DESTINATION

Stowe

The area includes some of New England's best downhill ski runs. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sleighing and ice-skating also are popular cold-weather endeavors. Once it warms up, visitors can indulge in hiking, rock climbing, golf, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking and ziplining. Hikers, cyclists and skaters head to the Stowe Recreation Path, starting in the town center behind the village church (parking areas provide access along the route). Area outfitters rent bikes and family biking accessories. For more challenging terrain, hikers venture to nearby Smugglers Notch State Park.

Recreational activities aside, Stowe also presents a thriving cultural and arts scene. Visitors can enjoy musical, theatrical and dance performances as well as outdoor concerts by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Artists and craftspeople display their wares in the village’s assorted shops and galleries—works include glass, pottery, jewelry, woodcarvings, painting, hand-dyed yarns, sculpture and photography.

During the summer months, Stowe Mountain Resort's gondola takes passengers on a 7,000-foot ride to a point just below Mount Mansfield’s summit, where they can view sweeping panoramas of lush mountain valleys; phone (802) 253-3000 or (800) 253-4754.

On Sundays from mid-May to mid-October, the Stowe Farmers' Market is the place to shop for fresh produce, garden supplies, locally made products and other Vermont specialties; the market is next to the Red Barn shops on SR 108.

In addition to the area's brilliant foliage, a highlight of Stowe's fall season is the traditional harvest festival Oktoberfest , held in early October. Don your lederhosen and dirndls and celebrate the 3-day event in a re-created Bavarian village at the Stowe Events Fields. This lively event includes oompah bands, German food and beers, a parade, pumpkin and face painting, dancing and crafts.