Stowe, a village in Vermont, has been a popular tourist spot for more than a century. It attracts visitors because of its location on the famous Mountain Road, surrounded by vast forests and majestic mountains. Although it is known as the ‘Ski Capital of the East,’ Stowe offers enjoyable outdoor activities throughout the year.
During summer, visitors can hike or bike on nearby peaks or along the Stowe Recreation Path. Autumn is the perfect time to appreciate the beautiful fall foliage. In addition to outdoor adventures, Stowe’s historic district offers colorful shops and restaurants.
The town is also known for its delicious local produce, excellent breweries, and the presence of nearby waterfalls. These factors contribute to Stowe being considered one of the best towns to visit in New England.
14. Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Gold Brook Covered Bridge is located in a beautiful area, just a five-minute drive south of Stowe. It was built in 1844 and is also known as Emily’s Bridge because of a local legend. It is the only bridge of its kind that still exists in the state and has wooden Howe trusses with a metal roof.
The bridge is 48.5 feet long and has a dark planked exterior with small openings under the eaves. Visitors can drive through the bridge and there is an informative plaque at the entrance that provides information about its history and architecture.
The plaque also tells the story of the legend of Emily, a bride who is said to haunt the bridge because she ended her life in the brook below when her groom didn’t come to their wedding.
13. Stowe Village Historic District
The downtown area of Stowe is called Stowe Village Historic District, which is filled with charming and colorful buildings. It has many interesting shops and things to do, making it a great place to explore. The district is located near Vermont Route 100 and is surrounded by the beautiful Mount Mansfield.
There are many local restaurants, cafes, and over fifty shops to visit. The area has been a popular resort destination since the 19th century, so there are many historic buildings with different architectural styles. Stowe Village Historic District is now a National Historic Site and is a major reason why Stowe is such a special place to visit.
12. Stowe Recreation Path
If you want to explore Stowe and its surroundings, make sure to visit the Stowe Recreation Path. This popular path offers beautiful landscapes and passes by charming restaurants, lodges, and picnic spots. Locals call it the ‘Rec Path’ and it has gained international recognition for its stunning beauty since it was built in the 1980s.
The path starts from Stowe Village and stretches about 5.5 miles to Topnotch Resort on the Mountain Road. Only non-motorized vehicles are allowed, so you can jog, run, cycle, or walk in peace while enjoying the nature around you.
11. The Alchemist
Vermont, also known as the Green Mountain State, is famous for its delicious local food and has gained recognition for its craft beer industry in recent years. The Alchemist, located on the outskirts of town, offers a variety of flavorful beers to taste and provides tours of its modern facility.
Established in 2003, The Alchemist has experienced significant growth and received numerous awards, with their most popular beer, Heady Topper, becoming the brewery’s signature drink.
During the guided tours, visitors have the opportunity to observe the production process of the cloudy IPA and learn about the traditional brewing techniques in the state. In addition to enjoying a freshly poured pint in the tasting room or beer garden, you can also purchase cans and packs of beer to stock up your fridge or give as gifts.
10. Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe is famous for skiing, so if you visit, you must go skiing. You can reach Stowe Mountain Resort in just fifteen minutes, which is built on the side of Mount Mansfield. The resort has been around since 1937 and now offers more than 110 ski runs for people of all ages and abilities.
Some runs are challenging and fast, while others are great for beginners and kids. The resort has 2,360 feet of vertical drop, which is quite impressive. There are twelve chairlifts and gondolas to help you get around the trails, as well as a ski school, shop, and cozy lodge on the mountainside.
9. Trapp Family Lodge
Stowe, the place made famous by The Sound of Music, was where the von Trapp family found refuge after leaving Austria in 1938. They gradually transformed their mountain lodge into a thriving ski resort. The resort’s outdoor center offers various activities like hiking, biking, and, of course, skiing.
With over a hundred miles of slopes and trails, visitors have plenty to explore. Additionally, the resort boasts amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and a disc golf course. The lodge itself has a cozy, historic ambiance, and its on-site farm supplies fresh produce for the three restaurants.
Fans of The Sound of Music can take guided tours around the estate to learn more about the family’s life in Vermont.
