How to Spend One Day in Stowe, Vermont This Fall (+Free Printable Itinerary)

I’ve been wanting to write this Stowe itinerary for so long – and I’m super excited that I finally get to share it on the blog today! Fall in Stowe, Vermont is absolutely beautiful and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in October. In this post, I’m sharing my Stowe fall day trip itinerary packed with the top things to see, do, and eat while you’re in Stowe.

Nestled in the Green Mountains, Stowe is a charming little town that’s perfect for a day trip. There’s many things to see and explore whether you’re traveling with the whole family, as a couple, or just taking a solo adventure.

This itinerary will help you plan an efficient day trip to Stowe so you can see all the highlights even if you just have one day. I’ve also included a FREE printable itinerary that you can download to take with you on your trip!

By the way, if you’re looking for even more fall travel ideas, check out my blogpost on 10 amazing fall weekend getaways in the Northeast! 🍁 These spots are also great for day trips if you don’t have a whole weekend to spare.

Also, don’t forget to leave home without my FREE weekend getaway packing checklist! There’s also a free PDF you can download to make it even easier to pack for your trip.

Okay, let’s talk about how to spend a day in beautiful Stowe, Vermont!

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.

---

Download a Free PDF of the Stowe, VT Fall Day Trip Itinerary!

Get a free PDF version of this Stowe, Vermont fall day trip itinerary for easy printing and use on mobile devices!

The PDF contains both a color copy as well as a black & white copy that is printer-friendly!

You can of course use the itinerary as-is or use it to get ideas to create your own itinerary!

Disclaimer: This itinerary is for informational purposes only. Sprinkle of Wanderlust cannot be held liable for any loss, injury, inconvenience, or expenses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided. Travelers are responsible for their own safety, health precautions, and decisions while traveling.

While I try my best to keep the itineraries updated and accurate, travel details including transportation, accommodations, attractions, prices, and availability are subject to change without notice.

I recommend that you verify the most up-to-date information before you travel especially regarding timings, availability, safety guidelines, entry requirements, and local regulations.

---

Is a Day Trip to Stowe, VT Worth It?

You can easily spend a few days or a whole weekend in Stowe – there’s so much to see and do here! But even if you only have just one day to spend in Stowe, I definitely think it’s still worth visiting. You may not be able to see everything in depth, but you can definitely cover the major highlights in just one day.

When my mom and I went to Stowe back in 2023, we only had about 4-5 hours to spare. It was a very last minute stop on our way down to Woodstock, but I am so glad we made a pit stop and spent some time in Stowe. With just 4-5 hours, we were able to cover most of the highlights in Stowe, but we didn’t have time to do some stuff like the Ben & Jerry’s tour or Gondola skyride.

With proper planning, you should be able to do most if not everything on this itinerary in just one day. It also depends on what type of traveler you are. If you like to take your time and really experience everything in detail, then it may be better to spend 2 or 3 days in Stowe.

Make sure to factor in your travel time to and from Stowe as you’re planning your day trip. If you’re coming from NYC or Boston, then I would recommend driving in the night before.

The Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Stowe, VT

Fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont

Oh boy, this is the hardest question to answer! It’s also one of the most asked questions when it comes to planning a fall trip to Vermont. The peak time for fall colors in Vermont changes from year to year, and depends on many different factors.

In general, I’ve found that the best time to see fall colors in Stowe is during the 1st week of October. We went around October 14th and the colors had unfortunately peaked the week prior. Since Stowe is further north, the fall colors tend to peak earlier here than in southern Vermont.

I highly recommend checking out the Vermont fall foliage tracker which provides a weekly update on fall colors during the season! You can also check out fall foliage history from prior years with photos of what the trees look like each week in the different areas of Vermont.

Map of Stowe, VT

Here is an interactive map of Stowe that shows all of the attractions, things to do, and places to eat that are mentioned in the post & itinerary. You can also see where Stowe is located in relation to major cities in the Northeast.

How to Get to Stowe, VT

Image credit: Pexels

Getting to Stowe by Car (recommended)

I highly recommend driving to Stowe if you can. The best way to explore Stowe is by car – no question about it! If you don’t have a car or you’re coming from a distance, you can also fly into BVT airport and get a rental car from there. Discover the best rental car rates! →

Getting to Stowe by Air

The closest airport to Stowe is Burlington International Airport (BVT). This airport connects to many major cities across the Northeast like Boston and NYC. You can get a rental car from the airport and then drive into Stowe, which is about 45 minutes away.

