When the word “Stowe” is mentioned many people think of skiing but Stowe, Vermont, is a wonderful destination any time of the year. Stowe, a classic 200-year-old village, lies in the shadow of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Yes, there is skiing but there are also hiking, arts, a balloon festival, sports, scenic drives and more.
- Historic: The Stowe Historical Society, located in the village, is housed in the West Branch Schoolhouse with the Bloody Brook Schoolhouse next to it. Pick up their free Historic Walking Tour of Stowe map and wander the Historic District. Also in the village is the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum with permanent and rotating exhibits.
- Scenic drives: Truthfully, all the roads around Stowe offer spectacular scenery but some drives are scenic and in the fall, the area is ablaze with color. The historic auto Toll Road winds its way to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield where there are stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west.
- Hiking and biking: The 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path is popular with hikers and bikers and starts right in the village behind the Community Church but is accessible at other locations. A favorite hike in Smuggler’s Notch State Park is to scenic Bingham Falls.
- Water fun: Those interested in water fun should head to Waterbury Reservoir where they can canoe, kayak, standup paddle board and swim. Most resorts have a pool, some of which are indoor and/or heated. There are several swimming holes in the area including the one at the end of the Bingham Falls hike.
- Golf and more: Golfers can tee off at the Ryder Brook Golf Club, and Stoweflake Resort has an onsite 9-hole, par 3 course that is free to guests. They also have indoor and outdoor tennis courts and the area’s only racquetball/squash court. The Trapp Family Lodge offers daily tennis clinics.
- Arts: The Stowe area is home to a thriving arts community. See glass blowing at Ziemke Glassblowing Studio. Wander the Sculpture Garden which is part of the West Branch Gallery. There are several galleries including Helen Day Art Center which offers classes plus theatrical performances and concerts that include outdoor concerts featuring the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
- Up, Up and Away: The scenery is even more dramatic from the air. Stoweflake Resort has its own balloon for hire and hosts an annual balloon festival in July. Stowe Mountain Resort offers gondola rides with spectacular views of the mountains. For another unforgettable experience Stowe Soaring takes passengers on the silent wings glider ride.
- For foodies: The Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour ends with a cup of one of their unique flavored ice creams. Before leaving head up the hill to their Flavor Graveyard of discontinued flavors. Along Route 100 you can stop to sample and learn about Vermont maple syrup, Vermont cheese and chocolate.
- Beverage Trail: At Cold Hollow Cider Mill watch the workers press the cider and try a free sample. At Crop Bistro and Brewery adults can try a sampler of their brews. Boyden Valley Winery & Sprits is a fourth-generation farm with free wine tours. Smuggler’s Notch distillery is justly proud of their award-winning vodka, rum, bourbon, rye whiskey and gin.
- Spas: Experience what is referred to as the “Stowe Response” with a visit to one of the many spas and yoga centers. Most hotels have spas including Stoweflake Resort & Spa with 30 treatment rooms and an Aqua Solarium that has been highly rated by Conte Nast and other magazines.
Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.