Leaf Peeping in Stowe, Vermont

October 12, 2020

leaf peeping, foliage, stowe, vermont, the-alyst.com

Stowe, Vermont has become my favorite New England destination to visit for a fall leaf-peeping weekend. This year, the leaves on trees turned colors earlier than expected due to less than favorable rainfall conditions, so we booked a very last minute trip to try and catch the foliage at its peak…and boy, did we succeed!

The foliage in Stowe was absolutely stunning and we couldn’t resist continuously pulling over on the side of many Vermont roads to snap photos of picturesque fall scenes. The brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges truly sparkled against the crisp blue sky!

We booked a resort home at Topnotch Resort, which in my opinion offers the perfect balance of resort amenities with a boutique hotel feel. The grounds are expansive with pools, tennis courts, and a spa, but the property isn’t as vast or overwhelming as some of the other resorts in the area. The resort home was a fantastic option, especially for safety amidst COVID-19, as we had our own townhouse-style condo with a private entrance. We could still enjoy the resort amenities, but didn’t have to stay in the main structure and use common hallways, elevators, and the like. Set against a lush tree line, the resort home overlooked beautiful foliage, and boasted two decks as well as a cozy fireplace, which was perfect for the chilly fall nights.

Now that we’ve traveled to Stowe several times for leaf peeping, we have a handful of tried and true spots that we always like to visit for foliage, dining, and shopping. While I’ve written about our past trips to Stowe here and here, I wanted to list out our favorites in case you’re contemplating a fall trip to the area and looking for a quick guide on what to add to your itinerary. I also suggest visiting GoStowe.com for last minute hotel deals and itinerary advice. I called their staff several times when trying to find a last minute hotel and they were incredibly kind and helpful.

Enjoy beautiful Stowe!

DINING:

Lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company: Don’t miss the fried pickles! We love sitting outside by the Tree Bar or snagging a seat by the fire pit for a late afternoon snack. The food is great and the ambiance is very chill and laidback.
Lunch at Doc Ponds: This spot features simple and delicious menu of burgers, sandwiches, and the like with a great beer list to boot.
Breakfast at Butler’s Pantry: This was a new addition during our most recent trip, as it was recommended by friends on Instagram. I had the Biscuit French Toast Sticks and they were out of this world. Grab an outdoor table with a view of Main Street for a perfect fall breakfast.
Breakfast Sandwiches and Pastries from Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe: From breakfast sandwiches on homemade biscuits to delicious pastries and coffee, this is a great option for filling breakfast on-the-go!
Dinner at Cork Restaurant + Wine Shop: This was our second time dining at Cork and it did not disappoint. Enjoy a bottle of wine and seasonal entrees like Spice Roasted Pork Loin.
Hot Toddies at Roost: Topnotch has two beautiful fire pits outside its restaurants (FYI: Flannel is currently closed due to COVID-19, but the fire pit is still able to be enjoyed), which overlook the mountains. We love cozying up with hot toddies after a day spent leaf peeping.
Cider Donuts at Cold Hollow: Right outside of Stowe, this market amasses quite the crowd (and traffic jam), but its cider donuts are delicious.

SHOPPING:

The Boutique:This special spot features a nice mix of well-priced basics like sweaters, jeans, and accessories.
Chammomile: This store has more on-trend selection of clothing and beauty with labels like Emerson Fry, Jack Black, etc.
Stowe Mercantile: One of our favorite spots for goods like “souvenirs”, VT-made products, and candy.
Shaw’s General Store: Shaw’s is a “step back in time” shop with flannels, shoes, and other basics.
Remarkable Things: I love to explore this gallery filled with interesting artwork and jewelry (don’t miss the back patio with river views).
Country Store on Main: Besides having the cutest storefront, this a great place to stop for home accessories and hostess gifts.

FOLIAGE SPOTS:

Gondola SkyRide: Get to this attraction early, as the lines are very long, but the views are unmatched. Seasonal.
Auto Toll Road: This is a scenic drive up Mount Mansfield, which amasses a long line of cars, so you should get there early. Seasonal.
Smuggler’s Notch: Enjoy a windy drive up to the notch, gorgeous during peak foliage! You can carefully pull over to take photos or hike.
Des Jardins Road: We found this road by accident, but it’s super picturesque with a narrow one-way lane and gorgeous trees that act as a canopy.
Stowe Hollow Road: this will take you to the red barn, which is a perfect photo spot during every season.
232 Mountain Road: This is the best lookout point for scoring the perfect “Stowe village” shot with the Stowe Community Church’s white steeple in the background.
Luce Hill Road: Meander along this beautiful road with farms and many cows! Stop at Bistro at Ten Acres for lunch or dinner with a peaceful farm view.