Getting to Stowe by Train

You can take Amtrak’s Vermonter line from Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, or Boston up to Waterbury Station, which is just 15 minutes from Stowe. It’s a long train ride, but the views are beautiful! I haven’t done the train ride myself, but it’s on my bucket list for when I have some time off work. From the station, you’ll need to get a taxi, rideshare, or rental car to get to Stowe.

Getting to Stowe by Bus

Look for Greyhound and Megabus lines that go to Burlington, VT or other nearby cities. From the station, you’ll need to get a taxi, rideshare, or rental car to get to Stowe.

🚗 Search Cheap Car Rentals

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Getting Around Stowe, VT

Image credit: Pexels

Getting Around By Car (recommended)

As I mentioned above, I highly recommend having a car when you’re visiting Stowe. It’s the most practical way to get around since there aren’t a ton of public transportation options here. It’s also the most efficient way to get around, especially if you only have one day to visit Stowe.

Vermont has beautiful scenic drives through fall foliage, including the iconic Route 100 and Smuggler’s Notch, which are best seen by car. With your own car, you can also stop as much as you want for treats, photos, and leaf peeping!

Rideshares like Uber and Lyft do exist in Stowe but can be limited (and expensive!), so I wouldn’t rely on them as your main form of transportation.

‼️ Unable to drive or get a rental car? Don’t worry, you can still see the best of Stowe with a few modifications. I would recommend flying into BVT, taking a taxi/rideshare to Stowe, and staying at a hotel in the center of town. Green Mountain Inn is a beautiful hotel that’s located right in the heart of Stowe and is walking distance to all of the shops & restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a cozy, quiet fall vacation!

🎟️ I would also consider taking a small group tour so you can see the best of Stowe in just one day without needing a car. The price of this guided tour includes transportation, hotel pickup, and tickets to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour! It will also take you to popular spots that you would need a car for such as Smugglers Notch, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and more.

Getting Around By Bus

Stowe offers a free public bus service called the Mountain Road Shuttle, however it only runs from November through April for ski season. It makes stops at popular spots like lodging, restaurants, shops, and recreation areas along Mountain Road.

There is also the Route 100 Commuter Bus that runs on weekdays during the mornings and evenings only. You can get more information about the route and its timings here.

Getting Around By Walking

The town center of Stowe is very walkable and you don’t need a car if you’re only interested in checking out the main village. However, you will need a car to see the attractions located just outside of Stowe.

How to See Stowe Without a Car

I mentioned this above, but I wanted to list it out separately as well in case you missed it above. You can certainly see Stowe without a car but you will have to make some modifications to your itinerary.

Here is how I would recommend seeing Stowe without a car:

• Fly into BVT airport
• Take a taxi/rideshare to Main Street in Stowe
• Walking or biking around Stowe
• If you’re staying overnight, get at a hotel in the center of the village (such as Green Mountain Inn)
• Also consider the small group tour that will help you see the best of Stowe without having a car!

🎟️ I would also consider taking a small group tour so you can see the best of Stowe in just one day without needing a car. The price of this guided tour includes transportation, hotel pickup, and admission tickets to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour! It will also take you to popular spots that you would need a car for such as Smugglers Notch, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and more.

General Travel Tips for Visiting Stowe in the Fall

• Book early! Let me repeat that one more time – make sure you book early! The best hotels, inns, and B&Bs fill up quickly during September and October so plan your trip as early as possible.
  
  
• Pack layers: The fall weather in Vermont is typically crisp and cool. Bring a light jacket, a slightly heavier jacket, and some flannel. Dressing in layers is your best bet to make sure you’re prepared for all types of weather. Download a FREE packing list to keep you organized while you pack for your trip!
  
  
• Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be walking quite a bit through small towns, hiking trails, and covered bridges so bring good, reliable shoes! The leaves can also get a little wet and slippery at times, so bring rain boots if you can.
  
  
• Carry cash: Many farm stands, country stores, and cider mills may only take cash.
  
  
• Start your days early: Popular photo spots and scenic overlooks can get crowded in the afternoon, so visit those in the morning if you can.
  
