Stowe, Vermont Travel Guide
Cold Hollow Cider Donuts from the top of Pinnacle Trail
Think of a picture perfect idyllic Vermont town. You might imagine covered bridges, beautiful trails that meander through thick forests, the cutest downtown filled with lots of local shops and farm to table restaurants, fuzzy cows roaming the hills, and warm cider donuts served up alongside fresh apple cider.
Welcome to Stowe, Vermont!
Located in the north west corner of Vermont, Stowe makes for a perfect destination anytime of the year. No matter the season, there is always so much to do within the town and nearby as well! I’ve visited Stowe so many times that I have completely lost count and have compiled a list of all my favorites activities and places to make sure you have the best trip!
Your Stowe Activity Checklist
#1 - Explore a historic covered bridge with a haunted past.
Take a walk under the Gold Brook Covered Bridge (aka Emily’s Bridge).
The bridge itself was built in 1844 and is a single-lane, 50-foot long bridge.
The bridge is popular for the ghost story surrounding Emily who is said to haunt the bridge. While there are no documented historical accounts of a woman named Emily, the legend has been captured in ghost books and websites.
#2 - Ride the Stowe Gondola (the Gondola SkyRide) to the top of Mount Mansfield.
The Gondola ride is about 10-12 minutes to the top of the mountain. From the top of the mountain you can grab a seat in a comfy Adirondack chair and watch the gondola, take a hike around the top of the mountain, or enjoy lunch at the Cliff House Restaurant.
The gondola is open daily from June - October, 10 am - 4:30 pm and tickets can be purchased in advance or in person.
#3 - Tour the Ben and Jerry’s factory in nearby Waterbury. Take a walk through the flavor graveyard to remember your favorite retired ice cream flavors. Pick up an ice cream to enjoy and make your way through the gift shop.
#4 - Pedal your way along the Stowe Recreation Path. The 5.3 mile long paved path conveniently starts from the center of town along Main Street and ends at a covered bridge. There are many opportunities for stops along the way including one of my favorite spots in Stowe, Stowe Cider.
#5 - Take a hike along one of the many scenic hiking trails featuring views and waterfalls. There are many different trail options to choose from including quick and easy trails with little to no elevation gain or strenuous all day hikes. See “Where to Hike” below for my favorite hikes.
#6 - Stroll along Main Street and pop into the many cute shops. Stowe Mercantile is a must - there is so much to see in this country store spread out across multiple floors and you will find a huge candy section too!
#7 - Drive through the scenic Smugglers’ Notch Pass. This dramatic and winding road follows Route 108 and takes you through forests and rocky walls. Be prepared for some steep cliffs and hairpin turns. Note that the road is closed in winter and is not plowed. For more travel tips and details on driving the road, check out Smugglers’ Notch Vermont.
#8 - Take a brewery tour at Alchemist. Home of the famous Heady Topper beer. See “Where to Enjoy a Craft Beer or Cider” for more brewery details.
#9 - Experience the food scene. There are so many incredible restaurants and there is really something for everyone. Choose from quick grab and go options, a formal elegant dining experience, and everything in between! See “Where to Eat” below for my favorite restaurants.
#10 - Go on the “Meet the Cows” tour at the Trapp Family Lodge where you get up close to the property’s fuzzy cows. I have done this tour twice and highly recommend it. Not only do you get to meet the cows, you learn a ton about the property overall.
#11 - Pick up some locally crafted goodies from the Stowe Farmer’s Market (open seasonally). The farmer’s market runs every Sunday from May-October and is one of my absolute favorite farmer’s markets.
#12 - Try out mountain biking on the trails at the Trapp Family Lodge. Rent mountain bikes from their outdoor center in the Spring, Summer and Fall months and take them all the way to the von Trapp Bierhall. The trails are great for all levels including a beginner like me. In the winter, you can go snowshoeing or cross country skiing on the trails.
My Favorites (Hikes, Food, Beverages)
Where to Hike:
Stowe Pinnacle Trail: A 3.1 mile out and back hike with epic views from the top (especially during fall). View the trail map on AllTrails here: Stowe Pinnacle Trail (rated hard)
Nose to Chin Trail via Long Trail: A 2.8 mile out and back hike along the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak. You will have great views the whole way on this hike! View the trail map on AllTrails here: Nose to Chin Trail via Long Trail (rated moderate)
Sunset Rock: A 1.1 mile out and back hike starting right from the center of town. You will find some cute trail marker signs along the way and get a nice view of downtown Stowe from the top. View the trail map on AllTrails here: Sunset Rock (rated moderate).
Barnes Camp Loop: A 1.3 mile loop trail that starts along a scenic boardwalk. View the trail map on AllTrails here: Barnes Camp Loop (rated moderate).
