Looking for an escape that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie? Look no further than Stowe, Vermont. Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe is an inviting town that offers a perfect escape for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those searching for a cozy getaway. With its postcard-worthy landscapes and small-town charm, Stowe has both natural beauty and local character. We've scoured every corner to bring you the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont. From the must-see sights to the underrated spots that locals love. Let’s explore our top reasons why Stowe should be your next vacation destination.
1. ENJOY STOWE’S VIBRANT FESTIVAL SCENE
Stowe's captivating New England setting makes it an ideal location for various festivals.
Stowe’s signature events include:
- Jam For The Parks – An annual music festival featuring live bands, Vermont hard cider, and food vendors, with proceeds benefiting Vermont State Parks. It’s one of the most feel-good events of the year.
- Stowe Foliage Arts Festival – A three-day fall celebration featuring over 100 juried artists, live music, and hands-on craft experiences, all set against Vermont's famous autumn colors.
- Von Trapp Brewing Oktoberfest – A high-energy fall favorite with live music, traditional Bavarian food, fresh brews, and sweeping mountain views at the von Trapp Family Lodge.
- Stowe Winter Carnival – Held each January, this long-running winter tradition features ice-carving competitions, snow volleyball, cross-country ski events, and family-friendly winter activities throughout town.
2. SHOP LOCAL AND ARTISANAL
Stowe’s small-town charm is best experienced through its local farms, family-run shops, and independent businesses that have shaped the community for generations. Supporting these local spots not only gives you a deeper connection to Stowe’s culture, but also the chance to bring home something truly unique.
Stowe’s local favorites include:
- Bear Pond Books – A second-generation, family-owned bookstore that has been part of Stowe for more than 50 years. It’s a cozy stop for Vermont-themed reads, locally made greeting cards, and beautifully designed puzzles that reflect the region’s creative spirit.
- Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm – Operated by the Coty family since 1980, this working sugarhouse offers insight into Vermont’s maple syrup tradition. Visitors can learn how syrup is made and purchase small-batch maple products directly from the source.
- Stowe Farmers’ Market – Open Sundays from May through October, this seasonal market showcases Vermont growers and makers. Expect fresh produce, goat cheese, baked goods, barrel-aged maple syrup, and handcrafted items, all set against a classic Green Mountain backdrop.
- Stowe’s antique and vintage shops – Located at the downtown, like Stowe Mercantile or Vermont Antique Mall, these shops are filled with ski memorabilia, historic artifacts, and one-of-a-kind finds that reflect Stowe’s long history as a mountain and resort destination.
3. EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Photo Credit: @the.paulmoody
One of Stowe’s greatest strengths is its year-round outdoor appeal, with each season offering a distinct way to experience Vermont’s landscape. From waterfall hikes in summer to alpine skiing in winter, Stowe invites visitors outside no matter the month. Here's what you can do in Stowe:
Late spring through summer hiking, when trails are at their most accessible and waterfalls are at full flow. The Bingham Falls Trail delivers a dramatic payoff in a short hike, while Sterling Falls Gorge offers a quieter, shaded walk along cascades and wooden footbridges. Moss Glen Falls, one of Vermont's most impressive waterfalls at 85 feet, offers dramatic cascades in a forested setting. For an adrenaline rush, ArborTrek Canopy Adventures offers zipline tours through the forest canopy. The Stowe Pinnacle Trail provides a challenging hike with panoramic summit views.
Warm-weather recreation, including cycling or walking the Stowe Recreation Path a scenic 5.3-mile paved trail perfect for families. You can also try fly fishing in local rivers or take gondola rides at Stowe Mountain Resort to see the peaks without climbing. You can also visit The Alchemist Brewery, which makes fresh IPAs and offers tours almost every day. Stowe Cider Taproom is the best place to try hard ciders and hear live music. Cold Hollow Cider Mill lets you watch them make cider with an old press from the 1920s and eat fresh cider donuts. ArborTrek Canopy Adventures has zipline tours through the forest
Peak fall foliage, usually from late September through mid-October, when Stowe becomes one of New England's most photographed destinations. Scenic drives through Smugglers' Notch State Park , trail walks, and covered bridges are surrounded by vivid autumn color, making even casual outings feel memorable. Visit The Alchemist Brewery to sample their legendary Heady Topper IPA, or explore Stowe Cider Taproom for craft ciders or Cold Hollow Cider Mill offers traditional fresh cider donuts, a Vermont tradition.
Winter sports season runs from late November to April. It's all about Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest mountain at 4,395 feet. Stowe Mountain Resort offers excellent snow and more than 100 trails for skiing and snowboarding. You can also cross-country ski and snowshoe. Take the gondola up to The Cliff House restaurant at the top. Ice skating at Spruce Peak's outdoor rink is magical at night with mountain views and twinkling lights. Trapp Family Lodge Cross-Country Ski Center has 100 kilometers of trails. You can ski right to Von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall.
4. SAVOR LOCAL FLAVORS
Stowe's food scene reflects its New England roots, pairing classic comfort dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful twists. Dining here follows the rhythm of the seasons, making meals feel naturally connected to the time of year and the surrounding landscape.
