This December, Stone Hill Inn turned 20!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry with Us

Thank you for helping us celebrate on Friday, December 14th! Enjoy photos from the event below!
 
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Stick Season is one of Stowe’s best kept secrets.
Traditionally, each year from November 1 to December 15.

Stowe, Vermont is a true 4-season destination, but if you had to say there’s a downtime, the weeks between fall foliage season and ski season would be it! This transition in seasons, when the leaves have fallen but snow has not, is the perfect time to explore Stowe and here’s why.

4 Reasons to Visit Stowe during Stick Season

1. Less Crowds
Stowe is popular, and for good reason. Stick Season gives visitors a chance to explore Stowe, without traffic, lines and crowds.

2. Foodie Paradise
During peak seasons, our wonderful restaurants and breweries get busy. We love Stick Season because we can easily get into all of our favorite spots.

During the last week of October many of our local restaurants participate in Dine Stowe. In 2018, restaurants featured multi-course specials for $20.18. Diners enjoyed cuisine from American to Italian and from fine dining to craft brew pub fare. Stick Season is the ideal time for foodies to explore our town named #2 by Fodors Travel in the “World’s 10 Best Ski Towns for Foodies.”

Need a dining recommendation?  No problem, we can’t wait to share our favorites with you!

3. Quiet Trails
November and December are still full of unmatched natural beauty and moderate temperatures. The fallen leaves give way to new views focused on the serenity of the mountains, rivers and lakes that surround you.

4. Better Prices
Bonus! Lodging prices are cheaper in the off-season, and we often run Vermont Resident Lodging Discounts, too.

Five Hiking Trails perfect for Stowe, Vermont Fall Foliage Rated the best in the U.S. by Trip Advisor

Leisurely walks in the neighborhoods of Boston, Long Island, Newark or Washington D.C., often provide an abundance of man-made beauty seasoned with splashes of nature.

In Vermont with its 300,000 acres of state-owned forests, 53,000 of which are in Stowe, a casual walk is completely different. Outdoor strolls in Stowe are a gumbo of wild blackberries, clear spring water, plunge pools at the base of falls, fresh aromas from fir and cedar, calming vistas of tree covered mountains, sunlight stepping stones along wooded paths and relaxing breezes nestling among overhead branches, needles and leaves. You are alone yet surrounded, relaxed yet invigorated. You are in the unspoiled forests of Stowe.

Interested?

Soon it will be leaf season and Vermont has been declared the Number One destination for fall foliage in the U.S. (Trip Advisor).  Here are five journeys that are good for the soul no matter what the weather, but during this season these become emotionally serving; witness to unexpected celebrations of life.  Enjoy as the Lord in paints each leaf while we sleep at night.  Bring your camera.

As you take to the roads and paths, keep these thoughts in mind from the Get To Know Stowe book:

1. Stowe is home to two mountain ranges; Worcester range to the east, and the green Mountains run to the north and are part of the Mt. Mansfield State Forest.
2. Generally allow 30 minutes for each mile plus an additional 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet gained in elevation.
3. Bring plenty of water; avoid drinking backcountry water.
4. High-energy snacks are a good idea (granola bars, trail mix, chocolate)
5. Pack a map, compass, first-aid kit, flashlight and pocket-knife. Whistles can be helpful. Take a shell, hat, & gloves no matter what the season.
6. Sign-in/Sign-out at any trail-head registers; stay on marked trails.
7. Don’t travel alone, especially on more difficult journeys.

Hiking the Ranch Brook & Burt Trail

Just past the right-hand entrance to the North Brook road along Rt. 108, before you cross a small bridge, you’ll see a quick left turn onto an unpaved road — the Ranch Brook road. Park if there’s space and immediately start your walk down the right hand fork which is a slightly rutted road. Soon it flattens out becoming an old timber-hauling road, and further down it offers another place to park your car. You are now in the Ranch Valley and its extensive system of well-marked trails with the beautiful Ranch brook running parallel on your left. In the winter Nordic skiers or snowshoers may require a pass on many of these trails from the Stowe mountain resort’s Cross Country Ski Center. In the summer no charges are necessary.

You’re on the Burt Trail – which for the moment is a class-4 road ––a gravel surface — until it reaches the junction of Ranch Camp, Bruce Trail, and the Bear Run. Horses and bikes will need to turn around since the remaining trails are no longer graveled.

