I’ve always dreamed of seeing Vermont’s famous fall colors. You know, those bright orange and red leaves covering the mountains. Well, after three trips, I still haven’t caught them at their peak! But here’s the good news: Stowe is amazing any time you visit. This mountain town works perfectly all year long. During spring and summer, you can bike and hike everywhere. Fall brings those leaf lovers from around the country. Winter turns everything into a snowy paradise with great skiing.
This guide covers the best things to do in Stowe VT, including activities kids will love. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or great food, you’ll find it here. Let me share what makes this place so special.
Where is Stowe located?
Stowe sits in northern Vermont, tucked into the beautiful Green Mountains. It’s far enough from cities to feel peaceful but still easy to reach. The mountain setting creates endless chances for outdoor fun.
If you’re flying in, Burlington airport is only 45 minutes away. That’s your fastest option. Boston Logan International Airport works too, but you’ll drive about three hours through pretty New England countryside.
How To Get Around Stowe?
You really need a car here. The best spots spread out across the area, and you’ll want freedom to explore. Hiking trails, mountain roads, and restaurants aren’t connected by public transit.
During winter, there’s a free shuttle called Green Mountains Transit. It connects the ski resorts and hotels. You can hop on and off between ski runs without worrying about driving.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Stowe?
Most people visit during fall for leaves or winter for skiing. These are busy times with higher prices. But honestly, every season has something great to offer.
Want to see fall colors? Aim for early or mid-October. Weather changes things each year, so it’s hard to predict perfectly when booking months ahead.
Ski season runs from November through mid-April at Stowe Mountain Resort. There are over 100 trails for every skill level. Just remember, it gets really cold up there. Temperatures drop below freezing regularly, especially on the mountain.
Summer and spring are wonderful too. The hiking trails and biking trails through the Green Mountains are perfect then. It stays cool even in July, usually just reaching the 70s. This makes it a nice break from beach heat.
Fall Leaf Peeping Planning: What I’ve learned
After three tries at catching peak leaves, I’ve learned some lessons. Weather controls everything. One year we came in early October, but rain knocked the leaves down early.
Mountains matter too. Higher areas change color before the valleys. Check fall foliage reports as your trip gets closer. They won’t help when booking a year early, but they’re useful later.
How Many Days Do You Need In Stowe?
Don’t think you can see everything in one day. This small town packs in way more activities than you’d expect. We spent two days and still missed plenty.
Plan for three or four days if you want to experience Stowe properly. You’ll have time to relax and explore without rushing everywhere. There’s honestly enough to fill a whole week if you want.
Things to Do in Stowe, VT
Stroll Through Downtown Stowe
Downtown Stowe is exactly what you picture when thinking about a cozy mountain town. Main Street has cute shops selling local items. You could spend hours just browsing around.
Visit Stowe Mercantile, Shaw’s General Store, and Bear Pond Bookstore. They sell outdoor gear, Vermont maple syrup, toys, and handmade items. Everything feels authentic and local.
Black Cap Coffee and Beer makes amazing breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Butler’s Pantry is famous for incredible pancakes. Both places get busy on weekends, so go early.
Kids love exploring downtown. There’s a tiny house art display that becomes a playhouse instantly. Our children turned park benches into their own playground. Sometimes simple things create the best memories.
Hike To A Waterfall, or Two
Worried about hiking with little kids? Don’t be. Stowe has easy trails that work perfectly for families. These paths aren’t too long or difficult.
Moss Glen Falls is just five minutes from town. The walk takes only 20 to 30 minutes. It’s gentle and beautiful, perfect for young children or beginners.
Bingham Falls is another great option at 1.3 miles total. People swim here during summer. Just check conditions first because it gets muddy after rain. The end has a steeper part that might challenge little ones.
Get Lost in Percy’s Maze
Percy’s maze was our favorite activity. First, you visit a small farm with animals. Then you tackle a huge corn maze. It’s fun for everyone.
You park near a pretty stream and cross a bridge to reach the farm. Kids go crazy feeding the goats and sheep. Farm animals always bring out pure joy in children.
The maze itself is genuinely fun. We got completely lost, which became part of the adventure. Running through tall corn while searching for the exit creates memories that last forever.
Tips For Maze Adventuring with a 1 year old
Bring a baby carrier even if you think you won’t need it. The maze takes about 45 minutes normally. We took 90 minutes because we got lost. Little legs get tired, so having a carrier helps tremendously.
