Truly my home away from home is Stowe, Vermont. Heading for a weekend in the Stowe region is something I try to do a few times a year. Although we often enjoy our favorite restaurants and activities time and again, we also mix it up with different places to stay and make sure to try new things as well. Earlier this fall, my family and I headed up for a wonderful weekend in the Stowe region.
Day One: Montpelier and Stowe
Leaving on Friday, we were able to reach the Stowe area of Vermont around two in the afternoon. A first stop was always the Green Mountain Coffee visitors center in Waterbury. Another Covid casualty, this closed but will soon be another outpost of the mini coffee chain, Black Cap.
Lately, our first stop has been for creamies at one of the maple farms in Montpelier. During this visit, we had a maple creamie, which is my new Vermont fave, a maple soft-serve ice cream at Morse Farm. After roaming the grounds and peeking into the gift store, we looked into the sugarhouse.
For dinner that night, it was a tried and true favorite, Von Trapp Bierhall. With traditional Austrian food of sausages, I was completely satisfied. Add a few small beers, and it was a perfect evening. For this trip, we stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Waterbury, a change from our usual Stowe accommodation.
Day Two: Stowe, Waitsfield, and Waterbury
We had to start with coffee for our only full day for our weekend in the Stowe region. Maple is my flavor of choice for almost everything (sans beer) when I’m up north. So at Vermont Artisan Coffee in Waterbury, my choice was an iced maple latte. Delish! After a quick stop for cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, we headed to the excellent Stowe Rec Path.
The day was a perfect mid-60s sunny autumn day. My kids enjoyed a good run and romp on the path, but the hit of the walk was the secret riverside spot that I located. Heading north on the west side of the path from Chase Park, after about a quarter mile with a small clearing on the left-hand side, we ventured away from the path to a place where river access was easy. The kids enjoyed throwing rocks and exploring the waterside spot for literally an hour.
From there we drove south on Route 100 to the town of Waitsfield. Our first stop was the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm. I have seen the sign for years but never stopped. Located on a dirt road before Waitsfield Center, or technically in Fayston, Vermont, this is a sloping farmyard that allows for horseback riding. We didn’t ride horses but were able to walk around the property viewing the horses from up close and afar. Icelandic horses are known for their shaggy mane.
From there it was a quick drive to Lawson’s taproom for excellent food and beer. The Caprese salad was the best I’ve ever had, hands down. For dessert, it was an ice cream at the Ben and Jerry’s factory which is always a treat.
Day 3: Stowe and Waterbury
Before we left for home from our weekend in the Stowe region, it was a morning spent in Stowe. Another beautiful day was upon us. We started at PK Coffee, where it was another maple iced latte for me, also fantastic. Drinking outside, I noticed that the Alchemist Brewery was accessible through a path from the coffee shop. Opening at 11, I craved a beer. I had already ordered to-go but first was able to imbibe the excellent Kiss of Dank, a hoppy IPA that knocked my socks off at the beer garden. After some cornhole, it was time to pick up the beer and head toward home but not before we viewed the impressive Waterbury Reservoir from the car.
Our weekend in the Stowe region was a success! Fun for kids of all ages as well as for my wife and me. An array of activities from nature walks to farm visits, sprinkle in craft beer, cider donuts, and ice cream, and it’s pretty much the perfect getaway.
