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- Small Town Stowe: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Things To Do In Vermont's Ski Town
Skiers and boarders likely already know the name Stowe, Vermont. It is one of the US’s top ten skiing and boarding destinations, and there are more than a few reasons why. With its ski resort located on Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain, there is an abundance of terrain on the mountain to enjoy.
However, the town of Stowe itself has a lot to offer travelers. Travelers looking to spend some time here in any season will find countless things to do in Stowe, Vermont, and in the surrounding area.
UPDATE: 2023/07/28 16:58 EST BY LANE VASQUEZ
Small Town Stowe: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Things To Do In Vermont's Ski Town
There's so much to do in Stowe, Vermont in every season; this updated list features more things to see and do both in winter during peak ski season and sights to see when it's warmer out.
Things To Do In Stowe, Vermont
Here's how to get started experiencing the best the town has to offer.
1 Go For A Hike In Or Around Stowe
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Stowe, and countless trails beckon to everyone, from beginners to experts.
Highlights in Stowe:
- The Long Trail, which runs the entire length of Vermont (and is the oldest of its kind in the U.S.)
- Smugglers Notch, a mountain pass located in a same-named State Park; visitors can hike as well as boulder, ice climb, explore caves, and bike
Vermont has tons of gorgeous hiking trails to explore, even outside Stowe.
2 Visit The Vermont Ski And Snowboard Museum
At the Vermont Ski And Snowboard Museum, visitors can learn about famous athletes, see artwork inspired by skiing and snowboarding, and hear from interesting speakers (or catch a ski-related film).
- Suggested admission is $5 per adult
3 Explore At Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
The Trapp Family Lodge covers an impressive 2,500 acres and offers activities and adventures for outdoor and nature lovers all year long.
In the winter, travelers can look forward to cross-country and back-country skiing as well as snowshoeing. In the summer, travelers will be able to discover mountain bike trails, disc golf, hiking, Nordic walking, and outdoor concerts in their meadow!
4 See The Sights At Local Falls
Stowe has two noteworthy waterfalls: Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls. Bingham Falls has both deep pools and gorges, plus trails that wind through areas where visitors are sure to see wild animals. The trail is short at only half a mile.
Moss Glen Falls is a longer trek at 5.2 miles and is more scenic; part of the hike is on boardwalks, while the last stretch is more vertical.
5 Explore The Gold Brook Covered Bridge
The eastern U.S. is known for its covered bridges, and Stowe has one of the oldest on offer. Gold Brook Bridge, AKA Emily's Bridge, was built around 1840 and is even said to be haunted.
- How many covered bridges are there in Stowe VT? At least ten were built between 1840 and 1870.
6 Drive The Auto Toll Road
Stowe is scenic on its own, but a great way to see a bit more of Vermont is via the Auto Toll Road. From Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains, there's a lot to see.
- Auto Toll Road is open from May to October between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm
- How much is the toll road in Stowe VT? Vehicles cost $26, including tax; bicycles and motorcycles are not permitted
Though some roads, including the Auto Toll Road, close in winter, Vermont has countless open roads for winter excursions.
Pack a picnic and find a scenic spot to stop.
7 Visit The Very First Ben & Jerry's
Stowe is home to the original Ben & Jerry's manufacturing site, and today, visitors can tour the factory and sample the goods.
- Visitors must pre-book Factory Experience tickets; they are released two weeks ahead and often sell out quickly
- Cost: $7 per person
8 Canoe Or Kayak Local Waterways
Canoe or kayak the Lamoille River for a unique view of Stowe, Vermont. Local businesses provide paddling rentals for use at Lamoille River, Waterbury Reservoir, Lake Elmore, and Winooski River.
9 A Stowe Must-Do: Go Skiing
Stowe Mountain Resort is Stowe's most popular ski spot; the resort has everything, with highlights for each season. In winter, skiing and snowboarding take over (rentals and lessons are available), while summer is the perfect time for scenic lift rides, golf, biking, and more.
