Stowe, VT Weekend Vacation Getaway
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Things To Do
Too often people go away and stumble around trying to determine what there is to do and where to do it. What a waste of precious time! We tell you what there is to do and with whom to do it. Whether it is the best golf course, where to charter a boat, what museums not to miss, you’ll know what you want to do and where to do it before you ever get there.
Golf
The beautiful Stowe Country Club, right off the Mountain Road is a marvelous track cut into the mountains. The new Spruce Peak Resort has a dramatic course, in theory for use only by the homeowners and resorts guests....but who knows, I'm sure you can find a way.
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Skiing
If you are an expert, you will want to test yourself at the "Front Four" at Mansfield. As an intermediate, I like Big Spruce Mountain, particularly with the new high speed lift and snow making. beginners will enjoy Easy Mile, Toll Road and Little Spruce. There is also a gondola that connects the two mountains.
For cross country go to the Trapp Family Lodge Resort. Called “one of the best cross country ski centers in the world,“ by Ski Magazine. Most challenging, beautiful scenery and the opportunity to ski to the Slayton pasture cabin, about 3 miles, and enjoy hot chocolate and lunch by a roaring fire.
There are two ways to beat the high cost of lift tickets at Stowe. The first is to purchase a Stowe Points Card, details at www.stowe.com. Adult tickets with the card are $59. The other is to check Liftopia at www.liftopia.com and see if there are any discount lift ticket deals.
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Tennis
Topnotch Resort. 10 outdoor, four indoor courts.
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Walking/Running/Biking
There may be no better place anywhere to walk, run, bike, roller blade or cross country ski or snowshoe than the Stowe Recreation Path. 5.5 miles from town toward the mountain, the path winds its way through the woods, beside farm fields and along a rushing brook. It is truly a remarkable experience. If you enjoy these activities, the Rec path alone is reason to come to Stowe
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Kayaking/Canoeing
Another great way to experience the breathtaking Vermont scenery is on a canoe or kayak trip. There are plenty of options close to Stowe; Lake Elmore is easily accessible and has a state campground and beach; Green River Reservoir is pristine and undeveloped; Lamoille and Winooski rivers, wind through farms and forested countryside. You can rent a canoe or kayak, we suggest Umiak on Rt 100, and go by yourself or take a guided tour. Doesnęt matter whether you have experience. Just pack a lunch and enjoy yourself.
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Fishing
Fly fishing for trout is a great adventure in the many streams, rivers and ponds surrounding Stowe. Catamount Fishing Adventures can plan the whole thing for you, whether you are an experienced fisherman or a novice.
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Snowmobiling
Stowe Snowmobile Tours. A magnificent 2 hour tour through snow covered blue spruce woods. Riding as a single, double or passenger, these guided tours will take you to Vermontęs backcountry. State of the art equipment, breathtaking views make for a grand adventure. $45 (passenger)-$149. We recommend, Umiak Outfitters on Rt. 100, just before town. Custom tours with stops for refreshments, lunch or dinner can be arranged for corporate groups.
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Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing has become one of our favorite activities in the winter and Stowe has some of the best places to enjoy it. The Recreation Path is one with fairly level terrain. We like to start either in town or at the mountain end, shoe to The Shed, have lunch and head back. A little more demanding, but quite beautiful is the track in Wiessner Woods. Lots of trails and a very good work-out. Umiak Outfitters has a number of snowshoe tours available. We like the Moonlight Cabin Tour, a 3 hour trip (6:30-9:30pm) where you are led through the woods in the moonlight (or headlamp) to a hidden cabin. By a warm fire, you'll enjoy cheese, crackers and hot cider. Easy trip. Rentals available at Umiak or Pinnacle on the Mountain Road.
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Hiking
Perhaps, you’ll feel the need to work off those lunches and dinners with an invigorating hike in the mountains. The Pinnacle Trail is a relatively short hike located east of town. The trailhead in Stowe Hollow is a 2.8-mile drive from Main Street on mostly paved roads. From the trailhead it's a 1.4-mile hike to the summit of the Pinnacle, a 2,740-foot peak in the Worcester Range (the eastern border of Stowe).
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Horseback Riding
TRAIL RIDING on horseback is a year round adventure in Stowe, beautiful amidst the lush greenery of summer or the peaceful solitude of newly fallen snow. Edson Hill Manor Stables is our choice for the -Best" Stables.
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Sights/Tours
Last but not least, there’s the SIGHTSEEING excursion. Visit the world famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory on Route 100 in Waterbury, 15 minutes from Stowe. Head over to the Great View Winery to sample some local wines. Then drive south on Rt. 89, about 15 minutes to the Cabot Creamery and see how Vermont cheddars are produced. No visit to Stowe would be complete without a visit to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and wonderful cider donuts.
Mountain View Tours include "Historic Stowe" and "Foliage" tours.
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Antiques/Galleries
There are many roadside antique stores along Route 100 leading up to Stowe, Early Vermont Antiques (802-244-5373) is just one, across from the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury. There are also more across from the Cold Hollow Cider Mill a little farther up the road.
For art galleries, there is Clarke Galleries, on South Main, Robert Paul in the Baggy Knees Center on Mountain Road, Vermont Fine Art in the Gale Farm Center on Mountain Road, the Green Mountain Fine Art Gallery on Main Street and the Helen Day Art Center on Pond & School Streets in Stowe Village.
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Theatre
Stowe Theatre Guild, Town Hall Theatre, presents popular productions throughout most of the year.
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Soaring/Ballooning
Two of the best ways to really appreciate the beauty of the mountains are glider and hot air balloon rides. Stowe Soaring offers sailplane rides for 1 or 2 people. An unforgettable experience gliding over the mountains. Stoweflake Resort offers hot air balloon rides Spring thru Fall.
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Shopping
How about a little SHOPPING at one of the many quaint Stowe shops? All shopping trips start at Shaws General Store, in the heart of town has been there forever and carries things you never thought about. Visit Stowe Gems for handcrafted gold, silver and platinum, Stowe Kitchen, Bath and Linens on the Mountain Road for a great selection of items for your home, the Yellow Turtle for children’s wear and Deerfield Village Furniture for American reproductions handcrafted in Vermont. Try Well Heeled on the Mountain Road for great women's shoes, Sleeper House on the Mountain Road for tableware and pewter and an interesting new store, also on the Mountain Road, Hearthside Heirlooms, handcrafted Vermont furniture.
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