Ask anyone who loves the game of golf what constitutes a golfer's paradise and you will likely be regaled with more details about courses, conditions and cup placements than you ever wished to know.
But listen closely and you'll find that somewhere after the vivid depictions of undulating fairways and lightening fast greens will come the "19th hole" considerations - the après-golf criteria that are as much a part of making a paradise perfect as the links themselves. On the short list are a cozy pub, decent meal, comfortable accommodations and always, gracious hospitality.
Accordingly, the West Dover Inn has made many a golfer's cut. Situated in southern Vermont between the Mount Snow Golf Course and the Haystack Golf Course, this venerable establishment puts championship golf at its guests' fingertips and post-golf pampering on their docket. Offering 12 country-elegant guestrooms, sumptuous meals, complimentary breakfast and affordable stay and play packages with pre-arranged tee-times, the inn epitomizes what the ultimate golf getaway is all about: ease.
Which is, no doubt, a good thing considering the challenge posed by the state's renowned "mountain golf". Suffice it to say that like everything in Vermont, the golf here is unique. Dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking scenery pair with strategic bunker placement and sagacious use of water to stimulate players at every hole. Cases in point are the area's two premiere courses: Mount Snow and Haystack.
A landmark Geoffrey Cornish layout, Mount Snow Golf Course is rated by Golf Digest as one of Vermont's five best courses. (For those wishing to be initiated to the game, it's also home of the revered Mount Snow Golf School).
The equally challenging Haystack Golf Course credits Scottish architect Desmond Muirhead for utilizing its distinctive landscape to create a round to remember.
Both courses are featured on the West Dover Inn's Golf Getaway package, which starts at just $89/per person (midweek). Both innkeepers are avid golfers so you may even find out some helpful course management tips before the game.
Golf widows take heart - a lengthy list of diversions from spas to shopping is proffered by the inn, meaning more than enough merriments are available to occupy your time. All of which translates into one thing: for anyone who loves the game of golf, this is nothing short of nirvana - this is paradise found
The West Dover Inn is located in the somnolent village of West Dover, Vermont, within an easy "drive" of five top-rated championship courses. For more information on the West Dover Inn call (802) 464-5207 and tell them you found them online in Vermont Living Magazine.
© 2012 