Drive To The Top of Mount Mansfield
Seeing views from Vermont’s tallest peak, Mount Mansfield, is one of the best things to do in Stowe. You drive up the Auto Toll Road to get there. This road is narrow with lots of curves.
Horses used this same path back in the 1800s. Drive carefully and slowly. It’s only open from late spring through fall, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Many people bring lunch and eat at the top while enjoying amazing views.
Walk The Stowe Recreation Path
Walking is a great way to see Stowe up close. The Stowe Recreation Path goes 5.3 miles from Topnotch Resort to downtown Stowe. You pass shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenery along the way.
No cars are allowed here. It’s just for walking, biking, or carrying kids. Families love this trail because it’s flat and easy. Strollers work fine, and young kids learning to bike can practice safely.
Go On A Self-Guided Food Tour
Vermont makes amazing food, and you should taste it. Several great stops sit near Stowe. I love free samples, and you’ll enjoy trying local specialties at your own pace.
Start at Cider Hollow Orchard for delicious apple cider and incredible cider donuts. Watch their working cider mill and grab samples. They have a restaurant too if you want to stay longer.
Next, visit Cabot Cheese to see their cheese selection. You’ll find varieties you can’t get in regular stores. Everything tastes fresh and authentic.
End at Ben and Jerry’s factory. They offer tours if you buy tickets ahead. Otherwise, just visit the Scoop Shop for ice cream. The graveyard outside honors retired flavors in a fun, quirky way.
Ride The Gondola To The Top of Mount Mansfield
Not everyone wants to hike up a mountain. Some days you just want easy access to great views. Luckily, there’s another way up.
Buy gondola tickets at Stowe Mountain Resort for an 11-minute ride up. You’ll see amazing views the whole way. Kids absolutely love this experience, and at the top, they can run around and explore.
You can ride back down or hike if you have energy. Just know this only runs from mid-June through mid-October. Plan your visit accordingly.
I Wish I Had Known This Ahead Of Time
The Cliff House restaurant sits at the top with great food and better views. Even though we visited mid-week, everything was booked. No walk-ins allowed. Next time, I’m making reservations way ahead of time.
Search For Emily’s Bridge…If You Dare
Vermont has over 100 charming covered bridges. But Emily’s Bridge has a spooky story. A young woman named Emily died here after her fiancé didn’t show up to elope with her.
People say her ghost haunts the bridge today. Some report strange scratches on their cars. Others hear a girl’s voice in the tunnel. Visit if you’re brave enough for a little scare.
Take In Scenic Smuggler’s Notch
Smuggler’s Notch has tons of hiking and biking trails plus caves to explore. You could spend days here just enjoying nature. The state park offers everything from easy walks to tough climbs.
Compass Roam Classroom: Why is it called smuggler’s notch?
This mountain pass got its name from history. In 1807, President Jefferson banned trade with Canada. This hurt Vermont farmers badly since they needed Canadian trade.
People started sneaking goods through this pass to reach Canada anyway. Later, during Prohibition, they smuggled alcohol here too. That’s why it’s called Smuggler’s Notch today.
Relax at Spruce Peak Village
Spruce Peak Village sits at Mount Mansfield’s base with everything you need. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and a play area all in one spot. During winter, you can ski right from your hotel room.
Going to Stowe In Winter?
Stowe Mountain Resort has over 100 ski trails, making it one of the East Coast’s best ski spots. Book the Lodge at Spruce Peak for the only ski-in, ski-out option nearby. Horse-drawn sleigh rides by Gentle Giant take you through snowy fields for a magical winter experience.
Where to Stay in Stowe?
Stowe has hotels for different budgets, including fancy four-star options. We stayed at the Lodge at Spruce Peak because the rooms were huge and it sits right on the mountain. Getting to outdoor activities was super easy.
Lodge at Spruce Peak works perfectly for families. During ski season, you’re right next to Stowe Mountain Resort. There are two restaurants, a heated pool, and shops. Our four-year-old loved the Enchanted Forest playground most.
Topnotch Resort covers 120 acres of woods at Mount Mansfield’s base. This peaceful retreat has a famous tennis academy plus hiking and seasonal horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Trapp Family Lodge might confuse you at first. The 2,500-acre property looks like Austria with its alpine style buildings and mountain views. It’s a unique experience totally different from regular hotels.