  
• Check foliage reports: As I mentioned above, the fall foliage in Vermont can be unpredictable and changes from year to year. Make sure to check the free fall foliage tracker before your trip.
  
  
• Drive the backroads: The smaller country roads often have the best hidden foliage views and covered bridges!
  
  
• …But respect private property: The backroads are beautiful, but you may also find some private or restricted roads along the way. Many famous photo spots are on or near private property, so be mindful of the signs and stick to public areas only.
  
  
• Plan for limited cell service: In rural mountain areas, GPS can be spotty — I recommend downloading offline maps on Google and keeping these travel apps handy!
  

Stowe, VT Fall Day Trip Itinerary

Morning: Main Street Stowe, VT

Save

Save

Save

Save

Top left: Main Street in Stowe, VT
Top right: Fall decor outside a shop on Main Street
Bottom left: Green Mountain Inn
Bottom right: The most amazing grilled cheese from Black Cap Coffee

🍁 Where to Eat Breakfast in Stowe

First, let’s get some food to fuel up for sightseeing! Stowe has some really great places for breakfast and brunch. Some of the top-rated places are Butler’s Pantry, Cafe on Main, and the Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe.

If you don’t have time for a proper sit-down breakfast, or you’re not a big breakfast person, there are also a lot of great coffee shops where you can grab a maple latte before you hit the road. My favorite was Black Cap Coffee & Bakery where I got the most delicious grilled cheese and maple latte.

🍁 Walk around Main Street

After breakfast, I recommend taking a walk down Main Street to check out the fall decor and some cute boutique shops along the way. This is the heart of Stowe and it’s surrounded by mountains which turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. Make sure to stop by the Stowe Community Church, which is the white-steepled church that appears in nearly every photo of Stowe.

Here are some must-visit spots along Main Street:

• The Green Mountain Inn – a cozy hotel that’s a great place to stay overnight if you can snag a reservation early enough! Even if you aren’t staying the night, it’s still worth checking out their fall decorations (see pictures above).
  
  
• Stowe Community Church – beautiful white church with steeple that shows up in nearly every picture of Stowe!
  
  
• Shops & restaurants – there are so many cute shops & restaurants along Main street! Here are some of my favorite.
  • Bear Pond Bookstore
  • Stowe Mercantile
  • The Country Store on Main

Mid-Morning: Smuggler’s Notch & Gondola Ride

Save

The Gondola Skyride. Image credit: Pexels

🍁 Smuggler’s Notch

From Main Street, head north about 20 minutes on Route 108 toward Smugglers’ Notch, one of Vermont’s most scenic drives. It’s a curvy road that winds through the Green Mountains and includes some scenic overlooks along the way for taking photos. You can squeeze in a short hike if you have some extra time, but even just the drive itself is an unforgettable fall experience.

🍁 Gondola Skyride

As you make your way back down toward Stowe, stop at the Stowe Mountain Resort for the Gondola Skyride. This ride takes you up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, which is Vermont’s tallest peak, and will give you amazing aerial views of Vermont’s fall foliage.

It’s a really cool way to experience Vermont in the fall. We didn’t get a chance to do it on our last trip, but I wanted to mention it on this list because of how popular it is!

🍁 Trapp Family Lodge & Outdoor Center (optional)

This is a European-style mountain resort founded by the family that inspired The Sound of Music. It’s surrounded by the Green Mountains and offers beautiful views of Vermont’s fall foliage. It’s a great place to visit if you have some extra time and want to take in some of Vermont’s natural beauty.

The main lodge is free to visit, and you can purchase a day pass to explore over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails. If you are staying the night, you can book a room at the Trapp Family Lodge which includes access to the hiking trails and other activities.

Afternoon: Apple Cider Donuts, Cheese, & Ice Cream

Now that you’ve explored north of Stowe, it’s time to check out all the sights just 20 minutes south of Stowe. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

🍁 Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Save

Save

Save

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center, VT

An iconic cider mill that’s a must-visit on your trip to Stowe! Their apple cider and donuts are fresh, delicious, and perfect for a fall road trip. We also enjoyed relaxing on the grounds while eating our fall treats. They also have lots of other treats, maple syrup, gifts, and merchandise for you to choose from. The line can be pretty long but don’t worry – it moves fast and it’s well worth the wait.

