Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont

Made up of two mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe Mountain Resort is New England’s fifth-largest but most well-known luxury ski resort. (It’s also one of our favorite ski spots in the country.) Welcoming skiers and riders of all levels with 116 trails of the best terrain in Vermont, the resort encompasses a 312-room hotel and spa, gourmet restaurants, shops and a performing arts center. Even if you don’t ski, take the gondola to the top for lunch with panoramic views at the Cliff House restaurant.

Just a short five-minute drive from the village of Stowe, Moss Glen Falls is a short but scenic hike. Follow the trail signs from the parking lot to find one of the prettiest and most photogenic waterfalls in Vermont. Standing at almost 125 feet, it is a beauty.

Stowe’s known for its many classic covered bridges. The oldest one, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily’s Bridge, has a mysterious past. According to folklore, a local girl named Emily was supposed to meet her lover at the bridge, but alas, he didn’t show. Suffering from a broken heart, she hanged herself from the rafters of the bridge. Supposedly her tortured soul haunts this crossing.

Park behind the Stowe Community Church at Lintilhac Park and jump on the multi-use, 5.3-mile paved path that winds its way from the village up to Topnotch Resort. Only open to non-motorized traffic, it is perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Several footbridges criss-cross the river along this gorgeous greenway. Hop off the trail to take a dip in the water.  Or pack a lunch to enjoy at any of the picnic tables along the way.

Burrowed deep in the woods behind the Trapp Family Lodge, the Slayton Pasture Cabin is the best place to warm up after a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Only open during the winter months, it is worth the three-mile trek from the base lodge to take a seat by the fire in this cozy log cabin to enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches and hot cocoa.

Over 70 years ago, the Georg and Maria von Trapp family (yes, those von Trapps from “The Sound of Music”) made Stowe their home. Set high on a hill overlooking the Green Mountains, their Austrian-style lodge is brimming with family photos and movie memorabilia. Learn a bit more about the real story of von Trapps while enjoying year-round activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and more.

The sister property of Tälta Lodge, Field Guide, a boutique Lark Hotel, is conveniently located in Stowe Village. This mountain chic property has just 30 rooms spread out between two uniquely renovated buildings. Book one of the cottages with a private entrance if you are traveling with your family or a pet, or the Trail House suite, which accommodates up to eight people.

Make a reservation at one of Stowe’s hottest restaurants. Serving California-style cuisine from a seasonal menu, the “Plate” veggie burger with honey pickle aioli is a favorite among non-meat-eaters and carnivores alike.

Doc Ponds is one of Stowe’s top picks for burgers, beers and tunes. It is all in the numbers. The restaurant’s infamous soundtrack, which comes from their collection of 1000+ vinyl records on-site, can also be found on their numerous public playlists on Spotify. Their beer menu has 24 rotating taps and over 100 bottles and cans.

Despite being an obvious choice, a Ben & Jerry’s factory tour is a must if you are a first-timer in Stowe. Check out the ice cream maker’s first factory, which churns out 350,000 pints a day, grab a free sample in the scoop shop and visit the Flavor Graveyard, where you pay homage to the pints that are no longer produced.

Although you can’t visit the Green Mountain State without having a maple creemee (Vermont famous soft-serve ice cream), while in Stowe, pop into Acorn Italian Ice for a twist on this classic summer treat. With flavors like Swedish Fish, birthday cake and, of course, Vermont maple, this isn’t your old-school-style granita from Sicily.

If you’re passionate about supporting local farmers and artisans, plan to visit the Stowe Farmers’ Market. Open seasonally on Sundays from May to October, listen to live music while you peruse the stalls to find fresh produce, baked goods, specialty food items and handicrafts.

With a cult-like following, most serious beer drinkers have heard of Heady Topper. In the early 2000s, this double IPA, 8% ABV craft brew was once only available in the 60-seat Alchemist Pub in nearby Waterbury. Skyrocketing to craft-brew fame, they opened a large brewery with a tasting room and beer garden in Stowe in 2016.

Hand-crafted in Vermont with locally sourced apples and founded in 2013,  Stowe Cider is a relative newcomer to the hard cider scene. Visit the taproom to sample their unique small-batch hard ciders for yourself. They often have live music as well.

This is the local fave for sipping and savoring a glass of wine while nibbling on small eclectic plates. The shop is filled with an assortment of red, white, rosé, orange and sparkling natural wines. Check the calendar before you go, as they often host tasting events.

With a unique location accessible directly from Stowe’s Bike Path, Idleytime offers local beers that are brewed daily on-site. So after a long hike or bike ride, try the Brewski Sampler in their cozy brewpub, grab a bite to eat in the lounge, dining room, full restaurant or enjoy a pint in the backyard Biergarten.  

Skiers and snowboarders of all ages will appreciate the vast assemblage of snow sports memorabilia at the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum. Housed in Stowe’s town meeting house that dates back to 1818, spend an afternoon admiring their massive collection of skis, snowboards, boots, binding, art, photos and more. 

One part bowling alley, one part lounge and one part restaurant, Stowe Bowl is the best place to hang when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Knock down some pins while indulging in a few cocktails, wings, pretzel bites and flatbreads.

For a moment of zen, book a massage or facial at the luxurious Spa at Topnotch resort. There’s more than 100 treatments — 100! — to rejuvenate your body and soul. Relax in the solarium with a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi with a cascading waterfall in between treatments.