Leaf Peeping in Stowe, VT (with a baby!) - New England Travel Guide

As if you haven’t seen enough fall foliage grace your phone screens over the last three months, I’m sneaking one more leaf peeping post in here before the jingle bells start. You’re so welcome.

Stowe, VT with a baby, what an adventure you were!

This mountain town has been on my New England wishlist for a long time, and a friend’s fall wedding finally gave us the excuse we needed to make the 4-hour foliage frosted drive up there. The save the date had been sitting around long before our little’s arrival and we debated whether or not we could make it work numerous times, but I’m so glad we did. Hot tip: 3-months old is definitely the time to rock a road trip.

New England foliage is fickle. It has a short shelf life, and its arrival date is slightly unpredictable. Steph’s wedding could not have fallen at a more perfect time, the sun was warm and the trees were on fire, while the following weekend saw snow(!!).

So, my pals, should you be ever so lucky to sneak up north for a fall weekend in Stowe, Vermont, bookmark this.

[ stay ]
We brought a slew of ~~babysitters~~ family with us, so a house made the most sense (hmu if you want the Airbnb link!). But if Field Guide is like any other Lark Hotel and Spruce Peak Lodge anything like its wedding venue, then I can recommend those wholeheartedly. The Farm Home is also a GORGEOUS rental in a perfect downtown location.

[ play ]

I’d guess four(??) months out of the year, Stowe is a ski town. I no joke had a seizure last time I went skiing, so I can’t help ya there. So our October weekend was spent leaf peeping. Best places to peep:

Direct yourself to 232 Mountain Road (the Salon Salon parking lot) for the quintessential Stowe photo op of the white church in front of the mountains.

Continue driving north on mountain road and you’ll hit a wide open field with the most gorgeous sprawling trees as a backdrop. Just look for the 168 other cards parked along the side of the road, ya can’t miss it.

Drive 108 from Stowe to Jeffersonville. Another hot tip: Don’t do it in a camper. Also don’t get yourself stuck behind a camper. A half hour voyage may end up doubled. Hooray!

Foliage and skiing aside, Stowe is also known for its breweries. I’m not the biggest beer drinker, so we opted for Stowe Cider. Super cheap tasting flights, outdoor picnic tables, and way less crowded.

And the other kind of cider: I’ve had a lot of apple cider donuts in my life, and Cold Hollow‘s are up there.

Downtown Stowe is sweet, but small. Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens is a lovely home and gift store, and it’s very easy to get lost/spend all of the money in Tangerine & Olive, but other than that shopping felt limited to souvenirs and flannel. But, my soul sisters, the Vermont Lilly Pulitzer store—Pink Colony—is just a few minute’s drive out of town.

The hills are alive fam. Don’t leave town without visiting the Trapp Family Lodge, for the views if nothing else. And I guess to sing in the vast open field and say you did.

Finally, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour is not to be missed. Alas, we missed it. Too many donuts. But if you plan your calorie intake well, this is a great stop to make on your way home.

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I can confidently say that there’s a reason Butler’s Pantry has been named best breakfast in Vermont. The line was long, not to mention confusing (beware: the line is just to put your name it), but worth it, especially if it’s patio weather.

We had coffee + treats + cute views of dogs at Black Cap (twice).

Stowe Bee Bakery is in what looks like a strip mall so I wouldn’t normally think much of it, but their pressed sandwiches were incredible. Just be prepared to wait for them, even though it appears to be a quick counter service bakery.