The small town of Stowe, Vermont, USA, in the Green Mountains below Mt. Mansfield in the north of the state, actually consists of just a crossroads where one road from the mountains joins the main road through the town. The other, the one we take, runs through the farmland so typical of Vermont. Along the way, we repeatedly pass the red barns of the large farms, which are characteristic of these agricultural regions of New England. We marvel at the colorful meadows where the lupines stand densely in June.
In between, we pass pastures where black-and-white spotted cows graze on the fresh spring grass. Their milk is used to make the excellent Vermont cheese. And every now and then, we see a sign advertising a maple syrup farm, one of the most famous products produced by Vermont's forests. Those who come here want to enjoy themselves. And Stowe, Vermont, USA, is the perfect place for that. Here, you can truly unwind. You just need to bring one thing: plenty of time and leisure.
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Three tips for Stowe Vermont USA that should not be missed
We are here because we are the Trapp Family Lodge of the Austrian singer family Trapp. They settled in the hills above the city in the mid-20th century. They turned their home into a successful hotel. With its Alpine architectural style and Austrian details, it still reminds us of the Salzburg home of TrappsIn 2025, the lodge celebrates its 75th anniversary and has expanded significantly: from the original 27 to now 96 rooms on 2.600 acres, including chalets, villas and its own brewery
We quickly realize that this isn't the only European-inspired hotel in the region: there's the Innsbruck Inn, as well as the Edelweiss Convenience Store, which sells delicacies and pastries—with an Alpine touch, of course. The town center of Stowe, Vermont, USA, unlike the main roads, fulfills pretty much every cliché associated with New England, and they're worth a visit in their own right:
The typical Main Street of Stowe Vermont USA with its New England Country Store
What makes a true New England village? A white-painted church with a pointed steeple, standing right on Main Street, and across the street a corner store that offers just about everything you need for everyday life. Stowe, Vermont, USA, offers all of this and more. The church steeple was dismantled in 2024 and reinstalled in 2025.
Just like the village church, Shaw's General Store is located in the town center on Main Street. We love browsing the many specialty shops, art galleries, and country stores lined up along the two village streets. There, we find everything from homemade chocolate, cheese, and wine to fishing tackle, art, jewelry, fluffy towels, and bed linens made of the finest cotton. Our favorite part is the town's craft shops, where you can discover many wonderful souvenirs.
It's not uncommon to see witty signs that reflect the sense of humor of the people here: one wooden board hanging on the back door of a flower shop, which is closed to the public, reads "Trespassers will be composted" (which means "anyone who tries to come in here will be composted"), and the next one that catches our eye obviously warns its buyer against excessive alcohol consumption, as it reads: "2 Martini, 3 Martini ... Floor".
The Covered Bridge in the center of Stowe Vermont USA
Every self-respecting New England village has a covered bridge nearby. In Stowe, Vermont, USA, you don't need a car or even have to walk far, because the wooden bridge over the small village stream is just steps from the town's main intersection. Legend has it that these covered wooden bridges were originally built to ensure safe river crossings in winter, whatever the weather. They're often called "kissing bridges" because, protected from the gaze of onlookers in Puritan times, they gave young couples the opportunity for a stolen kiss as their carriages passed by. Is that true? It's certainly a romantic idea.
A cozy country inn in the village
Just like the church and the covered bridge, a country inn is a must in a true New England village. In Stowe, Vermont, USA, that's the Green Mountain Inn. For once, we're not staying the night here because we want to get to know the Trapp Family Lodge. But we have to make time for lunch at the village inn. With its wooden tables and dark chairs, the village inn is reminiscent of the inns of the early villages in the region. This must have been how it looked when travelers still traveled on foot or on horseback. They were happy to take a break in a cozy inn. Wooden shutters keep out the heat, and on the windowsills stand large bottles of homemade herbal oil. This quickly works up an appetite.
The menu promises the typical dishes served for lunch in most restaurants in the USA. We opt for a roast beef sandwich with chips and pickles and a burger with everything on top and on top. Lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes with a choice of ketchup and mayo, and a pile of potato chips. Not exactly healthy, but it's a must-try on any trip to the USA.
More activities in and around Stowe, Vermont, USA
These three tips aren't the only ways to pass the time in Stowe. You can discover more activities here.
Outdoor and adventure
For example, check out these activities. Outdoor enthusiasts might like
- Hike + Drive to the summit of Mount Mansfield
- Stowe Mountain Resort with large ski area
- The Stowe Recreation Path
- great waterfalls
- Mountain biking, paddling and ice skating,
Culinary and relaxation in Stowe Vermont USA
Culinary delights and relaxation also attract visitors to Stowe, Vermont. What do you think of, for example,
- Hot tubs
- Breweries with craft beer
- Apple cider maker
Arts and Culture in Stowe, Vermont, USA
Or are you more interested in art and culture? Stowe, Vermont, USA, also offers plenty of that.
- Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum
- Helen Day Art Center ("The Current")
Anyone who visits Stowe, Vermont, USA, will definitely gain a good overview of what constitutes the essence of a New England village. Enjoyment is guaranteed.
Do you know this?
- The Trapp family - the true story
- Covered Bridges: Romantic New England
- Green Mountain Villages in Vermont, New England
- Glass factory in Vermont with a covered bridge
Source: Stowe, Vermont, USA: own on-site research. The trip was organized at the invitation of Discover New England. We extend our sincere thanks. This article was also sponsored by Expedia. However, the opinions expressed in this article remain, as always, our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photo: © Copyright by Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright by Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
