If you have a couple nights in Stowe during the winter – these are our top recommendations to consider (besides skiing and snowboarding). This article will cover all our “other” favorites that make Stowe special. If you want to look at all snow sport while in town be sure to check out our other article.
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Grab A Hot Chocolate And Stroll Through The Village | Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672
1.4 miles from the house
Step into a Hallmark movie moment. Grab a hot chocolate at Laughing Moon Chocolates or Black Cap and wander around the cute little shops in the village. A couple of our favorite spots are the candy shop at Shaw’s General Store, Stowe Mercantile and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.
This is really a lot of fun. You can rent skates at the lodge, but they are pricey. It would be cheaper to order or buy some before your trip. This is one of our family favorite activities. For any non-skaters, the outdoor whiskey bar/restaurant with fire-pits keeps anyone equally happy. Click here for a YouTube video of the rink.
If you’d rather relax and unwind – book any services at the Spruce Peak spa and you will also get access to the heated pool, hot tubs, fitness center and so on.
Whether or not you’re a Sound of Music fan, the Trapp Family Lodge is a historic must-see in Stowe. After fleeing Austria, the Von Trapp Family settled here in Stowe in the 1940’s. They said the mountain views of the property reminded them of their homeland of Austria. The Trapp Family Lodge opened in 1950 and, after a fire in 1980, they built the lodge that’s there today. The mountain resort property spans over 2,500 acres and is still owned and operated by the Von Trapp family. If you want to make it extra special, book a sleigh ride during your visit. To schedule, call Mike directly at 802-734-1070
If you aren’t up for skiing – you can always take the gondola sky ride and grab a waffle or dine at the Cliff House Restaurant restaurant. If you don’t have a season pass – it runs about $35 for adults and $24 for kids.
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream | 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676
(802) 337-1214 | https://www.benjerry.com/waterbury
10.8 miles from the house
The world headquarters is about 10 miles from the house. They provide factory tours and it’s a great way to finish a day. You can also check out the “Flavor Graveyard” to pay respects to the dearly de-pinted. They close just before dark in the winter – so check their hours to plan ahead.
This is the real deal. If you do not have all-wheel drive and some good boots – you may want to take a pass. The shop is open 10-4. Check their website for up to date hours. If you luck out – you will catch some of their fresh donuts.
If you want to catch a show while in town be sure to click here and check the events calendar. The venue is really the perfect blend of cozy and excellent acoustics. It is one of my favorite venues. If there are no shows, drop by some of the great art galleries in Stowe. Some great options are Green Mountain Fine Art and Robert Paul Galleries.
This is a great 25-mile journey through the Mount Mansfield State Forest for both the beginner and the advanced rider. It takes about 2 hours, so be sure to bring warm gloves, socks, and boot.
Once a skiing hill with a T-bar, it now lends itself to sledders with a 100 foot drop. Located behind the Stowe Elementary school, there is also a great outdoor playground area if some of the kids are tired of sledding.
If you don’t have a sled, Umiak Outfitters is located nearby where you can rent some high-end sleds (Hammerhead, MadRiver Rocket, Air board).