Spending your summer vacation in Stowe, Vermont? Here’s what to include on your itinerary.
Every summer season at the Green Mountain Inn, we have the privilege of seeing just how much this time of year brightens and energizes everyone, from Vermonters who live here year-round to the people who are just in Stowe for summer vacation. Maybe it’s the way the warm weather transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of sparkling blue sky and emerald green forests. Or maybe it’s the way the fresh air awakens an innate connection to the great outdoors.
Whatever it is, it’s something you can only experience in person. And there are activities for everyone, from rugged types who love to spend all day on the hiking trail to those who prefer something a little more leisurely and laid back.
Here are our top recommendations for ways to enjoy summer in Stowe, Vermont.
Active Outdoor Options
People who want to work up a sweat and feel their adrenaline pumping are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor activities. Miles of paved and dirt roads as well as trails and paths make wonderful destinations for bikers and hikers of all skill levels. Horseback riding is also available.
Four golf courses are within a 15-minute drive of the Inn for those who wish to spend the day on the course. Free public tennis courts are also just a stone’s throw away.
Roundup of active outdoor activities:
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Golfing
- Tennis
Leisurely Outdoor Options
For people who want to enjoy the sun and air in a more relaxed way, there are several ways to spend a leisurely day outdoors. A miniature golf course offers fun for the whole family, as does a day on the 5.5-mile recreation path, a visitor favorite.
If you want to get a little more adventurous, you can’t beat a ride in a hot air balloon (which will let you see the beautiful state of Vermont from a whole new perspective), a dog-drawn cart tour of the local trails, or a scenic wagon ride.
Roundup of leisurely outdoor activities:
- Mini Golf
- Recreation Path
- Dog Carting
- Wagon Rides
Outdoor Water Options
What’s summer without a trip to the water? A fly fishing trip is an excellent way to enjoy a day of catching fish while seeing some of Vermont's most scenic bodies of water. Canoeing and kayaking tours offer outdoor recreation and a chance to see some evening wildlife. Plus, there’s good old-fashioned swimming at public beaches, a community pool, and numerous swimming holes.
Roundup of outdoor water activities:
- Fishing
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Swimming
Indoor Options
If you’re not an outdoors person, not to worry. Stowe has many great experiences that can be enjoyed indoors or from the comfort of your car. Sample your way through the area’s industry-leading craft beers on a brewery tour, take a scenic drive (the Auto Roll Road is a can’t-miss activity, with breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains) or a gondola ride to Vermont’s highest peak, or simply spend an afternoon shopping and taking in the area’s local culture and arts.
Roundup of indoor activities:
- Craft Brew Tours
- Scenic Drives
- Auto Toll Road
- Gondola Rides
- Shopping
- Culture and Arts
For more information on how you can enjoy the best of Stowe’s great outdoors (and indoors), visit our Summer Activities page.