How to Spend the Perfect Fall Day in Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is cute as heck and meets all expectations for what you’d expect in a quintessential New England town.

It gets even more impressive in the fall, when the leaves are doing their time and putting on a show that rivals anywhere else in this region of the United States.

That’s when we planned our visit to Stowe on a road trip throughout New England.

I’ve been thinking about it ever since, namely how I can come up with the funds for a longer stay in the Vermont town.

If you only have one day in Stowe as we did, you can still have yourself a fabulous autumnal time.

Stowe is the perfect fall destination.

Stowe is always worth visiting, but it’s especially lovely in the fall thanks to its incredible fall colors, charming Main Street, and delicious food scene.

Honestly, we left wanting at least another week here, especially once we saw how the crowds start to go away by late afternoon. This is the town that will turn you onto New England fall with no holding back.

How to Spend One Day in Stowe

You can spend a fall day in Stowe like this:

• Walk and shop along Main Street.
• See the steeple at Stowe Community Church.
• Explore outdoor activities at the Trapp Family Lodge.
• Reward yourself with a pint at von Trapp Brewing.
• Have lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company.
• Walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path.
• Sample Vermont’s delicious maple syrup.
• Find Stowe’s covered bridges.
• Taste-test one of the country’s best beers at The Alchemist Brewery.
• Return to Main Street for dinner.

One Perfect Fall Day in Stowe

I’d love to return in spring, summer, or winter to see how the vibes change and explore more of Stowe, but also have zero regrets about seeing the town in all its fall glory.

This itinerary launches into all that we did with our day in Stowe. While the town is walkable and bikeable, you’re better off exploring Stowe with a car. You’ll find plentiful public parking in Stowe Village along Main and Depot streets.

As far as morning grub, we usually just grab some snacks for the morning rather than eating a sitdown meal to start the day.

If you’re into breakfast, the Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe looked super cute. Butlers Pantry is another popular option for their buttermilk pancakes.

Stop 1: Main Street

Stowe’s Main Street may be small, but it’s packed with all kinds of charming things to do. It’s home to a variety of boutiques and specialty markets for all of your tchotchke needs, but if you don’t spend any cash, it’s one of the best free things to do in town.

Don’t miss out on Lake Champlain Chocolates, formerly known as Laughing Moon Chocolates.

Fun fact: They had CBD-infused varieties during our visit in case you’re into that, but I’m not sure what they offer after the rebrand.

If you’re interested in chatting up the local experts, you’ll be well-situated downtown for a visit to the Go Stowe Visitor Information Center. The tourism office will have all kinds of recommendations for you, maps, and even specials on accommodations.

With more time in Stowe, you can pop into the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. This place is perfect for folks like me who don’t necessarily want to do much in the way of hitting the slopes. I’m comfy inside, thanks.

You’ll learn about the history of both sports in Vermont, including a permanent exhibit of how equipment has changed over the years. This used to be just a ski museum, by the way, until snowboarding took off and became almost as popular as the classic.

Stop 2: Stowe Community Church

I’m not asking you to go to service here unless you want to, but Stowe Community Church just off of Main Street offers one of the most quintessential views in Stowe.

Those white steeples are pretty iconic here in Vermont, so it makes sense that this church is one of the most photographed spots in town.

Stop 3: Trapp Family Lodge

We didn’t really come up against crowds in Stowe until we arrived at the Trapp Family Lodge. That’s not a dig against a stop here. In fact, I’d call this one essential no matter how much time you’re working with while visiting Stowe. 

The lodge bills itself as a little bit of Austria in Vermont, and I’ll have to concur. The property is very whimsical.

Hit any of the trails around the property for expansive views. The short but steep Chapel Hike is a favorite. Hike to a stone chapel Werner von Trapp and other family members built with a one-mile roundtrip trek through the woods.

I hear this is also a good spot for some cross-country skiing if you want to bookmark Stowe for a winter trip.