8. Sterling Falls Gorge
Located in the Green Mountains north of Stowe, there is a beautiful place called Sterling Falls Gorge. It is completely surrounded by lush plants like shrubs, trees, and ferns, making it breathtaking to look at.
You can easily reach the stunning waterfall and the gorge by following a short and scenic nature trail that takes only twenty minutes from the road. The gorge walls, which have been formed over thousands of years, can reach heights of up to fifty feet and are filled with amazing plants and animals.
Besides taking pictures of the falls, you can also enjoy hiking and biking on the many interesting trails that wind through the green forest.
7. Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
In the center of town, there is a popular attraction called the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. This museum showcases many interesting artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the state’s history in snow sports. It also pays tribute to the athletes and individuals who have made significant contributions to these sports.
The museum was established in 1988 and has collected a wide range of items over the years, including equipment, clothing, artwork, chair lifts, and numerous skis and snowboards. It has informative displays that both preserve and celebrate Vermont’s skiing and snowboarding heritage.
Additionally, the museum is located in Stowe’s Old Town Hall, which is an important historic site itself. The building dates back to 1818 and is remarkably well-preserved, with boots, poles, bags, and photos covering every available surface.
6. Cold Hollow Cider Mill
If you’re looking for delicious local produce and baked goods, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a great place to visit. Located in Waterbury, the mill has been owned by the same family since the year 2000. They are known for their friendly atmosphere and will recommend trying their famous cider doughnuts and cheddar biscuits.
Many of their products use Vermont staples like maple, honey, and apple. In addition to a restaurant and bakery, the mill also has a market where you can buy souvenirs and a tasting room where you can try their cider.
5. Moss Glen Falls
If you’re in Stowe, don’t miss the beautiful Moss Glen Falls, one of Vermont’s most impressive natural sights. It’s just a few minutes away from the center and can be reached by a short but slippery trail surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.
The waterfall is 125 feet tall and has stunning white waters that flow down a rugged ravine in Putnam State Forest. At the bottom of the falls, there is a reflective pool and rock formations, which gradually lead to a creek and meadows in the woods.
Take some pictures of the falls and the lush plants, and if you’re up for it, you can continue hiking along the boardwalk to see more breathtaking scenery and nature.
4. Smugglers Notch State Park
Smugglers Notch State Park is home to beautiful landscapes, scenery, and nature. It is located in the magnificent Green Mountains and used to be a smuggling route into Canada. The park is named after the high pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. It has cliffs, boulders, and woods that were perfect for smugglers and fugitive slaves.
Now, it is a great place to do outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and even skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months.
3. Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury Factory
If you love sweets or enjoy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, you should visit their factory in Waterbury. It started in 1978 in Burlington and has become famous worldwide for its delicious flavors and frozen yogurts.
It’s only a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Stowe to get to the big factory in Waterbury. You can take a tour there, watch how they make the ice cream, and learn about their story and how they create so many unique flavors.
During the tour, you can also watch a video about the company’s history and visit the ‘Flavor Graveyard’, where discontinued flavors are remembered. Plus, you can taste some ice cream and buy containers to take home with you.
2. Play Golf
Stowe is well-known for winter sports, but it also has beautiful green spaces where you can play golf and relax. There are more than a dozen well-maintained golf courses in the area, including some mini-golf courses that are fun for the whole family. Near the center of Stowe, you can find two excellent eighteen-hole golf courses.
Both Stowe Country Club and O’Rourkes Irish Golf Crusade have beautifully landscaped grounds, and their hilly settings make it challenging to get a hole-in-one or eagle. When the weather is nice, playing golf in Stowe’s breathtaking scenery is a real treat. Each country club has its own unique look and layout.
1. Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is the tallest peak in the state and stands above the town of Stowe. It has beautiful scenery and offers various outdoor activities for both locals and visitors. The peak has a distinctive face-like appearance and is part of a long, rugged ridgeline. It is also known as ‘The Chin’ and reaches a height of 4,395 feet.
Stowe Mountain Resort, located on the eastern side of the peak, offers excellent skiing opportunities. In addition to skiing, you can drive or take a gondola to ‘The Nose’ and explore the green forests and large valleys.
