Rolling green hills slowly turn into more jagged peaks as you drive north into Vermont. Mountains usually covered in snow are fully bloomed all summer, dotted with wildflowers and lots of lush greenery.
It’s common for my crew and me to head north of Massachusetts in the winter, but I jumped at the opportunity to enjoy some sunny skies and nature this season for a little rest and relaxation.
With help from Just Add Flight’s AI-powered trip questionnaire, we landed on the Stowe, Vermont area. I last visited just before my first daughter was born and was eager to return with both the kids!
This was a special milestone trip as a mom. I took the two girls under 4 with a friend who offered to help out on the three-day adventure. Many lessons were learned. Some things, like the driving itself, went flawlessly. Other things, like sleeping at night, were a big epic fail. But it was still worth the journey!
So, what did we jam into a trip to Vermont for three days? Here’s some of the highlights, including a perfect place to stay for families and lots of options for eating all over the region.
Read more: Don’t miss our New England road trip post, from Boston to Maine. It covers other great spots throughout New England by car!
A haven of fun at Smugglers’ Notch in Stowe, Vermont
A perfect base nestled among the mountains, Smugglers’ Notch offered many amenities catered toward fun and active families. While I know of the famous skiing, I was surprised to learn that the resort boasts multiple swimming spots with waterslides, playgrounds, a full activity calendar, and hiking/biking trails.
We enjoyed our cozy condo-style accommodations with two bedrooms, large living/dining area, and full kitchen. This is essential when traveling with small children, as it made meals and naptimes easier. It was a bonus to have two en-suite bathrooms too, so my friend had her own space to relax.
What really sold me on Smuggler’s Notch as a vacationer mom who likes balance was an on-site kid’s day camp and an on-site daycare. My 3.5-year-old had a blast at camp, mingling with local Stowe, Vermont kids and vacationers. It included crafting, time at the pool, and lots of play. We didn’t have the chance to have the baby in daycare. But when you book your trip, just make sure you reserve a spot ASAP. It fills quickly!
On rainy days, there’s an inside adventure zone as well for kids with massive spaces for rock climbing, bouncy obstacle courses, arcade games, and laser tag. We had a wonderful experience at the resort and can’t wait to return again sometime soon—maybe to ski next time!
First stop has to be Ben & Jerrys (also at Smugglers’ Notch!)
Once you have your accommodations sorted, it’s time to venture into the nearby town of Stowe and all the other wonderful points of interest throughout the mountains of Vermont.
Forget nature for a minute though: You have to visit the Ben & Jerry’s that started it all! This ice cream institution offers factory tours with samples, and there’s also an extensive scoop shop on-site. Head there early if visiting in the summer, because it’s usually slammed. It might just be me, but I swear the ice cream tastes better there than anywhere else.
If you can’t make it to Ben & Jerry’s mecca either, don’t worry. There’s stores and scoop shops everywhere, including one at Smugglers’ Notch.
Have a caffeine fix—or something stronger
Start your day with a customized latte or pour-over from the professionals at the Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co. Enjoy the roastery and fresh pastries to choose from, plus you can take a bag of quality beans home.
On your road trip home, make a stop at the Stowe Street Cafe for more coffee delights. This is a nice spot to sit and enjoy something hot, including breakfast sandwiches, hearty bowls, and sweets. Stick around for a mimosa and a peruse of the featured local artwork, too.
Speaking of imbibing, there’s a few breweries in the area to have some craft beer. The massive, famous Alchemist brewery offers unfiltered IPAs you can sip in a large outdoor beer garden.
Honestly, I’m more of a cider person, so I like to visit Stowe Cider when I’m in town. The crispy dry cider varieties are my favorite to enjoy at Shakedown Street, the on-site restaurant that also features live music.
And although I’m not huge on beer, I love the summer ambiance of Von Trapp Brewing. Its sunny alfresco eating area reminds me of Romania’s hills and the calm, natural beauty of Germany. There’s nothing better than getting a tasting flight at the beer hall paired with a bratwurst or cheddar soup and pretzel.
More eating options in Stowe, Vermont—and beyond
A few years back on my babymoon with my partner, we were taking things very slow. It was nice to find some elevated places to eat that boasted a beautiful ambiance while featuring fresh dishes in the summertime. Spruce Peak has lots of options for accommodations, and you can visit any of the restaurants and little “village” for meals, shopping, and even live music.
This time around, the Alpine Hall at Spruce Peak was a perfect spot for breakfast while the baby napped in her stroller and the 3.5-year-old enjoyed camp back at Smuggler’s Notch. We had classic dishes and strong lattes while enjoying the mountain views and cozy lodge feel. You can take a quick free gondola ride next door to get a bird’s-eye view of the area any time of year.
If you want to pump things up a bit, another fun eatery we experienced on this recent trip was Doc Ponds. Vintage records cover the hostess area, and screens project underwater scenes as you devour delicious, local comfort food. The smashburger is hearty as well as the spiked chocolate milkshake. We arrived early with the two young kids. Next time I’m in Stowe without the littles in tow, I’ll definitely go back for a late cocktail at the bar.
Where to catch the best views of The Green Mountain State
After a nap to sleep off the sweets, eats, and drinks, it’s well worth soaking up the gorgeous scenery of Stowe and beyond in Vermont. The road to the mountains only opens in the warmer months. It’s wonderfully gorgeous on your way to Smugglers’ Notch, dotted with greenery and mini-waterfalls. If you feel like the hike or two, there’s plenty of opportunities to hit the trails for all abilities.
An introductory route is the Mill Trail that starts at Smuggler’s State Park. It goes past the pretty West Branch Little River and Bingham Falls. For something challenging with a reward of one of the most scenic views around, you can try the out-and-back Stowe Pinnacle Trail off of Upper Hollow Road when the weather is good. Encore Boston Harbor: The City’s Newest Entertainment Oasis
