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Celebrate Every Last Drop of Summer in Stowe

Summer in Stowe has a way of lingering, not in a loud, attention-grabbing way, but in the subtle moments you carry with you long after the season fades. It’s in the rustle of leaves overhead, the warmth of the sun on your back during an afternoon walk, the tang of fresh cider and the views that stop you in your tracks. As the days begin to shorten and the air starts to shift, now is the time to lean in and celebrate every last drop of summer through all five senses.

Restaurant with large windows and mountain view.

Sight: Views Worth Savoring

Summer light brings out the best in the Green Mountains—softening the edges, saturating the greens, and casting golden tones across open fields and forested hills. For one of the most stunning perspectives, head to the Cliff House Restaurant, perched atop Mount Mansfield. The panoramic views from the terrace stretch across the valley, offering a front-row seat to nature’s slow transformation toward fall. Whether you take the gondola or hike up, the view is a reward in itself—and it only gets better with a glass of wine and locally inspired cuisine by your side.

VISIT THE CLIFF HOUSE

Outdoor concert at dusk with a crowd and a lit tent stage against a mountain backdrop.

Sound: The Rhythm of Stowe

The sounds of Stowe are never just background noise. They are all part of the experience. You’ll hear it in the rush of a waterfall, the breeze whispering through the pines and the gentle bustle of small-town excitement. The jovial sounds of nature harmonize with the live music that echoes throughout the season. 

From the rhythmic clatter of bikes on the Rec Path to the laughter drifting from a patio at dusk, every sound feels connected to the place. In the quiet moments, there’s birdsong from the treetops or the distant murmur of the river winding through town. And when evening falls, the music carries—soft, melodic, and full of life. Live performances pop up all over Stowe in the summer, from open fields to brewery lawns, adding one more reason to linger and listen.

FIND LIVE MUSIC

Bar interior with colorful decor, trees, and a beer glass on the counter.

Taste: Local Flavor, Poured and Plated

Stowe’s culinary scene is rooted in the land and shaped by the season, think bold brews and menus that celebrate what’s fresh and local. From farmers markets to fine dining, the flavors here are as much a part of the experience as the views—and summer is their peak season.

And for beer lovers, few places capture that sense of place quite like The Alchemist. Known around the world for its iconic brews—like Heady Topper and Focal Banger—this family-owned brewery is a must-visit for anyone looking to sip something distinctly Vermont. Their airy beer garden is the perfect spot to unwind on a sunny afternoon or a warm evening You can enjoy their beers year-round, but there's something especially satisfying about catching those final summer pours, surrounded by good vibes and even better company.

VISIT THE ALCHEMIST BREWERY

Family smiling by a waterfall, standing in a rocky stream.

Touch: Feeling the Season in Motion

Summer in Stowe is best experienced not just by sight or sound, but by feel. It’s the warmth of sun-soaked stones beneath your hand on a riverbank, the cool splash of stream water on your ankles, the worn wood rail of a covered bridge under your palm. It’s the texture of the trail beneath your boots, the brush of tall grass against bare legs, and the breeze that greets you at the summit. Every texture, every shift in temperature, invites you to slow down and notice. These tactile moments—small and grounding—remind you that the best way to experience summer is to be fully in it.

FIND THINGS TO DO

Sunlit forest with lush greenery and a gentle stream under a large tree.

Smell: The Scent of Mountain Air

There’s something unmistakable about the way Stowe smells in summer. It’s the crispness of high-elevation air warmed by the sun, the sweet trace of wildflowers along the path, the scent of pine rising from shaded trails. As you move through town or wander into the woods, these subtle fragrances drift in and out—the earthy, green smell of a trail after rain, the hint of woodsmoke in the evening, the buttery sweetness of something baking nearby. Each breath is a quiet reminder that you’re exactly where you need to be.

DISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS

BROWSE LODGING

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge

Stowe Country Homes

Sun & Ski Inn and Suites