Your Guide to a Paws-itively Perfect Vacation in Stowe

Your Guide to a Paws-itively Perfect Vacation in Stowe

The hardest part of going on vacation isn’t building the itinerary or packing your bag - it’s leaving your dog behind. Luckily, Topnotch Resort has an entire floor dedicated to making sure you never have to leave your four-legged friend at home again. And to make it even easier, we have a few dog-friendly must-dos to get your itinerary started.

Gondola Skyride

See Stowe from above with your furry pals. Take the iconic Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort to the top of Mt. Mansfield, and save time to hike down if you’re feeling adventurous! This year, the skyride is open from 10am-4:30pm starting June 21. We recommend going early to avoid the crowds!

Shaw’s General Store

Just one of many dog-friendly stores in the heart of Stowe, Shaw’s is a family-owned store full of souvenirs, tasty treats, and clothes and shoes for outdoor adventures. No more waiting outside with the dog while the rest of the group shops. At Shaw’s, your pup can shop for dog toys right along with you!

Stowe Quiet Path

This part of the Stowe Recreation Path is exclusive to walkers and joggers and beloved by dog owners. Known for being a great place for dogs and their owners to socialize, this path has plenty of trees to provide shade for you and your furry friends. The unpaved trail is about 1.8 miles, weaving through parts of the Mayo Farm fields and beside the West Branch of the Little River.

Explore Trails and Forests

Stowe is home to countless hiking and biking trails fit for all skill levels. Whether you and your dog are seasoned pros or new to the woods, there’s something for you. One of our favorites is the Stowe Pinnacle Trail, which has two trailheads so hikers can choose the level of difficulty for their trek. The trailhead on Upper Hollow Road is 3.6 miles round-trip and slightly more challenging than starting from Pinnacle Heights Road, which is only 2.6 miles. Other great places to get outside with your furry friends include Cady Hill Forest, the Stowe Recreation Path, Smugglers’ Notch State Park, and Wiessner Woods.

Percy Farm Corn Maze

Located just off the Stowe Rec Path, Percy Farm’s corn maze takes about 30-40 minutes. As long as your dog is leashed, they can join in on the fun, exploring the maze and greeting the goats and calves!

Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop and Flavor Graveyard

A short drive away from Topnotch, explore the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard at the factory to see the headstones of retired flavors. Travel down the hill to the scoop shop and grab a sweet treat for you and your pup! Choose from a wide variety of scoops, shakes, and sundaes and snag a doggy dessert too! 

Red Barn Ice Cream

Another great place to satisfy your puppy’s sweet tooth is Red Barn Ice Cream! Snag a maple creemee for yourself and a vanilla cone complete with a dog treat for your four-legged friend. Order from the outdoor walk-up window after an afternoon on the Stowe Recreation Path!

Outdoor Dining

In the summer months, Stowe’s restaurants open up their patios and gardens so you and your pup can dine al fresco. Dine with us on the patio at The Roost at Topnotch Resort for mountain views and great food made with fresh, local ingredients and inspired by Vermont. Visit Idletyme for great bites and craft brews, Sushi Yoshi for Japanese cuisine and sake, and von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall for Austrian-inspired food and award-winning ales and lagers. These are just a few of our favorite spots among many - but be sure to call ahead to confirm that your dog is welcome!