By Jeffrey A. Rendall, Photos By Jeff Janas

WINTERGREEN, VA -- Looking back, when you think of childhood trips to the mountains, you probably remember skiing, hiking -- or maybe camping. 

You recall the days of yore when Mom & Dad packed you, your siblings and all your camping knick-knacks in the 'woody' station wagon for a weekend holiday up high, where the family then wasted mass quantities of time pitching tents, gathering wood and fighting over dish duty and campsite clean up detail.  All that's well and good, of course, but there are modern alternatives for those desiring perhaps a little bit (or a lot) more luxury and convenience than a naked campground can offer.  For those folks, Wintergreen Resort is the place.

Devil's Knob Golf Course is at the top of the mountain -- you'll probably be able to walk there from where you're staying. Here, the 17th hole.

Wintergreen bills itself as a four season resort, and sure enough, with just a brief perusing of the landscape you'll notice ski runs, trail heads, golf courses, tennis courts, a big mountain lodge and all sorts of outdoor entertainments to keep you occupied, 365 days a year.  There's more than enough of nature's wonder to go 'round for the entire family.

But a trip there is much more than just a visit to the mountains.  Wintergreen offers excellent accommodations from which to launch your activities -- luxurious condominiums or single-family homes for rent.  Gone are the days when you'd need to beg your crotchety campground neighbor for some extra lighter fluid if yours runs out.  And forget about having to shiver in the tent if it rains -- these places are tastefully furnished (as well as climate controlled) and come with complete kitchen setups.

As if the natural surroundings aren't beautiful enough, Wintergreen's staff certainly adds additional color with some nice landscaping work.

No more stumbling around in the dark when the final drops of propane are spent and the lamp goes off.  No more drawing straws for the last few squirts from the 'Off' can to ward off the gathering bug invasion.  No more rickety aluminum cots with a loose screw in a particularly disadvantageous spot.  Nothing like savoring the beauty of the mountains without the overly rustic, unwanted throwback to the eighteenth century sleeping quarters.

Also included at no extra charge are incredible mountain views with every condo.  Ours was a spacious three-bedroom unit, stocked complete with all the kitchen comforts of home and cable TV to boot.  The master bathroom even featured a whirlpool bath.  All in all, Wintergreen's guest accommodations are a world apart from wincing in the state park's pit toilets and desperately trying to find a place to shower, like the good 'ol days.  Wintergreen is quite a setup.

You won't even have to wonder what time it is at Wintergreen -- perfect for catching your next tee time or Spa appointment.

On warm summer afternoons, enjoy a cool one on the condo deck while soaking in the 3000-foot elevation drop from the top of the mountain to the valley below (it's a gradual fall, no cliffs here).  It would be difficult to find a superior scenic view anywhere.

For those wanting the complete pampered guest experience, Wintergreen offers the Wintergarden Spa & Fitness Center.  Here, you can work out, swim, soak in a hot tub, get a massage -- and for the ladies, a manicure.  The Spa provides a comfortable place to relax after a tough afternoon on the links -- or a day on the slopes.  It sure beats having to pile your gear back in the station wagon and head back down the hill like when you were a kid.

Click on the banner to book a tee time at Wintergreen and other Central Virginia Golf Courses.

For food, at Wintergreen, there's no needing to burden yourself with catching enough 8-inch trout, lest you head home half-starved.  The resort offers several different types of eateries, from fine dining at The Copper Mine Restaurant and Lounge to more informal family style fare at The Edge at Cooper's Vantage.  Both golf facilities also offer their own excellent grills -- Café' Verandah at Stoney Creek, and Devils Grill Restaurant and Lounge at Devil's Knob.  Going hungry is not a possibility up on the mountain this time.

In addition to all of these tremendous offerings, Wintergreen provides programs designed just for the kids.  Should Mom & Dad need an afternoon away for a round on the links, there's more than enough for the young people (of all ages) to do.  And not only will the kids have fun, they might even learn something about the outdoors in the process.

Stoney Creek's Tuckahoe nine's 1st hole. When you're here, it's hard not to find peace.

To sum up, Wintergreen Resort really is quite removed from your childhood memories of the mountains -- but in good ways.  There will always be a basic campground available in your backyard if you feel the urge to pitch a tent.  But if you want a little touch of class to go along with your outdoors resort stay, then Wintergreen is a great place to start.

Note:  Wintergreen's Golf Academy is located at the Stoney Creek facility. 

Note:  Check links below for more reviews of Wintergreen Resort's Golf Offerings.