Photos courtesy of Getting Images, unless noted 

Best known for its ski slopes, Stowe, Vermont, is just as inviting in warmer months, offering something for everyone—from quaint shops and restaurants to breathtaking views at every turn.

Travel to this idyllic destination nestled in the Green Mountains, and you might never want to leave.

Cinematic charm

Stowe’s downtown is so picturesque that it could easily be mistaken for a film set. The white steeple of the Stowe Community Church on Main Street rises gracefully against a backdrop of lush forests and towering mountain peaks, while historic nineteenth-century buildings and tree-lined streets create a postcard-worthy scene. Whether you visit in spring or summer as myriad blooms dot the landscape or during fall when the trees are dappled with vibrant reds, golds, and oranges, you’re sure to experience a Hallmark-quality getaway no matter the season.

Contributing to this cinematic feeling are the many enchanting activities and eateries you’ll find here. Take, for example, Main Street’s Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, which offers enticing refreshments like lattes and fresh pastries as well as a cozy front porch for mingling with locals and fellow vacationers. And just two blocks west, you’ll find Stowe Mercantile, a country store containing an abundance of Vermont-inspired souvenirs, including maple syrup, candy, clothing, and housewares. Art lovers, meanwhile, can browse the works of local, national, and international artists at the Current, a free gallery situated in an old schoolhouse, and history buffs can delve into the area’s past at the Stowe Historical Society’s museum.

For dinner, you could head to the Avocado Pit for delicious tacos and burritos or grab yourself a seat on the waterfront deck at MC’s Penalty Box for classic options like burgers and wings. And to put a perfect bow on the day, consider taking the short hike from town to Sunset Rock, where you will be treated to a bird’s-eye view of Main Street peeking through the treetops as twilight settles in.

The great outdoor

Apart from its downtown offerings, a big part of Stowe’s appeal is its surrounding natural beauty. For a good introduction to the countryside, lace up your sneakers to traverse the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, which begins behind the church and can also be accessed at several other points. Take in spectacular sights as you weave along and over the West Branch Little River and past fields dotted with grazing cows, blooming wildflowers, and swimming holes—you may even want to take a dip during hotter days! Are you interested in a wooded adventure? Among your many options include the 3.2-mile Lake Mansfield Trail, a moderate trip past valley, water, and cliff scenery, and the short path to Moss Glen Falls, Vermont’s tallest waterfall at 85 feet.

Of course, some of Stowe’s best views are atop Mount Mansfield. At Stowe Mountain Resort, you can ascend 750 feet of it via the Gondola SkyRide, a twenty-minute climb that glides high above the resort’s lake-studded grounds. Once at the top, you can visit the gift shop, enjoy a five-star lunch at the Cliff House (reservations required), or grab a treat from the Waffle. Alternatively, consider driving the 4.5-mile Auto Toll Road that zigzags up the mountain. Either way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to survey the landscape below—you can even see Lake Champlain on a clear day.

If you’re seeking an easier driving excursion, take Smugglers Notch Scenic Highway, a portion of Route 108 in Smugglers Notch State Park. This curvy, 3.5-mile stretch winds past waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and pristine forests, providing pull-offs where you can stop to snap photos, roam on foot, or dip your toes in a bubbling mountain stream.

Surrounding attractions

Make sure to set aside at least one day of your trip for exploring more of the area’s must-see spots. For instance, just a few miles west of downtown, you’ll find the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, established (and still run by!) the famous family that inspired The Sound of Music. Even without a booking, you can stroll through its scenic grounds and visit the Main Lodge, whose walls are adorned with photographs and other memorabilia. Or opt for the guided history tour to learn how the von Trapps fled Austria and settled in Vermont. If you’re lucky, you might even meet a descendant of the Captain and Maria and visit the cemetery where they are buried.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill, just under fifteen minutes away in nearby Waterbury Center, is another popular destination worth a stop. There, you can indulge in treats like apple cider and fresh donuts on its sunny deck or, if you’re inclined, a bit of wine or hard cider in the tasting room. While you’re nearby, don’t miss the Cabot Creamery store, where you can sample savory cheeses and unique pairings like cheddar topped with fruity jam. Be prepared to bring many delicious foods home with you!

Whichever direction your adventures take you, Stowe, Vermont, provides a certain kind of magic you won’t experience anywhere else. Spend a just few days in the town, and you’ll understand why so many visitors return again and again.

For more info, visit stowe.com