Small but mighty, Stowe has long been one of the East Coast’s coolest mountain resorts. The town itself sits in the shadow of Mount Mansfield — Vermont’s tallest peak — and boasts a great selection of galleries, eateries and boutiques. Popular with families, friends and couples dreaming of winter skiing or summer hikes, the Stowe area offers a wide array of accommodation options, including everything from elegant inns to extensive resorts fit for all tastes and budgets. Our pick of the best places to stay in Stowe offers some superb properties in the town itself, as well as rural mountain hideaways for those looking to unwind in absolute seclusion.
Come during the winter months for 200 miles of cross-country ski trails — both groomed and backcountry routes — as well as downhill skiing and snowboarding runs at Stowe Mountain Resort. Spend your days dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, or take a sleigh ride and go ice skating with the kids. Adventurous types can even try ice-climbing! The Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum is a fun place to delve into the history of the sport in the area on a laid-back day, whilst a family trip to Ben & Jerry’s legendary ice cream factory (10 miles from Stowe) will be a sure-fire hit.
Alternatively, visit Stowe in the summer or autumn for mountain biking, zip-lining, horse riding and a plethora of great hikes in the picturesque Green Mountains. Moss Glen Falls is a particular favourite — you can even reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the natural pool! Rock climbers, on the other hand, will love the challenge of scaling Smuggler’s Notch, a narrow, rock-walled mountain pass. There's kayaking, fishing and stand up paddleboarding in the area's lakes and reservoirs, too, as well as guided forest tours for keen birdwatchers. The fiery forest colours of autumn are worthy of a trip in themselves.
Feast on fabulous fare at Vermont’s award-winning restaurants, eclectic bistros and micro-brew pubs in the evenings, before putting your feet up at one of the best places to stay in Stowe.
