly. There are three restaurants onsite covering all three meals; the Dining Room serving New American cuisine with a world-class wine list while the Tavern and Terrace serve casual bistro style fare. Picnic lunchesare also available. When playing is done for the day, you can relax by receiving one of their many massages, including Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue or hot stone.

Whether you are in search of a riding adventure, romantic hideaway or a fit and fun get away, Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden has something for everyone. So pack up your bags, jump in your car and head toward Vermont and get ready for a wonderful fun and healthy vaca.

Here are some notes to jot down…

Accommodations:Mountain Top Inn and Resort, 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden, VT 05737 (802) 483-2311 http://mountaintopinn.com

Onsite Activities: Riding, swimming, tennis, badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, lawn croquet, shuffle board, clay bird shooting, lake activities, summer camp for children, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, horse drawn sleigh rides, dog sled rides. (seasonal)

Nearby Activities: Golf, fly-fishing, water tubing, boating, hiking, hot air ballooning, alpine slide, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing. (seasonal)

Getting There:The closest major airport is the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT/KRUT), 16 miles away. Amtrak also has a direct train line from Washington, DC to Rutland. Both taxis and car rentals are available in Rutland. A second major airport is the Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB/KLEB) in New Hampshire, 49 miles away. Otherwise, major roads and highways will get you there.

Special Note: A must place to eat breakfast is the Maple Sugar and Vermont Spice Restaurant in neighboringMendon, VT. Not only do they make their own maple syrup, this simple eatery also serves scrumptious homemade waffles, pancakes and other breakfast items and has a country store filled with Vermont goodies. Try the pumpkin pancakes, my favorite!

Whether you are in search of a riding adventure, romantic hideaway or a fit and fun get away, Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden has something for everyone. It’s a great choice. So pack up your bags, jump in your car and head toward Vermont and get ready for a wonderful fun and healthy vaca.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana