A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR FOLIAGE? LEAF IT TO STOWE!
Ask your average person for words that define foliage, and he or she is almost always going to come up with “Vermont.” Ask specifically about Vermont foliage, and the answer will often be “Stowe.”
It’s not hyperbole to call Stowe iconic. After all, TripAdvisor named it the No. 1 spot for fall foliage in all of America. What makes Stowe so special? There’s the quintessential New England town itself, punctuated by a bright white church steeple. There’s the famed bike path that winds you through almost all of Stowe, following a river that flanks meadows, peaks, eating spots and more. And then there’s Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, looking down on everything with a warm, welcoming blanket of fall colors.
The best way to experience Stowe’s foliage season is simple: whichever way you’d like. On foot, by car, on bike, via ski-area lift, while swinging a golf club — whatever works. As the sunlight shifts from east to west, hills and meadows take on shifting perspectives. But it’s not all a visual feast — Stowe is alive with a booming dining scene, arts and culture.
Stowe’s famed bike path is a foliage trip must. No need to lug your bikes along; rentals are available right along the path, which meanders 5.2 miles past streams, fields and all kinds of shops and restaurants. Familyfriendly to the max, it can be handled by anyone. A muststop on the path (or via car if you’re heading out that way) is Thompson Park, a wonderful spot for picnics, photos and just relaxing. It’s also home to one of Stowe’s loveliest and most fun fall activities: the Percy Farm Corn Maze (2919 Mountain Road).
Aglow in autumn colors this time of year and sometimes, if you are lucky, with the trails accented with a tinge of white, the corn maze is fun for the entire family, and has a reward at the center: stairs up to a platform with a fantastic view of Mount Mansfield — and perhaps the best selfie opportunity in the Stowe area.
Up on the mountain, there are scenic gondola rides, a zip line for the truly adventurous and a cornucopia of fun fall activities. You’re practically on top of the world there, so views on a clear day extend to several states. It’s a hiker’s heaven as well, with maps available to set you on a hike that fits your ability. A favorite (and doable for most) hike is to Sterling Pond, where the water reflects the fall sky and lush colorful trees.
And new this year, a long boardwalk that makes nature more accessible, offer-
ing incredible views of the notch.
Choosing where to stay in Stowe is a snap. A top choice is the Trapp Family Lodge (700 Trapp Hill Road), one of the world’s most renowned resorts. As you arrive, it’s immediately clear why the Von Trapps chose this spot to settle in. Sweeping views of Nebraska Valley and breathtaking peaks envelope visitors — a true feast for the senses.
“A little of Austria, a lot of Vermont” is how the family describes their spot. Set on a hill among the resort’s 2,500 acres, the lodge has Austrian touches and looks out over the valley and toward the mountains. There are special touches — like the historical events surrounding the history of the founding family (who still own and operate the lodge), as well as plenty to do out on those many acres, like mountain biking, hiking, tennis, carriage rides and more.
The wildly popular Bierhall Restaurant, a stunning post-and-beam spot that serves up the Trapp’s own brews (you can tour their amazing on-site brewery as well) and delicious food is a venue that beckons you to linger. A perfect foliage time to visit is during their amazing Oktoberfest, Sept. 22 from noon to 9 p.m. You’ll find family friendly activities and contests, lawn games, live music and, of course, beer. For another Austrian experience, visit their tea room. With acres of woods and paths, you can step out to hiking or biking right on site. The family and staff are there to guide you. Learn more at trappfamily.com.
Traveling along Stowe’s “main road,” Route 100, you’ll soon find The Stoweflake Resort & Spa (1746 Mountain Road), beloved in this iconic town. Owned and operated by the same family for more than four decades, it sits on 60 acres of the town’s most beautiful land — a lush green field intersects the recreation path, streams and looks out on the mountains. The Stoweflake truly is central to everything, within walking distance to more than 30 shops and restaurants.
Rooms are comfortable and homey yet with all the modern touches. The spa is top-ranked, with a relaxation room centered by a 12-foot massaging waterfall and spa treatments that draw from the region’s products and way of life. The Meadows at Stoweflake and Stoweflake Townhouses are perfect for family vacations, like having your own vacation home but with all the amenities the resort offers.
And they certainly like to celebrate fall: Check out their Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival, now in its 10th year. Set for Sept. 30, the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features three rounds of competitive pumpkin chuckin’ at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with awards shortly after the last round. Along with the pumpkin chuckin’ contest, there will be music, a chili cook-off, cornhole tournament and kids activities, plus plenty of food. Learn more at stoweflake.com.
And for your own “home feel” during a foliage visit, turn to Stowe Country Homes. Through Stowe Country Homes, Stowe offers great alternatives to traditional lodging, with vacation rentals in all price ranges that accommodate small and large groups and families, many with hot tubs, game rooms, mountain vistas and more. When you book a vacation home or condo through Stowe’s leading rental agency, rather than a national online rental site, you get 24/7 local support and services, including housekeeping, recommendations and even grocery shopping. They offer centralized locations and cleaning services. Learn more at stowecountryhomes.com.
There are countless other ways to explore Stowe in the fall. A craft beer tour not only escorts you around to sample the region’s famed brews, but brings you to all kinds of magnificent vistas. The town’s weekly farmers market is a celebration of all that grows there. And events such as the Fall Foliage Art Festival and the British Invasion take things to another level.
Stowe may just be foliage perfection. Learn more at gostowe.com