Stowe Travel Guide
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Planning a Trip to Stowe
Stowe is the most picture-perfect New Englans town. Nestled deep in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Stowe is one of New England’s premier ski destinations, has some of the best foliage on the East Coast, and offers tons of outdoor activities and views for summer adventures.
I try to make a trip to Stowe most years! This past winter I spent a perfect, snowy weekend in Stowe with my niece and nephew. It was the most perfect New England winter getaway. Use this guide to plan your dream Vermont trip to Stowe!
- *Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*
- Where to Stay in Stowe
- Best Restaurants in Stowe
- Best Bars in Stowe
- Best Time to Visit Stowe
- Stowe – Top Blog Posts
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Planning a larger trip to Vermont? See my full Vermont travel guide here.
*Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*
Cliff House
For the very best views in Stowe you’re going to want to grab the gondola to the peak of Stowe, and head to Cliff House, which offers hands down the best drinks with views over Stowe and the Green Moutains in any season.
Dates & opening times for Cliff House can be found here. They’re open during the ski season, and then during summer and foliage usually!
Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
Right at the base of Stowe Mountain you’ll find Spruce Peak Village and the stunning Lodge at Spruce Peak. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown Stowe, but right at the mountain. Spruce Peak Village is tiny, and looks just like a post card! It’s walkable to several chairlifts/gondolas to access the mountain. There’s several bars & restaurants in the hotel, and the village, plus a huge heated outdoor pool with mountain views (my favorite part)
The village is filled with apres ski spots, ice skating rinks, shops & more.
Best Restaurants in Stowe
Stowe has tons of great restautant options with lots of good bar food, a few upscale spots, some great pizza places and more. I put together my 15 favorite restaurants in Stowe here.
Top Choices:
- Docs Ponds – elevated pub food
- The Bench – bar fod, bar pizzas & entrees
- Grant’s – best upscale(ish) option
- Matterhorn – local favorite
- Piecasso – best pizza
Best Bars in Stowe
Stowe has so many great bar options for your perfect apres or post-hike adventure. I’ve compiled my full list of best bars in Stowe here.
- Matterhorn – best local vibes – live music, good food
- Cliff House – summit views (top of gondola)
- Lower Bar – (my favorite) best craft beet selection
- Grant’s – live music, classic spot
- Alchemist – best brewery
Best Time to Visit Stowe
Winter
Winter is my personal favorite time to visit Stowe! Vermont is such a fairytale in the winter, and Stowe feels extra special. Spruce Peak Village really is like a postcard with it’s ice rink and mountain views, and Stowe has some of the best conditions of mountains in New England.
Fall
A close second for me is fall. Stowe has some of the best foliage in New England, and the whole vibe is so perfect in fall. If you’re planning a foliage trip make it early, Stowe is far north and foliage peaks earlier than many other parts of New England. Taking the gondola to the top is a must!
Summer
Summer is ideal for hikers! This area is lovely in the summer, although I tend to prefer fall and winter personally!
