Archive for the 'Fall in Stowe' Category

It is that time of year again! Columbus Day weekend brings the Stowe Foliage Art Festival or more commonly referred to as the Craft Fair to the fields at Topnotch for the 28th year.

This is one event I look forward to each year. The artists and crafters at this event are first rate. My favorite vendors are usually found right as you walk in. One is Clinton Pottery, they makes very utilitarian plates, bowls, pitchers and more. They are perfect for everyday or as special occasion settings. Mix and match different glazes or go monotone, he’s a must hit when visiting the craft fair.

Another to check out is Richard Foye who makes these incredible raku glazed lamps. I love to buy them and add these lampshades with beautiful leafs on them. The vendor for the lampshades is hit or miss, sometimes she’s at the show and sometimes no luck.

Also check out Katherine Washburn’s booth while you are there. To learn more about Katherine check out my earlier blog post by clicking here. If you have a wee one you need to buy for, swing by RobinHoods and check out her felted hats. They are adorable and make a great gift for toddlers.

There are so many great vendors from clothing and jewelery to food. It’s a great way to take in the foliage and spend a beautiful fall day, which we are having right now! For more details and directions click here for the festival website.

Much like last week it seems we’ve been getting an entire summers worth of rain in only a few short days. However the forecast looks good for the weekend. Last Saturday morning we were greeted with sun and beautiful blue skies that lasted through Monday. I would say that peak foliage has past but the colors are still bright and most of the leafs are clinging fast to their hosts. If you are coming for the holiday weekend it is still going to be very charming and there will be plenty to keep you busy.

Check out my Things to Do in Stowe Category for recommendations!

It is my favorite time of year for hiking in Vermont and like a faithful old friend Mount Mansfield still offers her challenging beauty by way of the Long Trail. You will find her trail heads just past the start of the Notch road. To your left you’ll find the trail head. It is about 2.5 miles to the top with some very challenging scrambling at the end. For a less strenuous climb you can also end your  hike at Tafts Cabin. A great place to relax and have lunch as well. If you’re really looking to prove yourself try the Hellbrook trail, and good luck!

For a less challenging day hike follow the Smuggler’s Notch Road to the top and park in the parking area. Across the road you will find the trail head for the Sterling Pond hike. It is 1.1 miles up to the pond. It is a short hike and fairly steep, but a good one for most intermediate hikers and kids. Don’t forget to take some time to discover the caves at the parking area, it will prove to be a memorable day for everyone.

Two other short day hikes worth checking out are the Pinnacle trail and Mt. Elmore. The Pinnacle can be found just out of town off Stowe Hollow Road. It is 3.2 miles of moderate hiking that ends with stunning views of the valley and Mount Mansfield. You can find directions here: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGN202-047

Elmore Mountain Trail is located in Elmore VT, in the state park. It will cost 3$ per person for entry, but the beauty of this hike during peak foliage is well worth the fee. Hike 1.25 miles to the Fire Tower and I dare you to make it past the first flight of stairs! You will be rewarded with beautiful views from vistas along the trail. Hike and additional half mile to Balance Rock and you’ve earned your lunch at the Bees Knees in Morrisville. Here are directions to Elmore State Park: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XTM006-019

As Stowe’s newest downtown addition Black Cap Coffee has carved out a nice little niche for itself. You’ll find it located directly across from the Stowe Community Church right in town. You will find your standard coffee house fare from scones to breakfast sandwiches. All backed on-site. A few comfy couches and wi-fi offer you a place to get some work done or just check out what your friends are saying about you on Facebook.

They make a mean Americano and the muffins will tempt the best Atkins dieters in the crowd! Not to mention the  made to order Saturday and Sunday mornings. Ski till 11AM and then head downtown to Black Cap for your fresh of the griddle crepe.

Check out their website here: Black Cap Coffee

The fall is fast approaching with leafs turning early because of the beautiful, dry, hot summer we’ve had. With fall coming quickly to Stowe we are all ramping up for the influx of tourists. People often ask me for places to stay and during the fall season one great place, because of its central location and proximity to fall events, is the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa. Right across the street from the Stowe Farmers Market(a must do) and half way to town or the mountain, it’s a great place to be. The Stoweflake spa is an excellent stop for a rainy afternoon. Try a hot air balloon ride for a unique view of the famous New England foliage.

The Stoweflake offers comfortable rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool for the kids, great gym and a few dining options. It is also right off the bike path, a wonderful way to spend a day.

Find out more about the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa by clicking here.

For more things to do in Stowe during the Fall click here.

Most people don’t think to head up to the Mountain during the summer months, but the Stowe Mountain Resort offers plenty of summer fun! Kids will enjoy sliding down Spruce Peak on the Alpine Slide and bouncing on massive trampolines. Fridays offer a diverse framers market from locally grown food to a variety of crafts. The Stowe Mountain Farmers market is open this Friday the 20th of August from 11-3PM on the Spruce Peak Plaza. For more info on the Farmers Market click here.

Let’s also not forget the world class spa for those rainy days. If you are lucky one of those rainy days will fall on a Friday afternoon between 5-7PM, where you can enjoy a hand or foot treatment along with cheese and wine for a mere $20. No appointment necessary, what a deal! For more information about this special Stowe Mountain Spa Treatment click here.

If golfing is your thing, don’t miss the Stowe Mountain Golf Course, recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the “top ten new courses in the US.” Check out their Stay & Play deals by clicking here.

Frida’s Taqueria & Grill located on Main Street in downtown Stowe offers authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s been open just over a year; if you haven’t been by to check it out yet, put it on your to-do list. They expanded their original menu to include more small plates like the baja and carne burritos. I also recommend the tres tacos for a perfect light meal.

Not to be missed is the homemade guacamole which is made table-side and served with their very addictive handmade tortilla chips. The margarita’s are also some of the best I’ve had.  Even my daughter who doesn’t like margs can’t get enough.

Frida’s offers a great atmosphere if you eat at the bar or at one of their booths or tables. In the summer months they also provide seating outside on their deck, which is a great way to spend an evening. If you’ve been able to resist any of their delicious desserts you can pop next door to the Stowe Scoop Shop. Try one of their original flavors and take a pint home with you!

The Stowe Farmers Market is open every Sunday starting May 16th through October 17th from 10:30AM – 3PM rain or shine. The Stowe Farmers Market offers an array of fresh produce, local crafts and prepared foods. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian or BBQ, you will find it here.

Not only is the farmers market a great place to pick up locally grown produce for the week, it also offers entertainment with live music. It’s a great way to spend a few hours with the kids outside on a warm summer or fall day. Your kids can even enjoy a horseback ride while you’re there.

The Stowe Farmers Market is located right off the Mountain Road in the field next to the Red Barn shops, directly across from the Stoweflake.

Stowe Bike Path, known locally as the Rec Path is a fun way to spend the day outside getting to know the town of Stowe. It’s great for families and anyone really! You can pick up the bike path in various locations along the Mountain Road. It start behind the Stowe Community Church right in town and take it all the way to the Topnotch Meadows, a 10 mile round trip. Take your time and stop for a dip in the West Branch River. Grab a bite at any number of restaurants long the path or a locally brewed beer at the Shed. You will even find the Percy Farm Corn Maze just past the half-way mark. For details on the Stowe Bike Path click here.

Map of the Stowe Bike Path