This Small Vermont Town Has The Best Downtown
The foothills of the highest mountain in Vermont, Mount Mansfield, wrap around the four-season resort town of Stowe. In winter, it lures in skiers who want to ride fresh powder at Stowe Mountain Resort, and in fall the Stowe Recreation Path and innumerable trails along the Green Mountains offer rainbow views. Of course, spring and summer are excellent opportunities to explore downtown itself. Main Street and Mountain Road in downtown Stowe have world-class hospitality at establishments like Harrison’s Restaurant, or adaptations of classic shows at the historic town theatre. Whether you take in Stowe through its mountain paths, its Main Street, or the backstreets, it's magical year-round.
Main Street
Stowe's Main Street is consice, walkable, and houses most of the town's culture that it wants to show off to the rest of the world. If you want to take a break from the slopes, or you just appreciate skiing without wanting the risk, then stop at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum on Main Street, housed in the Old Town Hall, which was built in 1818 and is the oldest building in town. That just shows you how near and dear the mountain slopes are to the town! The museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibits that have collections of ski gear, equipment, archives, and other ski memorabilia.
Main Street is also home to Stowe's own theater troupe, The Stowe Theatre Guild, which produces four shows per season, varying between musicals and stage plays. Their season runs between mid-June and early October, and they perform at the historic Town Hall Theatre, right on Main Street.
If you're planning to see a show later in the day, stopping at Harrison’s Restaurant, an easy five-minute stroll down the road, is the perfect dinner to preface the evening's entertainment. A versatile space perfect for any occasion, whether it's meeting up with an old friend, a family gathering, or even a romantic date, Harrison's is casual yet upscale, featuring a menu inspired by local ingredients. From bacon-wrapped scallops to tofu carbonara, there is something for every palate on the menu.
The Scenic Route
You don't have to venture far in Stowe to access the outdoors. Lintilhac Park is right behind the Stowe Community Church and acts as the starting point of the Stowe Recreation Path. Lintilhac Park has picnic benches and bike maintenance stations, but it also has wide grassy spaces adjacent to the Little River, which are perfect for spreading out the picnic blanket on.
From here, you can begin walking the Stowe Recreation Path, which stretches 5.3 miles from downtown Stowe to a covered bridge overlooking the Little River. This scenic route takes you between the two busiest streets in downtown Stowe. It is accessible year-round and popular for walking, running, and biking between Spring and Fall, and in the winter, it is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trail crosses over creeks, passes through meadows, and you can also catch glimpses of Mount Mansfield through the trees.
Mountain Road
The Stowe Recreation Path exits out onto Mountain Road, which is full of galleries and places to grab a snack. Front Four Gallery exhibits original works of art from local, regional, and international artists. Their works appear in a variety of media, ranging from paintings, photography, and sculptures. They also host different events, exhibitions, and classes for the community to enjoy, such as artist talks and paint and sip classes.
For a taste of authentic vintage Vermont ski culture, stop at Après Only to snack on cheese, charcuterie, and, if you have brought enough of your friends, try a shot ski (yes, it's what it sounds like). For more treats, Woodland Baking and Coffee, which specializes in flaky handmade baked goods, artisanal coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
Village in the Mountains
While downtown Stowe is an adventure all in its own, there is also convenient access to the mountain fromt he very center of town. Hop on the Mountain Resort Shuttle up Mountain Road for a free twenty-minute journey to the Stowe Mountain Resort. The highly acclaimed four-season resort has 116 ski trails and 12 lifts, but you don't have to be a skier to enjoy it.
In fact, you can explore the Village at Spruce Peak, a mountain community at the base of Mount Mansfield. Visitors can go to the Village Green in the summer to attend lawn games, farmer's markets and live musical performances, or lace up your skates in the winter when the Village Green is transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink.
The Village at Spruce Peak is also not without its fair share of dining options. The Tipsy Trout blends seafood dishes with Vermont’s signature culinary style, resulting in coastal-inspired dishes. They are best enjoyed with handcrafted cocktails or a glass of wine from their expansive list while sitting at a table that overlooks Mount Mansfield.
Downtown Among the Mountains
It is no surprise that the streets of Stowe, which are encompassed by Vermont’s Green Mountains, have resulted in an epic downtown experience that is exclusive to everyone, whether they are in town to hit the slopes or simply enjoy a few days of downtime. With local culture epitomized in places like the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum and Après Only, and a greenway connecting the main downtown street, anyone is capable of enjoying Stowe’s culture, history, and natural scenery.
