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Heading to Vermont soon and wondering what you should do if you have 2 days in Stowe? I’m here to help!
Stowe is the ultimate quintessential Vermont mountain town, and one of my favorite places in New England.
With two days here, you can really do it justice.
This itinerary gives you a relaxed first day exploring Stowe village mostly on foot, followed by a second day out in the car at the Trapp Family Lodge, up the mountain, and along one of the most scenic drives in New England.
Here’s exactly how to spend two perfect days in Stowe.
Day 1: Cider Mill & Downtown Stowe
Your first day is all about the town itself, and the good news is it’s small enough to explore mostly on foot.
🍎 Stop 1: Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Before getting to Stowe, you’ll drive past Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center.
It’s right on your way and one of the most famous cider mills in the country so make it your first stop!
There is a little cafe / restaurant as well as a shop where you can taste the products and get yourself a delicious apple cider donut.
Their cider is delicious (there is a tasting tank at the back of the shop so feel free to go taste it) but the donuts are what they are famous for!
In the fall, make sure you get your donut with a hot cider. In summer, you can get it with a maple creemee (or as an ice cream sandwich, aka a ‘dreemee’).
🏘️ Stop 2: Stowe Community Church
Drive into Stowe and park at the recreation path parking lot behind the church (it’s free, and it’s where you’ll finish your morning loop too).
Start by checking out the Stowe Community church. It’s the most famous landmark in Stowe and the one you see on every postcard but usually you see from a distance (don’t worry we will get there).
Standing in front of it gives you a very different perspective. You can walk in and have a look inside (providing there isn’t a service on).
🛍️ Stop 3: Main Street
Continue and start wandering the charming Main Street.
It’s lined with independent shops, galleries and cozy coffee shops, so take your time browsing.
Pop into Stowe Mercantile and Shaw’s General Store (a proper Stowe institution that’s been going since 1895) for souvenirs, Vermont sweatshirts and maple treats.
It’s one of the best country stores in the state, and you’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned!
⛷️ Stop 4: Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
Right at the end of Main Street (well, technically it’s at 1 South Main Street, but from where you’ll come from it will be the end), you’ll find the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, housed in the lovely old 1818 town hall.
Stowe is one of the spiritual homes of American skiing, so it’s a fun stop (and a great rainy-day option).
It’s packed with vintage gear and stories about Vermont’s skiing history, and it’s free to enter, with a suggested $5 donation.
📸 Stop 5: The ‘Welcome to Stowe’ Sign
On the other side of the road, at 8 South Main Street (right next door to Lake Champlain Chocolates), you’ll find the famous ‘Welcome to Stowe’ mural and sign.
It’s the classic Stowe photo you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.
Have a look at the little landmarks tucked into each letter, they’re basically a preview of what you’ll be seeing over the next two days!
🌉 Stop 6: Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge (Stowe Covered Bridge)
From the sign, walk down towards the roundabout and turn left to reach Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge.
It’s a beautiful pedestrian covered bridge with “Stowe, Vermont” written across the top (and it makes for a great photo!)
Walk through it. You’ll love the view from the bridge as you can see the river and a peek of the church spire through the trees.
⛪ Stop 7: Stowe Community Church Viewpoint
Next, make your way to the Stowe Community Church viewpoint.
It’s not officially marked, but you’ll find it right next to the Tangerine & Olive shop (which is also worth a browse for souvenirs).
There is a big parking lot so you can’t really miss it.
The view really speaks for itself: that iconic white spire set against the mountains. It’s the most famous view in all of Vermont, and it’s absolutely magical in the fall.
🍽️ Stop 8: Lunch at Ranch Camp Stowe
By now you’ll have earned some lunch, so head to Ranch Camp Stowe.
It’s a great local spot with delicious food (their tacos and salads are excellent) and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
I would recommend eating outside so you can enjoy the fresh air and a bit of the views. Usually you can see a bit of the church from the terrace but it depends on how ‘bushy’ the trees are when you visit.
Handily, it’s also where you’ll pick up your bikes for the afternoon.
🚴 Stop 9: Bike the Stowe Recreation Path
For the afternoon, I’d recommend cycling the Stowe Recreation Path.