Ranch Brook and Burt Trail Hike

This historic area gave birth to skiing in Stowe and is part of the Mansfield state Forest. Travel for another mile past the Adams Camp and later find the remains of the first lumber camp used when creating the first of the stowe ski runs back in 1933 by the CCC which stood from 1932 to 1950. Craig Burt offered his lumber camp to Stowe’s first overnight ski guests. Another short distance and you have reached the junction that offers three choices for the next phase of your journey:

• Left is the Ranch Camp Trail which heads towards the Trapp Family Lodge trail system.
• The Burt trail in the center continues and is the least hilly.
• However, the right hand Bruce trail ascends steeply up the Ranch Valley and its degree of difficulty becomes much higher.  Eventually Bruce takes you to the original ski trail that was cut by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, part of FDR’s New Deal program – the first ski trail in Stowe. From here you backtrack to Timber Lane that heads towards the Mt. Mansfield Ski Touring area. Take one of the Cross cut trails south from Timber Lane back to the Ranch Brook road to return to the beginning of your journey. These are trails that reveal history and beauty. Total distance will be about six miles.

Hiking Sterling Pond

While you are casually driving through Smuggler’s Notch on your way over the mountain from Stowe, look for a parking lot on the left hand side of the road near the top of the road. Park. Across the street find a trial heading up that begins a bit rocky and steep. While you are panting a bit, enjoy the smell of fresh pine and evergreens.

After about a mile the Sterling Pond Trail is joined by the Long Trail. Turn left and head down to the pond. Catch your breath, sit on a rock and enjoy the view of Vermont’s highest elevation trout pond.   Catch some fish, relax, and enjoy the quiet. There is a shelter near the lake if needed. Ready to move on? Stay on the Long Trail going north for about .3 miles and look for a short spur trail to the top of Smuggler’s Notch Ski Resort and enjoy the views across to Mt. Mansfield – you’re now at 3,000 feet. Backtrack along the spur to the Long Trail north to the shelter near the chairlift where you will take a right onto Elephant’s Head Trail that continues around the pond. When you’ve gone about ¾ of a mile look for another intersection with the Long Trail and head downhill (turn right). This takes you to the Sterling Pond Trail – where you will turn left back to the parking area.

Total pond circumference is about 1.4 miles clockwise around the pond.

Total distance is 2.8 miles plus an additional easy 1.4 mile loop around the pond.

Elevation gain is 1,000 feet.

Time is 2.5 hours.

Difficulty is rated Moderate by the Green Mountain Club.

Hiking at Lake Mansfield Trout Club

This hiking trail is entirely navigable

There are many signs that say don’t enter this private refuge and enormously beautiful spot, however, continue on your journey. The Trout Club is intensely private, however, management’s respect for the beauty of Vermont and their location on Lake Mansfield permits outsiders like you and I to hike in the woods that surrounds the lake.  Mansfield Lake is 39 acres surrounded by hills – a stunning setting. The lake, of course, is annually stocked with Trout. The Lodge was originally built in 1899 and the Trout Club seems to have its own unique culture.

From Waterbury heading north towards Stowe, take Rt. 100 and turn left on Moscow Road. Continue on Moscow past the Barrows Road cutoff until you find Nebraska Valley Road on the right (just past the intersection with the Trapp Hill road on the right.) It’s going to be about four miles until you reach the Lake Mansfield Trout Club.

Lake Mansfield Trout Club Parking

There is a clearly designated area to park close enough to the Lodge to capture the picture on the left. There is also a clearly marked entrance to the one hiking trail. The first half mile runs parallel to Lake Mansfield and occasionally opens onto the lake. Once you have passed the lake you continue on the Lake Mansfield Trail heading north-north-west for more than a mile to reach Taylor Lodge. Just before you reach the lodge you will find a small, lovely waterfall.

The trail is relatively narrow but despite tree roots and the usual array of sleeping rocks it is entirely navigable. The surroundings are classic, unspoiled Vermont.

Classic, unspoiled Vermont

The lodge in is at the intersection of the Lake Mansfield Trail, the Long Trail, and the Clara Bow Trail. Total elevation gain is about 500 – 600 feet; manageable since it has over a mile to work with. Taylor Lodge is in the midst of the Mount Mansfield State forest, and the only way home is to backtrack the way you came.

