This Quaint Vermont Town Should Be at The Top of Your Fall Travel List
Go for the leaf peeping, stay for the apple cider donuts.
From leaf peeping to apple picking, we bet your fall bucket list is filled with totally autumn-tastic ways to make the most of the season. Looking for a great small-town getaway where you can make it all happen, all at once? Head to Stowe, Vermont. In this former Green Mountain farming community turned year-round vacation destination, the hills are alive with the colors—and flavors!—of the fall season in ways that will feel straight out of a movie. (Coincidentally enough, the von Trapp family who inspired The Sound of Music settled in Stowe in the 1940s and still runs the in-town Trapp Family Lodge.)
First established in 1793, this charming small town—population: 5,291—really shines while the leaves change. Farm-to-table foodies will love sampling made-on-property ice cream, apple cider (and apple cider donuts!), and cheese, while those with a more adventurous spirit can hike through the forests of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, or hit the bike pump track at Tälta Lodge. And for those of you looking for that perfect fall Instagram shot, look no further than the Stowe Community Church. (Built in 1863, it’s one of the oldest non-denominational churches in the U.S., and is a favorite subject of shutterbugs.)
Situated less than an hour east from Vermont’s Burlington airport, Stowe is an easy and accessible way to experience one of the best small towns in New England. So what are you waiting for? Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, including the best restaurants, shops, and hotels, and start planning your trip ASAP.
Have Your Cakes
A hearty stack of buttermilk flapjacks at Butlers Pantry is the perfect way to start the day. Or stop in for sweet and savory crepes at the beloved breakfast-all-day-eatery The Skinny Pancake.
Click Your Camera
Shutterbugs flock to Stowe for quintessential New England vistas. Spots to practice your skills include the Welcome to Stowe mural (pictured), the Stowe Community Church (pictured at top), and the red saltbox barn at Grandview Farm.
Meet Your Maple
Sugaring is an integral part of Vermont culture. At Wyckoff Family Maple in Jeffersonville, you can sample infused maple syrups and take a self-guided tour. Peruse more Vermont-made maple products, such as Butternut Mountain Farm's Grade A syrup, at Stowe Mercantile.
Cover Your Bases
Stowe's historic covered bridges are absolutely worth a visit. The stringer-style Brookdale Bridge (pictured) crosses the West Branch Waterbury River at a particularly picturesque spot, while local lore warns of haunted happenings at circa-1844 Emily's Bridge, one of only three Howe truss bridges in the state.
Wander the Aisles
Pick up gifts for everyone on your list at The Country Store on Main, then head to family-owned Shaw's General Store, in business since 1895, for Stowe-themed souvenirs and outdoorsy gear. Fans of farmhouse style can shop the home decor finds at Lisa Bry's Farm Home Co., or get lost in 5,500 square feet of vintage offerings at Sir Richards Antiques & Fine Art Center.
Savor Local Flavor
Ice cream aficionados will want to book a tour of Ben & Jerry's first-ever factory in Waterbury. Those who prefer their dairy in cheese form can head just down the road to Cabot Farmer's Store.
Peep at the Leaves
Though there's no shortage of ways to take in the town's awe-inducing autumn splendor, two stand out: a winding drive along Smugglers Notch (pictured), or a trip above the trees of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, on the Stowe Gondola SkyRide.
Drink it All In
At Cold Hollow Cider Mill, the experience includes touring the vintage rack-and-cloth press room, sampling made-on-property apple cider donuts, and sipping hard cider in the tasting room. Other popular watering holes include Idletyme Brewing Company and von Trapp Brewing.
Eat Your Fill
Farm-fresh dishes and decadent desserts drive the Edson Hill dinner menu.
Stay Awhile
The flora-and-fauna-inspired sleeping quarters at Field Guide Lodge share the grounds with firepits and a heated pool, while adventurers will appreciate the bike pump track and in-room gear storage at Tälta Lodge.
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