Michael and I just returned from an extraordinary vacation in Stowe, Vermont in the fall – and the town fully lived up to the hype! This trip was extra special because it marked our one year wedding anniversary and our babymoon, as we get ready to welcome our baby girl into the family in a couple months. We ended up extending our stay for an extra day to soak in every bit of the scenery and activities in this adorable town!
Because of its reputation, Stowe gets very busy during leaf peeper season – aka the peak foliage season that occurs at the end of September through early October. If you are considering visiting, we have a list of things to do in Stowe, Vermont during the peak fall season, as well as tips and recommendations for visiting during leaf peeper season! Let’s jump into this fall travel guide!
Sweater Dress | Hat | Handbag | Boots (affordable similar)
Sweater | Leggings (maternity version) | Hat | Handbag | Boots (affordable similar)
Hair tie (similar here and here)
Sweater Dress ($30!) | Boots | Hat | Earrings
Sweater | Leggings (maternity version) | Shoes | Beanie
Things to do in Stowe, Vermont
Corn Maze: Get lost on a beautiful fall day in the local corn maze. The maze is huge; expect a 30-40 minute challenge. At the entrance, there are a couple of petting goats that you can feed with a few quarters.
Visit the local cider mill: We loved indulging in fresh, hot apple cider and apple cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill! It gets crowded during the day, but we had a great experience going in the last hour they were open. They also offer spiked cider tastings!
Hike: Nearby Smuggler’s Notch State Park has several hiking options. For an easy, quick stroll amongst the fall foliage, we walked on the boardwalk portion of the Barnes Camp Loop. This 600 foot stretch is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and you feel immersed in nature with the beautiful trees cascading around you!
Drive up the mountain: Take the scenic Auto Toll Road up Mount Mansfield for breathtaking views! There is a limit on the number of cars allowed up the mountain at any given time; if you go during Stowe’s leaf peeper season, I strongly encourage going early to avoid a wait. The drive is steep and narrow, so make sure you have gas in the tank. Bring hiking shoes for when you reach the top! A quick 10 minute hike can provide breathtaking views, or hike the full ridge on the out-and-back trail.
Bike: While biking was on our list, we didn’t get around to doing it this trip. The Stowe Recreational Path is a 5 mile paved greenway – we walked a short stretch of the path and it was really pretty! Check out GoStowe for more biking resources.
Ride the gondola: Hop on the Stowe SkyRide for scenic views that take you up Mt. Mansfield as you soar above the tree line!
Drive through Smugglers’ Notch Pass: This short scenic drive through Smugglers‘ Notch State Park has some sharp turns and is bound to be filled with colorful foliage during leaf peeper season! Pull over on the side of the road for photos or hikes!
Stroll through the town of Stowe: The center of the town is lined with cafes, bookshops, boutiques and features the picturesque white church seen in several Stowe photos.
Take scenic photos: There are plenty of places to snap memorable photos. For the infamous view overlooking the town, stop at the salon parking lot located at 232 Mountain Rd. in Stowe to capture an array of colors with the iconic church peeping through. Some of our favorite photos within Stowe were found driving the less-traveled roads. Don’t be afraid to pull out Google Maps to scope out neighboring towns and sights!
Stargaze: On a clear night, the sky ignites with stars! Download an astronomy app, like Sky Guide, for help with identification of stars, planets and constellations.
Seek out covered bridges: Both Michael and I hadn’t seen many covered bridges, so we spent an afternoon sightseeing the neighboring towns and searching for historic bridges. We used Google Maps for help, but this website provides helpful information. It’s amazing to think of the stories these bridges could tell!
Tips for Visiting Stowe, Vermont During Leaf Peeper Season
– Scope out the New England foliage map to estimate peak foliage season dates. It can be hard to predict the days with the most colorful leaves, but the map helps create a plan.
– Book hotel reservations at least one month out – the popular accommodations will sell out as the peak dates near.
– Make dinner reservations at least two weeks out, if not sooner. We used a combination of Resy, Open Table and Yelp to reserve and seek out dining options.
– Plan for both cooler and warmer weather. While mornings tend to have the beloved, brisk fall feeling, the afternoons can get warmer if the sun is out. It’s all about the layers!
– If you arrive and the leaf changing season is in the early phases, seek out higher elevations or travel further north. Doing the toll road up Mount Mansfield or taking the gondola up may show more colors! If leaf changing season is late, seek out lower elevations or travel further south.
Our Top Picks in Stowe, Vermont
Lodging: Lodge at Spruce Peak
We absolutely loved staying here and this was another reason why we extended our trip in Stowe. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They learned it was our anniversary and upgraded us to the one-bedroom suite and it was so nice!! This suite felt more like a condominium and would have served as a great meeting place had we been traveling with other friends or family. When we extended our stay an extra day, we moved to the junior suite and this was also more spacious than a traditional hotel room. The lodge sits on the side of the mountain has boasts shops, a stage for live performances, golf, spa, ski-in and ski-out capabilities and more! It truly is a gem!
Coffee: GiraKofi
Michael is a coffee connoisseur and liked this place for its lattes and breakfast sandwiches. When they make the iced lattes, they foam the milk which gives them a nice touch. We ended up coming here multiple mornings and loved creating customized sandwiches and drinks!
Runner up: Black Cap Coffee
Brewery: von Trapp Brewing
I was so excited to visit here after learning it was started by the real von Trapp family featured in The Sound of Music movie! It did not disappoint! We did not have reservations so we sat at the bar, but had delicious pretzels with cheese, salads and bratwurst. The food has a nice Austrian flare! They also have outdoor picnic tables and indoor dining options available, but make reservations in advance!
Fine Dining: Hen of the Wood
Located in the nearby town of Waterbury, this was truly a fine dining experience and we had an excellent waiter. The restaurant is nestled in the basement of an old farmhouse and has a waterfall in back! Their menu changes but features a few entrees and sides each night. There is also an expansive cheese menu for appetizers that comes with homemade crackers and apple butter. Since I am pregnant, I was very nervous to eat here since they do have some non-pasteurized dairies but the server and chef made sure everything I ate was safe in pregnancy. This was one of Michael’s favorite meals he had all year and boasts exceptional reviews. Make reservations early!
Activity: Hiking at the top of Mount Mansfield after taking the Toll Road
The views on the toll road driving up Mount Mansfield were absolutely incredible. Our favorite part of this experience was the hike at the top of the mountain. With just 10 minutes of hiking, there is a beautiful lookout with views of Lake Champlain in the distance and miles of forest. There is the option to continue further, for about 1.5 miles, and hike to higher points on the ridge. The hike itself is well-traveled and takes you through patches of Christmas trees (it smells amazing!) and rocky paths. It was a beautiful experience!
If you go to Stowe, Vermont in the fall, we hope you love it as much as we did!
Live your life joyfully so,
Ashley
ps If you want to save this fall travel guide for a reference later, I will leave an image to Pin below.
