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If you follow me on Instagram then you may know we traveled to Stowe, Vermont, last week. It was SUCH a fun trip, and it was our first fall trip as a family of four! We set out to do all the fall things (like visiting the cider mill, driving scenic mountain roads and sipping on maple lattes) and we accomplished quite a bit! It was a surreal experience being surrounded by all of the beautiful fall leaves AND my family at the same time. I felt very blessed! (You all know that fall is my favorite season. Lol.)

I’ll start by rounding up some of the outfits I wore on our trip… scroll down to the bottom for the full updated travel guide!

on me: Agolde jeans // similar striped shirt, similar striped sweater // puffer vest // UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots // on Chris: long sleeve t-shirt // straight leg jeans in”wheat” // UGG Neural Chukka Boots // on Kennedy: similar neutral sweater // puffer vest // UGG Classic Ultra Mini Toddler Boots // velvet bow // on Collins: similar knit cardigan // similar knit leggings // UGG Erin Bootie

on Kennedy: similar sweatshirt // similar leggings // puffer vest // navy baseball hat // New Balance sneakers // on Collins: similar sweater // similar leggings // New Balance sneakers // pom pom beanie

on me: stripe flare pant // Lululemon puffer vest // fitted turtleneck // Amazon sneakers // on Kennedy: similar sweatshirt // similar leggings // puffer vest // navy baseball hat // New Balance sneakers // on Collins: similar sweater // similar leggings // New Balance sneakers // pom pom beanie

similar bear sweater // ribbed leggings // baby bow headband // UGG Erin Bootie

on me: Amazon jumpsuit // H&M teddy bear jacket // UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots // on Kennedy: similar back and white set // UGG Classic Ultra Mini Toddler Boots // on Collins: similar collar shirt // similar leggings // UGG Erin Bootie

on me: puffer vest // white long-sleeve t-shirt // Alo leggings // crew socks // Amazon sneakers // on Chris: long sleeve t-shirt // straight leg jeans in”wheat” // similar white sneakers // similar Burberry hat

on Collins: baby bear sherpa one-piece // on me: Lululemon ribbed leggings // H&M teddy bear jacket

How to Get There

We flew into the Burlington airport (there’s a direct flight from Charlotte and it was only two hours). From the Burlington airport, we were able to rent a car and then make the hour drive to Stowe. If you have the time, definitely spend a few days in Burlington, too! I have an entire Travel Guide dedicated to Burlington here. 

Where to Stay

THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK: The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a GORGEOUS ski lodge with spacious rooms and beautiful views. I stayed here back in 2016 and 2021, so that’s where we chose to stay this past week! This year we decided to stay in one of the four bedroom townhouses on property, since we were traveling with more people (and have TWO babies with us this time!). The townhouses are beautiful and located at the back of the resort in close proximity to the hotel and all of its amenities. There’s also a spacious living room, full kitchen and a washer and dryer, which are all essentials when you’re traveling with kids. We enjoyed being close to the resort because we were able to grab coffee and breakfast from the Beanery, groceries from the Pantry, and enjoyed dinner one night at the resort’s restaurant, Alpine Hall. If you enjoy skiing, then definitely book a trip for the winter, as the Lodge at Spruce Peak is Stowe’s only slopeside ski-in ski-out destination.

CABIN: There are some really cool cabins in and around Stowe. The benefit of a cabin is that it provides lots of privacy and typically a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re interested in staying in a cabin, I would look at VRBO or Airbnb and put in some dates to see what pops up. I looked for a few minutes and found this adorable modern farmhouse just two miles from Stowe Village!

Where to Eat

THE SKINNY PANCAKE: Whenever I visit Vermont, I have to eat at least one breakfast here! The Skinny Pancake is a breakfast restaurant that serves a million different types of crepes – both sweet and savory – they are the best crepes you’ve ever tasted! I love the nutella with banana one. And their coffee is pretty good, too!

BUTLER’S PANTRY: Clearly, Stowe has a thing for great breakfast spots! But seriously, this one is not to be missed. With everything from Cheddar Jalapeño Pancakes to Acai Bowls, there’s something for everyone and you won’t be disappointed. This place has hundreds of reviews all raving that it’s the best breakfast restaurant in Stowe!

COLD HOLLOW’S LUNCHEONETTE: You’ll definitely want to stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill on your trip to Stowe. Carve out a few hours and eat lunch at the Luncheonette, the little building right across from the cider mill. The Luncheonette offers hard cider (and hard cider tastings!), and a variety of salads, wraps and sandwiches. I always get the grilled panini with cheddar, apple slices and cider jelly – it’s mouthwateringly delicious. This year we also did the hard cider tasting and – WOW – the cider was so good, I wanted to bring some home with me!

