The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Stowe, VT
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Year visited: 2024
Time of year: October
To be perfectly honest, the reason I planned a trip to Vermont was entirely to tour the Ben & Jerry’s factory (worth it!). Imagine my excitement when I found that the best place to base yourself for said tour was in the picturesque Stowe, VT.
And imagine my disappointment when I actually got to Stowe, found hordes of crowds, too much traffic, and the iconic white church steeple covered in scaffolding…
Of course Stowe, VT is a busy place. It is the most popular place in maybe ALL of New England!
So this guide exists to help you realistically prepare for a trip to Stowe (which you should do!), and even get off the beaten path a bit and away from the maddening crowds!
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About Stowe, VT
Stowe, Vermont is a small town of just over 5,000 people in central Vermont. It is famous for its ski resorts and iconic white steeple church.
The development of the Mount Mansfield Toll Road in the late 1800’s really put Stowe on the map as a getaway destination from the city.
It is known as one of the best ski destinations in America, but is also extremely popular with leaf peepers in the fall and hikers in the summer.
The tallest point in Vermont is the “chin” of Mount Mansfield, at 4,393 feet above sea level, which looms over the picturesque village of Stowe.
Best Time of Year to Visit Stowe
Stowe is a year-round destination. It is popular in summer, spring, winter and fall!
Winter is best if you’re coming for the world-class skiing or Hallmark Christmas town vibes.
I think fall is the best time to come, when the colorful foliage makes the already beautiful scenery EVEN better, not to mention it’s the perfect season for cider drinking and maple syrup tasting.
Tip: The best time for fall foliage will be about 1 week into October. Typically between Oct. 6th-Oct. 12th.
But both of those times are going to be super popular and crowded. There’s no way around it; Stowe is crowded. They are also going to be the most expensive for hotel stays!
If you want to avoid crowds, try coming in late spring or early summer for the best chance of good weather and fewer crowds. You can also find much better prices on hotel rooms in the summer and especially in spring.
Do keep in mind when you’re visiting that some attractions are not open year-round.
Things No One Tells You About Stowe, VT
My first view of Stowe, VT was coming into the center of town and looking up at the classic white steeple… covered in scaffolding!!!
Now, obviously this is not the norm, and most likely won’t be an issue for you. But talk about a way to set the tone of “expectations vs. reality!”
Here are a few things to be aware of as you plan your trip to Stowe, VT:
Account for the Traffic
Traffic heading into downtown Stowe.
I knew that Stowe was a popular spot, but I was not prepared for the amount of traffic in downtown! In fact, I was almost late for my Ben & Jerry’s factory tour because I did not give myself enough time to account for the traffic!
So be aware that Main St. is flooded with cars and pedestrians, turning left is almost impossible, and remember to add at least 10 extra minutes to your commute.
How to Find Parking in Stowe
With all the crazy traffic (and one way streets!) in Stowe, it can be tricky to find parking.
I think the best place to park in downtown Stowe is at the Stowe Recreation Path parking lot, just behind the Community Church. But you will want to be coming into town from the north (like if you’re coming from the Brass Lantern Inn, like I did!), so that you can turn right into the parking lot.
Another quieter place to park is one street over from Main Street, at the library.
Or if you are staying at a hotel that is right downtown, like the Green Mountain Inn or the Stowe Village Inn, you can park at your hotel and walk to all the main spots in Stowe.
That Church Viewpoint
Still magical, even with scaffolding…
Everybody wants to get that iconic photo of the church in Stowe from the famous viewpoint. In fact, they have a whole dedicated parking lot for people taking photos!
What they don’t tell you, though, is that the parking lot is not free. You will have to pay on an app to park there.
However, you could park in town, and walk along the Stowe Recreation Path to reach the viewpoint.
There are two spots you can get a picture from. One is up at the top of the parking lot, next to the fence. Or further down from the parking area is a little dirt patch where you can stand to take more pictures.
This spot is perfect at sunset, but I figured it would be crowded, so I went out just after sunrise. There was only one other car there when I was here.
Alternate view of the church:
If you want another viewpoint of the church (that may or may not be less crowded), you can park downtown and hike up to Sunset Rock viewpoint. This is a short (but a bit steep) hike with a lovely view overlooking downtown Stowe.
