Stowe – Everyone’s Playground

For 250 years, vacationers have traveled to Stowe because of the recreational opportunities found in this New England mountain town.  In addition to everything available on property at Topnotch , there are a myriad of activities available in the area.  While Stowe is famous for some, others are seemingly secret treasures of the Green Mountains.  However you choose to fill your days, Stowe’s endless playground is ready for you.

Birding

Vermont’s abundant canopy of maple, birch and evergreen trees offer the perfect habitat for hundreds of species of North American birds.  While hiking, biking or boating, keep an eye out for our feathered friends – with their diverse calls and colors.  If you are interested in learning more about them, consider having a guided Birding Tour by an area naturalist, or attending an event sponsored by Audubon Vermont.

Canoeing & Kayaking

The nearby Waterbury Reservoir, the Lamoille River, the Winooski River, and Lake Champlain offer gentle and pristine paddling waters.  Rent a kayak or canoe from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters and create your own excursion, or let Umiak or  Bert’s Boats take you on a guided adventure.

Dogsledding & Dogcarting

Experience the thrill of a dog sled ride and even try your hand at mushing. To a summer visitor’s delight, when the snow has melted, dog sledding turns to dog carting – your team of huskies will pull you in a wheeled cart!  Peacepups Dog Sledding and Eden Mountain Dog Sledding offer these guided rides not far from Topnotch.

Events

Nearly every week in the summer and fall, Stowe hosts a major attraction event.  From antique and specialty car shows, craft fairs, and sporting events, to ongoing art shows, theatre and concert series, there is bound to be something special for you to be a part of while you are here. Click here to view the event calendar. 

Fishing

Clean and clear, Vermont lakes and rivers are the healthy home to trout, perch and bass, among other species of fish.  For the beginner or the aficionado, fishing instruction, supplies, and guided tours are available from the Nordic Barn, the Fly Rod Shop, or Catamount Fishing Adventures.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Want to see Vermont from a bird’s eye view in a basket made for ten?  Land in a farmer’s field, or a backyard garden… you’ll never know exactly where until it’s time to descend!  Have no fear, the pilot is well trained to keep you safe while in suspense. Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides offers flights on a regular basis. Trust us, there is no adventure quite like it. 

Mini-Golf

A simply classic game to pass the time.  Spend an afternoon or evening scoring lots of laughter, and maybe even a few holes-in-one.  A round of Miniature Golf at our local  Stowe Golf Park includes 18 unique putting greens and a whole lot of fun for the family.

Mountain Attractions

Stowe’s world-famous ski resort is still hopping when the snow is gone.  Drive to the top of Mt. Mansfield on the auto toll road, or take the gondola.  Fly down on the alpine slide.  Race up the climbing wall or through the inflatable obstacle course.  Try out your best acrobatic tricks on the bungee trampoline.   Stowe Mountain Resort Summer Attractions.

Museums and History

Stowe is a 250-year-old town with a fair amount of history to boot.  Want an educational afternoon?  Learn the story of skiing at the Vermont Ski Museum, or see antique artifacts and photos of how Stowe used to be at the  Stowe Historical Society Museum.  If you have a full-day to devote to your love of history, we recommend the Shelburne Museum – a complete village of historic homes, schools, barns, and even a lighthouse, steamboat and train, all restored and relocated to the museum grounds.

Nightlife

Whether you want to dance until late in the night, or just sit back with a cocktail and enjoy some music, Stowe has the venue for you.  Classic ski town nightclubs  like The Matterhorn and The Rusty Nail attract national and local acts, while many Stowe pubs have guitar duos or jazz trios perform on a regular basis.

Recreation Path

One of Stowe’s recreational gems is a paved path for walking, jogging, cycling, inline skating.  Whatever your mode of transportation, the Stowe Recreation Path extends 11 miles – round trip – through woods and meadows, past a farm and corn maze, along the river, and over ten foot bridges.  Though it would be nearly impossible to get lost on the recreation path, maps are available from our concierge.

Scenic Drives

Vermont’s low-traffic back roads and state highways offer smooth rides with stunning views.  Grab a road map from the concierge, start out at Topnotch and head north, south, east or west… create your own unknown scenic driving tour of Vermont, or ask for a recommendation.

Shopping

Looking for something specific, or just seeking a treasure you don’t yet know you need?  Stowe is home to over 60 shops (including Topnotch’s own  Spa Source, Nordic Barn and  Tennis Pro Shop) – all locally owned and operated, ensuring a wide range of unique selections.  Also nearby are  designer outlets in Essex, and Vermont’s famous  Church Street Marketplace in Burlington.

Skating

Enjoy ice skating rentals, public skating, and stick-and-puck skating year-round at the  Ice Center of Washington West in nearby Waterbury, and seasonally at  Jackson Arena in Stowe.  Rather skate in the sunshine?  Try inline skating on the Stowe recreation path in the summer and fall –skate rentals are available at the Nordic Barn.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Nearly eighty years after the first ski trails were cut on Mt Mansfield, world-famous Stowe Mountain Resort still reigns as the Ski Capital of the East.  With the finest eastern terrain for all abilities, superlative ski and snowboard school, and recent improvements—including the Over Easy gondola attaching the two mountains, and a stunning new base lodge at Spruce Peak—once you ski or ride Stowe you will find yourself returning year after year.

Snowmobiling

While not a transportation necessity in Vermont, snowmobiling is one exhilaratingly fun winter activity!  Guided tours are available at Stowe Snowmobile Tours.  Have your own machine? The 6,000 mile  VAST trail network—with well marked, fantastically groomed trails and easy to read maps— runs through Stowe. 

For assistance arranging these and any other activities that pique your interest, please contact our concierge .We look forward to helping you create your perfect, fun-filled, adventure vacation!