Note: While you don’t need to stay at the lodge for access to the surrounding trail systems, you will need to purchase a pass if you visit places that are on lodge property.

Optional Stop 4: von Trapp Brewing

If you’re looking for a nosh, snack on brats, Bavarian pretzels, and warm potato salad with sips of their Vienna lager or Dunkel brews before leaving the von Trapp property. You can also wait for lunch while on sip on the above-mentioned brews.

This place gets very busy. Make reservations on their website if you’re interested to avoid a long wait.

Stop 5: Lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company

The food here is elevated pub grub. The Bavarian pretzel isn’t a bad idea, and their Idle fries come poutine-style. Yes, that means cheese curds. 

We ordered a taster of beers that came on a ski-shaped board to go along with our “light” lunch. Fine. It wasn’t light at all. It all felt right, though.

Call the restaurant for reservations if you’re visiting during a busy time, like at the peak of leaf-peeping time. We were seated in the outdoor biergarten for some added ambiance, but you don’t need to sit outside if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Stop 6: Stowe Recreation Path

This scenic path is a 5.3-mile paved route popular with joggers and bikers during the spring, summer, and fall months. I’m talking about bicyclists, not biker gangs.

In the fall, it’s a stunning display of fall foliage with opportunities to cross whimsical wooden bridges along the West Branch River. It’s all very relaxing, even if you’re burning some calories.

If you love the idea of a hike after lunch, you have a few more options:

• Wiessner Woods: An easy two-mile loop trail through the forest is the main draw at this conservation area run by the Stowe Land Trust. Streams flowing throughout keep things lush and green.
• Sunset Rock: Access this one-mile climb from Stowe’s historic downtown village. It’s quite popular at, you guessed it, sunset, so head up at any other time during the day for less competition at this viewpoint.

READ MORE: If you’re traveling with your pup, don’t miss Dog Mountain in nearby St. Johnsbury, my favorite dog-friendly thing to do anywhere.

Stop 7: Vermont Maple Syrup

If you haven’t had syrup from Vermont before, you’re missing out. We were staying in Vermont for longer, so had the time to make some pancakes drizzled with local maple syrup. It hits different.

If Stowe is your final destination, the Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm can scratch that Vermont maple syrup itch for you.

Fun fact: The Coty family that runs the show here has been tapping maple trees in the area since 1980.

Did you know that maple syrup tasting has its own lingo, by the way? It’s not unlike wine descriptions. The terroir, or flavors you get from where the syrup is collected, are unique to northern Vermont. Give yourself a drizzle to find out.

Stop 8: Stowe’s Covered Bridges

New England is known for its covered bridges, and Vermont is spoiled with options for scenic bridges no matter which town you’re visiting.

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge is the most popular in Stowe. It has a few different names if you’re not picking it up on your map apps: the Stowe Hollow Bridge or Emily’s Bridge are all the same.

Emily is a reference to a ghost story that has turned this spot into a popular one among ghost hunters. It’s even appeared on the show Most Terrifying Places in America on the Travel Channel, so you know it’s legit.

The story goes that a teenage girl named Emily fell in love with a boy whose parents did not approve of the relationship. She was poor, you see, which was a big deal to these jerks.

In any case, she told her love to meet her at this bridge so that they could run away together, share a smooch, etc. I’m not sure what the intent was. The boy didn’t show, though, so Emily jumped off the bridge to her death.

Her ghost is still waiting there for true love, or so they say. You never want to temp fate at haunted places.

Stop 9: Alchemist Brewery

Vermont as a state has an excellent beer scene, with some of the most lauded craft brews in not only New England but the entire country available right here in Stowe.

If you only have time for one brewery in Stowe, it should be The Alchemist Brewery.

Their Heady Topper is known for being a more drinkable double IPA than most, topping all kinds of lists as one of the best beers in the country.

If you visit on a sunny day, their outdoor space is pretty grand. Set up shop in one of their Adirondack chairs for a lovely afternoon. You can take a few beers home with you, too, but they’re going to be cold. 

