Perfect Weekend in Stowe, Vermont
Plan your perfect weekend in Stowe, Vermont with this special curated collection from our annual Best of New England package.
Rising to an elevation of 3,625 feet, Stowe’s Summit Gondola transports winter passengers up and down Mount Mansfield for a spectacular ride on Vermont’s highest peak.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Stowe Mountain ResortAs a winter destination no New England community packs the kind of skiing bona fides as Stowe. It’s a history that goes back to 1912, when Swedish families moved here and brought their skis to get around town. A generation later a rope tow powered by an old Cadillac engine was run up a trail cut up nearby Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak. In 1938 Stowe Mountain Resort developed the ski area. Today, the skiing is still a draw. But so are the other amenities—restaurants, inns, and festivals—that make it a winter escape that’s accessible to all. When we set out to rank New England’s best winter towns for our January 2016 issue, Stowe came out number one. Read on to discover why.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort
WHAT TO DO
STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT Grab your skis and take the gondola to tackle the 116 trails at this mountain getaway. The legendary Front Four trails, all double diamonds, instill respect, even fear in even the most accomplished skiers. Even though Mount Mansfield’s height of 4,393 feet makes it the tallest peak in Vermont, it’s a welcoming environment for skiers and families of all abilities, especially given its ski-in, ski-out set up that could almost trick you into thinking you’re out in the Rockies. 5781 Mountain Road. 802-253-3000; stowe.com
STOWE CRAFT & DESIGN CENTER This gallery and design studio strives to connect visitors and locals alike with Vermont’s vibrant arts scene. Jewelry, furniture, and other fine arts are available here for purchase. Stepping in is like entering the studios of Vermont’s, and the country’s, best artisans. 55 Mountain Road. 802-253-2305; stowecraft.com
VERMONT SKI AND SNOWBOARD MUSEUM This museum boasts over 15,000 individual catalogued items—but admits that’s because most ski equipment comes in pairs. Come explore Vermont’s rich skiing and snowboarding history, from the first chairlifts in the state to the Vermont Skiing Hall of Fame to the fashion trends in the skiing world. One South Main St. 802-253-9911; vtssm.com
WHERE TO EAT
BISTRO AT TEN ACRES LODGE It’s a casual bistro at a popular lodging spot that boasts mountain views and a fireside lounge, but the real draw is a menu ranging from barbecued pork shank to Vietnamese grilled shrimp. Burgers? Buns, chips, and even mustard and pickles are all house-made. Fresh-pressed cocktails are a house specialty. Entrees: from $18. 14 Barrows Road. 802-253-6838; tenacreslodge.com
THE CLIFF HOUSE RESTAURANT Ride the Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola to this chic bistro tucked under the “Nose” of Mount Mansfield for spectacular views and creative New American fare. Entrees: from $16. 5781 Mountain Road. 802-259-4754.
PLATEThis popular new restaurant serves up local Vermont favorites, combining that with what the owners call the “healthy food style” of California. Options include seared salmon, scallop chowder, burgers, and the house specialty: banana pudding in a mason jar. Don’t forget to try one of the area’s many local beers and ciders while you’re there. Entrees: from $16. 91 Main St. 502-253-2691; platestowe.com
MICHAEL’S ON THE HILL Thirty local farms supply provender, and chef Michael Kloeti brings his Swiss homeland’s exacting standards to this award-winning restaurant in an 1820 farmhouse. Menus follow the seasons and might include house-made duck prosciutto or chicken with heirloom tomatoes and foraged mushrooms. Finish with a Vermont artisanal-cheese plate. Entrees: from $27. 4182 Waterbury–Stowe Road (Route 100). 802-244-7476; michaelsonthehill.com
WHERE TO STAY
GREEN MOUNTAIN INNInns aplenty dot rural Vermont, but this plush hostelry anchors the state’s most famous small town. A 180-year-old hospitality tradition is enhanced by fully equipped apartments and townhouses, an outdoor heated pool, and fine informal dining. Stowe’s shops, restaurants, and the Vermont Ski Museum are steps away. Rates: from $139. Apartments and townhouses: from $199. 18 Main St. 802-253-7301; greenmountaininn.com
TOPNOTCH RESORT Topnotch Resort is known for its large spa, lap pool and tennis courts. It recently refurbished all of its guest rooms and suites. Sunset over the mountains never looked as good as from behind a wall of picture windows, with a perfectly pink steak on the table at the resort’s restaurant, Flannel. Rates: from $180. 4000 Mountain Rd. 800-451-8686; topnotchresort.com
