Posted in Vermont November 13, 2016 by

The Whimsical Playground In Vermont That’s Straight Out Of A Storybook

My mother always told me that “playgrounds are one of the few places that a child can go and simply play.” In today’s day and age with sports and structured activities becoming more and more prevalent, sometimes it’s nice just to let the little ones loose to be, well, kids. After all, kids are naturally adventurous and thrill seekers, so these play areas may be more important than ever. We’ve found a whimsical playground in VT that is positively enchanting, and it certainly lives up to its name of the “Enchanted Playground.”

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
In a wooded area at the Stowe Mountain Resort you'll find the Enchanted Forest Playground.
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Few things can send kids running with delight like the prospect of a playground.
Here you'll find natural materials in a secluded setting that make up an incredible play structure.
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One side of this whimsical playground has a challenge: Can you make it from one end to the other without touching the ground?
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With freshly fallen snow on this crisp November afternoon, all the kids at the playground naturally took on the Enchanted Forest challenge...
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If you can't master one, try the next!
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You'd never know you were in the heart of the Stowe Mountain Resort.
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Don't worry - this year round playground is free!
It's a quick walk over to the winter and summer activities at the mountain.
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Or a wonderful detour if you're exploring Smuggler’s Notch State Park.
In addition to the natural aspect of this playground, the spot is loaded with Vermont history.
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This site was the original Smuggler's Notch Campground, one of the earliest state campgrounds in Vermont.
In the early 1900's, this campground catered to the growing tourism industry.
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Hiking and camping became a popular escape from the growing urban areas.
Due to the increase in demand for recreational activities, the Vermont System of State Parks was established in 1910.
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The Smuggler's notch Campground was built from 1938 - 1940 and was the second of the many recreational facilities established in the Mt. Mansfield State Park.
The Smuggler's Notch Campground was built as a direct result of the fork programs initiated by the New Deal manpower provided by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
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Through this act the CCC was established.
For those familiar with the trail names on the mountain...
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it was Vermont State Forester Perry Merrill who was the main force in getting the CCC crews into VT and used them to create park facilities, access roads to state lands and create ski trails and facilities on state owned mountains.
Smuggler's Notch Campground was associated with four historic contexts and related themes which were:
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1. Industry and commerce - lumber and production.
2. Tourism and recreation industry.
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3. Transportation - Auto Travel.
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Route 108 over the notch was a transportation route first used by the Native Americans and later used by smugglers beginning in 1807 when a trade embargo with Canada and Great Britain was put in place by Thomas Jefferson and later by liquor runners during the prohibition years.
4. Culture and Government- The New Deal.
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The original structures in the campground were built by the CCC.
In 1958 there was an increasing need for larger facilities.
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The Vermont Legislature approved the Bond Issue Campsite Expedition Program which appropriated $200,000 for state camping facilities over a 10 year period to be repaid over a 20 year period by camping receipts.
This program funded an additional nine lean-to's 17 tent sites, 15 new fireplaces, a second toilet facility and 800 feet of camping road.
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In 1996, the Vermont Legislature approved a land exchange with the Stowe Mountain Resort that allowed the resort to acquire the 25 acres where the Smugglers Notch Campground was located a d begin the planning necessary to relocate the campground.
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In 2003 a new campground was planned, financed and constructed by the resort in cooperation with the Vermont Parks Division was opened on a scenic hillside west of route 108 about a mile south of the former campsite.
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All the original CCC lean-tos, stone fireplaces, stone water fountain, stone entry gate, a small log bathhouse and the newer park ranger's residence were successfully moved to the new site.
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This allowed for future generations of Stowe visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and historical heritage of the original campground.
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The drive through Smuggler’s Notch is now closed for the season. Did you see it before it closed? It’s one of the most unique tree tunnels in the world – see for yourself!