Few places scream fall getaway quite like Stowe, Vermont. And it’s equally as epic in the winter as a ski destination.
The charming Green Mountain town offers adventure, relaxation, and scenery so stunning it looks straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. No wonder this area remains an all-time favorite girls trip destination of mine.
Hi, I’m Catherine, and I recently spent 3 perfect days in Stowe. So I wanted to share my favorite things to do, including the best hiking trails, breweries, restaurants and even some unique-to-Stowe experiences.
But first, let’s start with how to get there…
Article overview
How to get to Stowe, Vermont
The most convenient way to reach Stowe is to fly into Burlington, rent a car, and make the one-hour drive to the northern Vermont mountains.
If you’re coming from Boston or New York, it would be an easy and scenic road trip.
Book your rental car early and call ahead to confirm it, we even suggest prepaying to secure it. We visited during Parents’ Weekend for Burlington’s colleges and found that while we had a reservation, they had overbooked their inventory by 80 cars and had nothing to offer us.
Late at night, you won’t find a taxi or Uber to transport you an hour away to Stowe so we were stuck waiting for a miracle after leaving our phone number with every rental company in the terminal. Mercifully, two hours later, one company called us and we had our wheels (albeit for twice the price.)
When is the best time to visit Stowe?
While Stowe is adventure-worthy year-round, late September is without a doubt one of the best times to visit.
Bundle up in your flannel, hit the trails through golden-hued forests, and reward your hard work with a hard cider. Stowe checks all the boxes for an unforgettable fall trip. I learned visitors who flock to see the foliage are affectionately known as “leaf peepers”—a title we gladly embraced.
Late September through early October is the peak leaf-peeping season. Make sure to plan your trip early as hotels, car rentals, and even dinner reservations fill up fast.
🚘 Rent a car: I use Discover Cars
😴 Where to stay: Green Mountain Inn or The Lodge at Spruce Peak
🎫 Best guided tour: Stowe highlights in one day
Top things to do in Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is all about being outdoors and enjoying some tasty treats along the way. So let’s start this 3-day itinerary off with a bit of nature.
Outdoor adventures
Moss Glen Falls
For a rewarding hike that won’t take up half your day, Moss Glen Falls is the spot. The trail can get muddy, so pack appropriate footwear. When we went around 9:00 am on a Saturday, we had the falls practically to ourselves, just us and the sound of rushing water.
If you’re into photography, the way the mid-morning sun filters through the trees and hits the waterfall is stunning.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Smuggler’s Notch has plenty of short hikes, like Bingham Falls, and after the winding drive, you’ll want to get out for fresh air and to stretch your legs.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, check out the Sterling Pond Trail. When you reach the reflective pond, you’ll be glad you put in the effort.
Stowe Recreation Path
This is one of the most popular things to do in Stowe, Vermont because it’s easy to tailor to what you’re looking for. You can walk, bike, or jog this urban path which winds through town, with plenty of scenic spots to stop and take it all in.
We opted to walk a section of the path at a relaxed pace, stopping at cute cafés and little shops along the way.
Scenic Drive on Hwy 108
Not a fan of hiking but still want jaw-dropping views? Take a slow drive through Smugglers’ Notch.
Every twist and turn reveals another shocking mountain view, so be prepared to pull over for photos.
We did this drive in the late afternoon, and the way the sun hit the cliffs made everything glow. Heads up—the road closes in winter, so check conditions if you’re visiting later in the season.
📸 The best photo spot for the iconic Stowe Community Church is not downtown. I found the most beautiful view behind Salon Salon, on Hwy 108.
Unique Stowe, Vermont experiences
After spending a day in nature, we wanted to experience some of the more unique attractions Stowe has to offer.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
A trail ride on a horse-drawn carriage was one of the most memorable things we did in Stowe. Especially since we had horse lovers in the group.
Crisp air, the rhythmic clop of the horses, and the colorful forest made the journey feel surreal.
As long as everyone acts responsibly, the operators are OK with beverages being carried on. We brought along some local hard cider from the Cabot Creamery Store and sipped while we rode.
Don’t forget >> Carriage rides are $40 per adult and required reservations can be booked with Mike Martell at 802.734.1070. Mike was our driver and he was a wealth of local knowledge.
Don’t forget to bring cash for payment!
Trapp Family Lodge
Yes, as in The Sound of Music Trapp family. This Austrian-style lodge has amazing views, and we loved grabbing a beer and some appetizers at the von Trapp Brewery while enjoying their scenic patio. The whole place transports you to Austria.
If you visit in the winter, it’s a prime spot for cross-country skiing.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory is one of those “only in Vermont” experiences. If you want to do the tour, book it early as they do sell out during peak tourist season.