Hiking at Little River State Park

Waterbury Reservoir and Dam

In the early 1800s, pioneers cleared fields, rocks, and stumps in the Ricker Basin and Cotton Brook. A settlement of 50 or so families once lived in this area. For about 130 years this was a thriving community of farms, sawmills, churches, schools, creameries and taverns. Gradually, the demands of the land and weather forced younger generations to abandon the farms. On November 3-4, 1927, torrential rains caused massive flooding, property destruction and loss of life throughout Vermont. A second flood in 1934 inundated Waterbury; this spurred the construction of Waterbury Dam. Between 1935 and 1938 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, constructed the 180 acre Waterbury Reservoir (pictured below) which runs adjacent to the Little River State Park. The CCC camp here was a fully operating, thriving community with more than 80 buildings, and housing 2,000 men at its peak.

Today, cemeteries, sawmill remains, old town roads, bridges and many cellar holes can still be seen as evidence of past communities. Hiking trails abound and each finds another piece of the history – both a trip through the beauty of Vermont and its history. There are a total of 26 miles of different trails within the Little River State Park.

Stevenson Brook Trail

These shots were taken along the Stevenson Brook Trail which runs for about 2.5 miles. The Stevenson Brook runs down the eastern slope of Ricker Mountain and takes thousands of gallons of snowmelt in Spring resulting in currents strong enough to move all but the largest boulders.

Hiking the Hell Brook Trail

The Hell Brook trail (also called the Mansfield Trail) is a fun and challenging route to ‘The Chin’ of Mount Mansfield (The Summit). This is the shortest and steepest but also most technically difficult route to the summit. It is generally considered one of the most challenging hikes in the state. The trail is mostly large rocks and is usually wet. This route is considerably less busy than the popular Long Trail, which also makes it nice.

From Stowe village take Rt 108 north 8.4 miles. On the left side of the road look for the brown “Long Trail” signs and the 2″X6″ blue blazes marking the Hel Brook trail. Park in the Big Spring parking area.

Right from the start you experience a daunting grade that will keep you breathing a bit faster as you begin to climb. It is not unusual to find wet conditions – mud and running water – so waterproof footware is essential. Moisture makes climbing more difficult, since Hell Brook is known for challenging rock climbs that require using all parts of your body. Expect to show some badges of courage (scratches, gashes, etc.) from this climb. The pace of difficulty is unrelenting with hand-over-foot scrambles, and especially when you encounter alpine streams raining down on you. The last climb to the chin is difficult and technical. Lots of rocks and many opportunities such that you are near exhaustion – and as a result — heightened danger. It’s not called “Hell Brook” for nothing! Views are impressive from the top, but wind and lower temps (10 to 15 degrees) are another danger. Bring an extra cover to ward off hypothermia.

The Green Mountain Club does NOT recommend descending back the way you came. Too wet and too dangerous. Hell Brook ends at the intersection with the Long Trail and that is the way down. When you reach Rt 108, head north until you reach the Big Spring parking area (this will be the easiest portion of your hike).

Total distance = 3.6 miles

Time for the climb = 4 hours

Climb = 2590 feet – the steepest vertical climb on the Long Trail.

Difficulty = Very hard. Do not undertake this climb alone.

Looking for other adventures in Stowe Vermont?

Come…experience unexpected celebrations of life together. See more…

The Stowe British Invasion is celebrating its 28th year this September 2018

The Stowe British Invasion annual event takes place on the Stowe Events Field, only a 6-minute drive from Stone Hill Inn. This full weekend event features driving tours, receptions and dinners, a Stowe Main Street Party, and on the big day Judging and Competitions, British Car Corral, and of course, the British Classic Motor Car Show itself. Learn more about the Stowe British Invasion event schedule.

This favorite annual Stowe event has grown to become the largest All British Motorcar Show and Lifestyle Event in the Eastern United States. Typically between 600 and 650 British Motorcars from the USA and Canada participate.

To the sounds of British Invasion Music, fun and playfulness abound. Registrants, Guests and the General are encouraged and awarded for dressing in British Attire (there are “Incognito Judges” canvassing the grounds searching for those worthy of this great recognition!)  There’s even a “Queen” who holds court and promotes the Ladies Hat Competition.

