Vermont is the only place I know where strangers wave at each other on purpose. In Massachusetts, they don’t wave with the whole hand. So it’s nice to get away to a sleepy town, a ski town that offers visitors just as much in the summer as they do in the winter.
Why not visit Stowe Vermont, a lovely town that has tons of things to do for singles, couples and families? Whether you want to see Moss Glen Falls, a waterfall and swimming hole or perhaps take the Gondola at Stowe Mt. resort for lunch at the Cliff House restaurant, it’s going to be memorable. For more ideas on what to do in Stowe, please see the end of this article.
As an added incentive, this is so typically nice of Vermont, the town is offering visitors from June 16-August 31, 2006 a “free ride home”. Guests will receive a $50 Mobil Gas card from Maplefield’s upon checkout. The Free Ride Home Package details that you must stay a minimum of three nights at participating properties. Packages start at $237 but to receive the special you must mention this ad upon booking.
Call 800-GO-STOWE or www.gostowe.com
Before you reach Stowe, you must make two stops. Waterbury (approximately 20-30 minutes from Stow) offers two popular tourist spots, well worth your time.
The first is the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. Not only is the ice cream delicious but the whole place has a friendly, laid back feel to it. Kids love the magic of seeing an actual ice cream factory and adults enjoy the educational tour with free samples. There are picnic tables, a playground and a gift shop to explore. Make sure to buy a tie dye t-shirt or a wacky cowbell. www.benjerry.com
Drive further down the street and stop in at the Vermont Teddy Bear store also in Waterbury www.vermonteddybear.com Though expensive, it is a special treat to buy a teddy and go through the process of adopting him. As their website says, “Vermont Teddy Bears are lovingly designed, cut, sewn, stuffed and stitched in Vermont, your Custom-Made Bear is unconditionally guaranteed for life.”
Next to the Vermont Teddy Bear is the Cabot cheese annex. My tip is to go there hungry because their gift shop offers samples of cheese and wine. Rich foods, yummy.
When you reach Stowe, be prepared for charming village. If you go onto www.gostowe.com click on the shopping map. It’s a great way to see how the town is laid out and then you can locate what you’ll want to see.
Here’s some ideas on how you could spend your days in Stowe this summer:
Fishing
Swimming
Golf
Biking
Hiking
Antiquing
Horseback riding
Wine tasting
Art galleries
And a little bit more unusual:
The Vermont Ski Museum
If you love skiing and what proud New Englander doesn’t? (okay I only ski the bunny hills but I kick butt.) then you’ll like this homage to skiing. View films, mannequins, read about snowboarding history, Olympic medal winners and more… Go to www.vermontskimuseum.com. Suggested donations $3-$5.
Alpine Slide at Stowe Mountain Resort
Try a 2,300 foot drop down Spruce Peak. You and your children will never forget it.
1 ride is $15 for adults, $12 for ages 12 and under.
Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road
If you’re envious of those auto commercials where the sports car hugs the road, here’s your chance. Drive up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield where you can view Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The historical road was built in 1856 and promises many photo ops.
Bungee Trampoline
If you’re looking for adventure, try this. You’re harnessed, ready, set, jump, flip and spiral…Adult ticket are $8, $7 for ages 12 and under.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Bring your own or rent it, either way you’ll have a great time rolling down the river. Plenty of rivers to choose from: Lake Elmore is on a state campground and beach, Winooski or Lamoille. Rental agencies consist of AJ’s Ski & Sports, Umiak Outfitters, Bert’s Boats and Pinnacle Ski & Sports. Note to new kayakers: Don’t forget to ask about where you will be picked up and at what time. Many places adhere to a strict schedule.
For more information on any of the activities above, please call 800-253-4754
To get to Ben & Jerry’s
Take exit 10 off I-89. Go North on Route 100, towards Stowe. The factory is 1 mile on the left.
To reach Stowe, keep traveling on North on Route 100 after Waterbury and in about 20-30 minutes you’ll reach Stowe.
Stowe is 3.5 hours from Boston, Albany and Hartford. 6.5 hours from NYC.