While the season was beginning to wind down, and the pace in the Wise office began to slow just a bit, things in my world of marketing were as heated as ever. Conferences and events in the months of March and April kept my mind sharp, my focus clear, and, at times, my brain overloaded with new information waiting to be infused into our Wise marketing plans.

Our new website is finally here! After months in the building process, our home on the world wide web has completed its redesign. Many of you may have noticed that it first went live on March 21st, and I think everyone will be pleased with the latest version of WiseVacations.com.

When my husband told me early this past Fall that he booked us flights to Aspen for this year’s Winter X Games, I wasn’t super excited. The X Games are at the end of January- right in the middle of our busy winter season, I haven’t skied in ages, and the thought of standing out in the cold to watch the events wasn’t nearly as inviting as my warm and cozy living room sofa. He assured me that because his best friend works for ESPN and would also be out there, that we would have special passes to get around. Of course I knew that his main motivation was the phenomenal skiing that he would experience. I was just banking on a nice spa, some fabulous shopping, and a little relaxation.

Well, it's finally here. After all the rumors, speculation, and fanfare that circulated around the sale, purchase, and subsequent new ownership style of Killington, Opening Day has arrived!! And apparently Mother Nature got the memo, because as if on cue, it was snowing in Killington yesterday, and the accumulation got more serious today. Let's just hope this is an indication of a successful snowy winter ahead.So what's been going on in Killington anyway? What's up with the new owners? Why are they doing that? Do you think that will be good or bad for business?

While much of the news the past two days has focused on the President’s visit to Kennebunkport with Russian leader Putin, many of you are probably unaware of another big event that took place the weekend before in Kennebunkport- my mother’s birthday. So before all the camera crews and news reporters descended upon this bustling summer resort town, my husband I (and our dog, Shea) made a weekend visit to my parents’ house to celebrate her special day. She would get angry at me for revealing her age, but let’s just say it was a milestone of sorts and the number ends in a zero. I wanted it to be a unique and special celebration, although my mother is not one for fanfare and big parties where she is the center of attention, and under no circumstances whatsoever is she the “surprise!” type of person.

That was what I asked my friend last summer on our way to Martha's Vineyard. She's the co-captain of our cycling team and we were headed to the Vineyard for an MS Bike Tour. Since my husband only rides things that have motors, I was flyin' solo and wasn't super interested in our accommodations... until I got there and found out it was a vacation rental. Then my interest was piqued of course.

Spring has arrived, and summer is not far off. The skiers and other winter vacationers have made their final departures, and the natural wear and tear of these beloved guests once again becomes evident in most of our rental properties. Thus, it’s time to start thinking about a good and thorough deep cleaning for your rental property.The change of the season makes me think about the “difference” in our winter guests versus our summer guests. In the summertime our clientele typically stay with us for extended periods of time; from one month to as many as three.

The season's weather pattern delivers yet another blow as a rare Spring Nor'easter hits all of New England. While the brunt of the storm swept through Sunday and Monday, the effects are just beginning to be felt in many areas.

Here is an update on the situation in the Killington area:

It was all hands on deck for the Friday of the President's Weekend holiday. Not only were we completely booked, but as all of you know, Killington had just received a healthy 3+ foot dumping of the white stuff. In classic catch-22 fashion, we were busily about keeping tabs on plowing, sanding, and shoveling. The phones were ringing off the hook on a day that promised to be controlled chaos. But the Wise team got the job done. Every job.

When my husband bought me a remote car starter for Christmas a month ago, I said to him, "I don't need this, it's 40 degrees outside". Well, this morning the practicality and likability of that precious little gizmo immediately shot to #1 on my list! As I drove to Vermont in my warm and cozy heated leather seats, I watched the digital thermometer in my car go from 2 degrees in CT to -6 degrees by the time I got to Killington. I thought to myself, "adios El Nino, winter has arrived"! And certainly, things have begun to look and feel more like winter this past week or so. The tiny mountain (Ski Sundown) near my house was abuz with night skiing as I drove by yesterday, most of the golf courses have finally closed, and I even think I saw someone in my neighborhood trying to use a snow blower for that dusting of snow that fell earlier this week.