- Highlight: The Gondola Skyride, which operates from June through October
10 Enjoy A Local Brew
Stowe is known for its hopping hops culture, with various breweries around town. Highlights include:
- Idletyme Brewing Company
- Stowe Cider
- The Alchemist Brewery
11 What To Know During Ski Season
Winter in Stowe may be all about skiing, the resort ranks in the top ten of US ski resorts, but there is so much more to this small town than that. Nordic Skiing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, fat bike riding, and sleigh rides are also incredibly popular here.
Travelers should expect hotels to fill up quickly and for lift ticket costs to rise during holidays, but if they plan ahead they should be fine.
Stowe is home to many fun activities and events, both in and out of ski season. The town hosts arts and crafts shows, a balloon festival, and even a weekend-long British Invasion event held every September.
Skiers and borders, however, may be more interested in the ski area. Mount Mansfield, though the home of Stowe’s ski resort is 4,393 feet which makes it Vermont’s tallest mountain. Travelers should note the terrain of this mount is primarily for intermediate and expert skiers.
Winter season aside the area town and mountain both still have a lot to offer. Many hiking trails fill the mountain and nearby Smuggler’s Notch State Park which includes a portion of the famous Long Trail.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Stowe, VT
Stowe is a small town, and despite its tourism, it has relatively limited public transportation. This means cars are quite important for getting around.
By Car
Driving a car will be the best way to get around Stowe, VT. It's not a large town, so public transit is limited making cars nearly a must. There isn’t anywhere in Stowe to rent cars but nearby Burlington and its airport are where travelers can find car rentals.
Having four wheels to navigate around while in Stowe will massively increase the pleasure of the experience—and it makes a visit to Emily's Bridge easier.
By Bus
If travelers are in Stowe from late November to early April and are staying on Mountain Road, Stowe Mountain Resort, or Stowe Village, they can access the mountain via Green Mountain Transit's No. 108 bus.
The bus runs from 6:30 am to 9 pm and is a nice way to reach the mountain. However, the line’s route is limited and is mostly, if only, used by skiers and boarders.
By Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Travelers who find themselves stuck and in need of quick transport will be able to make use of the town’s taxi companies as well as both Uber and Lyft.
Travelers will find these rides to be pricey. The overall cost of renting a car will be cheaper than relying on a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to get around while in Burlington.
By Bike
Now, during the winter this is not a good form of transportation for Burlington, though during the warmer months, cycling around is great in this small Vermont town.
Travelers can even access attractions like the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum which is right along the Stowe Recreation Path. But if it’s winter, travelers should count on other forms of transit.
13 Where To Stay
Being one of the most popular ski destinations in the US, travelers can be sure that Stowe will have many varied accommodations for travelers.
To help them out, here are three of the most highly recommended accommodations in Stowe, Vermont.
Trapp Family Lodge
This Austrian-inspired lodge is not only a destination for activity, but it is also one for lodging and relaxation. Travelers looking for a European-feeling ski adventure will be able to find a close thing to it a the Trapp Family Lodge.
All year round they bring fun activities to the area and their 2,500 acres which host a great deal of year-round fun.
- Accommodation: Trapp Family Lodge
- Address - 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672-5074
- Amenities - Free parking, Free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), Pool, Fitness Center with Gym, Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Bicycle rental, Hiking
- Cost - $$
Topnotch Resort
As its name suggests, the accommodations for the Topnotch Resort really are the top of what’s available in Burlington, but it does come with a price that matches.
Situated scenically in the Vermont countryside, this resort has everything travelers need from dining to relaxation; this resort has it.
- Accommodation: Topnotch Resort
- Address - 4000 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
- Amenities - Blackout curtains, Air conditioning, Desk, Fireplace, Housekeeping, Refrigerator, Cable/satellite TV, Walk-in shower
- Cost - $$
Brass Lantern Inn
Travelers looking for the best value for their dollar should consider the Brass Lantern Inn. The Inn is plenty luxurious and aesthetic in its Vermont scenery.
