If there’s one destination to add to your fall travel bucket list, it’s Stowe, Vermont! We recently took a girls’ trip with four friends to experience New England in the fall, and it was the perfect mix of mountain views, charming small-town shopping, delicious food, wine, and a little much-needed relaxation.
We spent several days exploring Stowe, staying at Spruce Peak, enjoying the fall atmosphere, and checking off almost everything on our itinerary. From cider donuts and downtown shopping to a beautiful waterfall, mountain gondola ride, and spa day, we packed a lot into our getaway!
Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a couples’ getaway, or a fall trip with friends, here’s everything we did, where we ate, and what we’d recommend adding to your own Stowe itinerary.
Where We Stayed: the lodge at Spruce Peak
We stayed at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a beautiful mountain resort that made the perfect home base for our trip. We loved being surrounded by the mountains and having easy access to the gondola and other mountain activities.
Having a comfortable place to return to between exploring, shopping, and spa time made the trip feel like a true getaway. It was also nice to have time to relax and get ready together before heading out for dinner each night.
Travel tip: If you’re planning a trip to Stowe, consider staying near Spruce Peak if you want to be close to the mountain activities and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Day 1: Arriving in Vermont & Dinner at Alpine Hall
Our first day was all about getting settled and easing into vacation mode!
After arriving at Burlington International Airport, three of us called an Uber and made our way to Stowe. Our friend Ryanne was arriving a little later, so she picked up our rental car when she landed and drove to meet us.
Once we checked into our place at Spruce Peak, we unpacked, settled in, and got ready for our first dinner together.
We headed to Alpine Hall, conveniently located right at the resort. It was an easy choice after a travel day, and while the food was good, we all agreed it felt overpriced compared with some of the other dining experiences we had throughout the trip.
After dinner, we changed into our pajamas, caught up, and enjoyed our first night together. The real adventures would begin the next morning!
Day 2: Cider Donuts, Downtown Stowe & Mountain Views
This was our big Vermont fall day, and we packed in several of the experiences we were most excited about!
Stop 1: Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.
We found our favorite coffee of the entire trip at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.! The coffee was delicious, and the staff was friendly. This ended up being our go-to stop and a place we’d happily recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Travel tip: If good coffee is a must-have for your morning, add this spot to your Stowe itinerary!
Stop 2: Cold Hollow Cider Mill
No fall trip to Vermont would feel complete without cider donuts!
We visited Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a classic stop for anyone who loves all things fall. Between the cider donuts, country store, and Vermont goodies, it was such a fun place to browse and get into the autumn spirit.
It’s also a great spot to pick up treats and local products to bring home. If you’re visiting Vermont in the fall, I would definitely add this stop to your itinerary.
Stop 3: Lunch at The Whip
Next, we headed into Stowe Village for lunch at The Whip, located inside the historic Green Mountain Inn.
We weren’t able to get reservations, but we decided to try walking in anyway and only had to wait a couple of minutes to be seated! The food was delicious, and the staff was friendly, making this a great lunch stop.
After lunch, we were ready to explore downtown and see what Stowe had to offer.
Stop 4: Shopping in Downtown Stowe
One of my favorite parts of a girls’ trip is having time to wander without a strict schedule, and downtown Stowe was perfect for that.
We spent time exploring the village, browsing boutiques, and checking out the local shops. Stowe has that charming New England atmosphere, with inviting storefronts, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of places to stop along the way.
Stop 5: Mansfield Gondola SkyRide
Next up was one of the experiences we were most excited about: the Mansfield Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort!
We purchased our tickets online ahead of time, and at $55 per person, we thought it was absolutely worth it. The ride takes approximately 12 minutes each way, and once you’re at the top, you can spend as much time as you’d like taking in the views before heading back down.
Getting up the mountain gives you a completely different perspective of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great way to experience Vermont’s mountain scenery without having to hike to the summit.
Travel tip: Check the gondola’s operating schedule and weather conditions before your visit. Mountain activities can be weather-dependent, especially during the fall season. We also recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time if available.
Afternoon Fun: Mexican Train Dominoes at Spruce Peak
After a full day of exploring, the weather was too beautiful not to enjoy some time outside!
We found a table in the middle of the resort, grabbed a beverage, and spent the afternoon playing Mexican Train dominoes. It was the perfect setting for relaxing, laughing, and enjoying time together without having to rush off to the next activity.
Sometimes the simplest moments end up being some of the best parts of a trip!
Dinner at Trattoria La Festa
After our afternoon of games and drinks, we headed back to our accommodations to freshen up before dinner.
One thing we quickly learned about Stowe? Ubers aren’t always readily available! When we asked the front desk about transportation, they gave us the information for Neil on Wheels.
Little did we know that Neil would become the real MVP of our trip, taking us to and from dinners and eventually helping us get back to the airport on our final morning!
Our dinner destination was Trattoria La Festa, and the food was a 12/10! It was easily one of our favorite meals of the trip. If you’re looking for a delicious Italian dinner in Stowe, we’d definitely recommend adding this restaurant to your list.
Day 3: Bingham Falls, the Recreation Path, Lunch & Spa Time
We saved our final full day for a combination of outdoor exploring, good food, and relaxation. It turned out to be another favorite day of the trip!
First Stop: Bingham Falls
We started the morning with a visit to Bingham Falls, and it was absolutely a highlight of our trip!
The walk took about 20 minutes each way, and the reward was a stunning waterfall surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The trail became a little steep as we approached the falls, but the views were worth it.