As someone who doesn’t love IPAs, I will say that the can I chugged was pretty painless. Cheers.

READ MORE: If you love good breweries, you’ll want to plan a trip to San Diego.

Alternative Stop 9: Stowe Cider

If you’re not into beer, cider might be more up your alley, especially when you’re galavanting around Stowe in the fall. Try a flight of four to get a taste of what Stowe Cider is all about.

We had some sips that were a little strange, like their sour candy-infused Gummy Bears hard apple cider, but much of what they’re doing is classic and balanced. 

Their High & Dry was my favorite. No sugar, just apples, all yummy.

Note: If you’re traveling with the family, the nearby Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center is an excellent stop for non-alcoholic apple cider and apple cider donuts. I mean, they also serve up hard cider, but you’ve got options.

Stop 10: Dinner in Stowe

Stowe is delicious. If you’re staying in town through dinner, reservations are recommended so you’re not shut out by the leaf peeping crowd.

Here are a few options outside of those I’ve already mentioned, namely Idletyme Brewing Company and the restaurant at the Trapp Family Lodge:

• The Bench: If you went hiking on your day in Stowe, you may be hungry for comfort food. This place delivers with pizzas like the Vermonter with bechamel, apples, bacon. Forget what I said about reservations. You’ll need to wait this one out.
• Harrison’s Restaurant: Harrison’s is a classic not only in Stowe, but greater Vermont. If you’re looking to cozy up at a fireplace while chowing down on a pork belly burger, you’ve found the right spot. Reservations are recommended.
• Tipsy Trout: This seafood restaurant at Spruce Peak features fishy treats that are very shareable. If it’s on the menu, you’ll want to try the smoked bluefish plate or their peel-and-eat barbecue shrimp. This one’s fancy. Make reservations.

The Waterbury Village Historic District

I’ve seen lots of bloggers recommend the Waterbury Village Historic District as something to do in Stowe, but it’s not actually IN Stowe. I’ll include it here as an option for those with the time as it is very, very cute.

If you’re here in the fall, though, it gets very, very busy. Come early or stay late to watch some of the fall travelers fall away. See what I did there?

Waterbury is where you’ll go for the Cabot Farmers’ Store and its delicious Vermont cheddar and the Ben & Jerry’s factory. Don’t miss the Flavor Graveyard once you’ve waited in line for the ice cream.

With More Time in Stowe

One day is enough for everything I’ve mentioned here, but more time is always welcome in a beautiful destination like Stowe.

Here’s what’s still on my list in or near Stowe for repeat visits:

• Mount Mansfield: This is Vermont’s tallest peak, but you don’t need to hike it. The Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road is a good option for anyone who loves a scenic drive through mid-October.
• Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center: Take a look at their calendar to see what you could check out while you’re there. The venue is a New England barn at the base of Mount Mansfield.
• Smugglers Notch State Park: This Vermont state park about a half hour north of Stowe is named for a narrow pass that crosses through the Green Mountains. It’s popular for biking, bouldering, and even ice climbing if you have the gear.
• Moss Glen Falls: This is a short, scenic trek to a lovely waterfall just a five-minute drive from historic downtown Stowe. The easy trail leads through serene woods for a possible escape from the crowds in town.
• Gondola SkyRide: Head to the Stowe Mountain Resort for breathtaking views as you ascend to Mount Mansfield’s summit. At the top, indulge in dipped waffles at the Cliff House, while taking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys.

Where to Stay in Stowe

We visited Stowe on a day trip from Lyndon, a less popular and much cheaper Vermont town. That doesn’t mean you don’t have options for Stowe proper as you plan, especially if you love it as much as we did.

Use the map below to browse your options for hotels in Stowe:

Stowe made me fall in love with New England autumn.

If you’re not careful, it’ll do the same for you. Stowe is a visually stunning town, especially if you’re lucky enough to come around during the leaf-peeping season.

I highly recommend it on any New England road trip or dedicated trip, especially if you’re here when the colors start to turn.