Your Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Fall Foliage in Stowe
There’s a certain magic in the air when autumn arrives in Stowe. The crisp mornings, the kaleidoscope of color across the mountainsides, and the cozy rhythm of life here in Vermont make fall an unforgettable season. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, Stowe offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and culinary delights. To help you make the most of your time, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to enjoying fall in Stowe.
Start Your Day with Breakfast at the Brass Lantern Inn
Why not begin the first meal of your day with a fresh, locally sourced Vermont breakfast served in our welcoming breakfast room at your private table with Mt. Mansfield as your backdrop? At the Brass Lantern Inn, breakfast is much more than a meal — it’s an experience. Each morning begins with a first course of fruit, parfait, or a baked treat, paired with Vermont-roasted coffee, teas, and juices. The main entrée rotates daily, prepared to order with the freshest local ingredients, and always mindful of dietary preferences.
Expect to be surprised with specialties like our signature Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Cabot cheddar, apples, and jam, paired with a seasonal salad. Other favorites might include corn cakes with brown sugar bacon, from-scratch waffles with Vermont maple syrup and sausage, or soft-scrambled eggs with seasonal vegetables. And for early risers? Freshly brewed coffee is available by 7 a.m. (and fresh ground 24/7!), with to-go breakfast options available for those eager to catch the sunrise over the mountains.
Insider Foliage Spots You Won’t Want to Miss
While everyone knows about Smugglers’ Notch and the auto toll road or gondola ride at Stowe Mountain Resort, some of the best foliage views are a little more under the radar:
Sterling Valley Road: A quiet dirt road lined with fiery maples and classic Vermont farmsteads.
Nebraska Valley: A tucked-away pocket with brooks, trails, and peaceful views.
Moss Glen Falls: A short hike leads to a waterfall framed by autumn colors.
Stowe Hollow: Rolling farmland with barns and sweeping views of Mt. Mansfield.
Route 100 South toward Waterbury: Vermont’s “Foliage Highway,” home of Cold Hollow Cider Mill, home of its world famous cider doughnuts, the Cabot Creamery Store, Ben & Jerry’s Factory, and other wonderful stops.
Lunch and Local Flavor
By midday, stop in town for lunch. Autumn menus highlight hearty soups, Vermont cheeses, and crisp ciders. Idletyme Brewery & Restaurant. is a local favorite, especially for their patio dining on a sunny fall afternoon. Their house-brewed beers pair beautifully with comforting dishes, making it a wonderful mid-day pause before your next adventure.
A Culinary Highlight: Michael’s on the Hill
Dinner in the Stowe area should be memorable, and Michael’s on the Hill delivers. Located in a lovingly restored 1820’s farmhouse with sweeping mountain views, this award-winning farm-to-table restaurant showcases Vermont’s seasonal bounty. Dishes like roasted meats, hand-crafted pastas, and vibrant local vegetables are paired with an exceptional wine list. It’s a place where dining becomes an experience, especially during the harvest season when the menu is inspired by the flavors of fall. Make sure you tell them you are our guest when you reserve!
Wine Shopping at Michael’s on the Mountain
Before or after your day’s adventures, stop into Michael’s on the Mountain, our curated wine shop. The carefully selected collection includes both Vermont favorites and international gems. It’s the perfect stop to pick up a bottle to enjoy fireside back at the Inn or to bring home as a gift. The staff is happy to recommend wines that pair beautifully with Vermont cheeses or seasonal dishes, making it more than just a shop — it’s a tasting journey. Our guests receive a specially priced tasting!
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A Sample 2–3 Day Fall Itinerary in Stowe
Day One
Morning: Wake up at the Brass Lantern Inn and enjoy a full Vermont breakfast. Then drive down Route 100 South toward Waterbury, stopping at Cold Hollow for fresh cider and doughnuts.
Afternoon: Explore downtown Stowe’s galleries, shops, and cafés. Take a walk along the Stowe Recreation Path to ease into your getaway.
Evening: Settle into a memorable dinner at Michael’s on the Hill, with views of the sun setting over the mountains.
Day Two
Morning: After breakfast, head out for a hike at Moss Glen Falls or Stowe Pinnacle Trail for panoramic views of the valley. Bring your camera — the colors are unforgettable.
Afternoon: Lunch at Idletyme Brewing Co. and then continue your foliage tour with a drive through Nebraska Valley or Sterling Valley Road. Both routes offer peaceful, crowd-free beauty.
Evening: Enjoy a glass of wine at Michael’s on the Mountain, grabbing a bottle for the evening, then return to the Inn, and relax by the fire, on the porch, or in the hot tub relishing in the stunning colors of a sunset over Mt Mansfield awash in a sea of fall colors
Day Three
Morning: Begin with breakfast at the Inn, then take the Stowe Mountain Resort gondola for a bird’s-eye view of the autumn canopy.
Afternoon: Visit a local farmstand to pick up apples and pumpkins, get lost in the Percy Farm Corn Maze, or explore the area’s craft beer scene before heading home.
This sample itinerary blends iconic Vermont experiences with a few insider-only gems, giving you the best of both worlds.
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End the Day Back at the Brass Lantern Inn
After a full day of exploring, there’s nothing like returning to the warmth of the Brass Lantern Inn. Settle in by the fire with a glass from Michael’s on the Mountain, enjoy the mountain views at sunset, and look forward to another breakfast that showcases the best of Vermont. Fall in Stowe isn’t just about the scenery — it’s about how it makes you feel: cozy, connected, and refreshed.
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Ready to experience fall in Vermont the way it’s meant to be enjoyed? Book your stay at the Brass Lantern Inn and let us be your home base for foliage drives, fine dining at Michael’s on the Hill, and unforgettable Stowe adventures.