Located in Lamoille County in Vermont, Stowe is the world-popular resort town situated alongside the highest peak of the state.
It is a small picturesque town with a population of only about 4,500 residents.
The town is often dubbed ‘The Ski Capital of the East” around the world.
Not only can you do skiing here, but you can do plenty of other outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.
This postcard-perfect city is beautiful all year round, with lovely white snow-covered streets during the winter months and stunning foliages in the fall.
The town is full of rich history and vibrant culture that you can see in the museums, galleries, and theatres.
With its snow-capped mountains, shimmering waterfall, and culture, Stowe will win over your heart.
Interested to know more about this place?
Here are the 30 best things to do in Stowe, Vermont:
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At 4,395 feet above sea level, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak, which extends to the town of Stowe.
When seen from the east or west, the mountain looks like a human’s profile with a forehead, nose, lips, chin, and Adam’s apple.
It is also one of the three places in Vermont where you can spot true alpine tundra from the ice ages.
The mountain is famous among locals and tourists to enjoy many recreational activities all year round.
In summer, hiking is a popular activity, and in winter, skiing is enjoyed by the folks.
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There are several hiking trails on the mountain where you can enjoy hiking with stunning views from various vantage points.
In winters, the east flank of the hill is used by the Stowe Mountain Resort for skiing.
Also, do not forget to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain, where you will witness the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings.
You can also enjoy a scenic drive to the top of the hill with your car; there are well-maintained roads for you to drive on.
Mount Mansfield has so much to offer with a fantastic backdrop, so make sure to visit it when you visit Stowe.
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Sterling Falls Gorge is located in the Green Mountains, near Stowe.
It took more than 10,000 years for the rocks and sand from Sterling Brook to carve the stunning gorge, falls, pools, and a series of cascades.
The gorge is surrounded by dense greenery and lush moss, making it even more exquisite.
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The best way to appreciate the gorge’s stunningness and surroundings is by walking along the scenic nature trail that showcases the area’s geological history.
Visit the Sterling Falls Gorge to view nature and its beauty at its finest.
West Branch Gallery and Sculpture Garden showcase and promote contemporary art by local contemporary artists.
The gallery here is thoughtfully curated with excellent lighting, high ceilings, and eclectic art pieces.
The outdoor portion consists of beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns, studded with contemporary sculptures made of various stones and metals.
The estate also has a trail that leads to a charming river with a magnificent backdrop of mountains, where you can enjoy a lovely picnic.
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Located near Stowe, Moss Glen Falls is a 125 ft waterfall that can be accessed only by a 6.8-kilometer trail.
So do not forget to wear hiking shoes or sneakers for the hike.
The hike is relatively easy but totally worth it, with beautiful shallow water and pools formed at the base of the gorge.
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At the end of your hike, you will witness the hypnotizing waterfall that is absolutely beautiful.
Visit this gorgeous picturesque spot to relish the beauty of the natural wonder of Stowe.
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Early settlers cleared Cady Hill Forest towards the end of the 1700s for use as farming.
As a result of the fields being abandoned for so long, the forest has been allowed to regenerate.
The forest has grown to 258 acres, with 23 of those being set aside as wetland areas.
The park is closed to visitors during the winter months to protect deer from foxes and other predators.
Mountain bikers prefer the high elevation and numerous switchbacks of the 11-mile network of tracks.
Dog walkers, hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers also enjoy the woodland in the winter.
In the forest, red maple, hemlock, and sugar maple trees predominate over the more common white pine and hardwood trees.
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Also known as the “Rec Path” by the locals, Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.5-mile flat path suitable for people of all ages and fitness.
This scenic path runs along the city and offers stunning views of the bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls, gorges, and more vantage points.
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You can walk, jog, or bike on this path in the summer; and in winter, you can access the way with snowshoes or skis.
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Putting on the finest plays and musicals in New England is the only mission of the Stowe Theatre Guild, which is administered completely by volunteers.
Locals and visitors alike go to the Stowe Theatre Guild’s second-floor town hall performance space for the high-quality shows and return time and time.
The guild was founded in 1957.
Since then, it had used a barn as a performance space for many years before moving to a theater in 1964, when it employed professional performers like Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep for a while.
Stowe Theatre Guild puts on several productions throughout the year and provides refreshments,including wine, beer, mixed drinks, soda, and snacks for patrons to enjoy between acts.
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Often dubbed as the “Stowe Toll Road,” Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road is a 150 years old historic road that leads up to the top of the Mountain Mansfield.
The drive up to the mountain is very scenic, with lovely views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, the White Mountains, the Adirondack Mountains, and Canada along the way.
The road is not accessible year-round; it is only open from July to mid-December.
In addition to being a retail business, Umiak Outdoor Outfitters also provides guided tours.
