If you’re seeking cozy, fall vibes, Stowe, Vermont, has everything you could want: stunning foliage, endless outdoor activities, scenic drives and delicious local eats and drinks. A trip here is a chance to get back to nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and take in all the beauty the season has to offer.
What to do: If you’re looking for a spot that will keep the whole family entertained, Outbound Stowe has it all. With a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub that’s open year-round, it’s the place to be. The hotel also has direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, a paved trail perfect for walking, running, biking or rollerblading. Outbound offers a bar/restaurant, bike rentals, and events including maple syrup tastings and nightly s’mores at the fire pits, which my kids particularly enjoyed!
The Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort is one of the best ways to take in the full beauty of the autumn landscape. It will take you near the peak of Vermont’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield. While the price is steep ($42 for adults, $27 for kids) on a clear day, the views are truly amazing. It’s open until Sunday, October 19, so plan ahead if you want to go.
Nothing quite says fall like spending part of the afternoon getting lost in a corn maze. The one at Percy Farm is fun for all ages and is a yearly tradition for many. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for kids, and kids under age 7 are free.
The Von Trapp Family Lodge (founded by members of the real family that inspired The Sound of Music) offers a host of family-friendly activities, including a “Meet the Cows Tour,” a “Meet the Sheep Tour,” a “Maple Sugar Tour” and weekend horse & carriage rides. Be sure to stop by the Bierhall, where you can dine on brats and pretzels and sample their beer.
Where to eat: Speaking of food, Eastside Bar + Bites at Outbound is the perfect spot to sip a craft cocktail on the patio or sample dishes made with ingredients from local farms and dairies. All of us had the Eastside Smash Burger, double smashed patties with lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese and secret sauce and it hit the spot!
Doc Ponds is a local favorite serving baked mac and cheese made with Vermont cheddar, a Crispy Chicken Sandwich that’s popular and don’t miss the VT Cheddar Fritters with pickled jalapeños.
For an afternoon snack or dessert, try the best soft serve you’ll ever have in your life at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. A maple creemee is a regional version of soft serve that’s made with a higher butterfat content. You can get that or a Dreamee (one of their famous cider donuts split open and filled with creemee) or a Crushee which my son tried – an apple cider slushee topped with maple soft serve and an apple cider donut.
Don’t leave town without trying Black Cap Coffee & Bakery. The coffee is strong and delicious and locals and tourists alike line up early for their decadent maple croissants.
Where to stay: A boutique, basecamp-style hotel, Outbound opened in the summer of 2024 and has an outdoorsy vibe – their tagline is “nature on tap.” Staying here feels like being at summer camp except with tons of modern amenities. The cozy lobby is a great spot to hang out and the mercantile shop has gear, provisions and gifts to bring back home with you.
With just over 70 rooms – a mix of hotel rooms and A-frame cabins – it’s well-suited to couples and families – and you can bring your pup as the place is pet-friendly. We stayed in a Classic Double Queen room adjoining a Classic Twin Bunk room (the perfect set up so kids don’t have to share a bed!). Rates start at $247/night. Right now, they have a special offer for residents of New York, New Jersey & New England can stay for just $129/night Sun-Thurs in a classic room. Other offers include Advanced Purchase: Book at least 30 days in advance and save 20% and Linger Longer: Stay two nights and receive the third night complimentary.
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