When my husband and I finally took our long-awaited bucket list trip to Stowe, Vermont, it felt like we were living a postcard or on the set of a Hallmark film. Every turn was filled with things I’d stared at on my computer monitor for the last year and a half. This year however, Stowe, Vermont was in the middle of what locals called a “hundred-year drought.”
Which meant, the foliage wasn’t as brilliant as usual, and the photo above is one I had to snag from my stock images, because some areas were in what is locally known as “stick season.” And yet, Stowe was somehow still stunningly beautiful. The muted tones of gold, russet, and amber seemed to whisper that joy and beauty don’t depend on brilliance and perfection, they show up when we’re present enough to notice.
That trip reminded me of how often God’s creation tells a quiet story of faithfulness. Even when the leaves weren’t as bright, the mountains stood steady, the air was crisp, and the peace of that little town seeped right into my soul.
So, if you’re dreaming of visiting Stowe in the fall, here are some of the top things to do in Stowe, Vermont in the Fall. And honestly, most of these you can just do year rear round, although a few may not be ideal for winter. Then uou would just ski. First I’ll cover the things we enjoyed ourselves. Then I’ll add a few that are still on our “next time” list. And let me just say here — none of our trip was comp’d (i.e. we paid for everything), I’m sharing this because I want to, and these were the things we loved about our trip.
The Green Mountain Inn
We stayed at The Green Mountain Inn. Calling it an Inn seems a bit of a misnomer, as it the Inn offers 103 rooms, suites, and apartments in 8 buildings, not to mention it has a pool house, a game room (building), a massage room (in a house), full restaurant in the Main Inn, and a shop.
Our room was in the Main Inn, and it was absolutely lovely! Painted blue with a white fireplace and blue porcelain vases on display. Ahhhhhh, it was an absolute sanctuary!
The Inn has a cookie and tea hour daily, which is perfectly lovely. They even serve gluten free options. The tea assortment is really nice, and it’s a great way to warm up from the cold. They had real tea cups, but I drank my tea from the coffee mugs because I wanted my tea to stay hot. And yes, I use two bags. I like it strong. I like my tea to taste like coffee. Just kidding. Sort of. 😂
The game room is has air hockey, a pool table, and ping pong. We played multiple games of pool, several days, and it was a lot of fun. I miss playing pool, since I don’t frequent those establishments anymore (haven’t since my BC days).
Take the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort
The Gondola SkyRide was one of those moments that made me whisper, “Thank You, Lord.” As we ascended toward Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. the views stretched for miles. Even in a year when the colors weren’t as fiery as usual, the patchwork of forests, farms, and winding roads below was breathtaking. At the top, we stepped out into the cool mountain air and took our time soaking it all in.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 (NKJV)
And of course, we had to have our photo with the amazing backdrop behind us. Talk about God painting amazing views.
Drive the Scenic Loop: Stowe Hollow Road and Route 100
If you only have time for one scenic drive, this is it. We followed Stowe Hollow Road through quiet stretches of countryside, where barns lean just a little and cows graze like they have nowhere better to be. The road winds through farmland and forest, framed by the distant Green Mountains.
Eventually, we looped onto the legendary Route 100, often called Vermont’s most beautiful drive. The open fields, mountain vistas, and small-town charm along the way made it easy to slow down and breathe deep. There’s something healing about just being still and taking it all in.
Sometimes life feels a lot like a mountain road—curving, unpredictable, but still headed somewhere good. God doesn’t promise the straight path, but He does promise His presence.
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought.” Isaiah 58:11 (NKJV)
Walk (or Bike) the Stowe Recreation Path
You’ve probably seen photos of the white steepled Stowe Community Church. There is a reason it’s one of the most photographed churches in New England. Behind that, you’ll find the start of the Stowe Recreation Path—a five-and-a-half-mile paved trail that winds along the West Branch River through meadows, woods, and covered bridges.
We started behind the church, where you can hear the gentle sound of the river and see the spire framed by mountains. The path is peaceful and picturesque, perfect for walking hand-in-hand or biking at an easy pace. Along the way, you’ll pass open fields and charming bridges, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a few grazing cows (because what’s Vermont without them?).
We stopped a few times just to take it all in—the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the laughter of families passing by, and the beauty of slowing down together. Even in the muted fall colors, it was beautiful. I couldn’t help but be thankful for moments together like this.
As we walked, I thought about how many times God has gently led me along unfamiliar paths.
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
While the path is 5.3 miles if you follow the entire thing, I wasn’t up for 5.3 up and 5.3 back, so we only looped up to Route 108, then walked back down to Route 100 to our lodging, which was about a 3 mile walk altogether.
Eat Breakfast (and Dinner) at Butler’s Pantry
If you’ve ever judged a restaurant by the line outside, Butler’s Pantry in Stowe will make you a believer. The line wraps is long, and for good reason. We went enjoyed breakfast there one morning and were seriously impressed with the service. What impressed me most was their attention and care to allergies. As a new epipen carrier, having to tell servers I have a serious allergy is new to me, and I’m a little rusty (I used to have to do it with my son, but he was healed from his allergy 12+ years ago).
That night, we came back for dinner and enjoyed it just as much. There’s something about good food, shared laughter, and time away from the everyday routine that nourishes more than your stomach—it feeds your soul.
Then we went for breakfast again. Only earlier, so we could skip part of the line. LOL.
