Escape to Vermont :: Gay Away: Winter Edition

For someone like myself - who spends most of my time with suitcase in tow - returning to Good Commons, a private vacation home and retreat center in Plymouth, VT, feels like coming home. More accurately, a visit to Good Commons is like returning to a dream home; one without stress, where gourmet meals are prepared by someone else, an outdoor Jacuzzi tub is always waiting, and I never have to clean...

In just a few weeks, the fabulous hosts of Good Commons are pulling out all the stops for a weekend of winter fun, gourmet cuisine, and snowy revelry for the Gay Away: Winter Edition, January 28-31. With the on-site private chef, outdoor Jacuzzi and easy access to some of the best skiing in Vermont, Good Commons is getting plenty of buzz as one of the Northeast's hottest gay-friendly boutique getaways.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Originally built as a general store (and frequented by Calvin Coolidge), Good Commons was lovingly restored by owner/creator Tesha Buss, a former Broadway dancer who called upon friends and family to renovate the 4,700-square-foot property. With room for up to 21 guests, it's the perfect-size getaway to make friends... or spark a new romance.

The property features six bedrooms, two living rooms, a steam shower, yoga studio and a sleeping loft as quaint as the storybook Madeline's- but with better mattresses. (I'm hoping my next visit might include a tap number from Tesha herself!)

Snowbunny or Snowboarder?

The Gay Away is the perfect opportunity to show off your best moves on the mountain or conveniently fall into the arms of a hunky instructor. The itinerary includes free local transportation (as well as round-trip transportation for those traveling from Manhattan) to the area's best winter activities.

The first day drop-off is at Okemo Mountain. A favorite among locals, Okemo features more than 600 acres of terrain, 19 lifts, a slopeside firepit and a snowtubing park.

On day two the boys head to Killington Resort, which stretches across six mountains. Known for its diversity of terrain, Killington provides skiers and riders of all ability levels a choice of wide-open groomed cruisers, narrow classic New England runs, moguls, steeps and trees, along with multiple terrain features for snowboarders and freeskiers that include five terrain parks and a 430-foot long Superpipe.�

Home Sweet Home

After a day on the mountain, what's more enticing than a home-cooked meal? One of the highlights of the weekend, the Gay Away features on-site private chef Matthew Wexler, who will be whipping up an Italian feast for guests' arrival, along with a 4-course dinner with wine pairings, hearty breakfasts and a farewell brunch that will make you wish you could pack him in your suitcase upon departure. On my last visit, he turned a cucumber from my garden into homemade pickles - so I can only imagine how he'll handle a winter squash.

"It doesn't hurt that we're indulging everybody with some pretty amazing local ingredients," shared Chef Matthew, who recently oversaw the purchase of the property's own pig and cow, butchered specifically for his use throughout the season.

Also on board for the weekend is award-winning guest pastry chef Martin Howard (a.k.a. Chocolatina Q Dessert), whose creations have been seen on the Food Network and at the New York Chocolate Show.

Did I mention the outdoor Jacuzzi and on-site certified massage therapist?

Feeling Good

Good Commons is committed to supporting gay-friendly travel in Vermont, the 4th state to legalize gay marriage. With this in mind, they've made sure that the Gay Away is affordably priced: just $450-$575 per person, depending on choice of accommodations and travel arrangements. And if that sweet carrot dangling in front of you needs even a bit more sugar, they're offering a special $50 discount for EDGE readers!

"Coming from the theatre, I've been around gay men my whole life," shares Tesha with a gleeful grin, "They're like my brothers, but with more fashion sense. And I want to make sure they feel comfortable being themselves."