When we think of summer vacations, we normally think of sun, sand and the beach. Ski Mountains are not usually top of mind. However, if you have never taken a summer trip to a place you normally visit in the winter, you are seriously missing out! Stowe, Vermont is one of the East Coast’s premier ski destinations, and deserves to be known as a premier summertime destination as well!

When To Go

Stowe is a hopping place in January and February. With some of the best skiing in the East and one of the biggest and full-featured resorts in New England, Stowe is a winter wonderland. However, making a mountain escape in the summer can be just as magical. Since you will be pretty far up north and most likely participating in some high elevation activities, May can still be chilly, so I would recommend late June through Early September for a summertime mountain getaway.

Where to Stay

There is really only one place for the discerning traveller, and that is the chic new Field Guide hotel, located about 10 minutes down the road from the main mountain resort. With 10 different room types, Field Guide has the perfect room or suite for almost any party.

I highly recommend going for at least the King Suite because the spacious, luxurious accommodations will make you will feel like you are in a Swiss Ski Chalet, furnished by Scandinavian design pros.

While Field Guide’s suites are perfect for larger groups coming up for skiing, it’s other amenities make it the perfect place for a summer getaway, such as: it’s amazing outdoor pool and poolside patio. I love the luxe poolside cabanas!

Lunch

Since Field Guide is centrally located, you don’t even have to drive to your first meal. After you’ve checked in, head across the street to The Bench for lunch.

Specializing in pizzas and other oven roasted goodies, the Bench is a cozy, rustic-chic spot—great for a hearty lunch before heading out for some hiking or zip lining.

Hiking

There’s hiking for all levels in Stowe, but if you are like me and are more of an “Instagram-hiker” rather than a hardcore one, then the Auto Toll Road is for you. First you drive up the “Auto Toll Road”, a zig-zaggy road up Mt. Mansfield, and then when you get to the end of the road, there is a 45 minute hike up a the rocky ridge to the top.

Après Hike

We are in a ski town after all, so you know there is going to be après something. And since the beginning of this month, the spot you have to hit in Stowe is the new Alchemist brewery. Although be prepared for lines, since “Heady Topper” is consistently ranked as the ‘world’s best beer.’

Dinner & Corn Hole

After a day of hiking and beer drinking, you’re going to want a casual fun spot for dinner. So head on back to Field Guide and go to their on-site restaurant, Picnic Social.

Like the rest of the hotel, it’s a chic play on its name; a stylish restaurant with a funky outdoor seating option. They offer clean, healthy food and games to play while you wait. I highly recommend eating outside and playing some corn hole in between courses.

Next Day

On the second day of your weekend getaway, you should head to the Stowe Mountain Resort for some more activities. They are well known for their zip lining adventures, with what has to be the most amazing course in New England. But even if you are a scaredy cat like me, you can still enjoy the Gondola SkyRide up the mountain and the gorgeous views that await you.

The Coolest Lunch in Vermont

After a morning of taking in views from Vermont’s tallest mountain, head to Doc Ponds for what has to be the hippest place to have lunch in Vermont.

With vinyl spinning and what seems like millions of craft brews on tap, this is a cool kid’s dream. Oh and did I mention that the food is spot on? Yeah you have to check this place out, we will defs be back!

Farm to Table

Vermont is known for its farm to table success, and Michael’s on the Hill is a luxurious take on hyper local cuisine. With white tablecloths and beautiful views of the surrounding rolling hills, this is a great place for a romantic evening with bae.

But be warned, while the other places I have recommended are very Vermont-attire friendly, this one is not, so think Brooks Brothers not Patagonia for your outfit.