Have I stepped onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie? Talk about the quintessential New England town in the winter. Stowe, located in northern Vermont, is known for its iconic trails, picturesque fall foliage and epic winter activities at Mount Mansfield. I have visited Stowe in October for the colorful fall foliage and fell in love with the little town. I thought it only right to return in the winter to experience the magic this town had to offer. Let’s get started on how to spend a long weekend in Stowe Vermont!
Where To Stay in Stowe
Stowe has accommodations for all budgets, from the luxurious to the affordable. Visitors may prefer to stay at accommodations closer to the mountain if skiing and snowboarding are on the agenda while others may prefer to be based closer to the town for the ice skating, breweries and shopping.
-The Lodge at Spruce Peak
The lodge offers luxury accommodations with the only ski-in, ski-out hoteling in Stowe.
-Topnotch Resort
Another luxury resort with an indoor pool, spa, dining and equestrian center (for romantic or family sleigh rides).
-Trapp Family Lodge
A unique alpine-Austrian style lodge owned by the Trapp family. The famous movie The Sound of Music is based on…you guess it, the Trapp family. The Trapp family fled Austria during World War II, singing their way through the US before settling in Stowe in the 1940s. The lodge can be found amongst the 2,500-acre property offering activities for all seasons. The property continues to grow, opening the von Trapp brewery in 2010, serving Austrian lager beers.
–Brass Lantern Inn
Located within walking distance from the town center, this quaint inn is owned by Mary Anne and George who are extremely friendly and accommodating hosts. There are nine unique guest rooms, common areas for all guests, outdoor porch seating, a hot tub, afternoon treats, and an amazing breakfast cooked by George. The cinnamon raisin French toast with fresh maple syrup and quiche were outstanding!
–Stone Hill Inn
A luxurious inn, perfect for a romantic getaway or a special occasion, tucked away in the Vermont woods, amongst nine acres of property. With only nine rooms, the inn goes above and beyond to accommodate their guests. Our room included a king bed, seating area, luxury jacuzzi, fireplace in both the bedroom and the bathroom and direct access to the outdoor shared space. Each morning, breakfast is included and offers juices, coffee, fresh fruit, pastries and the choice of a sweet or savory main plate. I opted for the sweet option every day and devoured the blueberry pancakes, strawberry waffles, and buttermilk pancakes. Breakfast is cooked and served by the two owners Todd and Kristie and it’s a great time to get to know them better. They are also very familiar with the area and always happy to provide recommendations in the area. We loved our long weekend getaway here and will absolutely return!
Stowe, VT Bed and Breakfast :: Top-Rated in TripAdvisor (stonehillinn.com)
Where To Eat in Stowe
Breakfast
Butler’s Pantry located in the heart of downtown Stowe in a historical building serving home cooked breakfasts.
Stowe Bee Bakery & Café is located on mountain road in Stowe, bringing you great grab and go options. Try the breakfast sandwich served on an amazing homemade buttermilk biscuit (heavenly) and one of the delightful pastries made fresh every morning. I had the blueberry muffin and still think about it!
Lunch/Casual Dinner
Von Trapp Bierhall Restaurant is located on the 2,500-acre property of the Trapp Family Lodge. The Bierhall restaurant opened in 2010, serving Austrian lager beers and traditional Austrian food (Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel). I love the 2 Bavarian pretzels with cheese dip as a starter and either the Johannesburger with fries or the Chicken Schnitzel sandwich with fries. You can’t go wrong with either!
Idletyme Brewing Company is a brew pub, restaurant and biergarten. Decorated with cowhide, leather banquettes and reclaimed wood tables, this is a cool environment to have a drink and delicious meal with friends and family. The French onion soup came highly recommended here.
Apple Core Luncheonette & Brew is a convenient lunch or cider/beer stop if you are planning to visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill as it shares the same parking. Here you can find an assortment of hard ciders and a hearty menu of soups, salads and sandwiches.
