Stowe is a charming and picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and New England charm. In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to do and see in Stowe plus tips on what to eat and where to stay.
When to Go
The best time to visit Stowe depends on the type of activities you enjoy and your preferences for weather conditions. Fall is the busiest time of year to visit Stowe. Late September to early November is the peak foliage season when the leaves on the trees change colors, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape. It is also a great time of year to experience all of the outdoor activities that Stowe offers including hiking, biking, and scenic drives. If you are interested in completing winter sports, December through February offer excellent snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, some hiking trails remain open for snowshoeing during the winter months.
Spring brings milder temperatures as the snow begins to melt and nature awakens after winter. It is a suitable time for hiking and outdoor activities, especially in late spring. Summer in Stowe brings warmer temperatures and a lush green landscape that provides a different but equally beautiful backdrop compared to fall. Outdoor opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing become fully accessible in the summer.
Where to Stay
Stowe offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from cozy inns to luxurious resorts. The best place to stay depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of experience you’re seeking. If you’re a skiing enthusiast or enjoy winter sports, staying at or near Stowe Mountain Resort is a great choice. The charming Stowe Village offers a mix of boutique hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Staying in the village puts you close to restaurants, shops, and the vibrant atmosphere of the town. Good options in the area include Green Mountain Lodge, Field Guide Lodge, and Sun and Ski Inn and Suites.
One of Stowe’s more popular lodging options is the Trapp Family Lodge. The lodge has a rich history associated with the von Trapp family, made famous by the musical and film “The Sound of Music.” The von Trapp family, originally from Austria, settled in Vermont in the 1940s. The lodge features Austrian-inspired architecture with steep gabled roofs, chalet-style structures, and alpine details. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and chalet-style villas. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while staying on the property including cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. The lodge also features a brewery and restaurant, where guests can enjoy Austrian-inspired cuisine.
What to Eat
Maple Syrup
Although there are several maple syrup farms to visit all over the state of Vermont, we were highly impressed with Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. So impressed that we continue to place a yearly order for a giant jug of maple syrup. Not only do they offer an array of maple syrup, snacks, and gifts, but they also offer a full visiting experience. Morse Farm offers sugarhouse tours and tastings, multimedia displays, a nature trail, and a museum. It is Vermont’s oldest maple farm. They even offer the beloved maple creemees year-round.
Vermont Cheese
Vermont is renowned for its artisanal cheeses. The state is home to more than 45 cheesemakers creating a huge variety of cheeses including cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and goat cheese. You can fully experience the cheese of Vermont via the Vermont Cheese Trail. However, a visit to the Cabot Creamery Store in nearby Waterbury may check your Vermont cheese box if you are short on time. At the Cabot Creamery Store, you can try cheese samples and shop for cheese, jams, snacks, and gifts.
Vermont Cider
Vermont’s fertile land and favorable climate make it conducive to apple orchards. The state is home to numerous orchards that grow a variety of apple types, contributing to the diverse flavors of Vermont ciders. Visitors to Vermont can explore cideries to learn about the cider-making process. One such cidery located near Stowe is Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Here, visitors can try free samples, shop at the gift shop, eat at the cafe, and tour the working cider mill.
Doc Ponds
Doc Ponds is a must-eat restaurant in Stowe serving American fare and rotating craft beer. Not only is the food amazing but the vibes are cozy and laid back with an at-home feel. Doc Ponds has over 1,000 reviews on Google with a total rating of 4.6. Reviewers praise the chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, and calamari.
Piecasso
Another Stowe favorite is Piecasso, an Italian pizzeria with funky vibes. This locally owned family pizzeria was rated top 11 slices in the country by Travel and Leisure. With over 2,000 reviews on Google, Piecasso has a total rating of 4.4. Not only are the pizzas highly praised in the reviews, but the Garlic Knots are also popular.
What to See and Do
Skiing and Snowboarding
Stowe is a renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding, attracting winter sports enthusiasts with its excellent snow conditions, challenging terrain, and scenic beauty. Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier destination for winter sports in the region. It offers a range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Ski and snowboard lessons for individuals of all skill levels are also available at the resort. The resort is equipped with gondolas and chairlifts that provide access to various parts of the beautiful Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. The lifts offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, adding to the overall experience. Stowe’s combination of challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and a welcoming winter sports community makes it a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path offers a picturesque and accessible way to explore the natural beauty in the area. Spanning 5.3 miles through the town of Stowe, the trail winds its way through open meadows, woods, and alongside West Branch River, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The paved path is designed for multiple uses including walking, jogging, running, cycling, rollerblading, and even cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail has multiple access points along its route. Visitors can find parking areas at different locations, making it convenient to start the path from various points in Stowe. You can find a map with parking and trail access information here.
Stowe Village
Nestled in the scenic Green Mountains, Stowe village offers a blend of New England charm, picturesque landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere. The architecture reflects the classic New England style, with well-preserved buildings, charming shops, and tree-lined streets. At the heart of Stowe Village is the Stowe Community Church, an iconic white-steepled church that adds to the village’s charm. The church is a focal point and a popular subject for photographs. The village also offers a diverse culinary scene with a range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. In the warmer months, the popular Stowe Farmer’s Market is a lively and community-oriented market experience where visitors can shop from local farmers, artisans, and vendors. The village captures the essence of a quintessential New England town, with its scenic beauty, cultural offerings, and welcoming community atmosphere.
Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road
The Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road is a scenic mountain road that provides access to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. The 4.5-mile drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests. The road twists and turns along the way with several designated scenic overlooks and viewpoints to stop and take in the scenery. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the Champlain Valley. Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road is typically open seasonally from late spring to early fall, depending on weather conditions. The price is a little steep for a scenic auto road – $32 per car and $12 per passenger. Make the most of your time on the auto road by bringing a picnic and exploring the hiking trails. You can find more information here.
Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour
America’s most popular ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s, originated in 1978 in a renovated Burlington gas station. Today, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury takes visitors through the ice cream production process via informational videos, exhibits, and a walk through the production area. The Factory Tour also includes a visit to the tasting room to sample ice cream flavors.
Another interesting and unique feature of Ben and Jerry’s Factory is the Flavor Graveyard, where discontinued or “retired” flavors are commemorated with humorous headstones. During our visit, Chris got to have closure with Oatmeal Cookie Crunch, a favored ice cream that was discontinued in 2012. In addition to touring the factory and graveyard, visitors can stop by the scoop shop to pick out their favorite flavors and check out the gift shop. Factory Tour tickets are released two weeks before any chosen date. Pre-purchasing tickets online is highly recommended due to limited availability.
Gondola Skyride
The Gondola Skyride offers a picturesque journey to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. Along the way, visitors have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests from the gondola windows. The views only get better at the summit of Mount Mansfield. The Gondola Skyride operates seasonally, with different offerings during the winter and summer months. In the winter, it provides access for skiers and snowboarders, while in the summer, it caters to sightseers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. There are two restaurants and a gift shop at the summit. You can find more information about the Gondola Skyride here.
Emily’s Bridge
Emily’s Bridge, also known as Gold Brook Covered Bridge, is one of the most famous covered bridges in the state and has gained a reputation for being associated with local legends and ghost stories. According to the legend, a young woman named Emily fell in love but was heartbroken when her lover did not meet her as planned at the covered bridge. Distraught and devastated, she is said to have hanged herself from the rafters of the bridge. Some claim to have experienced paranormal activity around the bridge, contributing to its reputation as a haunted location. The bridge also has historical significance as one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont. It reflects the architectural style and craftsmanship of the 19th century when covered bridges were common. You can drive on the bridge (no trucks or buses allowed) or take a look from the outside.
Take a Hike!
Mount Mansfield
At 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain peak in Vermont. The mountain offers challenging hiking trails and breathtaking views both at the summit and along the way to the summit. An interesting feature of the mountain is that when viewed from a distance, the mountain resembles a man’s facial profile. Thus, features of the ridgeline are aptly named Forehead, Nose, Upper and Lower Lips, Chin, and Adam’s Apple. The summit is located at the Chin. There are several challenging trails to take to the summit. The Long Trail is the easiest way to the summit of Mount Mansfield. However, it is still a long and challenging hike with many steep and rocky sections, especially near the summit. Mount Mansfield Chin via Long Trail is 4.7 miles with 2,780 feet of elevation gain.
The Hell Brook Trail is another option for summiting Mount Mansfield. What makes this challenging hike unique is the terrain. The trail ascends a steep brook with large slippery rocks. It is one of the most challenging hikes in the state of Vermont. Due to the steep and slick terrain, the Hell Brook Trail should only be used for ascent. Rather, hikers are encouraged to descend Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail to Route 108 and then walk north back to the Hell Brook parking lot. Mount Mansfield via the Hell Brook Trail is 3.5 miles with 2,627 feet of elevation gain.
Other popular trails to the Mount Mansfield summit include The Chin via Sunset Ridge Trail, Sunset Ridge and Long Trail Loop, The Chin via Long and Profanity Trail, and Laura Cowles Trail to Sunset Ridge Loop.
Stowe Pinnacle Trail
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail is a moderate hike that leads to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint of the town of Stowe and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Mansfield. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the state of Vermont. The trail is steep and rocky in some sections, with scrambling sometimes required. The trail can be hiked one of two ways: from Upper Hollow Road (3.6 miles round trip) or Pinnacles Heights Road (2.6 miles round trip). The latter option shortens the hike by approximately one mile. The total elevation gain is 1,520 feet. Stowe Pinnacle Trail is a popular trail, so an early start is recommended, especially on the weekend.
Bingham Falls Trail
The highlight of this trail is Bingham Falls, a beautiful 40-foot waterfall. The path leads to the top of a gorge, as well as a fork. If you head to the left, you will reach the upper gorge. A right turn will take you down to the falls. Bingham Falls is 0.5 miles with 157 feet of elevation gain. The trail is rated as moderately difficult.
Moss Glen Falls
This short and scenic trail leads hikers to Moss Glen Falls, the tallest waterfall in Vermont. The waterfall cascades 85 feet and is known for its lush green surroundings and moss-covered rocks. From the parking lot, the trail follows a brook to the falls. After the waterfall, the trail continues and eventually leads to a viewless summit. Most hikers only complete the portion to the falls and back. Moss Glen Falls is 0.6 miles to the falls and back (150 feet in elevation gain) or 4.2 miles for the full trail (613 feet in elevation gain). It is classified as an easy hike.
Sterling Pond via Long Trail
Located in Smugglers’ Notch State Park, this trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake. The trail is short but steep. Sterling Pond via Long Trail is 2.1 miles with 938 feet of elevation gain. It is rated as moderately difficult. Although most people just hike to the pond and back, many incredible viewpoints are a short hike from the pond. The trailhead is located off Route 108 near the Smugglers’ Notch Information Booth.