Mountain Creek Ski Resort
An all-season resort operated by the Intrawest corporation, it offers decent skiing across 3 small peaks in the winter, and good lift-served mountain biking in the summer. There is a condo village at the bottom of each mountain which will be rented out usually before the peak season.
Hidden Valley ski area
Hidden valley is a bit smaller than Mountain Creek, but it is appropriately cheaper. If you've skied yourself out on Creek's 3 peaks, you can stop by Hidden Valley and vary your terrain. Often a better choice for less crowded ski lessons, Hidden Valley offers shorter lift lines, similar quality, and a nice lodge at the bottom.
Mountain Creek Waterpark
In the summer, the co-located Mountain Creek water park opens, featuring a multitude of slides, pools, and other pleasantries. It's a nice way to spend a day on a hot Jersey afternoon.
Appalachian Trail
Perhaps the best but most overlooked feature of Vernon is its small leg of the Appalachian Trail AT. The trail is s bit long for small children, but very easy, with man-made rock steps leading the way up the side of Vernon's border peaks. There is a mid-way stop at a natural rock outcrop, but hike further and you will be rewarded with some of the nicest views in the Hudson Valley that can be had in an easy day's walk. There is a large rock face with ample flat space to set up a lovely picnic for two and enjoy some local breads and cheeses. Alcohol is prohibited, although not likely to be noticed if enjoyed quietly and maturely. An excellent distraction on an autumn day, about an hour at a lazy pace ascending and descending. The trail is accessed by taking Rt. 94 towards Warwick and the Hidden Valley farms. There is a small parking area which accommodates about 6 cars, and in peak season you may find yourself pulled up on the side of the road. Exercise caution with pedestrians about! Often, though, you will be alone to enjoy the solitude of nature, just an hour's drive from the metropolis of New York.
'Minerals' Resort/Spa
Minerals is a great destination to unlock those stiff joints from a long day of skiing. It's no shabby Japanese hot-spring hole in the ground, rather it's a chic and upscale gym and spa, catering to the type of people often found in Vernon: wealthy urban escapists. However, getting in is reasonable, and grants you access to a full gym, indoor track, indoor basketball, tennis, handball/squash, indoor lap pool, a large hot tub, a large HOT hot tub, a cold tub, sauna, indoor waterfall, and swim-through to an outdoor heated pool, with its own outdoor waterfall jump and diving area. If it sounds over-the-top, it's because it is. Not super-exclusive with hot rock massage and large Turkish men named Francois, but still with a giant variety of relaxations. Nearby restaurant/bar 'Kites' offers fare and tipple within a short walk.
