To reach Stowe , follow the gentle curves of Route 100 North through the idyllic valleys of northern central Vermont . Located a stone ’ s throw away from the base of Mount Mansfield , this charming town offers visiting vacationers a wide array of enjoyable outdoor activities , compelling cultural experiences , and delightful retail , lodging , and dining options . Looking to enjoy the best of what Vermont has to offer ? Look no further . There ’ s never been a better time to “ Go Stowe ”!
FRIDAY
3PM As you approach the intersection of Route 100 and Route 108 , take a left at the fork and head towards the Mountain Road Village District . After proceeding down a meandering roadway past a number of enticing boutiques and restaurants , you will come across the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa on your right .
With comfortable and luxurious suites and stylishly designed townhouses , Stoweflake is an ideal resting place for travelers of all tastes and preferences . The resort features a fully-operational fitness center , as well as a sumptuous spa with a fully-stocked gift shop . The two spacious wings of the Stoweflake compound are connected by a picturesque walkway , which pays aesthetic homage to the beautiful covered bridges that are found throughout the Green Mountain State .
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER PAINTINGS BY PETER HUNTOON
STOWE
In the warmer months , visiting guests can try their golf skills at a fun and approachable on-site 9-hole golf course . A seven-circle herb garden lies at the center of Stoweflake ’ s wraparound building complex , complete with a striking stone fountain built by a Vermont-based craftsperson . It ’ s a wonderful spot to enjoy a pleasant meditative stroll , a delicious beverage , or a good book . Once you ’ ve checked in , be sure to take a moment to unwind and acclimate to the tranquil and bucolic Northern Vermont atmosphere .
4PM After settling in , it ’ s time to head out and explore the sights and shops of Stowe ’ s Mountain Road Village District .
Female fashionistas will dive headfirst into the splendid selections at Well Heeled , an elegant women ’ s clothing shop specializing in high-end designer pieces . Those who lean towards a more casual , sartorial approach will favor the eclectic offerings of In Company , a women ’ s boutique with a wide range of well-curated wardrobe pieces . The Yellow Turtle is the perfect place to pick up fun and stylish clothes for children of all ages , and Bohemian-chic aesthetes will no doubt adore the distinctive garments and home décor pieces available at BunyaBunya .
In the mood to browse through a fascinating assortment of locally-sourced vintage antiques ? Head to Blue Moon
Vintage & Artisan Market . Self-styled cosmetic experts will flock to Body Lounge to stock up on a variety of Vermont-made natural beauty and bath products , and discerning homeowners will adore the quality products and unparalleled customer service at Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens . Cultured carnivores will certainly savor a trip to The Butchery , a premium fromagerie , butcher shop and fish market that offers the finest fresh seafood , meat , and cheese that Stowe has to offer .
Travelers who feel the urge to stretch their legs should make a beeline to one of the multiple entrance points of the Stowe Recreation Path , a five-and-a-half mile long scenic greenway . The path follows the winding turns of the nearby West Branch River from the heart of Stowe Village to a picturesque covered bridge on Brook Road . For a panoramic view of Mount Mansfield , park at the Thompson Park entrance point and follow a short path to an open clearing .
In the warmer months , the Stowe Recreation Path is ideal for rollerblading and biking . In the wintertime , Stowe Nordic grooms the path for cross country skiers . Bike , ski , and skate rentals are available nearby year-round at AJ ’ s Ski & Sports , a long-established sporting goods store that has been serving the Stowe community since 1975 . For those who prefer a more subdued and tranquil approach to outdoor exercise , the Quiet Path near the heart of downtown Stowe is a low-impact , natural-surface trail reserved purely for pedestrian traffic .
The Stowe region is home to several renowned breweries and cideries , including Alchemist Brewing , von Trapp Brewery , and Stowe Cider . Beer enthusiasts interested in picking up a batch of one of Alchemist Brewing ’ s storied ales from their Stowe factory location – such as their nationally lauded “ Heady Topper ” IPA – should place an online order in advance for pickup at the brewery . At the Stowe Cider Cidery and Taproom , patrons can come sample a wide variety of locally-made craft ciders , hard teas , and hard seltzers , including their beloved “ High & Dry ” super-dry cider . Located down the hill from the historic Trapp Family Lodge , the von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall houses a state-of-theart brewery and Tyrolean bistro . ( For more information on the Trapp Family Lodge , be sure to check out VERMONT Magazine ’ s exclusive interview with Sam von Trapp .)
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