IDLETYME BREWING: This is a casual spot and we really enjoyed our lunch here on our first full day in Vermont. They offer an expansive list of house and local craft beer and also serve the biggest and best soft pretzel I’ve ever had in my LIFE. This restaurant is very kid-friendly, they bring crayons and paper to your table! There’s also a large outdoor area with a pretty apple tree and room to run around.

VON TRAPP BIERHALL & BREWERY: Remember the Sound of Music? Well, it’s based off of a true story, and when the von Trapp family escaped Austria in the 1940s they actually settled in Stowe! The family built a beautiful lodge with sweeping mountain vistas and opened it up to guests in 1950. Today, the Trapp Family Lodge has expanded to include a brewery and you MUST stop in for some fresh lager beers and authentic Austrian food – like schnitzel! We went for dinner one night and had the best beer, cheese board and entrees (I had salmon!).

THE MATTERHORN: The Matterhorn is an après-ski landmark that caters to locals and tourists with jumbo wings, brick-oven pizzas, live music and sushi rolls. While it might be known for its bar scene, we thoroughly enjoyed its classic pub food and cozy atmosphere. This is a no-frills place, so wear a comfy, casual outfit!

BISTRO AT TEN ACRES: We dined here for dinner one night on our last trip here and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. The Bistro at Ten Acres is a restaurant inside of the cutest little New England house, right across from a picturesque red barn. If the weather is nice, definitely dine outside on their charming patio. They have a wonderful wine selection, and for dinner I enjoyed a perfectly cooked piece of salmon atop a delicious goat cheese salad. 

CAFE ON MAIN: We always make a point to eat at Cafe on Main during our stay in Stowe. It is a grab-and-go spot with a variety of fresh sandwiches, soups and coffee drinks, and is often very crowded (because it’s so good!). Even if there’s a line, it’s worth the wait! We have had both breakfast and lunch here, and it never disappoints!

What To Do

COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL: Like I said above, you’ll want to carve out a few hours to visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill – it’s definitely a whole experience! There’s a nice big store with lots of Vermont goodies (including coffee mugs, kitchen gadgets and baking mixes), as well as a counter to buy freshly-made cider donuts, warm apple cider and even cider slushies. Don’t forget to walk to the back of the building, because you can watch the apple cider being made (and even get a free sample). If you walk across the street from Cold Hollow Cider Mill, you’ll find the Luncheonette that serves delicious lunch and hard cider. Walk to the back of the property, and from there you’ll see a beautiful view of the Vermont mountains and some really neat old cars!

BEN & JERRY’S FACTORY: Umm name one person who isn’t a fan of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! I can go through a whole pint in one sitting. 🙂 The Ben & Jerry’s factory is located in Waterbury and is only a quick drive away from Stowe. You can tour the factory and then grab an ice cream at their flagship store. There’s even a “Flavor Graveyard” that warrants a visit – featuring granite headstones for all of their retired ice cream flavors with witty poems about why these flavors ended up six feet under.

RIDE THE GONDOLA: I can’t believe I have been to Stowe so many times and NEVER ridden the gondola until this trip! The gondola takes you up Mount Mansfield and offers a stunning view of the mountains and the town far below. There’s a little gift shop at the top as well as a waffle stand selling piping hot waffles drizzled with real Vermont syrup – the best waffle I’ve EVER tasted!!! From the top of the mountain, you can also access alpine hiking trails or enjoy lunch at Cliff House Restaurant (just be sure to make a reservation beforehand!).

HIKE: If we didn’t have our young daughters with us, we definitely would have gone for a hike! Stowe is mountainous and an excellent destination for those who enjoy hiking. There are a range of trails that suit various levels of experience, and some pretty waterfalls, too. 

TAKE A STROLL DOWNTOWN: You’ll definitely want to park and take a stroll down Main Street. With a picturesque white church, coffee shops and touristy shops (including a General Store), you’ll find plenty to do for a few hours. Pick up some real maple syrup and a cute Vermont coffee mug at Stowe Mercantile and then head next door to Bear Pond Books for an vast selection books. They have the BEST selection of kids’ fall and Halloween books I’ve ever seen!

TAKE A DRIVE: The roads in Stowe are beautiful, and you can find a lot of photo spots just through the car window! We particularly loved driving through Smuggler’s Notch State Park. If you take a right out of the parking lot of the Lodge at Spruce Peak, you’ll find yourself on a BEAUTIFUL winding road that goes up to the top of the mountains.

If you’ve been to Stowe and have any favorites, definitely list them in the comments so that we all can see! 🙂