Discovering Why Everyone Loves Stowe, Vermont: A Weekend Itinerary

Located at the base of Mount Mansfield, Stowe, Vermont is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, offering scenic mountain views, charming village streets, and easy access to outdoor adventures year-round. From covered bridges and local cafés to hiking trails and boutique shops, Stowe is best explored at a relaxed pace. Staying in a beautiful Red Cottage home provides a prime location for discovering the area with comfort and convenience. With a welcoming place to return to each evening, this weekend itinerary makes it easy to experience the best of Stowe while enjoying a peaceful retreat in the heart of the destination.

Friday: Arrival & Settling In

Settle into your Red Cottage stay in Stowe, Vermont and take a moment to breathe in the mountain air before the weekend begins. Once you have unpacked, head out for a quick provisions run so everything you need is ready back at the cottage and the rest of the weekend can feel easy.

Start with a stop at Commodities Natural Market to stock up on pantry staples and a few locally made treats for the weekend. Then head to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for a sweet pick me up, whether that means fresh cider and warm cider donuts, or a few bottles of hard cider to bring back and enjoy by the fire later on.

When it is time for dinner, make your way to Cork Restaurant for a cozy, elevated meal that feels just right after a day of travel. Wrap up the night back at the Red Cottage, shoes off, lights low, and nothing on the agenda except settling in.

Saturday: Skiing, Shopping, and Après

Start the morning with coffee and pastries from Woodland Baking & Coffee Co, a local favorite in Stowe, Vermont for a relaxed start before a full day out. It is an easy first stop whether the day includes skiing or exploring town.

Before heading to the mountain, stop by Edelweiss Mountain Deli to grab sandwiches to bring along. Packing lunch makes it easy to spend more time outdoors while skiing in Stowe, Vermont without needing to head back into town midday.

If skiing is on the agenda, spend the day enjoying the slopes and mountain views that make Stowe one of Vermont’s most popular ski destinations at Stowe Mountain. If not, explore the village instead with stops at Stowe Living and Country Store on Main, two great places to shop for local goods and thoughtful finds.

After a day of skiing or exploring town, consider stopping by The Alchemist Brewery to enjoy one of Stowe’s most well known craft beer destinations. Later in the day, slow things down with a visit to Bear Pond Books to pick up something to read back at the cottage. It is a perfect way to unwind after a full day exploring Stowe.

For dinner, head to von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall for Austrian inspired dishes and house brewed lagers, or choose Idletyme Brewing Company for a lively atmosphere and comfort driven menu.

Sunday: A Slow Morning and One Last Taste of Stowe

Spend the final morning in Stowe, Vermont easing into the day with fresh pastries from Stowe Bee Bakery. It is the perfect stop for a relaxed start, whether enjoyed back at the cottage or with a quiet moment before heading out for the day.

Before leaving town, stop by Lake Champlain Chocolates to pick up a sweet treat to take on the road. Vermont made chocolates make an easy souvenir and a thoughtful way to bring a little piece of Stowe home.

For a final meal in town, head to American Flatbread for farm to table, wood fired flatbread pizza made with locally sourced ingredients. It is a fitting way to wrap up the weekend, offering a laid back lunch that still feels special. After lunch, make the drive home at an easy pace, leaving Stowe, Vermont with mountain views in the rearview mirror and plans already forming for a return trip.

A weekend in Stowe, Vermont offers the perfect balance of mountain adventure, small town charm, and time to slow down. From skiing and local shopping to thoughtful meals and quiet mornings, this itinerary highlights some of the best things to do in Stowe over a weekend. Making a Red Cottage stay your home base allows for easy access to town, nearby attractions, and the surrounding landscape, while still offering a peaceful place to return to at the end of each day. Whether visiting for a ski weekend or a scenic escape, Stowe, Vermont is a destination that invites return visits long after the weekend ends.