Summer Bucket List for a Family Vacation
June 2, 2021 by MEGAN LILJEDAHL
As a local mom, I have experienced many incredible adventures exploring Stowe with my kids over the last seven years. There are many family-friendly activities in the area, and with summer fast approaching, I’d love to share a few of my favorite bucket list items you and your family can experience only in Stowe.
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Things to Do for Family Fun
A gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield is family fun for all ages and abilities! There is no better way to take in the view from the top of Vermont’s highest peak. Once you arrive at the top be sure to take the time to hike around and take in the scenery.
One of our favorite summer activities is mountain biking in Cady Hill. This fantastic single-track trail network is a unique Stowe experience; feel the satisfaction of climbing from the parking lot up to “the green chair” for a view of Mt. Mansfield. Then continue up to the top of Florence or “Flo” trail, and experience the adrenaline rush as you fly down the signature downhill route while maneuvering berms and jumps.
For a more leisurely bike ride, the Stowe Recreation Path (or “rec path” for short) never disappoints. It begins in Stowe’s historic village just behind the beautiful church, and ends at red covered bridge, while passing by restaurants and shops on the Mountain Road and meandering a river—great for cooling off in after a bike ride! It’s flat path about 5 miles long, and there are several shops in town that offer bike rentals.
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Family-Friendly Dining
The Skinny Pancake has the most amazing breakfast in town! We love taking the boys here for a special treat. I can never choose between the sweet or savory crepes so I make sure there is at least one of each at the table! Idletyme Brewing Co. has created an amazing outdoor oasis right off the Rec Path. Their patio area is ideal for family-friendly dining, and a unique outdoor bar integrates trees that provide shade to patrons. If you’re looking for a night away from the kids, Cork Wine Bar & Market is Vermont’s first and only all-natural wine shop and restaurant. For small plates, my favorites are the burrata and dirty potatoes, and for large plates, the olive oil poached salmon is outstanding. Be sure to ask your server for the perfect wine pairing and be prepared to be blown away!
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Other Bucket List Items for Your Family Summer Vacation in Stowe
- Devour a Vermont maple creemee at a local shop or an ice-cream cone down the road at the Ben & Jerry’s factory!
- Visit the Stowe Farmers’ Market in its new location by Stowe Motel.
- Attend a signature Stowe event such as Music in the Meadow or An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July. Start planning for the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival that will return next year!
- Enjoy a family bike ride at Trapp Family Lodge, ending at the Trapp Family Kaffeehaus for a re-energizing treat.
- Take a hike! Explore Moss Glen Falls, Vermont’s tallest waterfall, or Stowe Pinnacle for a view of Mt. Mansfield and more.
- Cool off in one of Stowe’s swimming holes.
- Visit an outdoor patio like the von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall restaurant.
The most important question is, are you ready to plan your summer vacation to Stowe yet? There are plenty of fine lodging establishments where you can recover after an adventurous summer day!
About the Author
As a working mother of three lil’ boys, Megan Liljedahl is experienced in the work/life juggle and packing as much fun as possible into every weekend. After a decade in Boston she moved back to Vermont where she grew up. Now she leads a portfolio of coffee partners at Keurig Dr. Pepper and spends her spare time sharing her adventures in the town of Stowe, Vermont where she lives. If you want to follow more of her fun Vermont adventures please give her Instagram account a follow @megliljedahl or stop on over to her Lil’ Vermont Adventures Blog to say hello!