Fuel Your Stoke at Stowe
Vermont is known for its rolling green mountains, quaint towns, welcoming locals, and thriving local food scene. In Stowe—the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s and a gastronome’s delight—you’ll find as many great places to eat and drink as you’ll find perfect, carve-worthy ski runs.
On your next visit, fuel your stomach (and your legs!) with these tasty bites and sips.
Ben & Jerry’s
When it comes to a taste of Vermont, few companies are as iconic as Ben & Jerry’s. Started in a renovated gas station in Burlington in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s is now known across the country for producing flavor-forward ice cream from their eco-friendly factory in Waterbury.
The factory is open every day of the year (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day) for tours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Plan to stay after the tour to hit up the Scoop Shop and the Flavor Graveyard, where “de-pinted” flavors are honored.
Cabot Creamery
If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), you’ll love Cabot Creamery. This Vermont cheesemaker has been in business since 1919, and their products—known for their perfect aging and sharp flavor—have become a symbol of cooperative farming.
Cabot’s cheese, sour cream, and dips can be found everywhere in Vermont, but to get right to the source, head to the Visitor’s Center in the town of Cabot. Sample cheese, peruse the gift shop and watch a video tour of the cheesemaking process.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Freshly pressed apple cider is practically a religion in Vermont, and no trip to Stowe would be complete without drinking a glass of the crisp, earthy beverage. Make your way to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, to watch the cider press in action while eating one (or more) of their world-famous cider donuts.
Lunch and breakfast are served daily on-site at Cold Hollow Cider Mill’s Apple Core Luncheonette, which also offers hard cider and local brews on tap.
Alchemist Brewery
If you love beer, you’ve probably heard of Alchemist Brewery. Makers of the elusive and sought-after Heady Topper—which earned an unheard-of score of 100 on BeerAdvocate—Alchemist Brewery is headquartered on the road that connects the town of Stowe to Stowe Mountain Resort.
Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 4:00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Be sure to book in advance online…they sell out! If you can’t get on a tour, the Alchemist Brewery Visitors Center is worth the stop to check out the tasting room and grab a few six-packs to drink après skiing in your room or townhouse.
Great Eats at Stowe Mountain Resort
Even if you don’t want to step foot out of the charming Stowe Village during your trip, you won’t be at any risk of going hungry. Both on the mountain and in the village, there are plenty of dining options for lovers of big flavors and local ingredients.
Perched on the shoulder of Mount Mansfield, the Cliff House Restaurant serves familiar American cuisine with a distinctly Vermont flair. Order a Vermont Farmhouse Cheese and Charcuterie Board to get started, and pair it with a Cliff House Burger that is topped with Cabot cheddar. Finish it off with a Vermont Apple Pie, because…well, why wouldn’t you? The Cliff House Restaurant is open daily for lunch.
After a day of skiing, carb-load your dinner at Trattoria La Festa, a small, family-owned Italian restaurant that opened in 1986. Trattoria La Festa is known for their fresh dishes made with natural and local ingredients, along with their warm, welcoming atmosphere. Start out with the Carpaccio di Manzo and then move onto the Baked Manicotti del Giorno, a local’s favorite.
At Stowe, come for some of the best skiing and boarding in New England, and stay for the great eats. From famous ice cream to some of the best beer in the world, you’ll be blown away by the diversity of flavors and community spirit of Vermont’s food scene.
Just don’t enjoy the scene so much that your legs refuse to ski the next day. It’s been known to happen…don’t say we didn’t warn you!