Things Aren’t Always Open
Unlike most tourist destinations, winter is actually the main season for visitors in Stowe, VT. That means that, even though it’s insanely busy in other seasons, some things might not be open.
That also means that, in winter, activities you could enjoy in summer have now been taken over by skiers.
It’s really important, no matter which season you’re planning on visiting, to check the opening times of all the places you want to go. For example:
The Stowe Gondola, the Auto Toll Road and Smuggler’s Notch drive are only open late spring through fall. In the winter they are either closed for road conditions, or because they are being used for skiing.
The ice cream place I wanted to visit in downtown (for a maple creemee!) was only open ONE day a week in the fall!!
Iconic Things to Do in Stowe
There really are so many things to do in Stowe, VT. Even with the crowds and the crazy prices (AND the scaffolding on the church…) Stowe is a worthwhile destination.
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Stowe:
Go Skiing
Stowe is a premier ski destination. Personally, I’m not a skier, but if you are, this is definitely the place to come!
And if you’re not, you can come and take ski lessons!
Stowe Mountain Resort is the place to go for all things ski related.
Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road
The Auto Toll Road takes you up Mount Mansfield without having to hike! You can access the Long Trail at the top of the drive, which you can hike to the highest point in Vermont!
The drive is a bit intense, but the views are incredible. You can see a video of the drive here:
Smuggler’s Notch Scenic Drive
An easier, but still beautiful drive is Smuggler’s Notch drive. This route takes you around the base of the mountain, through foliage covered lanes and winding roads. It is fun, beautiful, and one of the most popular things to do in Stowe, VT.
This was my personal favorite thing that I did.
Stowe Gondola Skyride
If you don’t feel like driving, the Stowe Gondola can whisk you up to the top of Mount Mansfield. The views aren’t quite as spectacular as the toll road views, but it is still a fun experience. Plus there is a restaurant and a waffle stand at the top (and actual bathrooms)!
Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path is a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride. The whole path is about 10 1/2 miles, but you can pick it up anywhere.
It’s also a great place to walk from downtown Stowe to the Community Church viewpoint, without having to worry about parking at the viewpoint.
Hiking Trails
There are a lot of popular hiking trails around Stowe, VT. Some of them are extremely challenging, and take most of the day, while others are rather easy and laid back. But they all head to great views!
Here are some of the most popular hikes in Stowe:
Sunset Rock- Sunset Rock is a short (though a bit steep) hike that leads directly from downtown Stowe to a beautiful vantage point over the small town. You can access it by parking at the Stowe Recreation Path parking lot.
The Long Trail- The Long Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Stowe, but it is an ALL day hike. This trail will take you all the way to the top of Vermont’s highest point, the “chin” of Mount Mansfield! You can also drive the Auto Toll Road, and join the trail from there.
Bingham Falls- The trail to Bingham Falls is very popular in Stowe, as it is a short hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end! Be sure to go early to find a parking spot at the trailhead.
Go Shopping Downtown
Be prepared to face the crowds on Main Street as you explore all the local shops and restaurants in downtown Stowe. Be sure to explore further than just the main strip, as there are cute shops all around the area (including at the church viewpoint).
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
No visit to Vermont is complete without a trip to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, about a 15 min. drive from downtown Stowe (barring traffic…).
Due to its insane popularity, this was absolutely the most crowded place of all. And in my personal opinion, their “famous” cider donuts were just meh.
However, I thought they had the best merchandise around. I bought all my Vermont souvenirs here.
Tip: If you want to see them making cider, be sure to check the times on their website. Typically they press cider on Monday and Thursday mornings.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
Ok, so I literally decided to visit Vermont to tour Ben & Jerry’s (that, and I want to hit all 50 states!).
And yes, the free ice cream was so worth it.
I highly recommend taking a tour of the factory, also about a 15 minute drive from Stowe.
Trapp Family Lodge
One of the best things to do in Stowe, VT is to visit the Trapp Family Lodge. When the von Trapp family fled Austria, they ultimately settled in Vermont, where the beautiful mountains reminded them of home.
You can visit the Austrian inspired lodge to take a themed tour (including a von Trapp history tour, a maple sugar tour, or a “Meet the Cows” tour!), go hiking, visit the spa, or grab a pint from one of the many restaurants on grounds.
