THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN STOWE, VERMONT

Vermont—home of the Green Mountains, fantastic cheese, and Noah Kahan. The state is a haven for artisans, makers, and bona fide New England yankees looking for a quieter pace of life, Ask ten visitors which part of Vermont they love most and you’re likely to get ten different answers—but pretty much everyone will agree that Stowe is a great place to begin your exploration of the Green Mountain State, at any time of year.

Nestled in the northern part of the state halfway between the capital at Montpelier and the lakeside city of Burlington, this tiny town has flourished in recent years. It’s been a resort community since the mid-nineteenth century, providing a reprieve of fresh air for city-based visitors and serving as a place for year-rounders to lay low and build their own American Dream—for example, the the Von Trapp family who inspired The Sound of Music and settled here to open a lodge and brewery. At various times Stowe has been an agricultural and then a dairy hub, but today it's one of New England’s most alluring year-round tourism towns.

The best part is that Stowe has managed to maintain its soul. Yes, there is a thriving food scene, tons to explore, and a vibrant hotel scene ranging from five-star luxury to smaller-scale boutiques—but it remains inhabited by year-round locals, and despite all its development, Stowe still very much feels like an idyllic northern New England escape. It’s charming, filled with character, and still has a bit of mud on its boots.

Each season offers something different. Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal for hiking, biking, and paddling on lakes and rivers, with October and November being prime time for peeping New England’s iconic fall foliage. In the winters, it’s all about downhill skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, and cross-country skiing through the region’s countless public trails that criss-cross the landscape in every direction. And of course, there’s no wrong time of year to enjoy the town’s numerous good restaurants, or simply post up by the fire with a blanket and a good book. If you’re looking to experience this quintessential New England mountain town, here’s how to best do it year-round.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The best things to do in Stowe

Don’t make the mistake of assuming Stowe is exclusively for skiers in the winter months—this town has evolved into a fully-developed destination that caters to visitors all year round. It’s possible to come here and break a sweat on the numerous cross-country ski or snowshoeing trails (rent your gear from the Trapp Family Lodge or over a stay at Edson Hill), or simply unwind and explore the microbrew scene (Alchemist and Idyltime are musts). In town, you’ll find a number of charming shops to explore, including: handmade chocolate bars from Lake Champlain Chocolates; personalized book and gift recommendations from Bear Pond Books; and maple products and gifts from local makers at Shaw’s General Store.

Up at Stowe Mountain Resort, the name of the game is skiing in winter as well as golf and mountain biking in the summer—but the property also caters to less adventurous visitors, too, with activities like scenic gondola rides to the summit, lunch at 4,300 feet at the Cliff House Restaurant (open June through October), and free ice skating at the resort’s base in the winter.

Autumn is a great time for hiking in this area. The days are cool yet sunny, the ground isn’t as infamously muddy as it gets during the spring snowmelts, and there are tons–and we mean tons–of hikes in the area. The ambitious can always try to summit Mount Mansfield the old fashioned way, but if you’re willing to cheat just a little, Stowe Mountain Resort’s Auto Toll Road will bring you most of the way up, and there’s a parking lot where you can ditch the car and hike the “Nose to Chin” the rest of the way. On a clear day, you can see from the summit all the way to Lake Champlain and Canada. For a gentler walk, try the Stowe Recreation Path or the one and a half mile trail through the forests and meadows of Wiessner Woods—all of the above will grant you excellent viewpoints of the region’s famed fall foliage.

At the end of your trip, on the drive back to Route 89—generally how everyone from all points south depart Stowe—stop for a coffee at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co. in Waterbury. Located in a renovated red barn right on Route 100, it offers some of the best coffees, teas, and treats you’ll find in the area. Peek behind the counter before heading out and you might spy someone working the enormous coffee roasters. This place is not just a refueling stop, but a great symbol of the many small businesses and craftspeople who make the Stowe community as vibrant as it is.

Restaurants in Stowe

Come hungry. This is not a town that caters to well-heeled visitors and no-nonsense locals alike.. For an elevated experience, the Lodge at Spruce Peak's two restaurants, Alpine Hall and Tipsy Trout, offer elevated mountain fare and seafood including a raw bar (think steakhouse vibes). Speaking of fish, seafood lovers should grab a meal at Matterhorn, a local dive located between the ski lifts and town that’s a lively spot for music, pub fare, and (trust us) some of the best sushi in the state. Down the road and next door to Alchemist Brewing, newcomer Nocturnal has been stirring up buzz with its luscious, slow-cooked BBQ–a cuisine they should know a thing or two about, as they are the sister property to Nocturnal Brewing in Hayesville, North Carolina. And speaking of newcomers, Stowe has been blessed with not one but two new (and really good) to-go Mexican spots this year, both of which are beloved made-in-Vermont mini-chains: The Avocado Pit, a Mexican spot that flexes locally sourced ingredients; and Arendas, founded by a family who emigrated here from Mexico City (the heavenly tortas, crispy chicken tacos, and breakfast menu are standouts).

An in-town favorite is Plate's chef-driven, seasonal menu of California-meets-Vermont fare. If there’s a long wait for a table, head over to Cork for a glass of natural wine, some pillowy focaccia, and absolutely killer baked brie. And the best reservation of all to score is at Harrison’s for elevated American fare that couldn’t be cozier on a chilly night—especially if you ask for a table by the fireplace.

Where to stay in Stowe

With lodging abound in Stowe, it’s hard to go wrong—but if you’re looking for something that offers accessibility to the resort, an easy stroll into town, and amenities that make your winter trip as seamless as possible, it’s hard to think of a better option than Lark Hotels' Field Guide, an adorable boutique hotel with an air of hygge that feels colorful enough for Vermont. It’s nestled on a quiet hillside just a short stroll from all the restaurants and shops in downtown Stowe, and offers free breakfast, a complimentary shuttle to the ski lifts, and a lively après-ski scene just downstairs from the guest rooms (and that quiets down in time for a peaceful night’s sleep).

New for this fall, just next door to Field Guide and also from Lark Hotels is AWOL Stowe. This serene hotel is like a grown-up companion to Field Guide, offering a Nordic spa deck (hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, repeat), fire pits, a guests-only bar, and–most crucially–no children allowed. Just down the road, the new Outbound Stowe offers the region’s largest pool, direct access to Stowe’s Recreation Path, and a mix of rooms, suites, and freestanding cottages that can sleep up to eight, making it a no-brainer for groups.

If proximity to the ski lifts is your priority, consider The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a sprawling resort complete with outdoor hot tubs, on-site restaurants, a fabulous spa, and, as part of the Destination by Hyatt consortium, bookable through any pertinent World of Hyatt and credit card loyalty programs. It’s located slope-side at the ski resort, yet seven miles up the road from downtown Stowe, so just know that if you’re staying here, you’re a solid fifteen minute drive (more in snowy weather) from the heart of Stowe proper. It all boils down to what type of activities you’re planning.

If you truly want to escape it all, and don’t mind being slightly removed from all the action, consider the more traditional and intimate Edson Hill, tucked away between downtown and the ski lifts. It’s nestled in the woods, and ideally situated for cross-country skiing in winter, hiking in the warmer months, or just relaxing by the fire and watching the seasons unfold from your window.