On your drive back to Route 89—generally how everyone from all points south depart Stowe—stop for a coffee at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co. in Waterbury. Located in a renovated red barn right on Route 100, it offers some of the best coffees, teas, and treats you’ll find in the area. Peek behind the counter before heading out and you might spy someone working the enormous coffee roasters. This place is not just a refueling stop, but a great symbol of the many small businesses and craftspeople who make up Stowe and its environs.
Where to eat in Stowe
Come hungry. This is not a ski town that relies solely on greasy-spoon joints and pub fare. The Lodge at Spruce Peak’s two restaurants, Alpine Hall and Tipsy Trout, offer elevated mountain fare (think steakhouse vibes) and seafood including a raw bar. Speaking of fish, seafood lovers should grab a meal at Matterhorn, a local dive located between the ski lifts and town that’s a lively spot for music, pub fare, and (trust us) some of the best sushi in the state. It gets packed with ski instructors and off-duty ski patrollers once the lifts close, and the party keeps going until 2:00 am on weekends.
An in-town favorite is Plate‘s chef-driven, seasonal menu of California-meets-Vermont fare. If there’s a long wait for a table, head over to Cork for a glass of natural wine, some pillowy focaccia, and absolutely killer baked brie. And the best reservation of all to score is at Harrison’s, a classic yet elevated American spot that couldn’t be cozier on a cold winter night (ask for a table by the fireplace).
Where to stay in Stowe
With lodging abound in Stowe, it’s hard to go wrong—but if you’re looking for something that offers accessibility to the resort, an easy stroll into town, and amenities that make your winter trip as seamless as possible, it’s hard to think of a better option than Lark Hotels’ Field Guide, an adorable boutique hotel with an air of hygge that feels colorful enough for Vermont. It’s nestled on a quiet hillside just a short stroll from all the restaurants and shops in downtown Stowe, and offers free breakfast, a complimentary shuttle to the ski lifts, and a lively après-ski scene just downstairs from the guest rooms ( one that quiets down in time for a peaceful night’s sleep). If you’re a non-skier, this lively hotel is your best bet.
If proximity to the ski slopes is your priority, consider The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a sprawling resort complete with outdoor hot tubs, on-site restaurants, and a fabulous spa. Plus, its close proximity means you can roll out of bed and carve the first tracks each morning. Just know that if you’re staying here, you’re a solid fifteen minute drive (more in snowy weather) from the heart of Stowe proper—so non-skiers in your group might tire of driving back and forth and back and forth.
Not skiing? Consider the more traditional Edson Hill Manor, tucked away in the woods between downtown and the ski lifts. It’s ideally situated for cross-country, snowshoeing, or just relaxing by the fire and watching the snow fall.
