Experience the Ultimate Stowe Vermont Getaway for Couples
- Steve Fiore
- Feb 25
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Last night, I met a woman, probably in her mid to late 20s who was going up to Stowe, Vermont with her boyfriend in a few weeks. It will be her first Stowe, Vermont getaway and she was so excited. Her anticipation of the hopefulness that there would still be snow on the ground in early March, coupled with the idea of getting a breakfast with real Vermont Maple Syrup, is a scene out of a Hallmark movie.
The conversation quickly brought back some great memories of how much I love Stowe. Mary Beth and I have been there a few times, both just the two of us and with the kids.
If you are not familiar with Stowe (3 hour drive north of Boston), it is known for so many family friendly attractions including skiing on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak mountains, experiencing the awe of multiple waterfalls, driving through and stopping within Smugglers' Notch (my favorite), as well as taking a tour and getting ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's factory, and walking or biking on the bike path that starts in downtown and winds its way through corn fields, rivers, and views of Mount Mansfield.
When I think of Stowe, I think of two very special trips with Mary Beth. The first was for our first anniversary where we drove up from Stanford, CT where we were living at the time. We booked a stay at the Stone Hill Inn. I have some vivid memories of our first trip including walking the grounds and how beautiful the rooms were. We still have our Christmas ornament (which I dug through all of our Christmas boxes to find the ornament and take a picture).
The Rooted & Refined Living Expert Tip:
"A weekend getaway at your favorite home away from home can be just right to help relax, reset, and clear your mind."
The second trip as a couple was for our 25th anniversary which we celebrated after our 26th anniversary. Stay with me here as this needs a bit more prelude.
Our kids threw us a surprise anniversary party for our 25th. They even worked with Mary Beth's best friend to fly up from Georgia. So not only was the party a surprise, but the best friend's visit was a bigger surprise. We had a great time at our house celebrating with our friends and family.
Mary Beth's gift to me was a booklet of 25 dates. It was a bit easier now to do things as we had all three kids in college and we were quasi-empty nesters, at least for a few months each semester. The book was for us to do 2 dates a month for 12 months, culminating in a trip to Stowe, going back to the Stone Hill Inn.
We did a lot of fun activities including glass blowing, a trip back to Stamford, bowling, visiting new restaurants, entertaining with friends, picnic in Boston followed by a visit to the Friends Experience. The gift, which was very creative on Mary Beth's part, allowed us to experience so many new things. I think glass blowing was my favorite. We made wavey bowls (mine was much wavier than Mary Beth's). We loved it so much, we took the kids back and make Christmas balls.
At the end of the 24 dates, we would celebrate our 25th anniversary with a weekend getaway. We also waited the year as we didn't have any kids left in the house. So, this is why we celebrated it following our 26th anniversary.
Stowe Vermont getaway
Date number 25 was to go back to where it all started and book a trip to Stowe and stay at the Stone Hill Inn. My memory of this trip is much clearer as it was only 16 months ago. We packed our bags and off we went.
We left early in the morning to take advantage of the brisk fall day, shortly after the height of leaf peeping season with all of the fall colors. Our first stop was at Ranch Camp Stowe for lunch, which is a bike shop that has a fantastic restaurant. We visited a few shops and waterfalls up in the Smugglers' Notch area where we did some hiking as well.
Following the hikes, we made our way to the Stone Hill Inn. The location is just off of the main road but not visible with the exception of the Inn's signage. You have to take a winding road up a few hundred feet and when you get to the top of the hill, the 9-room luxury Inn just appears nestled between a bunch of trees, including a small walking path for guests.
The main attraction to the Stone Hill Inn is relaxation. Outside of the personal attention each guest receives upon check-in, the Inn excludes New England charm.
Each room has a fireplace that sits between the bedroom and the bathroom which provides a sense of luxury (and warmth) in both rooms and ultra comfortable beds. The bathroom is spacious highlighted by a 2-person jacuzzi tub. All of the rooms are located on the main floor, with a walkout porch transporting you to the grounds.
As we checked in, we were greeted by the Kristie and Todd Roling, the owners of Stone Hill Inn since December 2016. There was one person checking in before us, so I started looking around and noticed that Todd was an Emmy Award winning Cinematographer. Two of his Emmys were on display which was cool and unique to see.
Kristie escorted us to our room which included a fireplace, and luxury bathroom. Mary Beth and I after a long day's trip got takeout from American Flatbread pizza, which holds up to my pizza snob standards! The next day we got to experience the first of two amazing Vermont home cooked breakfasts at the Inn and then headed off for a bike ride on the path in town followed by some shopping downtown and then a stop for some cider at Stowe Cider. We had a great dinner at Harrison's Restaurant, which was hosting a very intimate wedding party with just immediate family at the table next to us. The thing I remember most about the Stone Hill Inn is the small, easy, 1/4 mile or so walking path winding through the woods that I believe I remember Kristie and Todd sharing that they made themselves. Since it was the fall shortly after the leaves fell, I recall having fun kicking up the leaves and listening to the crunch of each step with the smell of the crisp fall air.
Our trip had to end the next day, but not before we had our second Vermont home cooked breakfast at the Inn, holding us over for our 4-hour trip home.
If you are looking for a truly Stowe, Vermont based experience (adults only), I highly recommend the Stone Hill Inn. I know you will love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique activities to do in Stowe?
One of the more unique things is to visit the Smugglers' Notch Distillery where you can not only sample award winning vodka, gin, rum, and bourbon, but also a phenomenal maple syrup.
What is your favorite part about Stowe?
The winding walking/bike path is by far my favorite. It starts in the downtown area and extends for 6 miles with views crossing over the river and mountains. Depending on the time of year, we also road past farmers markets and a corn maze.
How difficult is the hiking in Stowe?
There is hiking trails for all ages and abilities. My wife and I are between beginner and intermediate levels and have seen some amazing waterfalls, some within only 1/4 mile from the start.
Note: Since I started this website 18 months after our last trip to the Stone Hill Inn, I didn't have any pictures of the Inn itself. With permission from the owners, Todd and Kristie Roling, they allowed me to use a few of their corporate pictures including the breakfast photo and the 3 gallery photos below. Thank you.
Start Your Own Stowe, Vermont Sensory Experience at the Stone Hill Inn
If you are looking for the quintessential New England vacation, the Stone Hill Inn is the way to go in this Stowe, Vermont getaway. It will elevate your sensory experience and provide memories that will last a lifetime. Book today and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
For Transparency: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself.
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