A Taste of Stowe: Craft Beverages and Vermont Food Specialties
March 28, 2019 by GO STOWE
It’s no secret there’s a quality selection of local Vermont foods and craft beverages in Stowe. No matter where you go, you’ll find local businesses offering unique Vermont products and experiences, like maple sugar farms featuring syrup tastings and demonstrations. Stop in for Vermont-made snacks and samples on a leisurely drive, or discover a new favorite craft beverage along a guided brew tour. Below are a few ways to sample the tastes of Stowe, Vermont:
Take a Foodie Driving Tour
For delicious Vermont-made treats and stunning views along the way, take a scenic drive along Vermont Route 100. Cold Hollow Cider Mill produces old-fashioned cider seven days a week on a traditional cloth and press mill from the 1920s. Drop in for cider-pressing demonstrations and samples of local jams, jellies, honey and more. Make sure not to leave without a dozen of Cold Hollow’s famous cider donuts – the perfect treat for any road.
From there, head south on Route 100 and arrive at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a factory tour. On the way out, take a detour into the scoop shop for a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream. Ice cream enthusiasts can mourn their favorite former flavors at the flavor graveyard outside.
Insider tip: Ben & Jerry’s also offers a Vermonst’er for the truly adventurous. Featuring 20 scoops of ice cream, bananas, cookies and brownies, hot fudge or caramel sauce and more toppings, the Vermonst’er is a dessert perfect for sharing among family or friends.
Stowe Craft Beverage Trail
Vermont has more craft breweries per capita than any other state, and Stowe is home to several must-visit craft beverage producers. Visitors can explore local wineries, breweries and cideries on their own; or, we recommend heading out on the Stowe Craft Beverage Trail. Trail kits are complimentary when purchased with the Stowe Craft Beverage lodging package, or can be purchased for $10 each at the Visitor Information Center at 51 Main Street.
Insider tip: Each stop along the trail features a special discount, such as 50% off tastings at Stowe Cider, Stowe Winery and Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits. Receive a free glass with a purchase at Idletyme Brewing Co. Don’t forget to stop into Laughing Moon Chocolates for handmade truffles with vodka from Green Mountain Distillers.
Bring the Tastes of Stowe Home with You
Visit a specialty food market and bring a piece of Stowe home with you. Area shops include Commodities Natural Market, where you can find local, organic products as well as a great wine and craft beer selection. For ready-made items perfect for a car ride or picnic, stop by The Butchery and browse their selection of homemade goods and daily lunch specials. No meal is complete without dessert. Harvest Market is a favorite that offers baked goods including pies and cakes. Make sure you also try their famous brownies and lemon squares.
Insider tip: Stock up on local craft beverages before you head home. For a great selection of Vermont craft brews, wines and ciders, stop into Stowe Public House, located in the historic Village.
Maple Syrup
In the early spring months, billowing white clouds of maple steam fill the air during Vermont’s sweetest season as visitors and locals flock to local sugar houses to view the syrup process first-hand and try samples of the season’s finest maple products. Maple enthusiasts are welcome to stop into local farms, such as Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm and Stowe Maple Products, anytime of the year for information and for a few pints of Vermont’s favorite sweetener.
No matter what you choose, your visit to Stowe is sure to be filled with delicious food and refreshing craft beverages.