This region includes the cozy tourist-oriented village of Stowe, the world-famous Stowe ski resort on Mt. Mansfield (the state’s highest peak), and popular cross-country ski centers like that at the Trapp Family Lodge. Bolton Valley ski resort, a high-altitude resort with family-oriented activities, lies in the south of the region, closer to Burlington. Shopping and dining opportunities are abundant in the Stowe area, making this a popular vacation rental location for those seeking a variety of activities.
The region is characterized by its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but offers many other recreational options. During the warmer months, you can try canoeing, kayaking, boating, windsurfing and swimming at Lake Elmore and Waterbury Reservoir. The nearby Green Mountain Reservoir allows non-motorized boats only. Stowe has one of the first paved bike trails in the state, which is also used for walking, rollerblading and, in winter, skiing and snowshoeing. Mountain biking on Cottonbrook in Stowe, a marked trail on state land, is another way to get out and enjoy the scenery. Hiking is popular, with destinations ranging from the trails going to the top of Mt. Mansfield to the more approachable Pinnacle Trail not far from near downtown Stowe.
Waterbury, located ten minutes from Stowe, is home to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory, which offers tours and is one of the most-visited tourist locations in the state. Nearby is the the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, which offers samples of Vermont cider to go along with their hot cider doughnuts. Also in Waterbury is the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitor’s Center, a Vermont Teddy Bear retail store, and – in warmer months – a weekly flea market.
Performing arts, museums, and art galleries can be found throughout the region. Stowe Performing Arts offers various musical events through out the spring and summer. A new addition to the Stowe area is the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. The Center, open year round, offers top quality and diverse performing and visual arts featuring local, regional, national, and international artists and performers. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is located in the heart of Stowe village.
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This region lies along and north of the I-89 highway corridor and is located within driving distance of airports in Burlington, Montreal, Boston, and Manchester, NH.