2018 Dates: September 14 – 16

British Invasion Admission:
Adult General Admission (2-day pass): $15
Adult General Admission (Sunday only): $10
Child General Admission (under age 12): Free
Parking proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society

British Invasion Car Show Hours:
9am to 5 pm Saturday; 9am to 3pm Sunday

“Invaders” — Welcome to Stowe; we look forward to hosting you.

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Photo Credit: British Invasion. British Invasion is a registered trademark of British Invasion, Inc. All rights reserved.

A leaf-peeping trip to Vermont isn’t complete without a beautiful fall foliage drive through the New England countryside.

We recommend this 60-mile Stowe and Northern Mountains Loop fall foliage drive to guests staying at our award-winning Stowe Bed and Breakfast.

This drive starts and ends in Stowe, Vermont — the #1 ranked fall foliage leaf peeping destination in the entire United States, according to TripAdvisor. Stowe in the fall is incredibly breathtaking!

For a unique view of Vermont’s Green mountains, consider taking a gondola sky ride or hot air balloon trip. Both indulgences provide aerial views of fall foliage in Vermont that you won’t soon forget.

This fall foliage driving trip guides you by two of Stowe’s favorite waterfalls, Moss Glen Falls (also one of our guest room’s namesake) and Bingham Falls. We suggest jumping out at each waterfall and taking photos, enjoying a picnic, or taking a brisk fall hike.  This Vermont fall foliage drive also passes Lake Elmore State Park, which features a beautiful Vermont mountain lake.

With classic images of Vermont’s Green Mountains around every twist and turn, this enchanting fall foliage drive delights locals and visitors alike.

Explore this featured Vermont Fall Foliage Drive below

For the Adventurous – 5 Absolutely Breathtaking Stowe Vermont Hikes

Sometimes scenic drives just aren’t enough to get your fall foliage fix – especially when on a daily basis you’re surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life. In those cases, we recommend taking off and enjoying the beauty of one of these five spectacular hikes:

• Ranch Brook & Burt Trail
• Sterling Pond
• Lake Mansfield Trout Club
• Little River State Park
• Hell Brook Trail

Vermont Scenic Drives

For even more scenic Fall Drives in Vermont, explore Visit Vermont’s road trip guide.

Leaf Season: From early September through late October

During leaf season, visitors to Stowe delight in the pure gold, orange, and red hues of our fall foliage while enjoying many fun autumn events. For over 100 years, guests have traveled to Stowe to marvel at our New England mountain vistas and brilliant colors. We hope that you decide to make the trek to our beloved Green Mountain State this fall. It will exceed your expectations!

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The Stone Hill Inn is excited to be a destination in this year’s Gardens of Stowe event.

The Gardens of Stowe annual event is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.

The Gardens of Stowe special summer event is a self-guided tour that immerses participants in Stowe’s most beautiful gardens. Guests pick up their tour maps at JCOGS and then spend the afternoon enjoying approximately one dozen private gardens in Stowe, Vermont.

This enchanting event closes with a tented, finger-food catered reception; a gardening talk by VPR’s Master Gardener, Charlie Nardozzi; a floral arranging demo by Bramble + Bloom; and a silent auction. It’s truly a gardener’s dream way to spend a day!

Tickets for the 2018 Gardens of Stowe event, presented by Stowe Reporter in partnership with JCOGS, are available for online purchase. Pre-purchase for $20 + Eventbrite fee or purchase at-the-door for $25.

Registration and Reception for the Gardens of Stowe event are at JCOGS (1189 Cape Cod Rd, Stowe, VT 05672).

Learn more about this Stowe Vibrancy event on Facebook.

Local? We look forward to hosting you during the Gardens of Stowe summer event.

Create your own garden-centric Stowe Staycation by adding a stay at the Stone Hill Inn to your weekend plans. Last-minute? If you’re booking within 24 hours of your stay, we might have a local Stowe resident discount available.

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Our guests love our backyard garden!!!

Take a look at some of our favorite recent reviews

Look no further!!! This Inn checks all the boxes (waterfall included!) Our room had a two sided fireplace with one side in the bathroom (right next to the Jacuzzi tub!), clean, warm room with the most amazing view of the backyard which has by far the most amazing water feature I’ve ever seen in Stowe!
TripAdvisor Review from Burlington VT, April 2017

Loved this Place!!! Stone Hill Inn came highly recommended and it was a truly fantastic place to stay! The hidden setting is surrounded by beautiful country gardens, but it’s close to everything in Stowe.
TripAdvisor Review from Dallas Texas, November 2017

Some of our favorite Garden photos!

