Things To Do
Website for VT events and things to do
Looking to make your trip a bit longer or to explore more of Vermont? Check out this website for events and ideas of things to do.
Go Stowe website for local recommendations
This is a great website for everything from things to do, places to stay, transportation, and more.
Scenic drive
Check out this website to get directions for one of the most beautiful drives in Vermont. It starts at the Cambridge Village Market, which is in nearby Cambridge, VT. For reference, Cambridge is a little ways past Jeffersonville, where our venue is located, and Jeffersonville is a little ways past Stowe.
Hiking!
Hiking in Vermont is next level, and you won't be disappointed. Cady Hill Forest has a variety of trails and the parking lot/trail head is across the street from Outbound Stowe (our hotel). For more info, check here: https://www.stowelandtrust.org/work/land-protection/conserved/cady-hill-forest. And here are some resources for other Stowe area hikes: https://www.lorjorexplore.com/blog/best-hiking-stowe-vt; https://vermontexplored.com/hiking-stowe-vt/; https://gostowe.com/things-to-do/hiking. One hike we've tried in the area is the one to Sterling Pond. You start at the Smuggler's Notch pass and it's about a mile to the pond. You're rewarded with a beautiful body of water at the end and there are some views just a short hike further. The trail is well maintained but there's elevation gain so it's at least moderate in difficulty and may not be the best choice for beginners. Check out this website for more info: https://gostowe.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/sterling-pond.
Bike rentals
Stowe has a 5-mile paved recreation path that starts in the village and ends at a covered bridge. And they also have plenty of mountain biking trails in the area. You could rent a bike and enjoy a ride in the beauty of Vermont! The link below will take you to AJ's Ski & Sports, which has various bike rentals and is just a 15-minute walk from Outbound Stowe (the hotel), but there are other rental options in Stowe that are also a 10-20 minute walk from the hotel. PINNACLE SKI & SPORTS: https://www.pinnacleskisports.com/stowe-bike-rentals; RANCH CAMP: https://www.ranchcampvt.com. And here are a couple more that are further afield. MOUNTAIN OPS: https://www.mountainopsvt.com; LAMOILLE VALLEY BIKE TOURS: https://www.lamoillevalleybiketours.com;
For the dog lovers...
If you love dogs, Vermont will be right up your alley. This is a state FULL of dog lovers. Here are two places you might want to check out. GOLDEN DOG FARM has Golden Retriever experiences where you can frolic with a "happy" -- this is literally the word for a pack of Goldens -- of lovable retrievers. If this is intriguing to you, be sure to check out their website soon to see what offerings they'll have that weekend. Just keep in mind that they have limited availability, they book up early. and tickets can be pricey, so if this is something that interests you then definitely look into it soon. https://goldendogfarm.com DOG MOUNTAIN is the home of the art gallery of a beloved VT artist and dog lover. It's 180 acres and is open to the public and their dogs. You can walk the trails, meet with dog lovers and their canine friends, and visit the Dog Chapel, which was built as a symbol of peace, love, and remembrance. https://www.dogmt.com/about/
Fly fishing resources
Do you love to fish? Or have you always wanted to try? This shop has classes and guided tours, along with resources for fishing reports and fishing spots.
Golfing at Blush Hill Country Club
A public course in Waterbury, VT.
Golfing at Stowe Country Club (requires staying at The Lodge at Spruce Peak)
We're not golfers, but... If you're a serious golfer and you want a country club experience, then the Stowe Country Club may be more your speed. Access to it likely requires a membership or a qualifying stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak (or you could try your luck and submit an unaccompanied guest play request). Check the website for more info.
Canoeing or kayaking
Rent a canoe or kayak in Stowe (https://www.umiak.com/summer-equipment-rental) or in Jeffersonville (https://vtcanoeandkayak.com/) and enjoy a paddle on the Lamoille River or another beautiful body of water nearby,
Black Cap Coffee & Bakery
Coffee, espresso, lattes, sandwiches, pastries, and more. On our first visit to Stowe we stopped here for coffee, and now it's a little tradition of ours.
Green Goddess Café
We stopped here when we were first exploring Stowe and looking for a venue. Jeremy had some incredible butter chicken and fiddlehead quesadillas. Liz had a delicious vegetarian salad. Would definitely recommend!
