So your significant other wants to go on a weekend getaway? In New England, it’s easy to find a destination that is enjoyable for both parties. This means if you are a craft beer enthusiast, it’s combining a weekend-worth of non-brewery activities with a few breweries that are close by. One of my favorite weekend road trips any time of year is Stowe, Vermont. Stowe combines an array of outdoor activities, incredible eats, and, of course, breweries that do not disappoint. Clearly, from the pictures, you can see that on my trips to Stowe, it’s a whole family affair. It’s the perfect getaway for couples or for the whole family.
Stowe is known for Stowe Mountain Resort and nearby Smugglers Notch, both lauded as some of the best skiing in New England. Even though this ski town has easy mountain access, I don’t go there for skiing. If you do though, this is a premier venue for it.
The Rec Path
For those like me, there are plenty of other activities to partake in, even in the winter. The Stowe Rec Path is a must-do. It begins in the village of Stowe and follows the route of the west branch of the Little River as well as Route 108 (Mountain Road). Footbridges criss-cross the river in different spots along the path. It’s perfect on two wheels or two feet. Even though Stowe’s a mountainside town, the path is thankfully flat.
Bingham and Moss Glen Falls
Two waterfalls are also on my Stowe itinerary. Bingham Falls is located in the woods off of Route 108, on the north side of the road before reaching Stowe Mountain Resort. It’s a downhill jaunt to the waterfall. Watch the rushing mountain water cascade over the rocks below. It’s a beautiful spot. North of Stowe Village, off of Route 100 on Moss Glen Falls Road is Moss Glen Falls. This impressive waterfall is accessed from the ground up. The path begins level and soon the river is spotted. Hearing the falls, it soon comes into view. Options are to view it from here or to take the steep path alongside the falls to the top.
Restaurants
Restaurants are aplenty in Stowe. Some of my favorites include The Bench, Harrison’s, Doc Ponds, Piecasso, and Sushi Yoshi. Expect fresh ingredients at all these. Each is accessible from the Rec Path as well. Being in the middle of Vermont’s craft beer mecca, all of these restaurants have a truly incredible beer list. Of course, Heady Topper by The Alchemist is on the menu, but some others include favorites such as Hill Farmstead, Lost Nation, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
The Alchemist
As far as the craft beer side trips, many craft beer aficionados venture to Stowe simply for The Alchemist. Known for their Heady Topper and Focal Banger IPAs, their whole beer portfolio is a thing of beauty. Heady and Focal can easily be found regionally everywhere from hotel restaurants to gas stations. What you can’t get are the other Alchemist offerings including Crusher and Rapture, both IPAs. Other styles include the Kolsch, Saison, and Porter. The brewery itself is funky, with good music playing, beer to sample, and larger than life artwork, it’s an experience. And there’s plenty of Alchemist to take home with you.
Stowe Brewpubs
While you’re there, I recommend having lunch or dinner in at least one of the two following places: Idletyme Brewing Company and the von Trapp Bierhall. At Idletyme, you’ll find a diverse selection of beers with some of the best burgers and mac and cheese dishes I’ve ever had. At von Trapp try the sausage plate, the pretzel app, and the beer cheese soup. Pair this with a flight of their European style lagers. Make sure to spend some time walking around the village too. Shaw’s General Store, Bear Pond Books, and the Stowe Public House are among the must-visits in the village.
As far as lodging, Stowe runs the gamut from upscale inns and resorts to well-loved old fashioned motel style lodging. Either way, you’ll want to spend most of your time enjoying what the town has to offer. With plenty of activities and great dining, Stowe, Vermont is the perfect weekend getaway for couples. Throw in The Alchemist, and every beer fan should jump at the chance to visit. There is truly something for everyone in this mountain town.