A wide variety of outdoor gear is available for sale in the retail section of the company, including new boats, ski gear, snowshoes, clothes, sleds, and car racks.
You can take a kayaking or sledding tour all year long, regardless of the season.
In addition to moose, deer, otters, and great blue herons, the Winooski River’s beaches and water provide kayakers with a chance to observe various other animals up close.
Slow-moving waters make this canoe journey on the Lamoille River, which is perfect for beginners.
In the winter, available activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or a thrilling trip in a dogsled.
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Emily’s Covered Bridge, located over the Gold Brook in Stowe, was built in 1844.
This small wooden bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located in a gorgeous setting, Emily’s Covered Bridge is a must to visit when you come to Stowe.
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Wiessner Woods is a 79-acre wooded conservation area with several trails for snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, dog walking, and more.
The wooded area is a mix of hardwoods and softwoods with small brooks flowing through and bridges built over them.
It is a hidden treasure of Stowe, with stunning vistas all around you.
It only takes about 1 hour to make a full loop of the gorgeous forest.
Wiessner Woods is a perfect place to relish the beauty of lush nature in a tranquil environment.
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Stowe Mountain Resort is an internationally acclaimed four-season resort located in the town of Stowe.
In winters, it provides skiing and snowboarding at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
In summers, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, rock climbing, and many more.
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The resort offers plenty of amenities, including a spa retreat, luxurious lodges, skiing lessons, fine dining, and much more.
Make sure to stay at the Stowe Mountain Resort to enjoy a luxurious stay with breathtaking beauty surrounding you and access to various recreational activities.
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Stowe Cider’s tasting room and manufacturing site are just a short two-mile drive north of Stowe Village.
Using apples solely from Champlain Orchards, the Winders family makes 500-gallon volumes of cider twice monthly in this old deli and market area.
It offers flavors like the Summer Shandy, a tart mix of fresh lemonade and dry cider, and Strawberry Fields, a cider with strawberries and lime.
It also serves cider-style beers like High & Dry and Safety Meeting, some of their best-selling offerings.
You may discover their ciders at local fairs and festivals in Vermont and Massachusetts.
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Founded in 1988, Vermont Ski and Snowboarding Museum is located in the heart of the National Historic District of Stowe.
The museum preserves and celebrates Vermont’s snowboarding and skiing history in a visually attractive way through various exhibits.
You can also buy gifts and souvenirs from the gift shop in the museum.
Visit this exciting museum to learn about the distinguished history of Vermont.
Stowe Golf Park is a miniature golf course mimicking a regular golf course located on the premises of Sun & Ski Inn.
Landscaped and contoured green courses add to the charm of this course.
You can enjoy golf in the beautifully designed and maintained grounds of the course.
It takes about an hour to complete the moderately challenging 18-hole course.
Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center is an adventure sports center and a hotel in Stowe.
You can enjoy backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in winters.
In summers, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, nordic walking, disc golf, and even live concerts.
The hotel is very well-maintained and clean, with friendly and attentive staff.
Do not forget to visit the Trapp Family Outdoor Center when visit Stowe.
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Located only about seven miles away from Stowe in Lamoille County, Smugglers Notch State Park is a park situated at an elevation of 2,119 feet, and it separates Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
It was used to smuggle goods and cattle to and from Canada in the 19th century.
It is now used for recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and picnicking.
The hiking trails are well maintained, perfect for beginners, with several stunning vistas.
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In winter, you can enjoy the park with snowmobiles and skis.
In fall, you can witness the stunning fall foliage.
You can also enjoy a picturesque drive along the Notch Road to observe the area’s splendid beauty.
No matter the season, you will see the impressive beauty of the Smugglers Notch State Park.
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Gentle Giants Sleigh and Carriage Rides lets you explore the scenic beauty of Stowe in an old-fashioned way.
The vintage sleighs or carriages are pulled by gentle and well-trained Percheron and Belgian horses, named Donny, Mack, Tom, Justin, and Bret.
You can choose romantic rides for only two or with huge, red Santa-style carriages that can accommodate up to 12 people.
The trained carriage drivers will take you down the beautiful winding roads, dense woods, charming bridges, and many more vantage points.
So make sure to experience the charm of the city with Gentle Giants Sleigh and Carriage Rides.
Located in Downtown Stowe, Laughing Moon Chocolates is a gourmet chocolatier that makes various confectionery items from chocolates.
The store practices eco-friendly practices and fair trade to create its sweet delicacies.
Do not forget to try the various fudges, caramels, chocolates, including their own vegan chocolate here.
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The Alchemist is a family-run brewery that serves fantastic local crafted beer.
It serves an excellent selection of stouts, ales, and IPAs.
You can try various samples first to find the perfect beer for you.
The ambiance of the brewery is very laid back and unique.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
The brewery specializes in fresh and unfiltered IPAs, so make you try them.
