Tag: Stowe Vermont

From Waterfalls to Gondolas: Best Experiences of Stowe, Vermont

Tucked into the northern reaches of Vermont, Stowe, Vermont has long been celebrated as a quintessential New England getaway, as per this travel blog article from Compass Roam. Although peak fall foliage can feel elusive—arriving too early or too late depending on weather and elevation—the town’s charm extends far beyond leaf-peeping season. Set against the rolling ridgelines of the Green Mountains, Stowe offers year-round adventure, postcard-worthy scenery, and a downtown that feels lifted straight from a holiday film set. Whether visiting during the golden days of October, the snowy depths of winter, or the mild, trail-filled months of summer, Stowe, Vermont delivers a full itinerary in a compact mountain setting.

Relax at Spruce Peak Village

At the base of Mount Mansfield sits Spruce Peak, a lively alpine village offering lodging, shopping, seasonal ice skating, and summer concerts. During winter, ski trails connect directly to the village, creating seamless access to the slopes.

Visit Stowe Vermont Covered Bridges

Vermont boasts more than 100 covered bridges, and one of the most talked-about is Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge). Surrounded by forest and local legend, the historic structure adds a dose of intrigue to scenic drives through the countryside.

Get Lost in Percy Farm Corn Maze

Seasonal fun awaits at Percy Farm Corn Maze just outside Stowe. Crossing a small bridge into wide-open fields feels like stepping into rural Vermont at its finest. The maze can take longer than expected to complete, but that’s part of the charm. The surrounding farmland and mountain backdrop make it more than just a puzzle—it’s an immersive autumn experience.

Hike to Moss Glen Falls

A short drive outside town leads to Moss Glen Falls, one of the area’s most accessible waterfalls. The gentle trail reaches the cascading falls in under half an hour, making it ideal for a quick nature immersion. The sound of rushing water and moss-covered rocks create a serene mountain setting that feels remote despite its proximity to town.

Explore Bingham Falls

Another scenic option is Bingham Falls, a 1.3-mile out-and-back hike that rewards visitors with dramatic rock formations and a striking waterfall pool. During warmer months, it becomes a popular swimming spot. After rainfall, the trail can be muddy, so checking conditions beforehand enhances the experience.

Drive the Auto Toll Road to Mount Mansfield

No visit feels complete without ascending Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The historic Auto Toll Road winds carefully up the mountainside and is open from late spring through fall. The drive rewards visitors with panoramic views stretching across the Green Mountains. Many choose to picnic at the summit while soaking in the scenery.

Walk or Bike the Stowe Recreation Path

The 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path connects resorts, restaurants, and downtown via a paved, non-motorized trail. Following the West Branch River and framed by mountain vistas, it offers one of the most scenic ways to experience the area. Whether walking, cycling, or simply pausing for photographs, the path reveals Stowe’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.

Take a Gondola Ride at Stowe Mountain Resort

For sweeping alpine views without a strenuous climb, ride the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort. The 11-minute ascent rises toward the summit of Mount Mansfield, unveiling rolling ridgelines along the way. Open mid-June through mid-October, the gondola offers access to summit trails and dining at the Cliff House Restaurant.

Discover Smugglers’ Notch

Just north of town, Smugglers’ Notch State Park features towering cliffs, winding roads, caves, and expansive hiking trails. Historically used for smuggling goods during the early 19th century and later during Prohibition, the narrow mountain pass carries both natural grandeur and fascinating lore. The scenic drive alone is worth the visit.

Stowe proves that small mountain towns can deliver expansive experiences. From waterfall hikes and gondola rides to scenic drives and historic bridges, this Vermont destination blends outdoor adventure with timeless New England charm. Even if peak foliage proves unpredictable, the surrounding beauty of the Green Mountains ensures that every season feels like the right one.

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Spend Christmas in these Winter Destinations

The end of the year always serves as a wonderful time to visit with loved ones in a calming environment to look around, take stock, and cherish the experiences from the past year while setting your sights on the new dawn right around the corner. So when it comes to the ideal Christmas vacation setting, who says you have to open gifts at home? Thanks to this article from Travel + Leisure that suggests the fifteen most cheerful destinations to spend Christmas this year, it’s never been more tempting to spend the happiest time of  year in these winter destinations.

As always, recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

Highlands, North Carolina

Consider spending your Christmas morning in Appalachian amazement in the charming town of Highlands, North Carolina. This idyllic winter destination, modern-day setting is so humble and quaint that residents and visitors alike compare its environment to a Nancy Meyers film or Lifetime Christmas special. For over a century, Highlands has been suggested to visitors as being the perfect setting for a “break from it all,” as it’s colloquially known as a mountain respite. Located in one of the few temperate rain forests of North America, the mountain resort town is located only ten miles from Cashiers, North Carolina, and is surrounded by the main attraction that is Nantahala National Forest.  Spend your Christmas in a mountain cabin on the outskirts of this forest or nestled deep within, either way you’re sure to enjoy your time spent among nature.

Inside the town proper, you’ll find many shops, experiences, and community-laden amenities to keep you entertained in between the holiday’s festivities. Downtown Highlands is often called a “postcard” for just how perfectly situated and pictured its various buildings and features are laid out, such as the historic building that houses a full European-style spa. Other spots nearby that are worth a dedicated visit are the Bridal Veil Falls, located on the Waterfall Byway, the historic High Hampton Resort, and the unforgettable American Museum of Cut and Engraved Glass. No matter where you go in this comfortably charming little hamlet, you’re sure to be delighted by it’s size and attention to detail this holiday season.

Stowe, Vermont

For those who were raised on Christmas movies and other similar media, it’s hard to make it through the holiday season with an abundant absence of snow in the background. So, if you’re looking to celebrate a snowy white Christmas, then look no further than the East Coast ski paradise of Stowe, Vermont for your winter destination. Located at the foot of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe is quite literally a winter wonderland that is known not only for its world-renowned trails and ski slopes, but it’s also famous for its accompanying town as well.  Once you make your way to Stowe, it’s hard to believe that you’re not literally stepping foot into a snowglobe, as the buildings, trees, and grounds are often blanketed with thick layers of smooth snowfall.

Be sure to spend Christmas in the style of a storybook by reserving a horse-drawn carriage ride for you and your loved ones to see the sprinkled pine trees. Alternatively, take a trip down Main Street for nightly winter activities that are sure to make ever-lasting memories. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can host your holiday celebrations and then cap it off by planning an unforgettable day on the slopes, or you can simply spend the time quietly around the fire of the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort. No matter the reason, there’s no question that Winter is the perfect season to see all of the wonders that Stowe, Virginia has to offer.

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