Best Things To Do in Stowe, Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains, Stowe, Vermont is one of New England’s dreamiest destinations—especially for those who love cozy mountain towns, outdoor adventures, and postcard-perfect scenery. Whether you’re exploring charming Main Street, riding the iconic Stowe Gondola, chasing waterfalls, or sipping coffee with a view, this little town has something magical in every season (although my photos are in fall!). Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont.
One of Vermont’s most iconic stops, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is the place to experience authentic New England charm, fresh apple cider donuts, and watch cider being pressed in real time. I put this first, as it draws many people to visit Stowe, as it did for me. I visited during the busiest season, and I’ll be honest some of the staff was rude to me, BUT the cider was super delicious. I didn’t love the donuts, either! Overall, I’d still visit at least once.
Know Before You Go
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📍 Location: 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT
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🕒 Hours: Open daily, typically 8 AM–6 PM (check seasonal hours)
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🍩 Don’t Miss: Hot apple cider donuts & hard cider tasting room
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🐾 Dog Friendly: Yes, outdoors
2. Explore Downtown Stowe 🏘️
Of course when you visit a new area, you need to see the downtown area. Like many towns in New England, Downtown Stowe is super cute and charming. Most visitors want to visit the beautiful white church, get a souvenir in a local shop, and maybe get a cup of coffee. Keep in mind, this area can get really congested, especially in the fall. My favorite was the postcard mural (location below).
Know Before You Go
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☕ Coffee Stops: Black Cap Coffee & Beer, Woodland Baking, or PK Coffee
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🛍️ Shops to Browse: Shaw’s General Store, Stowe Mercantile, Stowe Bee Bakery
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📸 Photo Tip: Capture the church steeple with Mount Mansfield in the background AND see the mural next to Lake Champlain Chocolates
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🚗 Parking: Free street parking near Main Street
The Stowe Gondola is one of the most scenic experiences you can have in Vermont — and an absolute must while visit (May to October), and again during ski season, the gondola takes you high above Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s tallest peak) for sweeping views of the Green Mountains and valley below. In summer and early fall, you’ll see endless green forests and vibrant foliage, while winter brings a snow-covered wonderland. At the top, you can grab a bite at Cliff House Restaurant, explore short alpine trails, or simply soak in the panoramic views. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, mountain air, or snowy vistas, the Stowe Gondola ride is one of the most iconic things to do in town. It was a bit pricey at around $45 pp, which was my biggest con.
Know Before You Go
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🎟️ Tickets: Available at Stowe Mountain Resort or online
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🕒 Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds
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❄️ Seasonal Operation: Open for both summer and ski season
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🚫 Dog Friendly: Yes (summer and fall only)
4. Drive Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Road 🚗🍂
Driving the Smugglers’ Notch Road (Route 108) is one of the most breathtaking experiences in Vermont — especially in the fall when the mountains explode with color. I drove this up and down multiple times in a row, haha. This narrow, winding pass cuts through Mount Mansfield State Forest, connecting Stowe to Jeffersonville, and is lined with massive boulders, towering cliffs, and dense forest. Along the drive, you’ll find scenic pull-offs perfect for photos, including views of Mount Mansfield and the valley below. Some of the best stops include Bingham Falls (a short hike to a stunning waterfall), Smugglers’ Notch State Park for hiking trails and picnic spots, and Elephant’s Head Rock, a popular roadside photo stop. The road is typically open from late May through mid-October, closing in winter due to snow. It’s a must-do drive if you’re visiting Stowe — just go slow, roll your windows down, and enjoy one of the most iconic foliage routes in New England.
Know Before You Go
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🚗 Route: VT Route 108 through Mount Mansfield State Forest
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🍁 Best Season: Mid to late October for peak color
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⚠️ Closed in Winter: Typically late Oct–May due to snow
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📷 Photo Tip: Stop at pull-offs for drone or foliage shots
5. Enjoy Local Food & Breweries 🍽️🍺
Stowe’s food and brewery scene was so small town and so vibey. Start your culinary tour at Idletyme Brewing Co. (my fav), a favorite among both locals and visitors for its laid-back atmosphere, rotating craft beers, and hearty Vermont-style comfort food — think Bavarian pretzels, maple-glazed salmon, and seasonal brews you can enjoy by the firepit or on the sunny patio. Beer lovers should also make time for The Alchemist, home of the world-famous Heady Topper IPA, and von Trapp Brewing, part of the Trapp Family Lodge, where Austrian-inspired lagers pair perfectly with mountain views. I’ve heard amazing things about all of these places.
Know Before You Go
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🥗 Top Restaurants: Plate, Doc Ponds, and The Bench
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🍺 Local Breweries: Idletyme Brewing Co., von Trapp Brewing, The Alchemist (home of Heady Topper)
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☀️ Outdoor Seating: Most spots offer patios in summer
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💻 Pro Tip: Make dinner reservations during peak season
6. Visit Moss Glen Falls 💦
DEFINITELY add visiting Moss Glen Falls to your list of things to do in Stowe. I had this on my list and totally forgot to go, and I was sad. The short trail to the falls winds through a quiet forest before opening to a dramatic 85-foot cascade tumbling over moss-covered rock. The hike itself is less than a mile roundtrip, making it family- and dog-friendly, with a clearly marked path and viewing area near the base. There’s a small gravel parking area near the trailhead, and because it’s such a quick stop, Moss Glen Falls pairs perfectly with a morning coffee run or as a refreshing break between exploring downtown and driving Smugglers’ Notch.
Know Before You Go
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📍 Trailhead: Moss Glen Falls Trail, Moss Glen Falls Rd
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🥾 Distance: 0.25 miles to viewpoint, ~0.6 miles roundtrip
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🐾 Dog Friendly: Yes
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🅿️ Parking: Small gravel lot near the trailhead
7. Other Things to Do in Stowe
If you have extra time in Stowe, there are plenty of other experiences that make this mountain town unforgettable. In the winter, hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort, one of New England’s most iconic ski destinations with runs for every level and cozy après-ski spots nearby. During warmer months, rent a bike and cruise along the Stowe Recreation Path, a scenic 5.3-mile paved trail that winds through meadows, over wooden bridges, and past mountain views. Foodies will love a stop at the Cabot Farmers’ Store, where you can sample local cheeses, maple syrup, and Vermont-made goodies. For something a little slower paced, take a drive just outside town to explore covered bridges and backroads bursting with fall color. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventure, food and drink, or just soaking up small-town charm, Stowe offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration year-round.
Check out one of my fellow content creator’s posts on things to do in Stowe below. I really like their video!
SUMMARY OF THINGS TO DO IN STOWE
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping cider, or cozying up by the fire, Stowe is the perfect small town for an unforgettable Vermont getaway. No matter the season, this mountain town delivers classic New England charm in every direction.
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