The Town
As the Aspen of the East, Stowe is equal parts resort town and getaway mecca for the East’s well-to-do. Home to Vermont’s tallest mountain and premier ski resort, Stowe and the Sterling Valley is Vermont’s most glamorous destination. Stunning scenery, typically covered in white from December to early April, a story-book village center and a walkable main street make it a standout town.
The downtown block features some of the state’s finest shopping including the premier jeweler in Vermont, Von Bargen’s, art galleries, chocolatiers and classic country stores and inns. The town, however, isn’t entirely for tourists. Town and nearby residents farm, run international and local businesses and, of course, make time to ski and enjoy a beautiful slice of the Green Mountain
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Why Stowe Vermont is Different
While each Vermont resort area claims to sell ‘authenticity,’ Stowe’s legacy as one of the state’s original tourist destinations gives particular credence to its claim. Up and down the Mountain Road and in the heart of Stowe Village, you’ll find classic New England charm. Repurposed riverside mills, white steeples and 18th-century farmhouses revived as inns make this town a classic and beautiful winter and summer time destination. Additionally, luxurious spas, fine-dining restaurants and Stowe Mountain Resort offer the finest amenities.
Nearest Ski Mountain
Stowe Mountain Resort
Located on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe offers Vermont’s most storied terrain and longest (on average) ski runs.
BEST ADVICE RESTAURANTS NIGHTLIFE AND EVENTS
Lodging
Stowe offers every conceivable lodging option from luxurious slopeside suites at the Stowe Mountain Lodge to budget minded motels on the Mountain Road and everything in between. In the village, the Green Mountain Inn brings casual country elegance and creature comforts to create a classic New England experience that has attracted visitors to the property for over 100 years. Bed and Breakfast fans will find the Stone Hill Inn a quaint retreat complete with all the country charm one could expect.
Use the “Explore Stowe Vermont’s Best Lodging Deals” box above and right to find the Stowe lodging choices that best fit you.
OFF MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES POPULAR EVENTS GETTING THERE
Best Advice
With so many options at Stowe, finding lodging and activities that suit your preference is key to matching expectations with experience. Want luxury lodging and pampering spa experiences, try Top Notch Resort. The budget traver seeking a more rugged experience can opt for accommodations at The Round Hearth at Stowe, a classic ski dorm popular with groups.
On the ski mountain its easy to follow the herds and head to the Gondola and FourRunner Quads at Mt. Mansfield. Do not pass up Spruce Peak though, as with its amenity-driven experience, new lifts, and lack of skiers, Spruce offers a great way to avoid the masses. Additionally, if the sun is out, the southern exposure at Spruce Peak makes for a great way to work on your goggle tan.
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Restaurants
Farm-to-table dining experiences are not to be missed in Stowe. Crop Bistro’s menu features inventive takes on the classics. Larger groups and families flock to Piecasso, a funky pizza restaurant often with live-music and a friendly atmosphere. Fuel up for a cold day of skiing with a hot stack of fluffy pancakes served with pure Vermont Maple Syrup at McCarthy’s on the Mountain Road.
WHY BIG BEAR IS DIFFERENT NEAREST SKI MOUNTAIN THE SKI TOWN
Nightlife
The nightlife options in Stowe are plenty. The Matterhorn and The Rusty Nail vie for the hot-spot award. The Matterhorn starts to buzz soon after the lifts close and features excellent sushi, brick-oven pizza and a full menu. The after-dinner crowd flocks to The Rusty Nail to dance to live music late into the night. For a more relaxed evening, Vermont Ale House offers a wide selection of Vermont beers on tap and modestly priced sandwiches. Also, check the calendar at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center for a rotating schedule of top national musical, comedy and theatrical talent.
Stowe Vermont Lodging
Use the “Explore Stowe’s Best Lodging Deals” box above and right to find Stowe’s best Lodging choices and deals. Lodging choices are pre-ordered by price, but you can enter your own search parameters.
Popular Events
Stowe offers four seasons of events and festivals for all interests. In winter, the annual Stowe Derby is a challenging and colorful cross-country ski race from the summit of Mount Mansfield to the center of Stowe Village. In its 70th running, the race includes a 2,600 foot vertical descent down Stowe Resort and about 12 miles of distance to the village. The hook: only one set of ski equipment can be used to finish the race.
In fall, Stowe’s German heritage shines during the annual Oktoberfest and auto enthusiasts enjoy September’s British Invasion, North America’s largest British car and motorcycle gathering.
Off Mountain Activities
The Von Trapp family, made famous by the film The Sound of Music, settled on a hilltop in Stowe. Today the Trapp Family Lodge is one of the premier destinations in the state, and it maintains a vast network of nordic trails with spectacular views of surrounding farms, Mount Mansfield and the Sterling Valley. While there, be sure to sample their delicious Austrian Lager brewed on site.
On the Mountain Road, there’s Gentle Giants horse-drawn sleigh rides that turn the phrase “over the river and through the woods” upon a crest of new fallen snow into a very rich experience. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate for the kids. Officanados of the sport of skiing will appreciate the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum on Main Street in the center of the Village, which offers a look into the history of the sport, its personalities and Vermont’s pivotal role in its growth.
Also, when the snow’s melted, Stowe has superb, scenic hiking and biking trails, fishing, kayaking and more.
By Patrick Brown