Amenities like breakfast, hot tubs, an outdoor fireplace, and great access to Stowe’s shops and restaurants make this one of the most popular places for travelers. With their reasonable room costs, it’s easy to see why.
- Accommodation: Brass Lantern Inn
- Address - 717 Maple St, Stowe, VT 05672-4250
- Amenities - Free parking, Free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), Hot tub, Free breakfast, Game room, Hiking, Non-smoking hotel, Outdoor fireplace
- Cost - $
14 Where To Eat In Stowe
Travelers will likely find themselves quite hungry after a day on the slopes or any of the other fantastic outdoor activities in Stowe. So, to help travelers out, here is a look at three of the top food destinations in Stowe.
Green Goddess Café
Starting off a day of adventure right is important, so travelers should do so at Green Goddess Café. They love great food and only serve their patrons the best quality cuisine they can.
From breakfast sandwiches to scrambles and cupcakes, travelers can start their adventure here.
- Address - 618 S Main St, Stowe, VT 05672-5070
- Contact - (802)253-5255
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - Huevos Rancheros
Harrison's Restaurant & Bar
Travelers looking for a perfect night out in Stowe will love Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar. Serving delicious drinks and local favorites to its patrons.
Harrison’s has a polite and friendly staff that has been showered in great reviews. For a classic night out, this is the place travelers should check out.
- Address - 25 Main St Carlson Bldg, Stowe, VT 05672-5185
- Contact - (802)253-7773
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - Tuna Poke Bowl
Idletyme Brewing Company
Travelers looking for a bar and grill with a bit of young and modern flare should try out Idletyme Brewing Company. Their burgers and how delicious they are, are the topic of nearly every review for this brewery. So, stop by for a burger and a brew, travelers won’t regret it.
- Address - 1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
- Contact - (802) 253-4765
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - The Burgers
15 Estimated Costs For Visiting
Estimating the cost of Stowe will be done by considering the cost of lodging, food, activities, and the price of a lift ticket. Hotels will run travelers anywhere around 150 to 500 dollars a night and can go higher on holidays. The cost for food will cost travelers 15 to 30 dollars per meal, but drinks can quickly increase that cost.
Travelers renting a car can expect to pay about 60 dollars per day too. A single-day ski ticket will also cost between 150 and 200 dollars.
Obviously, there are ways to cut down these costs, such as booking in advance, staying at a motel instead of a formal hotel, or making use of a season pass or other discounts.
16 The Perfect Day In Stowe, VT
The perfect day in Stowe would likely involve skiing or boarding, but for the sake of this article, this would be the perfect day spent in the town of Stowe, Vermont. It would start with breakfast, of course, and a quick stop at Green Goddess Café to get the day rolling.
Next would be a Nordic adventure at Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center. Afterward, and likely with a massive appetite, travelers would visit Idletyme Brewing Company for a massive burger and some beer to help recover from the morning.
Finally, a quiet afternoon spent at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is on the agenda before returning to town to spend the remainder of the evening at Harrison's Restaurant & Bar.
FAQ
Q: What to do in Stowe for 2 days?
Whatever season travelers head to Stowe, there is plenty to do. In winter, head to Stowe Mountain Resort for snow fun. In spring or summer, hike around town, check out the local haunted bridge, and in fall, peep the gorgeous Community Church in all its autumnal glory.
Q: Is the Stowe gondola worth it?
By all travelers' accounts, yes, the Stowe gondola is indeed worth it. When it's open in spring and summer, the views are unmatched.
Q: What is the best month to visit Stowe?
Travelers can visit Stowe in any season, as it has peak times in winter (for skiing) and summer (for everything else). The best month for outdoor activities that don't involve snow are June through August, while the best time to ski might be March, the shoulder month (snowy season is usually over in April).