When you think of Stowe, Vermont, you probably picture a winter ski trip. Vermont’s winters earned it its fame, but it’s the summers that make it unforgettable.
We come back again and again with our kids (and the grandparents), and every season brings something new to do.
At a glance
Best for: Families, in any season
Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, or a big Airbnb for groups
Family favorites: Piecasso, Sushi Yoshi, Idletyme Brewing
Free fun: The Over Easy gondola, hiking, the Stowe Recreation Path
Worth paying for: The Gondola SkyRide and the Auto Toll Road
Where to stay
a mountain village, or a house for everyone
I love the luxury of The Lodge at Spruce Peak. The resort feels like its own little mountain village, with world-class dining and a spa. With young kids, having activities, restaurants and everything we need close by makes it ideal. Whether it’s unwinding by the fire, getting outside or soaking in the mountain views, it’s a truly stress-free getaway.
Heading to Stowe with a bigger family or a group of friends? Get an Airbnb. They’re much larger and make group travel more affordable. We stayed at a big house called Top of the World, a couple of miles outside town, with my husband’s parents and siblings. The only downside: it’s not close to the mountain, and traffic on Mountain Road can be bad.
Where to eat
our family’s favorites
Stowe has a great food scene, from cozy family spots to fine dining, and classic New England fare to farm-to-table. Here’s our family’s take on the places we’ve tried.
- Piecasso: a family favorite on Mountain Road. So much more than pizza, with a great kids’ menu, and very affordable.
- Sushi Yoshi: another family favorite on Mountain Road, with hibachi, which is always fun with kids. Big portions. We go back every trip.
- Idletyme Brewing Company: we sat outside in the summer and loved it. Super family friendly, and the food was amazing.
- The Whip Bar & Grill: right downtown. My in-laws love it, so we always go with them, though with two little kids it isn’t our go-to.
- The Skinny Pancake: we went to the one at Spruce Peak. I loved the crêpes. My kids didn’t, so I’ll go back without them!
- Cliff House: at the top of the Gondola SkyRide, open for lunch in summer and fall. Some of the best views around. Book early: we were the first table and got a window seat. There’s a great waffle shop by the gondola too.
- WhistlePig Pavilion: steps from the slopes in Spruce Peak Village, with WhistlePig cocktails, craft beer and fire-baked raclette. We had appetizers for a late lunch, all great, overlooking the skating rink (or the green, depending on the season). Live music on Saturdays.
Tip: Vermont has great microbreweries. If craft beer is your thing, make time for a few.
Things to do
free fun and a few splurges
Stowe is a place you can keep coming back to without getting bored. Lots of the best activities are free, some are inexpensive, and a few cost a pretty penny.
Over Easy Gondola (free)
The Over Easy carries you from Spruce Peak Village across Mountain Road to Mount Mansfield. It’s practical in ski season, and free fun for kids the rest of the year.
Gondola SkyRide
The Gondola SkyRide runs up Mount Mansfield from mid-June to mid-October, weather permitting. Kids 4 and under ride free. Pair it with lunch at the Cliff House at the top.
Hiking (free)
There are so many family-friendly hikes around Stowe, from forest trails to waterfalls.
Auto Toll Road
Drive the Auto Toll Road up Mount Mansfield for incredible views, open mid-June to mid-October, weather permitting. It’s priced per car, plus a charge per passenger.
Stowe Recreation Path (free)
A 5.3-mile paved path that criss-crosses the West Branch of the Little River. Perfect for strollers, bikes and little legs.
Tip: Gondola and toll road prices and hours change every season. Check the Stowe Mountain Resort website before you go.
Day trips
worth the stop
Vermont is full of things to do, so if you want a day trip or a stop to break up the drive, the options are endless. Two of our favorites are the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
When you think Vermont you think winter, but summer, fall and spring are just as amazing.
Questions
stowe with kids, answered
Is Stowe worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Summer in Stowe means hiking, waterfalls, the gondolas, the Recreation Path and patio dinners, and it’s often quieter than ski season.
Where should families stay in Stowe?
The Lodge at Spruce Peak puts everything in walking distance. For bigger groups, a large Airbnb is more affordable, just check the drive to the mountain.
What are the best family restaurants in Stowe?
Our favorites are Piecasso, Sushi Yoshi for hibachi, and Idletyme Brewing Company.
— Summer.
