Plan your transportation. The nearest airport and train station is in nearby Burlington, about a 30-minute drive away. There are taxi services, but they can get quite expensive, especially if you are taking them frequently, so you may want to rent a car, which can also be done in Burlington. Stowe is a six-hour drive from New York City, a 2.5-hour drive from Hartford, Conn., and a 2.5-hour drive from Boston.
Book a room at the Winding Brook Lodge. A rustic getaway with plenty of woodsy charm, the Winding Brook Lodge offers a variety of rooms at a range of prices. Some of the rooms are larger than others, and some offer more amenities (private bathrooms for example), but with nearly 20 rooms available, there is one to suit any traveler’s needs. The lodge provides a bona fide Vermont breakfast each morning, and it features a heated pool and hot tub, as well as a pool table, board games and books to keep you occupied. Please note that most of the rooms do not contain televisions, although some of the suites do, and there is a television in one of the common areas.
Eat breakfast at the Dutch Waffle House. Offering a menu with more than two dozen different types of Dutch waffles, as well as traditional breakfast foods, the restaurant allows you to try these special types of waffles, which are flatter and thinner than the ones typically found in most diners. You can also try stroop, which is a syrup-like waffle topper that is less sweet than traditional maple syrups.
Take a tour of the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory in nearby Waterbury. Tours are typically held every 30 minutes, and they include a humorous video about the history of the wacky ice cream gurus, as well as a viewing of part of the ice cream plant floor. The tour caps off with a taste test of one of their flavors. Ice cream and souvenirs are also available for purchase.
Go shopping in downtown Stowe, where you can find dozens of stores to suit your needs. There are merchants selling handmade jewelry and clothes, as well as furniture stores and souvenir shops. You can also pick up any necessities or toiletries there.
Eat dinner at Miguel’s Stowe Away. Known for its authentic Mexican food, you won’t leave the restaurant hungry or with your wallet feeling too light. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation.
Plan a spa session at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa before you leave. Replete with a pool, steam rooms, shower facilities, and massage and nail services, you’ll leave Stowe exactly as you should—completely and fully relaxed. Pricing can vary for the relaxation options at the spa, so check with a representative for your choices.