Get your tickets now and book your stay to enjoy our beautiful gardens, even more!

Call us to book your Stowe Staycation today (802) 253-6282 or book online. Romance is always in season!

March 14, 2018

Looking for Stowe Mountain Lodging?

Stone Hill Inn is a couples-only Stowe lodging option for your spring Vermont skiing getaway. Located nine minutes from skiing and six minutes from downtown Stowe, we’re the perfect retreat to get-away and relax after exciting days out in the snow.

AMAZING STAY IN STOWE! The Inn is welcoming, warm and beautiful, the breakfasts were amazing, the location is perfect. We will most certainly return to this little slice of heaven!!! TripAdvisor Review March 2018

Breakfast in a Snow Globe

Breakfast is obviously a favorite at Stone Hill Inn. Guests comment that eating breakfast with fresh falling snow is like eating in a snow globe. We agree!

Our dining room features 14′ ceilings, 40 windows and individual tables for each guest room. Fresh fruit, home baked breads, muffins, and coffee cakes, gluten free options, homemade granola and yogurt. That’s just the start. The eggs are always fresh; the syrup (Grade A: Med Amber) is always warmed. Sunshine, snow, coffee and delicious breakfast aromas announce the beginning of the day.

**Don’t let diet restrictions keep you from enjoying time away and our lovely Stowe bed and breakfast. We’re happy to make your stay perfect in every way we can. With advanced notice, we are able to prepare AIP friendly meals, as well as meet restrictions for Paleo, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Pescatarian diets.

Perfect Winter Getaway! The inn is a quiet and peaceful place to stay, unlike the huge resorts, yet still right in the heart of Stowe. Fantastic gourmet breakfasts, freshly baked cookies everyday, local recommendations, and excellent conversation. We look forward to returning! TripAdvisor Review April 2018

Stowe is one of the WORLD’S Best Ski Towns for Foodies

Fodor’s Travel named Stowe, Vermont #2 in a round-up of the World’s Top 10 Ski Towns for Foodies. You’ll have to go to France, to do better! Yum!!!

Check out our favorite Top Restaurants in Stowe.

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Stowe is now EPIC (EPIC Season Pass)

Stowe has always been a mecca for winter sports and this year, it got even better! Stowe Mountain became part of the EPIC Pass. With the purchase of an EPIC SEASON PASS, you receive unlimited access in Colorado: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin; Utah: Park City; California: Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood; Canada: Whistler Blackcomb; Vermont: Stowe; Illinois: Wilmot; Minnesota: Afton Alps; Michigan: Mt. Brighton and for the 2019 ski season:Perisher in Australia.

Incredible Experience! Stayed at the Stowe Mountain Resort for two nights and Stonehill Inn for two. Stonehill Inn exceeded all expectations and is a far better option than the ski resort. The guest rooms were impeccable and well designed while the service and amenities were exceptional. Conveniently located with easy access to skiing and hiking and the best breakfast you will ever experience. Kristie and Todd go all out to ensure your stay is a memorable one. I will not stay anywhere else in Stowe and can’t wait to come back! TripAdvisor Review April 2018

 

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Spring Skiing at Mt. Mansfield & Spruce Peak

Photo Credit: Stowe Mountain Resort

Spring skiing conditions in Stowe are often unmatched. Case in point, just this week we received 12 inches of fresh powder!

Enjoy end of season mountain events like the Annual 80’s Retro Weekend (Saturday, March 24, 2018). Dress in your best 80’s gear and hit the slopes for a fun-filled retro weekend.

Lovely Inn. Get away weekend to ski and found Stone Hill Inn from great reviews they received. We were looking for quaint bed and breakfast and found the perfect place. — TripAdvisor Review March 2018

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Stowe Mountain Lodging, Award-Winning B&B

Stone Hill Inn is the perfect Stowe mountain lodging choice for hitting the mountain and then retreating to quiet, luxury. There’s a reason Yankee Magazine voted us “Best Romantic Getaway in New England.” Book your Spring stay today and find out for yourself. We know you won’t be disappointed!

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We look forward to hosting you at the Stone Hill Inn.

Call us to book your romantic getaway today (802) 253-6282 or book online. Romance is always in season!