Moss Glen Falls: A quick and easy 0.6 mile out and back hike to the tallest waterfall in Vermont! The trail goes along a boardwalk and narrow flat path with a very short uphill climb at the end to look across at Moss Glen Falls cascading at 85 feet high. There is also an option to continue the hike farther after the waterfall. View the trail map on AllTrails here: Moss Glen Falls (rated moderate for the extended hike or opt for an easy hike to the waterfall and back).
Bingham Falls: There are two trail options to reach this unique waterfall. The first option is a quick and easy 0.5 mile out and back hike. The second option is also flat and easy but has a longer trail that meanders through the woods along the water until it reaches the waterfall, for a total of 1.3 miles out and back. View the trail maps on AllTrails here: Quick 0.5 hike and the longer 1.3 mile hike.
For more hikes, check out the Stowe Hiking Guide created by Go Stowe here: Stowe Hiking Guide.
Where to find Cider Donuts:
Stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill on your way into town. This spot gets super popular in the fall so be sure to plan ahead. Not only will you find cider donuts here, you will also find cider and lots of other local products like maple syrup. There is also a cafe and tasting room where you can sample their hard cider offerings.
Pro tip: Pick up cider donuts here to take with you on a hike. They taste even better enjoying them from the top of a mountain.
Where to Eat:
Doc Ponds - My all time favorite restaurant in Stowe! My go-to is the crispy chicken sandwich and fries but everything I have had on the menu has been amazing!
Bistro at Ten Acres - I love this spot for a dinner! Each dish is served with fresh local ingredients and is packed with flavor. I enjoyed a beautiful Cod dish with pumpkin seed pesto here and the vibes are cozy and relaxing. Advance reservations highly recommended here.
The Bench - We tried this spot for the first time on our recent trip and I will absolutely be back! I had a delicious wood-fired pizza which included lots of fresh garlic. The pizzas also have fun names that reflect local places like “Pinnacle” and “Moss Glen.”
Ranch Camp - A fun spot to grab lunch and it’s also a full-service mountain bike shop which offers rentals as well. I love the burritos and nachos here as well as the views of Stowe!
Black Cap Vermont - My go to spot for coffee when I am in Stowe! I always opt for an iced coffee and it never disappoints!
Dedalus - This wine and cheese shop has some incredible breakfast sandwiches. While it is more of a grab and go spot they also have some limited indoor and outdoor seating.
Stowe Sweets - This ice cream is located right in the center of town along Main Street within steps from the Stowe Recreation Path. It’s a perfect stop for a cold treat after getting your miles in biking.
Where to Enjoy a Craft Beer or Cider:
Idletyme Brewing - A perfect spot for pretzels and beer! The pretzels are massive and come with beer cheese and mustard. Enjoy one along side “The Brewski Sampler,” a flight of their micro brews served on a ski! Conveniently located right off the Stowe Bike Path.
Alchemist Brewery - Enjoy the highly sought after “Heady Topper” direct from the brewery! I also love the brewery tour they offer and have been on it several times. Be sure to book your brewery tickets in advance.
Stowe Cider - One of my absolute favorite places for cider and they offer cider flights! They often have live music and it’s a perfect stop if you are biking the Stowe Recreation Path.
von Trapp Bierhall - Get the pretzels here with cheese sauce, you will not be disappointed.
Stowe Public House and Bottle Shop - For a beer in town
Just north of Stowe you will also find: Lost Nation Brewery (Morrisville) - one of my favorite breweries and it’s also a great lunch spot too, Ten Bends Beer (Hyde Park) and Soulmate Brewing (Morrisville).
Where to Stay
Trapp Family Lodge - A historic stay in Stowe with all the views and a true adventure destination. Accommodations include access to a beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub. There is also a full restaurant for breakfast and dinner. And you will find an outdoor center with lots of trails for biking, hiking, or snowshoeing. Pet-friendly accommodations are also available here.
Field Guide Lodge - A modern hotel with lots of ski chalet vibes. They have a nice outdoor space and also have a buffet breakfast which includes options like yogurt, fruit, and pastries. The lodge is within walking distance to lots of great restaurants including Doc Ponds and Ranch Camp.
Green Mountain Inn - An affordable option located right in town. This spot is perfect if you are looking for a lodging option that is within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants along Main Street. They also have a heated pool and hot tub which is especially nice on cooler days.
Luxury Hotels in Stowe - I have not stayed at these but have heard great things and they are on my bucket list:
The Lodge at Spruce Peak - Located right at the base of slopes; a perfect spot for a winter ski getaway. They also have a spa, as well as a full village with shops and dining options.
Topnotch Resort - This luxury resort and spa looks extra cozy and perfect for a fall or winter getaway.
