Spring Itineraries: Experience Stowe in Bloom
- Jan 9
- 5 min read
Spring in Vermont brings warmer days, blooming landscapes, and the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, small town charm, and peaceful relaxation. Whether you have a full week to explore or only a single day, these curated itineraries highlight the best ways to experience spring while staying at Stone Hill Inn.
7 Day Spring Itinerary
Day 1: Burlington
Just forty-five minutes from Stowe, Burlington offers lake views, warmer temperatures, and a lively downtown. Rent bikes at Local Motion or North Star Sports and ride the Island Line Trail. The trail parallels the lakeshore, crosses nature preserves, and continues across the Colchester Causeway via the Bike Ferry. Once you reach the Champlain Islands, explore charming small towns and scenic overlooks. End the evening on Church Street in downtown Burlington for shopping and incredible dining.
Day 2: Shelburne
Spend a day discovering Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, and local vineyards. Shelburne Museum is unlike any other museum in the country. Founded by Electra Havemeyer Webb, the museum brings together historic buildings moved from across New England to house her extraordinary collections. Highlights include lush spring gardens and the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga. The museum typically opens for the season in early May.
Days 3 and 4: Stowe
You could spend an entire week in Stowe. Start with the iconic Smugglers Notch on Route 108, only a few miles from Stone Hill Inn. Towering cliffs, narrow passages, and dramatic rock formations create one of Vermont’s most beautiful places. Trails like Sterling Pond and Hellbrook become safe for spring hiking around late May.
Spring is also waterfall season. Visit Bingham Falls, Moss Glen Falls, and Sterling Gorge Falls for short hikes with big rewards. Trails often open by mid to late May.
Covered bridge lovers will find three in Stowe. Gold Brook Covered Bridge is the oldest and most famous. Brookdale Bridge is the closest to Stone Hill Inn and a guest favorite. Red Covered Bridge pairs perfectly with a visit to Sterling Gorge Falls.
Food and drink enthusiasts are in luck. Begin with a custom tasting tour from Savor VT Brew Tours. Visit Stowe Cider, Idletyme Brewing Co., The Alchemist, Smugglers Notch Distillery, or Ellison Estate Vineyard. For dinner, reserve tables well in advance at Plate, Gallus, Hen of the Wood, Whip Bar and Grill, Cork, Salute, Bistro at Ten Acres, Edson Hill Tavern, or Trattoria La Festa.
For casual dining or outdoor patios, try Idletyme, Doc Ponds, The Bench, Backyard, Piecasso, Trapp Bierhall, or Grant’s. For nights when you want to relax at the Inn, grab takeout from Piecasso, The Butchery, or Edelweiss and enjoy a quiet evening on the patio or in our game room.
Day 5: Woodstock
The scenic drive south toward Woodstock includes a must-stop at King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich. This culinary destination features a bakery and cafe, a baking school, and an incredible retail store. The Cloud Cookies alone are worth the trip.
Before reaching Woodstock, visit Quechee Gorge. The 165-foot gorge is a beautiful stop in spring. Nearby, Simon Pearce Glass Blowing Studio and Restaurant offers handmade glassware and award-winning dining beside a historic waterfall and covered bridge.
Woodstock itself feels like stepping back in time. Explore the village green, colonial homes, local shops, Billings Farm and Museum, or the Vermont Institute of Natural Science.
Day 6: Warren, Waitsfield, and Waterbury
Follow Route 100 south through Waterbury Center and treat yourself to legendary cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Continue to Ben and Jerry’s for a tour and ice cream. In Waitsfield, stop at Canteen Creemee Co. for creative sundaes and incredible fried chicken. Visit Lawson’s Finest Liquids for Vermont’s beloved Sip of Sunshine. Finish the day exploring Warren Falls, Sugarbush Resort, or the charming Warren Village.
Day 7: Montpelier
Just thirty-five minutes away, Montpelier is America’s smallest state capital. Visit the Vermont State House with its golden dome, walk the downtown shops and cafes, or see a show at Lost Nation Theatre. Spring is also maple season, making this a great day for sugarhouse tours and tastings.
5 Day Spring Itinerary
Day 1: Dorset and Manchester
Take a scenic drive to the Dorset Quarry, America’s first commercial marble quarry and now one of Vermont’s most beloved swimming holes. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Dorset Bakery, then browse local goods at Dorset Union Store.
Continue to Manchester for a visit to Northshire Bookstore, a local institution. The Orvis Flagship Store and American Museum of Fly Fishing are nearby. History lovers will enjoy Hildene, the Lincoln family estate with gardens, historic buildings, and sweeping valley views.
Day 2: Craftsbury
Visit the Craftsbury General Store for picnic supplies and head to Craftsbury Common for mountain top views and peaceful surroundings. Spend the afternoon at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for rowing, hiking, or simply relaxing. Stop in Morrisville on your way back to sample local beers at Soulmate Brewing or Rock Art Brewery.
Days 3 and 4: Stowe
Spend two full days exploring waterfalls, covered bridges, the Stowe Recreation Path, and the scenic wonder of Smugglers Notch. Trails and paths usually become accessible by mid to late May. Enjoy shopping, gallery hopping, and unforgettable dining in the village.
Day 5: Waterbury Center
Shop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, taste Vermont chocolate, cheese, and spirits, and end the day at Waterbury Reservoir. This mountain lake is perfect for picnics, walking, and relaxing by the water. Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals begin after Memorial Day.
3 Day Spring Itinerary
Day 1: Bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
The LVRT is ninety-three miles of smooth gravel and pavement with spectacular views and easy terrain. Rent e-bikes or bring your own and enjoy quiet countryside riding.
Day 2: Maple and Wellness
Spring is the end of maple sugaring season. Visit Nebraska Knoll Maple Farm or Bragg Farm Sugarhouse for tastings and tours. Continue to the Vermont Salt Cave for holistic therapy and spa services.
Day 3: Explore Stowe
Walk the Stowe Recreation Path, explore art galleries, visit the Mercantile, and enjoy local dining. Finish your day with a maple creemee at Stowe Sweets.
1 Day Spring Itinerary
Choose based on your interests.
Active
Hike the three waterfalls or bike the Stowe Recreation Path.
Scenic
Visit all three covered bridges or drive the Auto Toll Road and Gondola SkyRide once they open near late May.
Shopping
Browse Stowe’s galleries and village shops or explore Waterbury Center for local gifts and Vermont-made treats.
Brewery Tours
Let a local company pick you up at Stone Hill Inn and create a custom tasting route.
Relaxation
Stay at the Inn, schedule a couples massage, enjoy your double jacuzzi, or sip wine by the firepit. Wander our woods trail or spend time near the garden waterfall.
Ready to Plan Your Spring Getaway
Spring in Stowe offers a fresh start to the season. With blooming landscapes, warm sunny days, and endless places to explore, it is the perfect time to settle into the quiet luxury of Stone Hill Inn.
Enjoy three-course breakfasts, jetted tubs for two, peaceful wooded grounds, and an adults-only atmosphere created for rest and romance. Whether you spend your days exploring or relaxing, your spring getaway begins the moment you arrive.