If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor stop to add to your Stowe itinerary, we’d highly recommend checking this one out. Just be prepared for some uneven and steeper sections near the falls, and wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
Next Up: The Stowe Recreation Path
After our waterfall adventure, we grabbed coffee and headed out to walk along the Stowe Recreation Path.
The path is known for its paved walking and biking route, with beautiful natural surroundings, bridges, and mountain scenery. It was a nice way to enjoy more of Vermont’s outdoors at a relaxed pace after our morning walk to Bingham Falls.
Lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company
After our morning adventures, we headed to Idletyme Brewing Company for lunch.
This spot came highly recommended during our trip research, and we’re so glad we made it work! We arrived right when it opened at 11:30 a.m., which gave us time to enjoy a drink and some salads before our afternoon spa plans.
Spa Day at Spruce Peak
After our morning walk and lunch, it was finally time for one of the most relaxing parts of our getaway: spa time!
We had booked our 80-minute massages weeks in advance and left ourselves extra time afterward to enjoy the spa facilities. When we discovered they offered a sound bath before our massages, we couldn’t pass it up!
Between the sound bath, massages, and time to unwind, it was exactly what we needed. slow down, relax, and enjoy time together without worrying about everyday responsibilities.
Travel tip: If you plan to visit the spa at Spruce Peak, book your massages well in advance and ask about any additional experiences or facilities you can enjoy during your visit.
Our Farewell Dinner at Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop
For our final night, we headed to Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop for one last dinner together.
And, of course, Neil on Wheels came through again with transportation!
We wanted one more memorable meal before heading home, and Cork was a lovely way to wrap up the trip. It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy good food, wine, and time together before our departure the next morning.
Day 4: One Last Vermont Morning
Our final morning came early as we got ready to catch our flights home from Burlington.
We had originally planned to return the rental car, while Ryanne had an Uber scheduled in advance because her flight was a few hours earlier than ours. Unfortunately, her Uber canceled at the last minute, so she ended up taking the rental car instead.
Thankfully, Neil on Wheels came to the rescue once again, making sure the rest of us made it to the airport on time!
Our biggest transportation takeaway from this trip? Don’t assume you’ll be able to grab an Uber whenever you need one in Stowe. Having a transportation plan—and a backup—can make your trip so much smoother.
Our Stowe, Vermont Girls’ Trip Itinerary at a Glance
Want to save this itinerary for your own trip? Here’s a quick overview of how we spent our time.
Day 1: Arrival
- Fly into Burlington International Airport.
- Travel to Stowe and check in at Spruce Peak.
- Enjoy dinner at Alpine Hall.
Day 2: Fall Exploring
- Grab coffee at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.
- Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for cider donuts and shopping.
- Have lunch at The Whip.
- Explore and shop in downtown Stowe.
- Take the Mansfield Gondola SkyRide.
- Enjoy drinks and Mexican Train dominoes at Spruce Peak.
- Have dinner at Trattoria La Festa.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures & Relaxation
- Visit Bingham Falls.
- Walk along the Stowe Recreation Path.
- Have lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company.
- Enjoy a sound bath, massages, and spa time at Spruce Peak.
- Finish the trip with dinner at Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop.
Day 4: Departure
- Enjoy a final morning in Vermont.
- Head to Burlington International Airport for your flight home.
What We’d Recommend for Your Own Stowe Girls’ Trip
If you’re planning a fall getaway to Vermont, here are a few things we’d keep in mind:
- Find your favorite coffee spot. We loved Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co., and it’s worth adding to your morning plans.
- Make time for Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Cider donuts are a fun fall tradition, and the country store is worth browsing.
- Don’t skip downtown Stowe. Leave time to explore the boutiques and local shops at your own pace.
- Take the gondola ride. At $55 per person when we visited, we thought the views were worth it. Check current pricing before your trip.
- Add Bingham Falls to your itinerary. It’s a beautiful stop, but be prepared for a walk with some steeper sections near the waterfall.
- Book dinner reservations ahead of time. If you’re visiting during a busy fall season, planning ahead can help you secure the restaurants you want.
- Book spa appointments early. Our massages were booked weeks in advance, and we loved having that relaxing experience built into our schedule.
- Plan transportation ahead of time. Don’t count on being able to find an Uber at the last minute. Ask your lodging about local taxi services or other transportation options.
- Build in downtime. You don’t have to spend every minute sightseeing to have an amazing trip.
- Pack layers and comfortable shoes. Fall temperatures can change throughout the day, and you’ll want comfortable footwear for walking and exploring.
Is Stowe, Vermont Worth Visiting in the Fall?
Absolutely! Stowe offers so much of what makes a fall getaway special: charming shops, mountain scenery, cider donuts, great restaurants, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to relax.
Our girls’ trip was the perfect combination of exploring and unwinding. We enjoyed classic Vermont experiences, discovered new favorite restaurants and coffee spots, took in the mountain views, and made time for a spa day and plenty of laughs along the way.
We also learned that having a flexible itinerary is key. Some of our favorite moments weren’t planned activities at all—they were sitting outside playing dominoes, enjoying an extra cup of coffee, or figuring out transportation with a little help from our new favorite local driver!
The best part is that you can customize a Stowe trip to fit your travel style. Spend more time outdoors, focus on shopping and food, plan a relaxing spa weekend, or mix a little of everything together like we did.
If Stowe, Vermont, is on your fall travel bucket list, consider this your sign to start planning that girls’ trip!
Have you visited Stowe in the fall? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments!
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