No matter what your idea of a perfect fall day looks like, this quintessential New England town has something for you. From museum-hopping and live shows to leaf-peeping and hot-air balloon rides, here are two ways to spend the day in Stowe, Vermont.
Day 1: Arts, Culture, and Local Attractions
Morning
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Butler’s Pantry, a local favorite in the heart of historic downtown Stowe. The lowkey eatery is known for its famous fluffy pancakes and biscuits smothered in gravy, so you’ll be in good hands whether you’re craving savory or sweet. Get there early if you can—it’s walk-in only, and there’s usually a wait.
For a lighter option, head to Green Goddess Cafe, where you can enjoy health-conscious offerings like avocado toast, breakfast wraps, and fresh smoothies in a cottage-chic setting. Try the Pink Perfect smoothie for a refreshing blend of strawberry, peach, milk, açai, and Vermont maple syrup.
Dive into Stowe’s rich cultural scene by visiting the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. Browse through the extensive collection of more than 8,000 artifacts, including everything from vintage wooden skis and Nordic racing equipment to snowboards used by Olympic athletes. It’s no secret that winter sports are a huge part of Vermont’s culture, and there’s no better place to learn all about the state’s role in ski history.
Continue your museum tour at The Current, a contemporary art hub in the Stowe Village. Admission is free, and the rotating exhibitions feature a mix of local and national artists. Explore outdoor sculptures crafted by talented artists in the Exposed 2024 exhibition, or discover artistic responses to climate change through printmaking techniques in the Climate Imprints exhibition.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Doc Ponds, a casual joint known for its eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere. Between the shelves of vinyl records lining the wall and the snowboard collection on display, everything about this hotspot screams “après-ski hangout.” Order the smoked carnitas tostada or the Vermont half chicken with chimichurri and slaw.
Alternatively, pair your meal with local art and high-end antiques at The Round Hearth Café and Marketplace. Choose a burger or sandwich (the balsamic blueberry, spinach, and brie is a standout) to dig into while taking in your surroundings. Round Hearth doubles as a consignment shop, so everything’s for sale—even the table you’re sitting at.
After lunch, stroll through Stowe Village to check out the many boutiques, country stores, art galleries, and specialty shops. Shop for maple-infused goods like fudge and mustard at Stowe Mercantile, artsy treasures and home decor at Remarkable Things at Stowe Craft, and unique handcrafted goods at Tangerine & Olive.
No visit to Stowe is complete without a stop at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, where rolling hills and endless mountain views set the scene for a perfect fall afternoon. Take a self-guided tour to see how apples are pressed and watch as the famous cider donuts are made fresh on an old-school donut machine.
Evening
Treat yourself to a farm-to-table dining experience at Plate, a rustic-chic restaurant serving California-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Order chef-driven dishes off the ever-changing menu like fried tofu with coconut cilantro rice or grilled pork chop with silky sweet potatoes. For a more upscale vibe, head to Harrison’s, a family-run tavern known for its creative American fusion cuisine. Order the pistachio-encrusted venison or the sweet corn & polenta ravioli for an unforgettable meal.
Cap off your evening with an intimate performance at Spruce Peak Arts, a performing arts center nestled high in the mountains. Catch a lively concert, dance recital, play, or comedy show – depending on when you visit. Looking for something more low-key? Grab drinks at The Matterhorn, a well-known après-ski bar loved by locals and tourists alike. Go dancing, play pool, and don’t miss the Maine Whoopie Pies if you have room for dessert.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Fall Foliage Fun
Morning
Begin your outdoor adventure at Trapp Kaffeehaus, just down the road from the Trapp Family Lodge. Indulge in freshly baked pastries and authentic Austrian coffee while taking in jaw-dropping mountainside views. For a heartier breakfast, head to Café on Main for breakfast sandwiches, scones, and locally brewed coffee. If you’re a hazelnut lover, don’t miss the Nutella latte. This cozy cafe is housed under the same roof as Stowe Mercantile, so stop by after your meal to shop for Vermont-themed souvenirs.
After breakfast, drive through Smugglers’ Notch for world-class leaf peeping. You’ve likely seen overhead shots of this famous winding pass on TV, and now’s your chance to experience it for yourself. During peak fall foliage season, the 3.5-mile scenic highway is steeped in rich shades of red, orange, and yellow. Embrace mesmerizing views of the Green Mountains and stop at Smugglers’ Notch State Park for an easy half-mile hike to Bingham Falls.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the picturesque fall countryside on horseback with a guided one-hour trail ride at Topnotch Resort. Book a private tour or group ride for a peaceful journey through bridges, brooks, woods, and an open meadow with striking views of Mount Mansfield.
Afternoon
Hop on the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort for a breathtaking ride up Vermont’s highest peak. At the top, you’ll find Cliff House – a casual lunch-only spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that guarantee show-stopping views from any seat. Enjoy Vermont-inspired dishes like Baja shrimp tacos or the Cliff House burger while soaking in the fall scenery.
Craving a good pizza? Opt instead for The Bench to sip local brews and chow down on wood-fired pizzas like the Vermonter, a bechamel-sauce pizza topped with apples, bacon, balsamic onions, arugula, blue cheese, and maple drizzle. If you’re feeling particularly ravenous, start with the poutine—you won’t regret it.
Next, take to the skies for a hot air balloon ride over the Green Mountains. During your flight, you’ll soar over the rolling foothills with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks in the distance. Look closely, and you might even spot wildlife like black bears, wild turkeys, and moose. If you’d rather stay grounded, take a short hike to Moss Glen Falls, Vermont’s tallest waterfall. It’s an easy quarter-mile walk to the falls, but the trail continues for a few more miles if you’re up for more adventure.
Evening
Wrap up your day with dinner at Edson Hill for farm-to-table dining in a historic manor. Split a few small plates like the hamachi crudo and charred octopus, or satiate your appetite with the poached lobster and sweet corn risotto. For a more casual dining experience, head to Backyard to dine outside on a deck in the woods while live music plays. Enjoy handcrafted pub grub like the whiskey BBQ bacon burger or the buffalo chicken tots.
Finish your evening with a craft beer flight at Idletyme Brewing Company, where the beers are brewed on-site in huge copper tanks in the taproom. If you’re a cocktail lover, try the Stowepresso Martini made with Green Mountain Vanilla vodka. Alternatively, get your blood pumping with a deep dive into Stowe’s haunted past on a nighttime lantern tour. Listen to ghost stories as you walk the historic streets with an 18th-century lantern.
