A couple weeks ago, Shawn and I went on our dream fall vacation to Stowe, Vermont. We celebrated this as our babymoon since it will be our last trip together before baby comes! We decided to drive from Ohio, which took about 10 hours, but having our car was essential. Since the places you’re going are about 15 min apart or longer, it’s easier to just get in the car and drive! If you’re planning a trip here, I’d recommend having your own transportation for sure, whether that be your own car or a rental!

Where We Stayed

We stayed at a charming VRBO in downtown Stowe. One of the best things about this spot was how close it was to Main Street—just a quick walk away.

Whenever we wanted to explore downtown, we didn’t need to get in the car, which was perfect. Everything else was only a 10 to 20-minute drive (with the exception of Woodstock), so getting around was super convenient. (Look out for a more detailed review on our VRBO stay in a future post!)

Where We Ate

Stowe has some great food options, though I will say, it can get very busy. Everywhere we went had at least a 45-minute to an hour+ long wait, so plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting during peak season!

• Piecasso (Pizza): Our first night, we tried Piecasso pizza. There was a little over an hour wait, but it was worth it. The pizza was delicious, and we found ourselves wishing we had just gone back there a second time instead of trying American Flatbread. Piecasso wins in my book for sure!
• The Bench: Hands down, the best meal we had in Stowe. It’s a popular spot, we got turned down one night because it was so busy! and had to wait 45 minutes another but again, it was worth it! We got a salad, gyro and fries, and a huge cookie for dessert! Everything was SO yummy. I had the salt and vinegar fries (so good!), and Shawn had the duck fat fries, which we loved. If you’re going to have one meal in Stowe, make it at The Bench.
• Round Hearth Cafe: This cozy spot felt like a little cabin! It was so cute. It had a fire inside, giving it that perfect Vermont vibe. They serve typical diner food, nothing crazy fancy, but it’s a family-run place that’s worth a visit for the experience!
• Butler’s Pantry: We went here for dinner, but I think brunch is where they really shine. The wait times were long, so we couldn’t go for brunch as planned, but if you can make it work, I’d definitely recommend trying it for brunch Dinner was good, but brunch is what everyone raves about!
• The Bagel: The spot was perfect for a quick breakfast. If you’re not in the mood for a full sit-down meal, try a bagel from here! It was a great, fast option when we didn’t feel like going to a sit-down restaurant!
• Black Cap Coffee and Bakery: This was our favorite coffee spot. We loved their oat milk lattes, and they also had really yummy breakfast sandwiches. It’s only a three-minute walk from where we stayed, so it was super convenient for grabbing a quick bite.
• Vermont Artisan Coffee: We tried this place too, it was really good but we preferred Black Cap over it! So if you’re only going to Stowe for a day, make sure to try Black Cap first!

What We Did

Fall in Vermont is beautiful, and Stowe is the perfect place to soak it all in!! It is the cutest little town. Here are some of the activities we did from our trip:

• Gondola Sky Ride: This is a must-do when you’re in Stowe. The gondola takes you up Mt. Mansfield, and the view is incredible. I’m pretty sure our trip was at the end of peak foliage, so when we reached the top of the mountain, it was covered in snow! It was the coolest thing. You can grab a bite at Cliff House restaurant up there, but make sure to get reservations well in advance. They book up fast! We called to book a reservation and they were booked for the season. They do accept walk ins and we were able to eat there but I think it was easier to get a spot because we were a party of 2!
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill: This was such a cozy stop and another must-do in my opinion!! You can grab hot cider and cider donuts and browse through their cute little store full of local goodies. It’s definitely worth the visit. The cider is amazing and I enjoyed our little six pack of cider donuts throughout the trip. We also got some pancake mix and maple syrup to take home!
• Main Street Shopping: We loved wandering through downtown Stowe, especially the local shops. A few standouts were Farm Home, where we found some nursery décor for baby, and they had beautiful home decor too! and Bear Pond Books, a charming bookstore. We loved browsing the bookstore!
• Sunset Rock Trail: While we didn’t hike this trail, we did explore the area and it’s beautiful. I wish we would have done the trail because it’s short and has pretty views so I think it’s worth mentioning! There’s also a great photo spot behind Olive and Tangerine on Mountain Road with a stunning view of downtown Stowe.
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory: This was honestly the one part of the trip I think we could have skipped. It was packed, and the tours were fully booked so we explored the graveyard and got some icecream! It was yummy but unless you’re a huge fan of Ben & Jerry’s, I’d recommend skipping the spot if the tour is sold out and doing something else.
• Woodstock Day Trip: One morning, we took a drive to Woodstock, about an hour away. We visited the Woodstock Farmers Market and Farmhouse Pottery. Woodstock is charming and worth a visit if you’re looking to explore outside of Stowe.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

While we spent four days in Stowe, I think breaking up the trip with a couple of days in Woodstock would have been ideal. Stowe is small, and unless you’re into hiking, two or three days might be enough! I wish we would have spent more time in Woodstock! A few tips for anyone planning a trip:

• Check the weather before you go. We ended up with three rainy days, so you want to make sure you know what to pack!! Bring rain boots, a jacket, and an umbrella if you’re visiting in the fall and have rain on the forecast! You’ll likely be walking around so these packing essentials will help enjoy the experience!
• Photo Spots: Some of the best spots for photos include the area behind Olive and Tangerine, as well as Pleasant Street in Woodstock for that iconic pumpkin-on-the-fence shot. And if you stop by Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock, there’s a cute little photo spot in the back!

All in all, we had an amazing time in Stowe. I want to go back!! From the stunning foliage to the cozy cafes, there’s something about Vermont that just feels magical in the fall. I hope this helps you plan your own trip, and if you do go, don’t forget to check out some of the spots we loved!