Stowe: Summer in the Mountains
- Apr 6
- 5 min read
Summer in Stowe offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, local culture, and vibrant events. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of mountain trails, the charm of local markets, or the excitement of summer festivals, this Vermont town has something for every traveler. This 3-day itinerary guides you through the best experiences Stowe offers during the sunny months, including must-see events, delicious dining, and scenic explorations.
Day 1:
Start your Stowe adventure with a day full of nature and stunning views. Begin at Butler's Pantry for a hearty breakfast. Their fresh, locally sourced ingredients provide the perfect energy boost for the day ahead. Expect to spend about an hour here, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per person.
Next, head to Spruce Peak just 20 minutes away. Take the Gondola Sky Ride for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Tickets cost is per person but will vary on what time of year it is. The ride is about a half hour up, explore the summit and then ride the half hour back down to the base. You'll want to give yourself at least 45 minutes to explore the summit area. At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities, as well as The Cliff house Restaurant and The Waffle.
The Sterling Pond Trail is a favorite for its peaceful pond views and moderate terrain. Allocate 2.5 hours for this hike, which is free and suitable for most fitness levels.
Note: Grab a Lunch to bring with you and you can have a picnic lunch at the top when you get there.
Its time to take it easy, head back to downtown Stowe about 20 min and swing by and unwind from your day on the Mountain with a visit to Ellison Estate Vineyard for a wine tasting. Enjoy a curated flight of four local wines, with tastings priced $25 per person.
Conclude your day with a meal at Sushi Yoshi, famous for its Asian Fusion, Sushi, and Hibachi, along with a welcoming ambiance. Allocate 1.5 hours and a budget of $30 to $50 per person.
Day 2:
Fuel up at The Whip with a classic breakfast, spending about an hour and $15 to $25 per person. Then, take a short 10-minute drive to the Von Trapp Family Lodge. Join one of the many Tours, a guided experience lasting an hour and costing $10 to $25 per person. Learn about the lodge’s history and the family behind it, meet the Scottish Highland Cows, or take a tour of their 36,000 sq. ft state of the art brewery.
Prepare to traverse the Mountain through The Notch and head to The Cupboard Deli for a quick lunch before heading behind the building to Vermont Canoe and Kayak. Set off on a self-guided river adventure tailored to your adventurous spirit. If you prefer a guided experience, The Morning River Kayak Tour will take you through some of Vermont’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Ice Cream Float Tour is always a hit with kids and those young at heart. Enjoy a picturesque bike ride on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and paddle down the Lamoille River on the E-Bikes & Boats Tour.
Note: After returning, enjoy the ice cream or creemee bar at The Cupboard Deli.
You can head back through the Notch hopefully catching the mountain at golden hour and getting some beautiful sun kissed photos of Mount Mansfield. When you're ready for dinner you can head over to The Backyard for some laid back vibes, comfort food and good company for the evening.
Day 3:
Kick off the final day with a quick breakfast at The Bagel, priced between $10 and $20 per person.
Option One: A guided tour with Four Points Vermont priced at $150 per group of six.
Option Two: A more budget-friendly full-day rental from AJ’s Ski and Sports for $35 per person. AJ's is conveniently located near The Stowe Recreation Path, a picturesque 5.3-mile paved trail ideal for hiking, biking, and skiing during winter. Bring your bike and leisurely enjoy crossing the wooden bridges while taking in the stunning views of the rivers, mountains, and town. At the end of the Stowe Recreation Path, you'll find the Brookdale Covered Bridge. Take some time to appreciate the surroundings before returning along the Recreation Path to AJ's.
For Lunch lets jump over to Ranch Camp, offering fresh, local dishes for $20 to $30 per person. After lunch, drive 10 minutes to Moss Glen Falls, a spectacular 85-125 foot waterfall frequently cited as the tallest in the state. The hike to the falls is only about a quarter mile from the trail head and offers stunning views of wildflowers, cascading water and forest scenery.
Head back to downtown Stowe and spend some time exploring the local shops and art galleries. Northwood Gallery showcases Vermont artists working in various mediums. Shaw's General Store and the Stowe Mercantile provide tourist souvenirs and Vermont-crafted items to take home. In the Straw Corner shops, you'll discover Remarkable Things that are well worth a visit.
Stop by Lake Champlain Chocolates for a sweet treat and a photo with the iconic “Welcome to Stowe” sign.
When you start feeling the rumble in your tummy head over to Idletyme Brewery & Restaurant, dedicated to crafting balanced, flavorful beers rooted in European tradition with a Vermont twist. Enjoy a relaxing meal, then take a short hike to Sunset Rock to watch the day end with breathtaking views
Add these Summer Events:
Stowe Balloon Festival (June 26-28, 2026), plan to spend the morning watching hot air balloons take flight, accompanied by live music and food vendors.
Throughout July and August, Concerts on the Green at Spruce Peak offer live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Check the schedule to catch a performance that fits your stay.
On Fridays in June and July, the Outdoor Movie Night at Spruce Peak provides a family-friendly way to end the day.
If you’re here on July 4th, don’t miss the Fourth of July Celebrations for a full day of festivities – food trucks, entertainment for the whole family, and live musical performances and fireworks.
For a more laid-back experience, visit the Stowe Farmers' Market on Sundays from May 11 to October 19, 2026. This market showcases local produce, crafts, and delicious food, perfect for picking up souvenirs or enjoying a casual lunch.
Last but not least make sure you check out our British Invasion Weekend, Events include a Block Party Friday night with live music and cars parked up and down the block to enjoy. Saturday and Sunday you can find all the Car show cars in the Stowe Events Field.
Note: To fully explore the area, having a car is essential. Traveling during the summer is more challenging than in the winter, and taxi fares can quickly become expensive.
Car rentals typically cost between $40 and $60 per day on Expedia, with economy cars being the preferred option for driving through Stowe's picturesque roads.
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