In Stowe, summer is the season of sunshine, joy, and adventure. The locals wait all year for the lakes to warm, to turn their skis and snowboards in for kayaks and paddleboards, and to find fun around every corner. We love the winter - really, we do! We especially love that the winters make the summers in Stowe all the more special.
There’s so much to celebrate in the summertime: holidays that call for barbeques and cold drinks, hours spent swimming in natural pools, fresh produce and artisanal snacks at the farmers’ market, and music, art, and food festivals galore. Keep reading for just a few of the summer activities locals have on their bucket lists this year!
Get Outside - Whatever Way You Can
Are your favorite trails made for running shoes, hiking boots, or mountain bikes? For us, it’s all of the above.
Check out the Stowe Area Association’s guide to hiking in Stowe. A well-organized, comprehensive guide for all levels, it’s our go-to when picking our next trail. Our favorite hike is the Stowe Pinnacle, a moderate hike with plenty of room at the peak to enjoy a picnic lunch and take in the panoramic views.
If biking is more your style, there are plenty of ways to get in the saddle. Mountain Ops, our neighbor across Mountain Road, offers bike rentals, guided tours, and much more. Mountain bikers can find trails at Cady Hill and many other established areas, and those who prefer a paved path (be it for biking, running, or a stroll into town) can enjoy the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5-mile trail that begins on our property and ends in town, the Rec Path offers a scenic route along a babbling creek and passes by restaurants, breweries, and shops.
Take a Dip
Get your feet wet in swimming holes, lakes, and reservoirs in and around Stowe. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided tours on the water. Head over to Lake Elmore or the Waterbury Reservoir for a day on the water.
If you want to finish a hike with a dip in the water, Stowe is full of swimming holes tucked away in the lush green woods. Learn more about our favorite spots and safety tips here.
Around Town
Stowe packs the summer months full of events and activities. Live music, art festivals, and the Stowe Farmers’ Market are weekly happenings.
The farmers’ market is our personal favorite - and not only because it takes place right at Topnotch! Local produce, fresh baked goods, artisanal cheeses and drinks, and all the handcrafted goods you could imagine bring our events field to life. Grab a wood-fired pizza or an African-inspired crepe, listen to the live band, and enjoy!
Another Stowe signature event is the Old Fashioned Fourth of July on Main Street, complete with a parade, food vendors, live music, and fireworks on Mayo Field at dusk.
No matter how you find joy in the summertime, find it here in Stowe, Vermont.