The Plate is an award-winning restaurant in Stowe that serves local American cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to everyone’s needs.
This award-winning restaurant is situated in an architecturally stunning building with a contemporary setting.
The restaurant serves scrumptious food all over the menu, but make sure to try the steamed mussels, grilled cauliflower steak, and grilled calamari here.
Bistro at Ten Acres is a prizewinning eatery located at the top of the hill that was opened in 2012.
It serves local cuisine with a twist coupled with the magnificent backdrop of the countryside of Vermont.
The service is fabulous, and the food is mouth-watering as well.
Do not forget to try the Vietnamese grilled shrimp, pan-seared lobster, and fragrant, lemon parmesan chicken.
Stowe hosts a farmer’s market from May 24th to October 11th every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
You can find local, wholesome produce in the market, including maple syrup, jams, preserves, vegetables, fruits, and much more.
The atmosphere of the market is fantastic; there are live performances performed by local artists.
You can also try local food from the vendors.
Stowe Farmers Market provides an ideal way to spend your Monday morning.
For more than 30 years, Monique LaJeunesse and Michael Trimpol have worked together to develop and produce exquisite quality practical and decorative glass.
It has also been bought by collectors, awarded prizes, and handed to heads of state as presents.
A glass that is heated to a temperature of 2,000 degrees and has the thickness of liquid honey is removed from the crucible and shaped into quickly set designs.
During a one-hour course, you will receive hands-on training and guidance to help you construct your own custom item of choice.
The Create Your Own program offers a unique chance to learn about glassblowing and craft artwork that will last.
Piecasso is not simply just a pizzeria; it is an engagement with the neighborhood to offer a haven from everyday life.
They stand out as the neighborhood’s Restaurant of Choice thanks to their focus on the small things, Sicilian ancestry, dedication to handcrafted pizza, and imaginative Italian menu.
Like Pablo Picasso, they emphasize ambiance and vibe and convey it through calming hues, vibrant cuisines, and groove-inducing music.
They include various dining options, such as delivery, takeout, dining in, and outdoor dining.
They source their fruits, vegetables, and meats from nearby farms and ranches whenever feasible.
Their bar is a companion who never turns down a company and reserves the right to change things with trivia or live entertainment.
Idletyme Brewing Company debuts and builds on past traditions by using cutting-edge brewing and culinary techniques.
With a generous dose of Vermont hop culture tossed in for added fun, the beer range is a typical interpretation of traditional European brewing.
You won’t be bored by Brewmaster Will Gilson’s selections, whether your favorite is ales, lagers, or their renowned Idletyme Double IPA.
They are an all-inclusive event venue that offers the comforts of a modern setting, tasty on-site brewed beer, and high-quality food with seasonal flavors.
Idletyme Brewing Company is the place to meet people, have conversations, and enjoy tasty food and beverages after a strenuous hike, shopping spree, or a game of golf.
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The Stowe Country Club, situated in the center of Stowe, is housed in what was formerly a dairy farm.
It has now been transformed into a magnificent course with lovely undulating fairways and well-kept greens.
They accept both day fees and seasonal memberships as a semi-private recreational facility.
With 360-degree vistas of the Alps, warm summer days spent in the company of nature, and a tough yet rewarding test of ability, the golf course at Stowe Country Club makes every stroke a memorable experience.
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The dining options include a variety to suit any occasion, whether you’re seeking a place for your next social event.
Over a hundred people may be accommodated in the indoor dining room, patio, and stunning views off the deck.
A fully stocked bar and flat-screen TVs make the space the ideal gathering place for old pals and potential new ones.
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Spruce Peak Arts creates entertaining events for people of all ages that deeply, meaningfully, and delightfully engage audiences with the performing arts.
While offering artists the chance to engage with local communities via school visits, courses, workshops, and immersive performance experiences for all ages, Spruce Peak Arts aim to extend the perspectives of art viewers.
The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, Vermont, serves as the home base for Spruce Peak Arts, which presents plays and family programming all year round.
They have a 420-seat multi-purpose contemporary performance center with excellent acoustics and cutting-edge technological equipment.
Their base of activities is now a launching point for completing their objective to motivate, inform, and amuse everyone all year long and worldwide.
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Who doesn’t know the iconic ice-cream brand of Ben & Jerry’s?
There is a factory of the brand in the town where you can see how your favorite ice cream is made.
You can take a tour of the factory to see everything in detail and try the free samples.
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There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs to remember your experience here.
The admission fee is only $4, and the tour takes only 30 minutes.
Make sure to visit this ice-cream factory when you come to Stowe.
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Stowe was a terrific starting point for your fall road trip if you want to taste New England’s small-town ambiance.
Its scenic mountain roads, vibrant fall colors, small-town charm, and an abundance of hiking paths will leave your legs aching for days after your stay.
Visit now and experience the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont.
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