It’s a gorgeous 5.3-mile trail that follows the West Branch river past little bridges, swimming holes and mountain views.
You can rent bikes right at Ranch Camp, and it takes a couple of hours to do the full out-and-back.
It’s flat, easy and honestly one of the loveliest things to do in Stowe, the perfect relaxed end to the day.
You can then walk back to your car via the Rec Path too. It takes about 20 minutes.
You’ll also walk past the Franz Peter Scheuermann Memorial Garden (‘Pete’s Place’) which showcases a beautiful statue with a grandpa and his granddaughter.
Day 2: Von Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe Mountain Resort & Smugglers’ Notch
Today you’ll need the car, as you head out and explore the mountains around Stowe.
🎼 Stop 1: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
Start your day at the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort.
This is one of the most unique places you can see in Vermont.
The estate is run by the actual von Trapp family of Sound of Music (yes, they still own it today!).
It genuinely looks like a slice of Austria, all mountain views and Alpine-style architecture. It’s surprising and a little surreal to be honest, but very pretty and unique.
Wander the grounds and don’t miss the adorable highland cows in the field by the cafe.
If you’d like to explore more, there are lovely self-guided walking trails (you’ll need a property pass for those), including a short but steep hike up to the chapel that Werner von Trapp built after the war.
I would highly recommend spending the morning here and do some of the walks as it’s truly beautiful.
🍺 Stop 2: von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall
On your way out, stop at the von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall for a well-earned drink.
It’s a big, welcoming spot with a lovely outdoor area and gorgeous mountain views. Obviously I would recommend trying one of their beers.
They also have a food menu so it can be a good place to grab lunch.
Please note that it’s part of the same estate, but you’ll need to drive to it. It would be a very long walk from the lodge.
💧 Stop 3: Bingham Falls
Next, drive along Route 108 towards the mountain resort and stop at Bingham Falls.
You’ll find places to park on both sides of the road.
It’s a short hike through the woods and it leads you to a 25-foot waterfall.
Most of the hike is pretty easy but the final bit is steep and slippery so make sure to wear walking shoes.
🚡 Stop 4: Stowe Mountain Resort & the Gondola SkyRide
Continue up to Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the most popular ski resorts in Vermont, and for good reason.
If you’re visiting between mid-June and mid-October, ride the Gondola SkyRide up Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for spectacular panoramic views.
It’s a bit pricey, but well worth it for the scenery (especially in the fall). The ride itself is only about 10 minutes each way.
Another option is to drive up to Mount Mansfield via the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road which zig zags its way up to the summit.
This road is historic and iconic and the views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains are unbeatable.
There are also a lot of hiking opportunities here if you are interested.
🏔️ Stop 5: Drive Up Smugglers’ Notch
From the resort, keep going and drive the dramatic Smugglers’ Notch Drive (Route 108).
This narrow, twisting mountain pass is framed by towering boulders and cliffs, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in all of New England.
It goes through the forest making it absolutely magical in the fall with all the golden and red leaves.
It’s also beautiful in summer as it really feels like a world away.
Take it slow, as it’s narrow and windy, and remember the notch section closes in winter, so it’s a warmer-months drive only.
🏡 Stop 6: Jeffersonville
You’ll emerge from the Notch in the small town of Jeffersonville.
It’s tiny, but there’s a lovely country store and a couple of restaurants, so it’s a nice spot to eat.
From here, you can either drive back the way you came (very scenic, but the same route) or loop around via Johnson (less scenic, but a different route).
Either way, it’s the perfect end to two brilliant days in Stowe.
🗺️ Map of this Stowe 2-Day Itinerary
💡 A few practical tips
- The gondola and Smugglers’ Notch are seasonal, so check they’re open before you go.
- Book your bike hire from Ranch Camp ahead in peak season.
- Wear proper shoes for the Bingham Falls hike.
- Grab a maple creemee somewhere along the way, it’s a Stowe essential!
❓ Is two days in Stowe enough?
Two days is a lovely amount of time in Stowe.
You get to explore the town properly, bike the rec path, and enjoy a full day out at the Trapp Family Lodge and the Mountain Resort.
If you have longer, there’s even more to discover, but two days gives you a wonderful taste of this magical mountain town.
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