Why Stowe, Vermont, Excels as a Year Round Travel Destination

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Late Checkout is TQE’s travel vertical. Whether you’re seeking an Eat Pray Love moment of your own, or a wholesome family sojourn, we hope you embark on an adventure requisite of a late checkout below.

In 2015, my wife and I got married in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Her parents live in nearby Barnet, and for the last couple of decades we’ve spent numerous long weekends there enjoying the changing leaves in the fall, the skiing in the winter, the spring thaw, and the summer bike rides. We were so connected to the Northeast Kingdom – the name for the three counties that comprise the region in which we were wed – that we hardly ventured elsewhere in the state. Until recently.

This year we spent some time in Stowe, located in central Vermont at the base of Mt. Mansfield – the state’s tallest mountain. We were delighted to find that of all the mountain towns in the east coast, it takes the cake as a family friendly adventure hub. 

Adventures Galore‍

There isn’t much you can’t do in Stowe. Nestled between the Green Mountains to the west and the Worcester mountain range to the east, there is plenty of “vert” for ascending and descending, whether your choice of transportation is bikes, skis, or feet. 

Stowe is geared towards riding bikes all year long, both on pavement and on trails. The 5.3 mile Stowe Recreation Path goes from Stowe Village to the Topnotch Resort, passing by many restaurants, breweries, and local businesses. 

For families looking to ride on the trails Cady Hill Forest has some of the most accessible trails right on the edge of town. The Trapp Family Lodge, a 2600 acre resort located in the hills of Stowe, has bike rentals and mountain biking trails, as well as a brewery and cafe on site.

Should you need to rent a bike, there are also plenty of spots in town for all things two wheels. Ranch Camp is a full service mountain bike shop, a casual restaurant, and a tap room. And Hitchhiker, Mountain Ops, Pinnacle Ski and Sports, and AJ’s Ski and Sports can all set you up for a day of riding.

If two-footed exploration is more your speed, there are trails to suit the hardcore hiker as well as those that prefer more of a view with less effort. There are three waterfall hikes around Stowe, including Moss Glen Falls, which, at 85 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Vermont. We opted for Bingham Falls on our most recent visit, and found the short quarter mile hike down to the falls a great option for a big group with kids. The wow factor kicked in before the complaints could begin.

Another fantastic option is to take the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort to the top of Mt. Mansfield. The SkyRide alone is a thrill, and from the top there are short walks, a restaurant and gift shop, and longer trails should you be up for a trek. 

And not to be overlooked is the skiing that is a hallmark of the region. Stowe Mountain Resort gives you access to Mt. Mansfield and its opposing peak – Mt. Spruce. The 2,360 feet of vertical drop are the fifth largest in New England, with plenty of terrain for everyone from beginners to experts. And Spruce Peak Village is a year round destination for dining, concerts, indoor rock climbing, and sipping a beverage of your choice. There is no off season in Stowe.

Hops Heaven

Stowe also happens to be the home of some of the most renowned beer in a region known for it. The Alchemist helped turn the town into a craft beer destination with the once rare and always delicious Heady Topper. Idletyme Brewing and the von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall are also destination worthy stops. 

Stowe also features plenty of fantastic places to enjoy an apres beverage that don’t necessarily brew their own beer. The Lower Chair and The Bench feature great vibes and comfort food. American Flatbread is a pizza spot with food and beverage options to please the pickiest child and adult. And Harrison’s offers a cozy and classy upscale option.

But part of the major appeal of the breweries is how great they are for families. At The Alchemist there is often live music and plenty of space in the yard to toss a disc or play tag. On a trip to Stowe at the end of the summer a family with two small kids  in bike trailers arrived on two wheels and the husband and wife enjoyed a pint while the kids toddled in the yard. It was an idyllic scene. With the Stowe Recreation Path providing accessibility to so many places by bike, going on a ride and stopping for a refreshment is a cinch.

Stays Geared Towards Play

Stowe also has a wide assortment of places to stay for families looking for stylish and fun adventure basecamps. Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge has 53 rooms and two houses that can be rented in an environment with delightful throwback touches in a modern package, complete with pools and a hot tub. For those looking to experience alpine living at its finest, AWOL Stowe has 35 rooms and suites, including several A frame cabins, with a cedar hot tub, plunge pool, and sauna on site. The access to both town and the surrounding countryside is unbeatable.

There are also AirBnB options that combine luxury and convenience for larger groups. The Summit House is a gorgeous 3-bedroom remodeled A Frame tucked into the woods that would be perfect for a family. For slightly larger groups this 4-bedroom house provides fantastic outdoor space, including a hot tub and outdoor dining area complete with grill and firepit. And the thoughtful touches on the Canopy House A Frame, located near downtown, have been highlighted in Conde Nast and The Boston Globe.

There are plenty of bucolic destinations in New England for families looking for an adventurous getaway, but few provide the variety, ease, and plentiful options for kids and adults alike. From hiking to biking to skiing Stowe has got you covered. The food and beverage possibilities are world class. And there are an abundance of places to stay that will be not only comfortable but memorable. This is a town that will have the whole family Stowe-ked.