The Round Hearth Cafe and Market Place
After a long hike, we stopped here for lunch and enjoyed every morsel.
The Alchemist Brewery
If you're a fan of excellent beer, you may want to check out The Alchemist Brewery. Their most famous concoction is Heady Topper, and their brewery is the only spot where you can find it on draft. In addition to their libations, they have a nice outdoor space for hanging out and chatting. They also have brewery tours for those who are interested (must be 21+ years old). Keep in mind that this isn't a late night establishment -- they are open 11am to 7pm every day.
Music In the Meadow at The Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow
Depending on the length of your stay and the concert dates, this could be a lovely way to spend an evening.
Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour
The tickets are cheap at $6 per adult, and it's a lot of fun. The tour is cheesy -- they really milk the cow jokes :-) -- but also a lot of fun, and a great activity for those with kids. You may not see them actually making ice cream as they have an intensive 2-day cleaning process between batches, but you'll see all of the machinery. And there's a sizable ice cream sample at the end! If you're not interested in the tour, then just go check out their flavor graveyard and grab yourself an ice cream while you're there.
Activities for kids in Stowe
Stowe is very family friendly. If you're looking for ideas of things to do with the kiddos, this website is a great starting point. Some of the ski resorts also have kid-tailored activities like hikes with llamas, gondola rides, indoor rock climbing, art workshops, and more. So if you're considering staying longer and making it a family vacation, you may want to check out those places for accommodations or day passes.
Stowe Mini Golf at Sun & Ski Inn & Suites
Okay, we haven't tried it yet so we can't offer a personal recommendation but if you're mini golf fans then it could be fun to try out. It's part of Sun & Ski Inn & Suites.
Stowe Bowl at Sun & Ski Inn & Suites
Another one we haven't tried yet but if you're looking for a good, rainy day activity, this one seems solid. Or maybe you just love bowling and want to bowl in the mountains of Vermont? In that case, definitely put this on your To Do list. :-) (This one is also part of Sun & Ski Inn & Suites.)
Stowe Farmers Market
Check out local goods, produce, and more every Sunday!
Day outing to Warren/Waitsfield area
We were introduced to VT via the towns of Warren & Waitsfield and these places hold a special place in our hearts. They're 40-60 minutes from Stowe, but definitely worth a visit if you have the time. Here are a few spots worth mentioning. KNOLL FARM (one of our favorite places on earth, known for a stunning mountain views, organic blueberry picking, & a place to watch Icelandic sheep grazing happily): https://knollfarm.org/our-farm; WARREN FALLS (amazing series of waterfalls & swimming holes): https://madrivervalley.com/attraction/warren-falls; SUNSET LEDGE HIKE (an out-and-back hike that is short in duration & moderate in difficulty with extraordinary views): https://madrivervalley.com/attraction/long-trail-sunset-rock/. Check out the next entry of recommendations for food and drink in the Warren/Waitsfield area.
More recs in Warren/Waitsfield
1000 characters wasn't enough! :-) Here are noteworthy breweries, restaurants, and shops to check out in that area. LAWSON'S TAPROOM (wonderful VT-brewed beer): https://www.lawsonsfinest.com/taproom/; CANTEEN CREEMEE (for James Beard-nominated food plus really awesome Vermont cremeee): https://www.canteencreemee.com; AMERICAN FLATBREAD (the original location, which blows the franchise out of the water!): https://americanflatbread.com/locations/waitsfield-vt; THE MAD TACO (killer, creative Mexican food): https://www.themadtaco.com/locations/waitsfield; WARREN STORE (tasty food, VT products, & household goods): https://www.warrenstore.com;
Swimming at Blueberry Lake (in Warren, VT)
Another of our favorite spots on earth! This one deserved its own shout-out. Though it's a little trek from Stowe--about an hour's drive--once you see the view, you won't regret it. You'll be blown away by the stunning mountain surroundings. And this is a great picnic spot if you bring along a blanket, towels, or folding chairs. Grab some sandwiches from the Warren Store and then head to the lake to eat with a view. There are also nearby hiking/mountain biking trails. Just keep in mind that cell service at the lake is minimal to non-existent so plan accordingly.