Why You Should Visit the Scenic Town of Stowe, Vermont
A snow-sports haven in the winter, the picturesque town of Stowe in northeastern Vermont flexes its artistic flair year-round. With an array of diverse attractions, activities, and events, Stowe offers something for every season.
Under a blanket of powdery snow, Stowe becomes a playground for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers, earning the nickname ‘ski capital of the east’. Located just a 30-minute drive north of Vermont’s state capital, Montpelier, Stowe is favored by winter sports enthusiasts. However, as the seasons change, the town transforms dramatically. Its rugged hillsides shift from snowy white to lush green in the spring and summer, before bursting into vibrant shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red in autumn. From craft brewery tours and hiking to farmers' markets and festivals, here are some of the best things to do in Stowe year-round.
Creative Craft Beers and Ciders
Vermont is renowned for its craft breweries, boasting more per capita than any other state. In Stowe, beer connoisseurs can visit Idletyme Tap & Tavern, where award-winning brewmaster Will Gilson combines classic European brewing traditions with Vermont hop culture. Enjoy a smooth Munich-style Helles Brook lager or a beer flight featuring six different drafts. In the summer, the outdoor Treehouse Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a giant Bavarian pretzel with your brew.
For a unique blend of art and beer, head to The Alchemist, a family-owned brewery known for its creative brews and eclectic murals. Sample their flagship Heady Topper double IPA or bottled sour beers while enjoying food from Warren’s Kitchen & Catering, a funky food truck on-site. Crowd favorites include fried avocado tacos and mac and cheese with pulled jerk pork.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill offers a year-round self-guided tour where visitors can watch a traditional 1920s press squeeze McIntosh apples into fresh cider. Taste their non-alcoholic and hard ciders, and don’t miss their famous cider doughnuts made with an old-school machine.
Village Strolls and Scenic Hikes
Stowe's enchanting downtown village is lined with whimsical boutiques, jewelry stores, and sweet shops, all marked by the quaint Stowe Community Church with its iconic white steeple. Stop by Café on Main for homemade oatmeal drizzled with Vermont maple syrup, then explore The Current, a contemporary art center hosting various exhibitions, lectures, and workshops throughout the year.
The Stowe Recreation Path, beginning in downtown Stowe, is a scenic 5.3-mile trail leading to the green foothills of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The path meanders through serene woods, lush foliage, parks, and over bridges, making for an easy, picturesque hike. For more challenging trails, head to Smuggler’s Notch State Park, the starting point for several hiking routes, including the demanding Hellbrook Trail.
Upbeat Events and Festivals
Stowe hosts a variety of exciting events year-round. From May to October, the Stowe Farmers Market features local vendors selling fresh produce, meat, cheese, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. The town celebrates Independence Day with a lively parade and festivities. In August, the Stowe Jazz Festival showcases diverse jazz genres in a free, three-day event. October brings the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, with over 150 artists displaying their work.
The Trapp Family Lodge also hosts numerous public events, including Oktoberfest, summer concerts, trail races, holiday brunches, and fondue nights. The von Trapp family, who inspired "The Sound of Music," settled in Stowe in the 1940s and have welcomed visitors to their alpine estate since 1950. Their on-site brewery specializes in Austrian-style beers, and visitors can enjoy a tour followed by a meal at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall restaurant.
Stowe, Vermont, is a destination that delights in all seasons, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences.