Fun and Tasty Ways to Savor Springtime in Stowe

In the mood for some delicious fun? When the weather warms up and the snow melts away, you’ll find Stowe residents — and visitors — celebrating springtime. From taking your last few runs of the at the Mountain to sampling craft beers and local fare, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful Vermont town. So get outdoors and explore all that Stowe has to offer!

Vermont is known for its iconic maple syrup, and one way to enjoy this sweet treat while in Stowe is by visiting a local sugarhouse. Watch the magic happen as maple trees are tapped, the sap is collected, and then turned into delicious Vermont maple syrup. Be sure to stick around for the sweetest part — samples!

The process of producing maple syrup is fascinating and generally begins at the end of February lasting about 4 to 6 weeks. The length of the season is weather-dependent and relies on both freezing nights followed by warmer days in order to build the pressure needed for the sap to flow from the tap holes.

Once collected, the sap is brought to the sugarhouse where it’s boiled down to a thick consistency. The evaporation process takes anywhere from several hours to a few days, depending on how much sap has been collected. The boiling process concentrates the sugars that were naturally present in the sap giving it its sweet flavor and characteristic deep amber color.

Did you know it takes approximately 40 gallons of raw sap to make one gallon of pure Vermont maple syrup!

If you’re looking to learn more about maple syrup production, or want to see a sugar house in action, be sure to check out the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association website. There you will find a list of member sugar houses as well as more information about annual open house weekends. One of our favorites is the Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, just 6 miles from the village of Stowe.

It’s not only about maple syrup in the spring. If you’re looking to explore some of the best craft beer in Vermont, Stowe is definitely the place to be. While Vermont is known for its pristine mountains, picturesque farms, and artisan cheese, did you also know that it’s home to one of America’s most progressive craft beer scenes?

With a number of local breweries, there’s something for everyone, and just how much fun would it be for a beer lover to have a getaway focused on just that! While local craft brews are served in the area restaurants, we recommend visiting the local breweries as each has its own unique vibe. Three of our favorites just happen to be conveniently located right off the Mountain Road.

The Von Trapp Brewery produces a variety of lagers, all of which are named after the Von Trapp family who inspired The Sound of Music. It’s the product of a family with deep roots in Austria and their love for authentic European-style beer, which became Von Trapps’ mission: to create clean light crisp brews that boast robust flavor! The Bierhall is directly off from the Von Trapp Brewery, with scenic views with access to the cross-country ski and mountain bike trails.

The Idletyme Brewing Company is a family-friendly local favorite with an atmosphere that is both welcoming and laid back. The building itself was built in 1830 as a blacksmith shop, and the restaurant menu consists of simple and seasonal comfort food. For the adults in the group, Brewmaster Will Gilson’s offerings of brown or pale ale, Helles Lager style beer, or Idletyme Double IPA are sure to please. The is a large patio are which opens up to the Stowe Recreation Path.

The Alchemist Brewery is known for brewing some of the most sought-after IPAs in all of Vermont, the most famous of them all being Heady Topper. One of a kind and somewhat of a legend, this potent and unique brew comes with not your typical instructions to drink directly from the can to be enjoyed in it’s purest form.

Heady Toppers’ origin story begins at The Alchemist Pub and Brewery, which opened its doors in the nearby village of Waterbury, Vermont. After 8 years of success, the decision to open a cannery met with a flood caused by Tropical Storm Irene, forcing them to close the pub and just two days prior to the start of the cannery. The owners, John and Jen Kimmich, pivoted their focus to the new cannery and distributing their Heady Topper locally. The tasting room inside is currently closed however there is seating outside on the lawn.

If you’re looking for a spring getaway, Stowe Vermont should be at the top of your list. With plenty of activities to keep you busy and beautiful scenery all around, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination. And if you love maple syrup as we do, be sure to visit one of the local sugarhouses for a tour. Or if craft beer is more your thing, check out some of the award-winning breweries in town. No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, Stowe has something to offer. So book your trip today and come experience all that this charming town has to offer!