This Is The Friendliest Small Town In New England

From coastal Maine to landlocked Vermont, New England embodies an old-fashioned hospitality many of us know and crave. The region, famous for its scenery, four seasons, and good-natured people, embraces a down-to-earth spirit and slower pace. Its small towns are the heart and soul of this culture, preserving a time when community picnics, Main Streets, and quaint country shops were still prevalent before big-box stores and flashier attractions eclipsed them.

Stowe, a Vermont gem known for its outdoor recreation, shines as New England’s friendliest small town. With a history of tourism dating back nearly two centuries, the mountain community is renowned for the warm hospitality it offers all who pass through. No matter the season or reason for visiting, Stowe welcomes guests to embrace its classic New England charms.

A History Of Warm Welcomes

Looking at Stowe in 2025, one might never guess that its economy was initially driven by agriculture and lumber. Chartered in 1763 and settled decades later, more than 75% of its hills and valleys were cleared for early industries such as sheep farming. Luckily, much of this forestland was able to regrow over time, due to the town’s shifting industries.

A main shift occurred by the mid-1800s when Stowe transitioned into a popular summer resort. A gateway to Vermont’s highest peak, vacationers flocked to Stowe for its spellbinding scenery in Mount Mansfield. Summer remained its primary tourist season into the early 1900s, although it would slowly lose popularity in place of winter skiing.

Claiming itself as “the birthplace of alpine skiing in Vermont,” the historic Stowe Mountain Resort was the first to offer lift-served ski runs on Mount Mansfield in 1937. Today, both the Resort and town are a year-round retreat, welcoming leaf peepers in the fall, skiers in the winter, and hikers in the spring and summer. Annual festivals and traditions also draw large crowds, inviting visitors to experience life in Stowe.

A Friendly Town With Old-Fashioned Charm

Despite being Vermont’s largest town in terms of land mass, Stowe is famous for its small-town feel. Spanning 50,000 acres, the rural community boasts a range of classic New England features, including countless covered bridges and old-timey landmarks like Shaw’s General Store. A remnant of one-stop shopping, Shaw’s has been a Stowe staple since 1895. Located on Main Street, the fifth-generation, family-owned general store is proud to uphold the tradition of hospitality and service with a smile.

Four-Season Hospitality in Stowe

Fall

Although Stowe began as a summer resort, and later a winter ski destination, today autumn is one of its busiest seasons. Surrounded by rolling hills and thick woodlands, the mountain town is a leaf-peeper's dream. Although foliage timing varies depending on elevation and weather, Go Stowe says the leaves generally begin to change in early September, lasting into mid-to-late October. Go Stowe also assures that while peak foliage is difficult to measure or estimate, the trees are gorgeous in every stage.

These days, locals and businesses are accustomed to tourists and happy to share in the beauty of their town. Many residents suggest fall hikes through Kirchner Woods, whose sugar maples take on a gorgeous red hue. At the Stowe Mountain Resort, gondola rides are a fun leaf-peeping alternative, offering a bird’s-eye view of the different shades of red, orange, and gold. In 2025, the gondolas will run from June 21st to October 19th, 2025. For a scenic drive to the Mount Mansfield summit, the Resort also offers its 4.5-mile Auto Toll Road, open May through October.

Winter

Blanketed in snow, Stowe transforms into a winter wonderland, living up to its reputation as "Ski Capital of the East.” According to US News Travel, December to February are the best months to visit if you want to ride Stowe’s slopes. However, much like its foliage, ski conditions vary depending on snowfall and temperatures, so make sure to research and plan accordingly.

Winter at the Stowe Mountain Resort is a thing of beauty. With Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak connected by a gondola, skiers and snowboarders have access to 116 world-class trails, ranging from beginner to expert. For fun beyond the slopes, Stowe also offers winter activities outside the resort. Whether snowshoeing the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path or skating at the Spruce Peak Village Center Ice Rink, the weather in Stowe may be cold, but the welcome is warm.

Spring And Summer

One of Stowe’s slower seasons, spring still offers its own exciting features. As weather warms and snow caps melt, Stowe’s waterfalls are at their most powerful. Moss Glen Falls, the tallest waterfall in Vermont, can be reached on an easygoing quarter-mile hike from its trailhead. Cascading 85 feet, the natural landmark is a sight to behold. Equally worth its quarter-mile trek, the path to Bingham Falls is a bit more strenuous but well worth the gorgeous waterfall scenes.

Summer is when Stowe’s tourism begins to pick up again, welcoming vacation crowds as it once did in the mid-1800s. Hiking is a popular pastime this time of year, whether exploring the 11-mile trail system in Cady Hill Forest or hiking specific routes like the Sunset Rock trail. The latter rewards travelers with a stunning overhead view of the town, making it a popular picnic spot.

Community Events To Mark Your Calendars For

Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival

An annual tradition stretching back over 30 years, the Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival welcomes visitors from across Vermont and beyond. Formerly called the Stoweflake Balloon Festival, this family-friendly extravaganza invites people of all ages to “Soar Into Adventure.” Whether watching the balloons take flight during the Inaugural Balloon Launch or seeing them light up the night sky at the Evening Glow Spectacle, the view is nothing short of spectacular.

The three-day event, planned for June 27th to 29th, 2025, will take place at the Trapp Family Lodge & Resort at its Outdoor Center field. While watching the balloons soar high above Stowe’s mountains, guests can also enjoy delicious food, live music, and countless kids’ activities.

Stowe Winter Carnival

The Stowe Winter Carnival stretches back even further, although its offerings have changed a bit along the way. The first was held in 1921 as a way to attract tourists and foster community connection. The event focused on winter sports like skating and ski jumping, with exciting contests and tournaments. After a good run, the Winter Carnival fizzled out for quite some time, until being revived in 1975.

Held each January, the modern Winter Carnival may look different, but community connection and winter fun are still at its core. Country Living named the event one of “19 Best Winter Festivals in the US” in 2023, applauding quirky features like its snow volleyball tournaments. The festival also welcomes guests to observe Professional Ice Carvers at work, chiseling and chipping away at their chilly sculptures.

A Small Town With A Big Heart

Since its earlier years as a summer resort, Stowe’s good nature has drawn folks from all over the country and kept them coming back for more. With scenes this serene, it is unsurprising that the New Englanders who call Stowe home are so proud and willing to share in its beauty. Whether sharing a hiking trail, enjoying views atop Mount Mansfield’s slopes, or mingling with locals at a festival, the memories you create are made possible through Stowe’s big heart.