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
Cafe on Main in Downtown Stowe
- Maxi's on Main – A Waterbury institution serving hearty all-day breakfast in a restored building with pressed-tin ceilings. especially popular during fall and winter for those craving stick-to-your-ribs comfort food before hitting the slopes.
- Cafe on Main – Tucked inside the same building as Bear Pond Books and Stowe Mercantile, this village is bustling with hikers and bikers grabbing quick breakfast sandwiches and expertly crafted coffee drinks.
- Woodland Baking – This artisan bakery on Mountain Road crafts some of Stowe's most coveted espresso drinks and pastries using locally-milled flour.
- Green Goddess Cafe– A cottage-like spot beloved for its fresh, wholesome approach to breakfast and lunch. Their delicious sandwiches and customer-favorite smoothies make it perfect for health-conscious visitors looking for lighter options without sacrificing flavor.
LUNCH & CASUAL DINING
- Idletyme Brewing Company – Ideal for a post-hike meal, pairing comfort food with house-brewed, European-style beers. Much more than average pub food, it's perfect for families and craft brew enthusiasts.
- Doc Ponds – One of the most popular après-ski hangouts featuring groovy vibes, vinyl records, colorful snowboard displays, and meticulously sourced pub grub like smoked carnitas tostadas and Vermont half chicken with chimichurri.
- American Flatbread – A Vermont institution set in the former home of The Rusty Nail music venue. Their thin, crispy pizzas emerge from a sedan-sized wood-fired oven and feature toppings from local farms. The homey atmosphere and patio seating make it worth staying to dine in.
- Piecasso – Stowe's local pizzeria offering both wood-fired pizzas and all-American classics in a casual setting.
UPSCALE DINING
- Harrison's Restaurant – Voted 2024 Best Restaurant and Best Date Night Spot in Stowe. Located in the heart of historic Stowe village, this speak-easy-like environment serves upscale casual cuisine with quintessential Vermont touches like wood beam ceilings, a brick fireplace, and flannel-print banquettes. Specialties include fried duck wings with maple chipotle glaze.
- Alpine Hall – At Spruce Peak, this woodsy-glam restaurant features an open kitchen, chef's counter, grand bar, and seasonal terrace. Chef Sean Blomgren creates hyper-seasonal menus that might include rack of lamb with parsnip and celery root puree, paired with kicky cocktails.
- Tipsy Trout – Also at Spruce Peak under Chef Blomgren, this seafood-focused restaurant features mountain views, a raw bar, and coastal cuisine like lobster agnolotti. It's a modern chic space perfect for special occasions.
- Edson Hill – Shines in fall and winter, offering an intimate setting and refined Vermont dishes like pan-seared duck and local lamb. Set on 38 acres in forested hills, the patio dining offers spectacular views. Reservations recommended.
- The Whip Bar & Grill – Located at the Green Mountain Inn, featuring an extensive menu of flavorful food prepared with Vermont products and fresh ingredients from local farmers. Known for steaks, appetizers, fresh homemade breads, and their famously decadent Sac de Bon Bon dessert.
MOUNTAIN VIEW DINING & BREWERIES
- The Cliff House – Located at the summit of Mount Mansfield, accessible via gondola. Offers spectacular panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Reservations fill quickly, so book ahead.
- Après Only – A celebration of 80s nostalgia and classic Vermont ski culture. Come straight from your adventures for IPAs on draft, bourbon, and curated boards featuring charcuterie, warm Bavarian pretzels, and Swedish meatballs.
- Von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall – A 30,000-square-foot brewery offering European-style lagers and pilsners, traditional Austrian food including pretzels, schnitzel, and bratwurst. The vast patio offers Nordic ski-in, ski-out access in winter, and the venue sits near bike trails.
- The Reservoir – A local favorite celebrating Vermont's craft beer scene with plenty of fresh, creative dishes. Their Nashville hot-fried chicken sandwich is a standout.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STOWE, VT
Alpine Elegance 47C | Stowe Resort Homes
To fully immerse yourself in all that Stowe has to offer, choosing the right accommodations is key. Our 100 Collection™ partner, Stowe Resort Homes, provides some of the best places to stay in Stowe, Vermont. Their Vermont vacation rentals offer comfort, convenience, and a true home-away-from-home experience. They’ve got you covered, with over 50 properties, all in prime locations. For our ski enthusiasts, enjoy some of the best places to stay near Stowe Mountain Resort with their ski-in ski-out rental options. You can choose from properties like Alpine Elegance - 47C, 1517 Spruce Peak, 1129 - 2 BR - Spruce Peak, or Casual Elegance at Topnotch to find the perfect fit for your getaway
By choosing Stowe Resort Homes for your Vermont vacation rentals, you'll have the perfect home base to explore all that this charming town has to offer. Their properties provide the comfort and convenience needed to fully enjoy your Stowe experience, whether you're hitting the slopes, exploring the town, or simply relaxing in the beauty of the Green Mountains. Check out Stowe Resort Homes to find the perfect vacation rental for your trip to Stowe.
Stowe, Vermont truly has so much to offer. Start planning your Stowe getaway today and discover why it's one of Vermont's most beloved destinations. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Stowe is ready to welcome you with unforgettable experiences!