Of course, we ate at other great restaurants, too, including Whip Bar & Grill (where we ate twice), The Round Hearth, and Rimrock’s.
Visit Little River HotGlass Studio
For something unique, stop by Little River HotGlass Studio, where you can watch local artisans handcraft colorful glass bowls, ornaments, and vases right in front of you. The heat of the furnace, the swirl of molten glass, and the focus of the artists is mesmerizing.
We stood there just awestruck watching the craftsman making a wine glass. It struck me how much his process mirrors what God does in us—He takes something ordinary and, through heat and shaping, turns it into something extraordinary.
“He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.” Malachi 3:3 (NKJV)
He was so patient with our questions. I asked how he protected his vision and hearing, how many pieces he makes per day, and what how long he’s been a glass blower. I had to chuckle when I asked him what his favorite piece of the day is and he said the last piece. He said while he loves being a glass blower and that it allows him to be creative and express his artistry, he loves time with his family, so when the day is done, and he is able to go home to them, that is his priority. I loved that. We weren’t able to buy anything in studio because I didn’t know how to get it home in one piece. I did order an ornament for our Christmas tree.
Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is one of those quintessential Vermont experiences you just can’t skip. The smell of fresh cider donuts alone is enough to draw you in from the parking lot. Inside, you can watch them press apples into cider, browse local goods, and, of course, sample a donut (or two). I’m gluten free, so I let Brian do the donut sampling for me. We didn’t snap any photos here, my hands were cold, and the crowd was was thick, so we just enjoyed ourselves, hands tucked in.
Being in places like the cider mill reminds me that joy doesn’t always come in grand moments—it often shows up in little things: a warm donut, a fall breeze, and time shared with someone you love.
Visit the Footbridges (and the Covered Bridges)
I love the footbridges—those lovely wooden crossings along the Recreation Path where you can stop, lean on the railing, and watch the river flow beneath. I think I loved those are my favorite.
Vermont is famous for its covered bridges, and Stowe is no exception. The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, often called Emily’s Bridge, is the most well-known, built in 1844 and still standing strong. While we didn’t go out of our way to find them, if covered bridges are your thing, you should also check out the Red Covered Bridge in nearby Morristown, and several smaller ones tucked away along backroads.
Covered and footbridges both feel like metaphors for life and faith. They’re what connect us—across rivers, through valleys, from one side of the story to the next.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NLT).
Sometimes we don’t see what’s beneath us, but we keep walking forward because we know the bridge is strong.
Explore Stowe Village
Downtown Stowe is as charming as they come, white clapboard buildings, cozy shops, and that unmistakable small-town feel. We spent an afternoon just wandering through the village, ducking into the Stowe Mercantile and local boutiques, buying postcards, and treating ourselves to chocolates.
There’s a warmth in the way people greet you in Stowe—genuine, unhurried, kind. Sometimes, just wandering with no agenda leads to the best memories.
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT).
And now for a few things we didn’t do, that everyone else said we should, but just didn’t make the top of the list for this trip… maybe next time…
Visit the Trapp Family Lodge
Yes, those Trapps, from The Sound of Music. Their story continues in Stowe, where they built a stunning Austrian-style lodge overlooking the mountains. We drove by but didn’t stop. It’s every bit as picturesque as you’d imagine.
Our friend Kathy said that you can stroll the trails, peek into the chapel, and enjoy the serenity that seems to settle over the whole property. Apparently there’s also a brewery and a bakery on site.
The Trapp story does make you think about legacy and about how God takes the faithfulness of one generation and weaves it into blessings for the next. If we ever make it back to Stowe, we’ll try to make it back to the Lodge.
Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory is just down the road in Waterbury. I’m told the tour is short and fun, and that there are samples at the end. I don’t eat ice cream, so I wasn’t too bummed when they were booked solid while we were in town.
Maybe next time.
Visit Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Smugglers’ Notch is a narrow mountain pass lined with enormous boulders and towering cliffs. It’s dramatic, wild, and breathtaking. We drove the route slowly, winding between rock walls that made us feel tiny in the best way.
While we only drove through the mountain, and the notch, next time, we would love to come back and hike one of the trails. It was too wet out to event think about trying to hike when we were up there.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1 (NIV).
Visit Local Farms and Maple Sugarhouses
If you love learning where your food comes from, fall is a wonderful time to visit the local farms around Stowe. Many offer tours, tastings, and the chance to see how Vermont’s famous maple syrup is made.
I’m sure that tasting syrup straight from the source would be a real treat—sweet, pure, and rich. We got some maple sugar from a local farmer and were excited to bring it home.
Watch the Sunset from Sunset Rock
Next time, we’ll likely head out one evening to watch the sunset at Sunset Rock, just above Stowe Village. I’m told it’s a short hike with a big reward—a panoramic view of the village and surrounding mountains. I imagine it is breathtaking year round.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT).
Coming Home
Even in the midst of a one-hundred-year drought that softened the usual explosion of color, Stowe was still everything we hoped for and more. It reminded me that joy doesn’t depend on conditions, it depends on gratitude.
We came home rested, inspired, and thankful for every bridge crossed, every trail walked, every moment we spent together, and grateful for the children we were coming home to. Stowe isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to breathe, to connect, and to be reminded of the goodness of God in every season.
And I can tell you this: we would book tickets to go back in a heartbeat… if the Lord says go.