🍁 Cabot Creamery Store

This is a must-visit spot for all cheese lovers! Cabot is a well known cheese brand that’s based in Vermont. Stop by this store on the way to Stowe to get some free cheese samples and pick up some souvenirs and cheese to take back home with you.

🍁 Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Save

Save

Save

Save

Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, VT

Another iconic stop just outside of Stowe that’s family-friendly and sure to be a hit with the kids! There’s a lot to do here – you can take a factory tour, check out the gift shop, explore the flavor graveyard, and so much more. We were short on time, so we didn’t get to do the factory tour but it’s definitely on my bucket list for next time.

The tour requires a paid ticket, but there’s a lot to do here for free such as checking out the exhibits and visiting the flavor graveyard. Even if you don’t do the tour, it’s worth stopping by to check out the factory, pick up a few souvenirs, and visit the flavor graveyard for free!

🍦Book a small group tour which includes tickets & transportation to Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour!

Evening: Covered Bridges & Dinner

Image credit: Pexels

🍁 Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge

On your way back towards Stowe, stop at the Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge. Vermont is known for its covered bridges which are still functional to this day! This historic wooden bridge is surrounded by fall foliage and a great place to snap some photos. The stretch of Route 100 around Woodstock has a wider selection of covered bridges, but this is one of the more popular ones near Stowe.

🍁 Where to Eat Dinner in Stowe, VT

There are so many places to choose from, but it depends on your budget and cuisine preference. Doc Pond’s and The Bench are popular spots just outside Stowe village. There are also many dining options along Main Street, such as Butler’s Pantry and Plate, but they tend to be a little on the pricey side.

🍁 Eat a Maple Creemee for Dessert

There’s no better way to end your perfect fall day in Stowe other than getting a maple creemee for dessert! For those who aren’t familiar, a maple creemee is pretty much a delicious maple soft-serve that’s made with fresh Vermont dairy and local maple syrup. You can get one at Stowe Sweets or Red Barn Ice Cream Shop which are both located right along Main Street.

If you’re craving chocolate, make sure to check out Lake Champlain Chocolates which are locally made chocolates that are absolutely divine!

🍁 Where to Stay in Stowe

If you’re planning on staying the night at Stowe, here are a few recommendations. Make sure you book as early as you can since many of these places tend to book up fast!

Green Mountain Inn in the heart of Stowe, VT

🏠 Green Mountain Inn
4.6/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
This historic inn is a cozy, charming retreat with modern amenities that’s located right along Main street in the heart of Stowe. Features a heated pool, hot tub, an outdoor terrace, firepits, and an on-site restaurant.📍See more→

🏠 Stone Hill Inn
5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
A cozy couples-only bed & breakfast that’s perfect for a romantic fall getaway! The rooms in this top-rated inn include king beds, a jacuzzi, and a fireplace. 📍See more→

🏠 Von Trapp Family Lodge
4.3/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
Luxury mountain resort that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a cozy mountain getaway! The property contains many hiking & biking trails, outdoor activities, tennis court, pool, hot tub, and more. 📍See more→

Download a Free PDF of the Stowe, VT Fall Day Trip Itinerary!

Get a free PDF version of this Stowe, Vermont fall day trip itinerary for easy printing and use on mobile devices!

The PDF contains both a color copy as well as a black & white copy that is printer-friendly!

You can of course use the itinerary as-is or use it to get ideas to create your own itinerary!

Disclaimer: This itinerary is for informational purposes only. Sprinkle of Wanderlust cannot be held liable for any loss, injury, inconvenience, or expenses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided. Travelers are responsible for their own safety, health precautions, and decisions while traveling.

While I try my best to keep the itineraries updated and accurate, travel details including transportation, accommodations, attractions, prices, and availability are subject to change without notice.

I recommend that you verify the most up-to-date information before you travel especially regarding timings, availability, safety guidelines, entry requirements, and local regulations.

---

I hope this Stowe, Vermont travel guide and fall day trip itinerary helps you plan an epic trip! Vermont is a beauty and I really hope you have so much fun exploring it! As always, I’d love to hear from you – let me know how your trip went or if you find other hidden gems that are worth exploring! Safe travels!

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to pin and save for later!