The past few weeks have been straight up stressful. We completed Part 1 of IVF (the egg retrieval phase), and with it came a lot of shots, hormones, and emotions. I felt really great throughout the entire process, but after it was over, I was in a bit of a funk. Jonathan suggested we go away for the weekend and mentioned Vermont. He has a running list of hotels across the US that he hopes to someday visit, so he referenced that list and said, “let’s go to Edson Hill”. And two days later, we were on our way to Vermont. I think he knew that I needed to plan something… and have something to look forward to that didn’t involve staying home, going to doctors appointments, and working.

This was our first “Covid trip”, and I was a little apprehensive before booking. Thankfully, Edson Hill took every precaution possible to make us feel extremely safe. Only 6 out of the 12 guest rooms were booked, and they called us prior to confirming our reservation to ask if it would be OK if they moved our rooms so we would be further away from other booked rooms in order to have as much social distancing as possible (loved that!) In addition, we had to make reservations for breakfast (to make sure we all came at different times), masks were to be worn when walking around the property. They also didn’t have anyone come into our room — so no daily cleaning (but they sent fresh towels, waters, and sheets, if needed daily). On multiple occasions, it felt like were the only people staying there. With over 38 acres, and endless outdoor activities, it was the perfect place to test the waters of traveling again. Additionally, prior to visiting Vermont, you must quarantine for 14 days if you’re coming from NY. Thankfully, we had already been doing so (and I had to take a Covid test for IVF which was negative, so we were in the clear!)

Okay, now for the fun stuff! Here’s what we did, where we ate, and what I would recommend for your weekend away in Stowe, Vermont….

3-DAY STOWE, VERMONT ITINERARY

FRIDAY

Breakfast at Edson Hill (it’s complimentary and delicious, so why not?!)

Enjoy the property! Relax at the pool, take a swim or canoe on the lake, go for a walk, check out the gardens, and say hello to the horses.

Rent bikes and enjoy the Stowe Bike Trail. It goes right through town and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for drinks and food along the way (including Idletyme Brewery, which we really enjoyed!) Make sure to also stop by The Alchemist for their famous Heddy Topper! They’re currently closed due to Covid, but you can drive through and pick up a 4-pack to go!

Head back to the hotel to relax and freshen up

Grab drinks on the adirondack chairs overlooking the pool, lake, and mountains before dinner at Edson Hill. Trust me, you’ll want to make a dinner reservation here — the food was incredible. This was also our first meal “out” since March! Highly recommend the Burrata Panzanella Salad and Shrimp Cavatelli. Here’s the full menu!

If you’re lucky, you may even see a bear (or two) in the distance. They usually come out around dusk and are known to hang near the property here.

SATURDAY

Breakfast at Edson Hill, or you can check out Cafe on Main or Green Goddess which both came highly recommended for breakfast in town

Go for a beautiful hike on one of the nearby mountains. Mount Mansfield has the best views, but it’s also the most challenging. We opted for Stowe Pinnacle Trail, which is extremely steep on the way up, but after a short 2 miles you’ll be rewarded with incredible views (and two adorable golden retrievers “live” on the trail and will hike some of it with you!)

Afterwards, head into town, wander through the shops and grab a light bite at Camp Ranch or Plate

Head to hotel for a quick swim and freshen up

Dinner at Hen of the Wood in nearby Waterbury

If you’re still hungry afterwards, stop by the Ben & Jerry’s Factory for some after dinner ice cream (the factory is currently closed because of covid, but you can still grab a cone to go!)

SUNDAY

Breakfast on the Property at Edson Hill

Check out the Stowe Farmer’s Market

If you’re into hiking (like we are!), I’d highly recommend the Sterling Pond Trail (wear your hiking boots and bring your swimsuit!) Once you get to the top, there are a few remote “beaches” where you can throw down a picnic blanket, have some lunch, and go for a dip in the water. (Pick up sandwiches for your picnic lunch at Edelweiss Mountain Deli or The Butchery prior to your hike.) Plus, Sterling Pond is located within Smugglers’ Notch State Park so you’re in for a treat. The drive to this trail is very beautiful (and a bit scary)!

If you’d prefer to do something different, I’d recommend checking out the nearby town, Burlington, which I heard from multiple friends was a must-do. You could also check out kayaking, canoeing, or swimming in one of the nearby lakes or reservoirs.

Dinner in town at The Bench

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

FOOD: Plate, Michaels on the Hill, Green Goddess, Cafe on Main, The Bench, Edelweiss Mountain Deli, The Butchery, Camp Ranch, Hen of the Wood, and Butler’s Pantry

SWEETS: Stowe Bee Bakery, Stowe Sweets, and Ben & Jerry’s

BREWERIES: The Alchemist, Idletyme Brewing Company, Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall, and Prohibition Pig

HIKES: Mount Mansfield (Long Trail, Hell Brook Trail, Haselton Trail, & Profanity Trail), Stowe Pinnacle Trail, Sunset Rock Trail, and Sterling Pond Hike. Also, check out this Complete Hiking Guide for more information.

WATERFALLS: Moss Glen Falls, Bingham Falls, and Bolton Pothole. Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls are also short hikes, so you’ll be rewarded at the end with beautiful waterfalls (and a chance to go for a swim if it’s a hot day!)

WATER ACTIVITIES: Lake Elmore, Sterling Pond, Lake Mansfield, Waterbury Reservoir, Green River Reservoir, Lamoille and Winooski River. Rentals and guided tours for paddlers of all levels available from AJ's Ski & Sports, Berts Boats, Pinnacle Ski & Sports, Vermont Canoe & Kayak and Umiak Outdoor Outfitters.

OTHER THINGS TO DO: Sunday Morning Farmers Market. Visit towns nearby (Burlington is supposed to be really cute!), Drive through Smugglers’ Notch State Park and/or Auto Toll Road, Bike or Walk the Stowe Bike Trail, and Soar to the top of Mount Mansfield on the Gondola SkyRide

3 days in Stowe, Vermont