We also found that the line for ice cream gets crazy by midday when it’s warm, at least 60 people deep, so we had to skip it.
But honestly, if you’re short on time, just swing by the quirky “Flavor Graveyard,” where they honor retired flavors (RIP) with witty headstones.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
The fresh-pressed cider is incredible, and we loaded up on Vermont-made goodies like maple syrup and apple butter. Cider samples are free, and fresh from the press.
Another product not to miss is the freshly made cider donuts. They’re fried right before your eyes and are worth each and every calorie. Yum!
Gondola Skyride
If you choose to stay at Spruce Peak or book a Spa Day here, they have a gondola ride up to Vermont’s highest peak!
At the top, you can dine at a classy restaurant, shop, or indulge in a sweet treat. Tickets are quite pricey though, at $60 per adult or $43 per child.
Relaxation & wellness
Spa Day at Spruce Peak
After a few days of hiking and exploring, we treated ourselves to a spa day.
Booking a treatment gets you full use of the day spa plus access to the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, which was the highlight for me. Sitting in a steaming hot tub, surrounded by mountain views, with a glass of champagne. So worth it.
If you’re planning on going, book well in advance—it fills up fast. A 50-minute massage will run you about $210.
Where to eat & drink in Stowe
Let’s start with the best breakfast and lunch spots.
Breakfast at Butler’s Pantry
This place is popular, so get on the waitlist before you go.
The biscuits and gravy were, hands down, the best I’ve ever had; fluffy biscuits, rich, peppery sausage gravy. Pair it with a maple latte, and you’ve got the perfect Vermont breakfast.
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea
The coffee bar at this unmissable big red barn serves up unique blends and house-made syrups. The baristas are ultra-knowledgeable and friendly.
They also run a coffee school onsite.
Coffee at Woodland Baking
There’s nothing like sipping a hot coffee on a crisp Stowe morning. Woodland Baking has some of the best espresso drinks and pastries in town. If they have it on your visit, you must try the pumpkin espresso bread.
They also have lots of protein packed grab and go items for a day of adventure.
Lunch Sandwiches
Green Goddess Cafe has a cottage-like feel and serves up delicious sandwiches. Stop by for breakfast or lunch. Their smoothies appeared to be customer favorites as well.
Stowe Farmer’s Market
In a valley amidst the mountains, you’ll find a fantastic Sunday Farmer’s Market from mid-May to mid-October. Fresh produce, live music, local crafts, and some of the best baked goods around.
We had a great time sampling freshly baked breads, honeys, flavored popcorn, syrups, and more.
They have plenty of hot food vendors as well, making this a worthwhile stop over the lunch hour on your way to explore Smuggler’s Notch or heading out for a scenic drive.
Idletyme Brewery
And, of course, no visit to Vermont is complete without a brewery visit. We came for the beer but were pleasantly surprised by the food.
The beer flight is a great way to sample a few different brews, and I have to recommend the deep-fried pickles! The atmosphere is great, and if you visit on a warm day, claim a table on the patio.
Alchemist Brewery
Home of the legendary Heady Topper IPA.
Even if you’re not a big IPA drinker, it’s worth trying one of their other high-quality beers and nonalcoholic beverages. They have a huge lawn for hanging out and playing yard games and a rotating food truck for bites.
We grabbed a few cans to bring home since you can’t just get it anywhere. (Focal Banger was my favorite.)
🍻 Pro tip >> You can visit all the best breweries in Stowe on this half-day group trip.
Dinner Options
Cork is a cozy little restaurant with a great selection of natural wines. The favorite dishes at our table were the burrata and gnocchi. Our server recommended a red wine, Malbo Podere Il Saliceto and it did not disappoint!
If you can’t snag a reservation, try Harrison’s which serves upscale American foods or for something more casual, head to The Backyard.
Cabot Creamery
Drop into Cabot Creamery to sample local cheeses and other products. We recommend stocking up on picnic supplies here or purchasing beverages for your carriage ride at Trapp Family Lodge.
Final thoughts on visiting Stowe
- Book early. Fall is peak season, and lodging fills up fast.
- Dress in layers. Mornings and evenings are chilly, but midday can be warm.
- Bring cash. Some spots, like the carriage rides, certain farmer’s market stalls, and roadside vendors don’t take cards.
- Consider an extra day. If you have time, a day trip to Burlington or Woodstock is great to explore.
Stowe is one of those places that suits just about anyone. It’s a refreshing mix of adventure, cozy charm, and insanely good food. Whether you’re here for the breweries, the fall foliage, or just to breathe in that crisp mountain air, Stowe delivers.
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