Stowe route for 1 day for a road trip

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10
stops
5
easter eggs
309
USD
budget

Get ready for a quintessential New England road trip designed for two, where the scenic winding roads of Vermont lead you through world-famous flavors, historic charm, and the rugged beauty of the Green Mountains.

🌤 Weather summary and notes

🌤 WEATHER SUMMARY & NUANCES: Expect a pleasant summer day with highs around +25°C, though the humidity (79%) might make it feel slightly warmer. Pro-tip: Keep an eye on the sky after 15:00, as quick afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. For the evening drive through Smugglers' Notch, bring a light jacket or hoodie, as temperatures will drop to +15°C once the sun sets at 20:14. Don't forget bug spray if you plan to walk the trails near the covered bridge or the Notch!

🏨 Hotel recommendations
  • Northern Lights Lodge (Лодж / Отель 2.5 ) · Идеально для завершения маршрута (5-7 мин от Smugglers' Notch). Есть бассейн, сауна, джакузи и бесплатная парковка. · от $96–120
  • Stowe Motel & Snowdrift (Мотель / Апартаменты) · Удобно расположен между центром и перевалом. Есть мини-кухни, открытый бассейн и бесплатный прокат велосипедов. · от $106–140
  • Commodores Inn (Отель / Инн 3 ) · Стратегическая точка в южной части города. Собственное озеро с каноэ, уютный камин в лобби и просторные номера. · от $117–135
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (Отель 3 ) · В 7 минутах ходьбы от Ben & Jerry's. Гарантированный стандарт чистоты, горячий завтрак и отличный Wi-Fi. · от $158
1

Route 100 Corridor & Smugglers' Notch Pass

2026-08-04

13:00–13:45

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

08:00–18:00

Step into a fragrant world of apples where you can watch cider being pressed on a vintage 1920s rack-and-cloth press. It’s the top producer of fresh apple cider in New England—don't leave without trying a legendary cider donut. Official site: Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Don't miss
Look for the live observation beehive inside the store to see the "honey makers" in action.

Free admission.

13:45

🚗 Drive

Short transit south via Route 100.

Driving 5 min + 10 min buffer.

Ben & Jerry's Factory
14:00–15:00

Ben & Jerry's Factory

10:00–20:00

Visit the "mothership" of global ice cream to see how your favorite pints are made and enjoy an exclusive flavor sample. This was the first factory built by the founders back in 1985. Official site: Ben & Jerry's Factory

Don't miss
Hike up to the "Flavor Graveyard" behind the plant to pay respects to "Wavy Gravy" and other retired flavors.

Tickets $6, book 14 days ahead!

15:00

🚗 Drive

Head north toward the historic outskirts of Stowe.

Driving 15 min + 15 min buffer.

Gold Brook Covered Bridge
15:30–16:00

Gold Brook Covered Bridge

24/7

A masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, this is the oldest Howe Truss bridge in Vermont. Its weathered wood and dark interior create a perfectly moody atmosphere for photos.

Don't miss
Known as "Emily's Bridge," it’s allegedly haunted by a ghost from the 1800s—listen for "scratches" on your car!
16:00

🚗 Drive

Scenic backroad approach into the heart of the village.

Driving 8 min + 12 min buffer.

Historic Downtown Stowe & Sunset Rock
16:20–17:30

Historic Downtown Stowe & Sunset Rock

24/7

Wander through a picture-perfect New England village filled with white steeples and boutique shops. A quick 10-minute hike leads to a rocky ledge with a bird's-eye view of the town. Official site: Sunset Rock

Don't miss
The view from Sunset Rock is the exact angle used for most of Stowe's famous postcards.
18:30

🚗 Drive

The road gets narrow and steep as you enter the Notch.

Driving 20 min + 10 min buffer.

19:00–20:30

Smugglers' Notch Pass (VT-108)

24/7 (Seasonal)

Navigate a dramatic mountain pass where massive boulders lean over the road, forcing cars to weave through one by one. It’s a breathtaking display of Vermont’s wild side. Official site: Smugglers' Notch

Don't miss
The "caves" among the rocks were used to hide booze during Prohibition and contraband during the War of 1812.
20:30

🚗 Drive

Twilight descent back to the village.

Driving 25 min + 15 min buffer.

💳 Day budget

💰 Бюджет дня: $156.00 (Достопримечательности: $22.00, Питание: $134.00).

🍽 Where to eat
  • The Bench (492 Mountain Rd, Stowe) — A local favorite for "comfort food with a Vermont twist." Known for wood-fired pizzas and a massive selection of local craft beers. Perfect for a relaxed dinner.
  • Stowe Sandwich Company (1613 Mountain Rd, Stowe) — Great for a quick, budget-friendly bite. They are famous for their "Fried Chicken Sandwich" and fresh salads.
  • Doc Ponds (294 Mountain Rd, Stowe) — A cool, vinyl-spinning spot with great burgers and a "milkshake of the day." Ideal for late-evening refreshments.
🎁 Souvenirs
  • Stowe Mercantile (Main St, Stowe) — A classic country store where you can find Vermont maple syrup, local cheeses, and "Stowe" branded apparel.
  • Ben & Jerry’s Gift Shop (1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd) — The place to grab unique ice cream-themed merchandise and tie-dye gear you won't find anywhere else.
  • Driving: Route 108 (Smugglers' Notch) is extremely narrow with tight turns between boulders. Large RVs or trailers are strictly prohibited and will get stuck.
  • Tickets: Ben & Jerry's tour tickets sell out almost instantly. If you miss the online window, you can still visit the Scoop Shop and the Flavor Graveyard without a tour ticket.
  • Photo Op: For the best shot of the iconic white church spire, stand near the intersection of Main St and Mountain Rd, or use the Sunset Rock overlook.
  • Evening: After 20:00, many shops in the village close, but restaurants and bars remain lively. Ensure your gas tank is at least half full before heading up into the Notch.

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Google Maps Photo: Reachill Franche, Brian, Traveller