Stowe is a perfect fall getaway, with iconic New England foliage, panoramic mountain views, and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy it all. Between scenic hikes, charming town spots, and a surprisingly strong brewery scene, it’s easy to fill your days with leaf-peeping, fresh air, and a good local beer.
Things to Do
- Hiking: Stowe has hikes for all fitness levels. We did the Stowe Pinnacle via Pinnacle Meadow Trail (3.3 miles, 1,069 feet of elevation gain). It’s very dog-friendly—we saw plenty of pups on the trail—and the views from the top are a great way to take in the fall colors.
- Smuggler’s Notch Scenic Drive: This is a scenic but narrow mountain road, with a test turn at the start so you can make sure your vehicle can handle it. We didn’t have any issues and were glad we went. While the drive doesn’t offer huge overlook views, it’s unique to pass between steep cliffs and large boulders, with chances to scramble a bit and see the foliage up close. Bingham Falls, near the start of the drive, is also worth a stop and is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
- Moss Glen Falls: A short, easy walk leads to a picturesque waterfall. You can climb around the rocks for a higher vantage point and continue onto a longer trail if you want, but we mostly explored the area right around the falls.
- Explore Town: Stowe is a charming town with lots of classic, photogenic spots. We especially liked the Stowe Community Church view point, though it can get crowded and parking nearby is limited. There are also several covered bridges and other quintessential Vermont sights scattered around the area.
- Sticky’s Maple Works: It’s not a visit to Vermont without a stop at a maple syrup shack. There are a few in the area, but we enjoyed the hospitality at Sticky’s and the delicious samples that were handed out.
- Visit Woodstock: We passed through Woodstock on our drive from Connecticut to Stowe, so we decided to spend an afternoon in the area. Sugarbush Farm was a standout sugar shack, set on a hill with great views and excellent syrup. For a(nother) sweet snack, we went to Woodstock Scoops in town and had a maple crunch flurry (one of the best maple creemees we’ve had). For our last stop in Woodstock, we grabbed sandwiches to go from Village Butcher Shop; there’s nothing wrong with dessert before lunch. Ordering ahead at the Butcher Shop is a good idea, though, as the line gets long.
Where to Drink (and sometimes eat)
- The Alchemist: A must-stop in Stowe, The Alchemist has a massive outdoor area with lawn games and plenty of patio seating, making it an easy place to spend a fall afternoon. Heady Topper is famous for a reason, though we found the cannabis-forward flavor a bit strong when served on draft.
- Ideltyme Brewing: Idletyme feels more like a full restaurant than a traditional brewery, with a wide selection of beers and a solid food menu. The Notch Burger and Vermont cheddar fritters were standouts, and it’s a good option if you want a sit-down meal with your beer.
- von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall: Set on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, von Trapp combines excellent beer with equally strong food. The schnitzel-style chicken sandwich was a highlight, and the outdoor seating makes the views part of the experience. You can also visit some highland cattle at the nearby ranch.
- Stowe Cider: Not technically a brewery, but worth including. Stowe Cider is a nice way to mix things up, though the side we initially sat on was quiet and fairly unremarkable. As we were leaving, we noticed the other side of the building has a large lawn with patio tables and live music, which looked like the place to be.
Where to Eat (apart from breweries)
- Plate: One of the more upscale dining options in Stowe, Plate delivers well-executed, flavorful dishes. Reservations are recommended. The garlic and parmesan soufflé is a must-order, and the jerk chicken wings were another standout.
- Black Cap: An excellent grab-and-go breakfast spot right in town. The egg and cheese breakfast sandwich was solid, but the real standout was the apple crumb cake, which is worth stopping for on its own.
- Movement Coffee Roasters: Another good option for a quick breakfast. While we preferred Black Cap overall, we still enjoyed our stop here. As with Black Cap, the baked goods stole the show—the blueberry muffin outshined the egg and cheese sandwich.
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Located just outside of Stowe, this is a classic stop for fall treats, including maple creemees and other frozen desserts. It gets very crowded, but it’s worth a visit if you’re passing through. Skip the apple cider donut, though—it was surprisingly dry.
Other Tips & Tricks
- When to Visit: Peak foliage timing changes year to year, but early October worked out perfectly for us. The first or second weekend of the month is usually a safe bet. That said, Stowe isn’t just a fall destination—winter brings great skiing, and summer offers ideal hiking weather.
- Where to Stay: Many of the activities we did were outside of downtown Stowe, so staying at an Airbnb just west of Stowe worked well. We were closer to the breweries and Smuggler’s Notch, and we had more space at a lower cost without feeling inconvenienced.
- Getting Around: If you plan to hike or visit attractions outside of town, having a car is essential. Parking in town can be limited, but we generally had no trouble finding street parking when we went in to eat or walk around.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
