New England Getaways: Stowe, Vermont
by Amille Bottom
There are few places on this green planet that rival the fall beauty of Stowe, Vermont. Situated in northern Vermont, at the base of Mount Mansfield, is a quaint and stunning town known for leaf-peeping, skiing, and hiking. While the concept of driving from state to state in a matter of hours may seem wild to those of us from larger states, Stowe is situated only 200 miles from Boston, making the roughly three hour drive a perfect weekend-getaway for college students.
There’s a little something for everyone in this idyllic resort town. Its immaculate trails and family-friendly activities, coupled with more adrenaline-rushing activities, mimic the likes of other famous ski resorts, like Telluride and Aspen in Colorado. According to the visitor website (linked above), visitors can partake in skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, kayaking, mountain biking, beer drinking, and so much more!
Unsurprisingly, this New England getaway has a bounty of wonderful accommodations for a traveler of every type. There are countless resorts and ski lodges at which to rest your head, as well as Airbnbs to suit every style. Those seeking swankier hotels want to check out The Lodge at Spruce Peak, which is situated near the gondola, has an in-house spa service, and allows pets! Another great hotel option is the Field Guide, one of Stowe’s newer hotels that combines the lush aspects of modern style with the warm tones and textures of the surrounding nature.
Looking for less expensive housing? Airbnb and camping are your friends! While many of the options on Airbnb are above $100 per night, they are much more easily split between larger parties of friends, making the price per person less. Moreover, Airbnbs contribute many cooking facilities that hotels don’t offer, making the takeout bill plummet. For those who want to rough it in the woods, there’s always camping options, although one should always be careful when camping in the winter months.
In terms of food, it’s difficult to go wrong. There are dozens of delectable dining options in this mountain town, including vegetarian and vegan options. While the food is delicious, a must-do of any trip to Stowe is a visit to the breweries of the area. Foodie Flashpacker ranks their top seven Vermont breweries, including The Alchemist, Von Trapp Brewery, and Idletyme Brewing in Stowe.
The above breweries are the perfect places to warm up after hiking the hills and hitting the slopes. But what if you don’t know how to ski, mountain bike, or hike? For those new to mountain activities, there’s always the Stowe Mountain Resort and the Adventure Center. Guests can always find places to learn how to be safe and have fun on the mountain. Rookies and lifelong adventurers alike are welcomed!
The fall semester can be overwhelming, especially after a few semesters cooped up by Covid. While it’s important to stay focused on school and stay safe, it’s also important to explore the beautiful scenes of New England around us. Next time you’re feeling the stress of school, take a break and a breath of fresh air in this lovely mountain town, and then you can get back to work!