Keep Cool All Summer Long

Summers in Vermont are often characterized by delightfully warm days, hopefully graced by the sun, with cooler evenings. After a recent stretch of hotter-than-average temperatures, here are some ways to keep cool in Stowe all summer long when temps are on the rise.

Swimming and Paddling

Spending your days in, on or along the water is the perfect way to keep cool on hot summer days. Explore Vermont’s breathtaking landscape from a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Rentals are available at the Waterbury reservoir, which also has a day use beach that’s perfect for swimming. The Lamoille or Winooski rivers are also great to explore via paddling as they wind through farms and forested countryside. Vermont Canoe and Kayak and Umiak Outdoor Outfitters both offer rentals and guided tours. The Stowe area is also home to various swimming holes and waterfalls that are equally beautiful and refreshing during the summer.

Ice Cream is a MUST

There are a lot of great ice cream options in and around Stowe to satisfy your sweet tooth on a summer day. The Ben & Jerry’s Factory is an iconic destination for visitors. Guests can take a tour of the facility, visit the Flavor Graveyard and cap it all off with a tasty treat from the scoop shop. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill to try a signature Vermont maple creemee or guests can try a “Dreamee” which is maple creemee sandwiched between one of their legendary cider donuts. If you are walking around downtown Stowe on a hot summer day, stroll on over to Lake Champlain Chocolates for a cone and indulge in some other sweet treats. Snap a picture of your cone in front of the Stowe mural at Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Sip On a Cold Brewski

The craft beverage scene in the Stowe area is unmatched and what a better way to cool off in the summer then sipping on a cold, delicious craft beer or cider. Come right off the trails and head straight for a cold beverage. Idletyme Tap and Tavern and Stowe Cider are both located directly off of the Stowe Recreation Path and serve up some local favorites. The Alchemist is another popular destination for craft beer lovers and the Beer Cafe and Beer Garden are great places to hangout and cool off in the summer. Enjoy a round of disc golf followed by a fresh lager at von Trapp Brewing and Bierhall, where the views and the brews are just as delectable.

A Change in Elevation

From Vermont’s tallest peak to other summits and excursions, there are plenty ways to cool off at a higher elevation in Vermont. The Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort will deliver you directly to sweeping stunning views and ways to explore Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Guests can also venture up the historic Auto Toll Road to make their way up the mountain. Soar amongst the treetops on a ziplining adventure with ArborTrek and experience Vermont from up above. Visitors can climb their way to a higher elevation through many popular hikes in the area and, despite working up a sweat on the way up, cool off once they’ve reached their destination. Sterling Pond is a scenic, moderate trail located in Smugglers’ Notch that leads to a tranquil oasis nestled amongst the mountains.

There are many other ways to keep cool in Vermont this summer from lounging on one of many patios around town or popping into shops and galleries. Start planning your next adventure to Stowe and browse lodging accommodations.