Dinner
Bistro at Ten Acres brings fine American fare to the table in a spacious farmhouse converted to restaurant. The ambiance was romantic with dim lighting and beautiful décor, Kevin and I dined in an entire room of the restaurant by ourselves. If the French onion soup is on the menu as a special, it is a must try!! I have enjoyed the filet both times I’ve eaten here.
Whip Bar & Grill located in downtown Stowe is attached to the Green Mountain Inn. This restaurant has a casual environment with rustic décor, wooden beams, leather seating and cozy fireplaces. The menu is extensive offering the finest dishes made with local Vermont ingredients.
Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar located in downtown Stowe nestled amongst the charming shops. This restaurant has very limited seating, both outdoors and downstairs. Be sure to make reservations far in advance. The ambiance and décor are Vermont-chic. I loved the chicken piccata and frozen mocha cheesecake!
Michael’s on the Hill (Waterbury Center) is a 15–20-minute drive from Stowe located in Waterbury, Vermont. Michael’s is a fine dining establishment specializing in farm to table. The restaurant is chef owned and prides itself on providing the highest quality fresh local ingredients. The service by the staff is top notch. Michael’s is a great place if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply splurge for a night out!
Things To Do in Stowe
Go Skiing/Snowboarding at Stowe Mountain resort, operating for eighty-five seasons, it offers one hundred sixteen trails. Trail breakdown includes 16% for beginners, 59% for intermediate and 25% for expert. Lessons are available and it is a great place to learn!
Go Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing at the various trails in Stowe or venture to the Trapp Outdoor Center for a daily pass to access their property’s trails. I use the AllTrails app and filter by activity to look for the best trail recommendations and current conditions. Popular winter activity trails include Kirchner & Wiessner Woods. During this visit to Stowe, we opted for the daily pass to the Trapp Family property to access their 100 kilometers of groomed and maintained trails. We had our own snowshoes, but the outdoor center offers rentals on site if needed. We absolutely loved snowshoeing!!!
Go Ice skating located in the heart of the Spruce Peak Village surrounded by the views of the lodge and the ski slopes (open seasonal).
Shop Downtown Stowe on Main Street. Downtown is known for the beautiful white church, charming post office, and handful of unique storefronts and restaurant. Main street is picturesque, and I look forward to walking around each visit! I love the clothing store called The Boutique and Kevin is a big fan of Stowe Public House & Bottle Shop…the perfect place to grab a drink and stock up on rare local Vermont beers.
Visit a Brewery because Vermont has over sixty brewpubs, microbreweries, craft breweries and regional breweries. The most famous in Stowe is The Alchemist best known for its flagship double IPA, Heady Topper. If visiting during the winter months, it is important to know the outdoor beer garden is closed. Therefore, be sure to book an indoor tour of their facilities. Tours include a full beer at the beginning and end of the tour. Other popular breweries nearby include the Von Trapp Brewery and Idletyme Brewing (previously recommended for lunch or casual dinner), Lost Nation Brewing (located in Morrisville), and Ten Bends Beer (located in Hyde Park).
Visit Ben & Jerry’s located just a short drive from Stowe (visit if you are an ice cream lover). The factory currently offers take-out options via an outdoor window with a menu of upwards to thirty flavors! Returning in early 2022 are the factory tours and indoor gift shop. Honorable mention to the Maple Walnut flavor as it is not available in stores and is specific to this location! Also feel free to take a stroll outside through their flavor graveyard once you have your ice cream. Tombstones mark the flavors that are no longer with Ben & Jerry’s.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a popular destination for visitors to stock up on their Vermont goods and grab a treat! Here you can find Vermont syrup, ciders, jams, sauces, baking goods, scented candles, clothing and accessories. After you’re tired from shopping, make sure to grab a hot cider donut!
Visit Scottish Highland Cows located at the Orchard Pasture amongst the Trapp Family property. The orchard is approximately a quarter of a mile passed the Trapp Family Outdoor center on the left. The herd is made up of about fifty beautiful, brown, white and tan, long haired beef cattle. These cattle love the cold of the winter so be sure to visit in any season!