Lodge At Spruce Peak room tip
We stayed in room 407, a huge four-bedroom penthouse. It fits up to 12 people easily. Two families with eight people total had plenty of space.
The suite has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a private balcony. Penthouse guests get access to a special lounge with free breakfast and snacks all day. That adds great value.
Where to Eat In Stowe With Kids?
Stowe has tons of great restaurants for every taste. We didn’t try everything, but this list includes our favorites and local recommendations. Most places welcome families warmly.
Our Picks
- Black Cap Coffee & Bakery was my top breakfast spot. This small café sells fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and hot drinks. They also have local items like scarves, candles, and essential Vermont maple syrup.
- The Bench serves real “Vermont comfort food” and delivers on that promise. We stopped in after our maze adventure, hungry and tired. Their wood-fired pizza was so good it disappeared before I could take pictures.
- Idletyme Brewing Company is a local favorite with great beer choices. The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone with menu options for different tastes. Make reservations for the outdoor beer garden because waits can hit 45 minutes.
- Alpine Hall is a bright, pretty restaurant inside the Lodge at Spruce Peak. Service was a bit slow when we visited, but the food was really good with big portions. The Brussels sprouts, squash dish, and roasted trout all tasted excellent.
Other Recommendations
Butler’s Pantry serves one of the best breakfasts around. You need reservations well ahead because it’s always packed. Everyone says the pancakes are incredible and worth the planning.
Skinny Pancake serves crepes all day, which sounds perfect. They use locally sourced ingredients and help provide meals to people who need them. Good food and good mission combine beautifully.
Piecasso offers great pizza with Sicilian family recipes. They have gluten-free and cauliflower crust options too. The fun atmosphere includes a small play area just for kids.
The Alchemist ranks as the top brewery in town and maybe the whole country. Beer lovers know about Heady Topper. My husband always grabs some when we’re in Vermont.
Doc Pond’s serves classic comfort food like fritters, wings, and burgers. The lively vibe feels like a big beer hall. Lots of indoor seating and a nice outdoor patio fit crowds easily.
Harrison’s calls itself “American-fusion” with creative dishes like sweet potato salmon. This fancier option works great for date nights or adult evenings out. Make reservations because this cozy spot fills up fast.
Tips for Planning a Trip to Stowe
Book your hotel early because fall and winter bring huge crowds. Leaf peepers and skiers fill hotels months ahead. Waiting too long leaves you with few choices and high prices.
Timing your trip for peak foliage is tricky no matter how much you plan. Different mountain heights mean leaves change at different times. If leaves aren’t ready when you arrive, try visiting higher areas where colors change earlier.
Many Stowe restaurants close on Mondays, Tuesdays, and sometimes Wednesdays. Always check hours before planning meals and make reservations when possible. Nothing’s worse than showing up hungry to find your restaurant closed.
Conclusion
Stowe combines outdoor adventure, amazing food, and small-town charm perfectly. You can spend days walking Main Street, hiking to waterfalls, and enjoying Vermont’s best meals. This isn’t your typical tiny town with limited options. The things to do in Stowe Vermont work for kids, adventure seekers, and couples wanting relaxation equally well. You can visit any season and find something great. We’ll definitely come back to tackle our growing list of activities we still haven’t tried yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Stowe VT for families?
Walk downtown, explore Percy’s maze, ride the gondola, and hike to waterfalls. The Recreation Path works for all ages. Most activities are easy enough for children to enjoy safely.
When is peak fall foliage in Stowe Vermont?
Early or mid-October usually shows peak colors, but weather changes timing yearly. Higher mountains peak before valleys do. Check foliage reports closer to your trip for better predictions.
How far is Stowe from Burlington airport?
Stowe is about 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport on scenic mountain roads. This short drive makes flying convenient for distant visitors. Rental cars are available right at the airport.
Is Stowe Vermont worth visiting in summer?
Absolutely yes! Summer offers hiking, biking, swimming holes, and comfortable 70-degree temperatures. Fewer crowds than fall or winter mean better availability. Outdoor adventures shine without extreme weather bothering you.
What makes Stowe Mountain Resort special for skiing?
Over 100 ski trails fit all skill levels from beginners to experts. Lodge at Spruce Peak provides ski-in, ski-out convenience. World-class terrain and top facilities attract serious skiers from everywhere consistently.
