This Is Vermont's Quirkiest Little Town
Stowe, a small town in north-central Vermont, has completely reinvented itself over the centuries. Once a rural agricultural community at the start of the 19th century, it transformed into the ultimate vacation destination, attracting tourists from across the region. Today, Stowe has an adventurous outdoor spirit, home to Vermont’s highest peak and numerous hiking and skiing trails. It also has some pretty strange annual festivals, such as its fall Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival! Travelers who visit Stowe are sure to find that it is full of surprises.
History
Unlike most Vermont towns, Stowe’s history was not centered on agriculture. While lumber, sheep farming, and dairy played a role in its early years, the town underwent a shift in the mid-1800s. Its mountain location and strong transportation connections transformed it into a popular summer resort. Summer tourism dominated Stowe until 1913 when three Swedish families introduced skiing, marking a pivotal moment for the town’s tourism industry. The town hosted its first winter carnival in 1921, which included skating, ski jumping, and other events. Over the course of the 20th century, skiing and snow sports continued to increase in popularity. Today, many travelers worldwide consider Stowe to be a premier ski resort and travel destination.
Skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort
The Stowe Mountain Resort, dating back to around the 1940s, is one of the top reasons that travelers visit Stowe in the winter. With 116 ski trails and 12 lifts, skiers could spend their entire vacation on the slopes and still have more to see. Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont at 4,393 feet, is also part of the resort. A gondola connects this mountain to the neighboring mountain, Spruce Peak, making it easy to travel between different slopes. Stowe Mountain's ski season now lasts even longer, thanks to advanced snowmaking infrastructure that produces high-quality snow for the resort.
Summer and Fall Recreation
Even when there is no snow on the mountains, there is plenty to do in Stowe during the warmer months. Year-round, travelers can glide to the top of Mount Mansfield on the Gondola Skyride. Cliff House Restaurant awaits at the top, serving American-style cuisine with panoramic mountaintop views. There is also a network of hiking trails around the resort and Spruce Peak to explore. The Spruce Peak Community Pathways, for example, offer miles of gravel trails that wind through hardwood and hemlock canopies, stretching across ravines, wooden bridges, and rugged stairways. Travelers seeking a challenge can hike The Long Trail, one of the oldest long-distance footpaths in the country. This trail, climbing Mount Mansfield, although sometimes rocky and steep, leads to a gorgeous alpine zone at the peak, with views of the White Mountains, Adirondacks, and Lake Champlain.
Community Events & Festivals
There always seems to be a quirky festival going on in Stowe. In April, the town hosts the annual Sugar Slalom, celebrating spring’s arrival and the maple syrup harvest. Over 1,000 avid skiers race down the resort’s slopes, dressed in costumes. Other activities during the festival include a barbecue, music, and sweet treats like maple syrup on the snow!
Meanwhile, summer in Stowe is all about live music. Since 1976, the Music in the Meadow series has been a cherished summer tradition, held at the Trapp Family Lodge concert meadow, a natural amphitheater formed by a gently sloping lawn. The Stowe Jazz Festival takes place in August and features three days of free jazz music, including jazz genres like be-bob, swing, Brazilian Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, standards, and Afro-Cuban jazz.
One of Stowe’s most eccentric events is the annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival. This fall festival was rated by USA Today as the best fall festival in the country, celebrating the sport of pumpkin “chuckin.” During the event, individuals and teams use a gravity-powered catapult to fling their pumpkins as far as possible. The current record is 861 feet! The festival will also have over 40 vendors selling art and crafts.
Restaurants & Nightlife
After a day on the slopes or trails, travelers can explore Stowe’s lively culinary and nightlife scene. Piecasso is one of the most popular dining spots in town, offering innovative pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients and a wide selection of craft beers and bourbon. For some Vermont comfort food, travelers can visit The Bench, which serves classic dishes like meatloaf, ribs, chicken puff pie, mac n cheese, and duck fat fries. If you are craving a post-dinner drink, consider heading to Burt’s Irish Pub, a beloved bar that offers good burgers and affordable drinks. On Sundays, the bar also opens for brunch at 11 am, offering specialties like eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, and french toast. Doc Ponds, a restaurant and bar along Mountain Road, offers a wide array of craft beers and ciders as well, including pilsners, IPAs, Irish ales, and stouts.
Final Thoughts
With just over 700 residents, Stowe may not immediately stand out. However, the mountainous terrain, lively cultural festivals, and beloved pubs and restaurants give it an energy that rivals much larger destinations. Although many tourists visit the town to ski, there are so many other activities to enjoy during the rest of the year, including gondola rides and mountain hikes. So if you are looking for a memorable place to travel this year, make sure to add the quirky town of Stowe to your itinerary!
