Stowe, Vermont. (Photo
source: GoStowe.com)Stowe Vt. takes the high road when it comes to offering a
wonderful New England mountain vacation.
More than 40 years ago, my parents took us to Stowe and we have been
coming back ever since. As a kid and young adult, we stayed at the Smugglers Notch Resort in neighboring
Jeffersonville, enjoying this all inclusive resort before all inclusive
was cool (it's an even better resort now!). These vacations were the
stuff that memories are made of including taking free tennis lessons
from the legendary late Arthur Ashe at a Stowe resort, hiking through
the woods, enjoying campfires at night, being mesmerized by the scenic
setting for the "Sounds of Music" musical at the Trapp Family Lodge, eating as much ice cream and
pizza as the stomach could hold, and walking up and down idyllic Main
Street wishing our hometown could look like this. As an adult, my wife
and I spent a portion of our honeymoon at now-closed Foxfire Inn and
reveled in the quintessential old-time New England inn atmosphere while
finding perfect compatibility with a town that had remained timeless,
relaxing and so charming.
Quaint, friendly and true to its small town roots, Stowe remains the
prototype for a classic New England mountain town. Sure, Stowe has
grown through the years with its myriad lodging, dining and shopping
choices -- especially apparent along the increasingly commercial
Mountain Rd. -- but what can never be taken away is the glorious
mountain scenery as well as the beautiful 200-year-old village that
exudes a kind of friendly Mayberry-RFD-in-the-mountains vibe. Let's not
forget that while hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy Stowe each
year, the residential population is just over 4,000. Now that's a small
town!
Anchored by the landmark Shaw's General Store and a tall white church
steeple majestically rising above the village, this
postcard-picture-perfect scene has always warmed our hearts -- even in
the coldest days of winter. Browsing through Shaw's reflects that small
town vibe well as a welcoming, old-fashioned store that has been
family-owned since 1895. The local conversation flows with friendliness
between staff and residents (and tourists, too!), and you can find just
about anything here in the slightly disorganized isles, including
clothing, boots, candy, ski items, local gifts and souvenirs, hardware
supplies and toys and books,
Location means everything and Stowe is certainly blessed
geographically. Home to Vermont's highest peak, Mt. Mansfield at 4,393
ft. lays the foundation for Stowe's high peak scenery and pathway to
fun activities in the area. Truly a four season New England travel
destination, Stowe's fall brings brilliant foliage, winter skiing,
sleigh riding, dogsledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice skating,
and summer hiking, swimming, ziplining and bicyling. Other Stowe
attractions include a community bike trail, myriad golfing and tennis
opportunities, outdoor concerts and the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour in
neighboring Waterbury. Cold Hollow Cider Mill, also in Waterbury, might
just make the best apple cider and apple cider donuts on the planet!
Of course, Stowe offers tremendous dining and lodging opportunities. We
love Gracie's at 18 Edison Hill Rd., for a casual meal. It's terrific
for a burger, fried chicken, fish and chips or New England clam
chowder. Lodging is varied from the basic (Stowe Motel) to the upscale (Stowe Mountain Lodge, Topnotch Resort and Spa to the classic New England
inn (Stowe Inn and Tavern).
I have always thought of Stowe as having something for everyone. It is
perfect for families, romantic couples, outdoor enthusiasts and just
about anyone else who enjoys a relaxing, scenic setting with plenty to
do. It is our favorite Vermont vacation destination. Hope you get to
visit and experience the special feeling of this wonderful New England
mountain town!
For more information on Stowe, we recommend logging onto GoStowe.
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