Stowe, Vermont is a picture-perfect postcard town complete with the white steeple church and small village feel. It’s best known for being home to Stowe Mountain Resort where some of the best skiing in the north can be found.
Besides being a touristy ski town, what else does Stowe have to offer? Experience a different side of Stowe with this list of things the locals like to do.
Things to do in Stowe in Every Season
- Enjoy the views at The Kaffeehaus at Von Trapp Family Lodge – you might be enticed by the new Bierhall. It’s the first thing you’ll see on the road to Von Trapp. But keep going. The real gem is the Kaffeehaus where you can grab a brew and take in the huge mountain views from the patio deck. It’s not fancy (the deck has astroturf floor) and that makes it a local favorite.
- Visit The Matterhorn – this spot is the best Apres Ski place in town and the country (voted #1 Après ski bar in North America by the readers of USA Today). They have a little bit of everything on the menu including pizza, sushi, and burgers.
- Workout or Swim at the Swimming Hole – grab a day pass to access the pools, cardiovascular area, strength training room, and locker rooms. The pool area is great for kids with a slide and a beach entrance, plus lap swimming for adults.
- Grab Breakfast or Lunch at the Bagel – choose from over 20 kinds of NY-style bagels and grab a Speeder & Earl’s coffee.
- Pick up Some Vermont Products at Stowe Mercantile – you’ll find lots of local Vermont products at this small family-owned country store, including Vermont wines by Snow Farm Vineyard.
- Check out Rock Art Brewery (in Morrisville) for a great tasting room experience. Or visit Idletyme Brewing Co. to grab some delicious food with your beer. Yes, we know you want to visit the Alchemist – just know they don’t offer a place to sit down and have a beer.
- Little River State Park History Walk (14 miles from Stowe) – an easy walk on wooded trails where you’ll see “old stone walls, cemeteries, cellar holes, and orchards that give evidence of a town that existed over 100 years ago”.
- See a Local Legend Play at the Rusty Nail State @ Tres Amigos – if you see Jaime Lee Thurston on the lineup at the Rusty Nail Stage you’ll be at home with the locals. Thurston is a local country music legend. He’s written music for Rodney Atkins and Montgomery Gentry.
Things to do in Stowe in the Warm Months
- Moss Glens Falls – this is a quick and rewarding hike to a 125-foot waterfall that is only about ¼ mile from the start of the trail.
- Percy Farm Corn Maze – the Percy family owns and operates one of the last remaining dairy farms in Stowe. Their corn maze is accessible by the Stowe Bike Path. You’ll get to pet a calf and grab some local Cabot cheese made from the farm’s milk.
- Stowe Pinnacle Hike – this hike is a favorite because it’s relatively quick (1-2 hours and is best for experienced hikers). It offers views of Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, and Hunger Mountain. It does get busy, so it’s best to get there early (by 8 am).
- Elmore State Park (13 miles from Stowe) – The day-use area features a sandy beach at Lake Elmore, with a beach house that includes a community room, a concession stand and cafe, restrooms, and boat rentals. You can also check out the hiking trails on Elmore Mountain, which lead to the observation tower at its summit.
- Drive up the Stowe Toll Road – if hiking isn’t really your thing, but you want to see some incredible views, drive up the Stowe Toll Road. You’ll take in stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It’s a great way to picnic. If you want to hike, you can walk to the peak of Mansfield at 3,850 feet. Dress warmly, it gets windy and cold even in the summer.
- Lake Mansfield Trout Club – this is a private club for members to enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. It was established in 1899 and taking a peek at the building and the grounds will transport you to a different time. Behind the club, you can hike Nebraska Notch to Taylor Lodge.
- Mountain Bike at Cady Hill – Cady hill is one of the most frequented bike trail systems in New England with trails for all levels. The locals like to ride to Ranch Camp. Ranch Camp is a trailside burrito restaurant that’s also a bike shop where you can rent your bike and start/finish your day.
Things to do in Stowe in the Winter
- Sledding on Marshall Hill – this sledding hill used to be an old ski area with a T bar. Now, the 100-foot drop brings sledders from all over town. It’s located behind Stowe Elementary School. Kids head to the playground when they’re tired of sledding.
- Walk up the Notch Trail – From May through October, Route 108 through Smugglers Notch is busy with cars. When it closes, it becomes a peaceful spot for walkers, cross country skiers, snowshoers, and sledders. It’s a quiet place where you can enjoy the closed road and views of the jagged rocks and cliffs.
- Walk in Wiessner Woods – when you take this leisurely walk on family-friendly trails you’ll feel like you were transported into a wintery scene from the Chronicles of Narnia.
- Try a Homemade Hot Chocolate from Laughing Moon – visit this small family-owned business that makes a delicious “drinking chocolate” aka hot chocolate and lots of other treats from all-natural ingredients.
- Get a Spa Day pass at Stowe Mountain Resort’s Spa at Spruce Peak – on those days when skiing isn’t in the cards, grab a spa day pass. Put on a fancy robe and access the hot tub, sauna, steam room, and a relaxation room near the salon.
This list was put together by Snow Farm Vineyard of South Hero, Vermont. We hope you found something fun to do! We make craft wines in the heart of the Lake Champlain Islands, about an hour north of Stowe. Check out our online store and be sure to pick up some of our wines sold locally in Stowe!
