The Best Shopping Along Vermont Route 100 This Fall
August 27, 2020 by GO STOWE
Discover some of Vermont’s best shopping this fall along the northern Vermont Route 100 corridor in Stowe, Waterbury and the Mad River Valley. Fashionistas, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, home decorators, jewelry lovers, artisans and children can all find treasured goods at locally-owned shops and boutiques in the area. As you shop through these scenic small New England towns, take in the praised foliage views along Route 100, named one of 14 Best Road Trips in America by Condé Nast Traveler. View our insider’s guide with tips on shopping your way through Route 100 this fall:
Mountain Road in Stowe
Begin your shopping journey on Mountain Road in Stowe. Mountain Road is lined on both sides with outdoor recreation shops, boutiques, home décor stores, toy stores, and many local food and drink specialty stores. Start are the top of Mountain Road near Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe Mountain Resort and the Spruce Peak Village for incredible foliage views as you make your way down the scenic road. You can also stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants along the way. If you are looking for a more adventurous way to shop, rent a bike or walk up the Stowe Recreation Path as it follows Mountain Road into the historic Stowe Village.
Stowe, Vermont’s Historic Village
Stowe’s picturesque historic village is home to a variety of local and unique shops. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, craft beer, Stowe memorabilia or a new fall outfit, there are plenty of options, all within walking distance. Don’t forget to stock up on Vermont treats to fuel your day of shopping. If you need recommendations, visit the nearby Stowe Visitor Information Center and talk to local vacation-planning experts.
Route 100 between Stowe and Waterbury
Food lovers rejoice, as the stretch of Route 100 between Stowe and downtown Waterbury has an abundance of edible delights. It’s almost impossible to end this trip without a happy belly full of ice cream, cheese, chocolate, cider donuts, coffee, maple products, spirits, and more. The route also has plenty of options for art, apparel, and other unique finds.
Downtown Waterbury, Vermont
Downtown Waterbury is full of small, independent shops with treasures waiting to be discovered. With art, jewelry, clothes, games, crafts, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect gift, whether for you or someone else. The downtown shops also have everything you need to enjoy your visit to Waterbury, like sporting goods, a vacation read, or beauty products. In a town known for its craft beverages, downtown Waterbury does not disappoint with options for oenophiles and cerevisaphiles to stock up on vinos and ales.
Mad River Valley in Vermont
After you make your way through downtown Waterbury, take a turn and head down to the Mad River Valley. The local shopping scene is as unique as the Valley itself. While you’ll find treasures at every turn you won’t find national chains, outlet malls and the “same old, same old.” That’s the charm of shopping here. Whether you’re a fashionista looking for some stunning threads, a foodie seeking the fruits of our local makers’ labors, an outdoor enthusiast lusting after the latest gear, an arts aficionado determined to find that perfect piece or just a regular person in search of life’s basics, the Mad River Valley’s retail community is at your service.
Use Go Stowe’s foliage tracker to see how the leaves are changing in the area to plan your day of scenic shopping along Route 100. Check out other scenic drives and activities to do along the way. Masks are required in Vermont. If you need one in a pinch, there are plenty of stores in Stowe that sell face coverings. Learn more shopping the Route 100 corridor in Stowe, Waterbury and the Mad River Valley.