I feel like all my posts are starting off with an ode to fall lately. But honestly, it’s just the best. And in my opinion, there’s nothing like a New England Fall. I mean after visiting Stowe Vermont I’m more convinced than ever.
For growing up in New England I didn’t really explore a lot of it. But everyone always raved about Vermont. Ski in Vermont, fall in Vermont, Vermont, Vermont, Vermont. Usually, whenever anything gets a ton of hype I end up expecting A LOT and then getting pretty let down like “that was it? Really??”. But not this time holy shit, Vermont blew my mind and I’m infatuated if I’m going to get really real.
A few years ago I came across some pictures on Instagram showing fall in Stowe, VT and I almost spit out my coffee. Top of the bucket list. So on our little excursion this year it was our first stop. You can check out my posts on our next stop in Belfast, ME.
Disclaimer at the moment we’re in the thick of Covid, luckily most New England states were still open to each other so I was in the clear. Still, being in Covid did affect some of the things we were able to do BUT #1 we still were able to do a lot and I still got recs and #2 I guess that means I need to go back, oh well, poor me.
Anyways, if you’re visiting Stowe and you have 48 hours or less here are a few things that you should totally check out and do.
+ Cold Hallow Cider Mill +
We stayed in an Airbnb right outside of Stowe in Waterbury, VT and conveniently it was literally right across the street from Cold Hollow Cider Mill. And this is just a few minutes out of Stowe.
You can watch them make apple cider donuts and they have a cool shop area with handmade candles, all things Vermont and obviously bottles upon bottles of maple syrup because this is Vermont after all. And of course you can buy cider hot, cold, as a slushy (yeah I didn’t know that was a thing either) as well as apple cider donuts. Also the parking lot has an insane view of the Vermont mountains so that’s another perk.
+ Explore Downtown Stowe +
Literally felt like I got airdropped into a movie set. Downtown Stowe is so freaking cute. There are tons of small shops and stores, as well as the iconic Stowe Church. And of course, I had to check out a local bookstore and cemetery (totally a taphophile) because that’s a must for wherever I go.
+ Get Outdoors +
There is also a TON of hiking and outdoor activities you can do in Stowe like Smugglers Notch which we didn’t get to do partly because it was raining quite a bit while we were there.
Stowe also has a crap ton of skiing so I definitely need to come back in the winter.
+ Where to Eat +
Obviously food is a must and I love exploring new unique places. Honestly, Stowe had SO many different options. If you’re new here I’m what I call a “flexible vegan” I’m vegan at home but when I travel or on special occasions, I might eat some vegetarian meals. And I had a lot of options in Stowe which is a huge bonus.
The first night we went to The Whip and seriously SO freaking good. I got a beyond burger which comes vegetarian but can easily be made vegan by removing the aioli. The fries were insane, like quite possibly the best ever. Andy The Whip burger that came with mango chutney and he says it’s the best burger he’s ever had, so there’s that.
The second night we went to The Bench which had several options for me but pizza is my biggest weakness and they had so many types it was so hard to choose. I ended up getting the Moss Glen which was a pizza with truffle oil, Shiitaki + Crimin mushrooms again, amazing.
TL;DR Stowe is amazing. I’m in love with Vermont and I recommend 100%. Seriously can’t wait to go back and I might need to plan a little winter trip.