The Best Small Town In Vermont For A 3-Day Weekend
Stowe is a four-season resort town, making it an ideal location for a break at any time of year. To complement its accessibility, downtown is walkable, lined with boutique shops and restaurants, and the town’s proximity to the foothills of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you are an avid hiker in the summer or a skilled skier in the winter, or simply want to relax in a mountainous resort town, you are bound to find something that fulfils the agenda of your 3-day weekend in Vermont.
Accommodation in the Mountains
For authentic New England hospitality, stay in the heart of downtown Stowe and book a room in the Green Mountain Inn. With 101 rooms, suites, apartments, and townhouses spread across eight different buildings, you are bound to find the perfect accommodation for your stay. Even though the inn is conveniently located to downtown and everything it offers, you do not have to venture far from your room to enjoy a ton of amenities. The inn is equipped with an outdoor heated swimming pool, massage center, games room, and fire pits.
The Stowe Village Inn is a boutique hotel with 15 rooms in its main inn, designed with a modern yet historic flair. Each room is equipped with a private bath and rainfall shower, a flatscreen smart television, in-room climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, and comfortable mattresses. On-site dining is available at Grant’s Restaurant and Bar, which is open daily for dinner, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beer. Additionally, the inn’s large and spacious lounge provides ample seating areas to relax, work, or read a book.
Downtown Stowe
Harrison’s Restaurant is centrally located in the heart of downtown Stowe, for those looking for upscale and casual dining in a relaxed environment. Their menu features locally sourced items and has fare that appeals to everyone, from classic pub food like burgers to more upscale items like bacon-wrapped scallops. You will be sure to find something you enjoy at Harrison’s Restaurant, whether you come here to meet with friends, go on a date, or have a family gathering.
Northwood Gallery exclusively features the work of Vermont artists in a variety of media, including pottery, jewelry, photography, glasswork, prints, woodwork, and sculpture. When exploring downtown, take the time to wander through Northwood Gallery and observe its impressive collection of art. The Boutique specializes in women’s clothing, with many items and accessories available in-store, including dresses, purses, and jewelry.
Ski and Snowboard Heritage
The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is housed in the Town Meeting House, which was built in 1818 and is the oldest active public building in Stowe. The museum collects and preserves artifacts and memorabilia that celebrate Vermont’s skiing history through permanent and rotating exhibits, movies, and programs. The museum houses around 8,000 items, including skis, boots, poles, climbing skins, and bags.
The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, with periodic closures in April and May, October and November, and on Christmas Day. While admission is free, a $5 donation is suggested. The museum is located in downtown Stowe at the intersection of Route 100 and Route 108. Parking is available adjacent to the museum, but it is limited. Other parking options can be found behind the Green Mountain Inn, which is next door, behind the community church, and on Main Street, Depot Street, and Park Street.
The Best Hiking in Vermont
At 4,395 feet, Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont and is home to a unique alpine tundra zone. The mountain receives nearly 40,000 visitors each year who reach its summit via multiple different routes of varying length and difficulty, including the Long Trail, which is the oldest long-distance footpath in the United States. Peak hiking season for Mount Mansfield runs between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. While it is still possible to ascend the mountain in winter, this is usually completed by experienced and knowledgeable hikers. Hiking trails to Mount Mansfield are accessible from the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, which is only a ten-minute drive from downtown Stowe.
Smuggler’s Notch State Park is named after Smuggler’s Notch, which is a narrow pass that leads through the Green Mountains and is lined with 1,000-foot cliffs. The park has 20 tent sites and is an ideal location for some of Vermont's best hiking. The park is open annually from mid-May to mid-October, with a one-day admission fee of $4 for adults and $2 for children. This fee allows access to the park's hiking trails, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Three Days in Vermont's Mountains
Stowe is a premier destination to spend a 3-day weekend nestled in Vermont’s mountains. As a great place to visit regardless of the season, it has everything you need for a break, including cozy accommodation with modern amenities, a downtown packed with places to eat and things to see and do, and the chance to get outdoors and explore some of the best trails Vermont has to offer. Stowe is the best small town in Vermont to spend a 3-day weekend.