Eat Maple Products
And of course, while you’re in Vermont, you have to try all the maple products. A maple creemee (AKA, maple flavored soft serve ice cream) is an absolute must, as are some pancakes with fresh maple syrup. You can even visit one of the nearby sugar shacks, like Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm.
Off the Beaten Path Things to Do
Now that' we’ve covered all the most popular things to do in Stowe, here are some ideas for how to get away from the crowds a bit:
Check out the Library
Just one street over from Main Street you will find the Stowe Free Library, and a cozy little gazebo. It’s the perfect place for a fall photo shoot, or to escape the crowds. Head upstairs to the art gallery, where you can find a free coffee corner, and even make your own art project to take home, or hang up on display in the gallery!
Thompson Park
For some beautiful views and quiet nature outside of the main town of Stowe, head to Thompson Park. The park actually lies along the Stowe Recreation Path trail, but the further out of town you get, the less crowds you will see. It’s a nice place to relax and enjoy the scenery for a while.
The Upper Overlook
Another spot to get away from the crowds in Stowe is to head to the Upper Overlook. There is a small parking lot here and an easy trail along the access road, that leads to a large open view of Mount Mansfield. It is a great spot to come for sunset.
I was here about an hour before sunset, and had it to myself. As I was leaving, there were several cars pulling in for sunset.
The (free) Over Easy Gondola
Everyone knows about the Stowe Gondola ride, but most people don’t know about the Over Easy Gondola right next to it. While this one won’t take you to the top of a mountain, it is free to ride, and is crowd-free.
Park in the same spot you would for the Gondola Skyride, but if you keep walking past the gondola entrance, you will see a smaller gondola on the left. It takes you over the road to the Village at Spruce Creek, where you can wander around, shop, eat at the cafes, or join in a resort activity (see below).
Resort Activities
Even if you’re not staying at Stowe Mountain Resort, you can visit the Village at Spruce Creek. They have shops and cafes, as well as various activities and events that you can sign up for.
You will have to pay for most activities, but it’s a fun way to get a little more off the beaten path in Stowe, like taking a guided fall foliage hike.
Day Trip to a Gilmore Girls Town
You don’t hear much about South Royalton, VT, a tiny town about an hour south of Stowe. But, if you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, you have seen this town (a lot!), as it’s the town used in the opening credits scene of the show!
It was definitely worth it to me to stop at South Royalton on my way to Stowe, and enjoy a coffee in the adorable town green. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, be sure to check out this Stars Hollow town.
Where to Stay in Stowe, VT
There are a lot of places to stay in (and near) Stowe, VT. Don’t think that you can only stay right in town. Places fill up quickly, but it is very easy to drive around Vermont, so you don’t have to stay right in Stowe to experience all that Stowe has to offer.
Be aware that hotel rates increase greatly during peak seasons (especially early October). It’s also a good idea to try to book your accommodation about a year ahead of time.
Brass Lantern Inn
I stayed at the Brass Lantern Inn. It was a bit expensive, but pretty much everything the first week of October is expensive in Stowe! You also get a lot for your money! They had a delicious homemade breakfast every morning, not to mention the treats and coffee all day long. And a cozy sitting room and hot tub!
Stowe Village Inn
While I was in Stowe, I decided that the Stowe Village Inn would be a good place to stay. It looked adorable, and was in a perfect location for walking to popular spots downtown. It’s also on the Stowe Mountain Resort side of town, which means you can cut out a good portion of the downtown traffic if you stay here.
Green Mountain Inn
Most people recommend the Green Mountain Inn for staying in Stowe, as it is literally right in the center of town. This also makes it easy to walk around town without worrying about traffic and parking.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is home to many of the most popular things to do in Stowe, like the Auto Toll Road and the Gondola Skyride. You can stay on property (by the Over Easy Gondola) at the Lodge at Spruce Creek.
Other Options
As I said, there are A LOT of places to stay sprinkled all over the area, so be sure to check them all out before you book. Here are a few more cozy sounding inns:
I hope you find this guide helpful for planning a trip to Stowe, VT. It is popular for a reason!
And don’t forget I have lots of other guides for things to do in Stowe (see links below)!
Any more questions?
If you have any more questions about visiting Stowe (or any suggestions of other great things to do!), be sure to email me or comment below.
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