Stowe

Travelers' Takes

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Things to see within an hour's drive of Stowe

A May 2004 trip to Stowe by Tenia

Double Lane EndsMore Photos

Some favorites places to visit in and around Stowe include Smuggler's Notch Pass, Burlington Church Street for shopping and ECHO at the Leahy Center, the Shelburne Museum, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and, of course, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory.

  • 7 reviews
  • 9 photos

ECHO at the Leahy CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Water Ways
This is a science center and lake aquarium on the Burlington waterfront. It's right beside the Ethan Allan III. There are 20 aquatic habitats with 2,000 live animals and 100 hands-on interactive exhibits. There were fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The changing exhibit was of birds of prey while we were there.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Tenia on May 30, 2004

ECHO at the Leahy Center
One College Street Stowe, Vermont 05401
(802) 864-1848

Shelburne MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bring your walking shoes, as it's a huge 45 acre museum with multiple buildings and exhibits and great gardens. Not to be missed is the 220 foot steamboat Ticonderoga. There were 25 historic structures, including a general store, covered bridge, and a lighthouse. The kids' favorite was the circus exhibit including a 500-foot circus parade and the 1920 carousel. There were also quite a few interactive exhibits. American folk art, fine art, Impressionist paintings, and even textile arts were all represented. It was $18 for adults and $9 for kids.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory is just across the street and with $2 admission for adults (kids are free), it's worth the stop if you're in the area.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Tenia on May 30, 2004

Shelburne Museum
5555 Shelburne Rd Shelburne, Vermont 05482
(802) 985-3346

Vermont Teddy Bear FactoryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Factory Floor
If you can, come before 1pm while the factory is in operation. The tour guides are very entertaining with a dry wit of bear humour that entertains both the kids and the adults. The teddy bear hospital and Doctor Helen, who explained how the bears in residence were hurt and how they are repaired, were also popular with the kids.

The Bear Ambassadors that help the kids and adults make their own bears are great at helping them put in wishes and hearts and speaking to them directly about caring for their new friends. The birth certificates are cute, as are the boxes with air holes and a treat for the bear in case they get hungry.

This is just about across the street from the Shelburne Museum so combining the two stops is easy.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Tenia on May 30, 2004

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
6655 Shelburne Road Shelburne 05482
(802) 985-3001

Ben & Jerry'sBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tours"

Try to come during the week when the factory is in operation. The story of how Ben and Jerry got started with a $5 correspondence course and an open book exam is quite funny. The tour is full of humourous stories related to the company and its founders.

The tasters at the end of the tour were quite popular. Of course, you have to have ice cream at the end of the tour. My favorite was the Chunky Monkey, although my favorite name had to be the Chubby Hubby. If you are in the area, there is a great stop at a combination shopping area with specialty shops of teddy bears, cheese, and chocolate on the right just before Ben and Jerry's coming from Stowe. Also worth stopping in at is Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Tenia on May 30, 2004

Ben & Jerry's
Route 100 Stowe, Vermont 05676
(802) 882-1240 x2264

Smuggler's Notch PassBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Double Lane Ends
This is an amazing road that narrows, and narrows, then narrows some more. At one point, you're on the road going through two very large rocks and you just hold your breath, hoping no one is coming toward you. When they say new drivers should not take this road, it’s with good reason. The trees actually make an arch over the road that is very beautiful. The paths can be slippery when wet, especially over some of the rocks, so good footwear is essential. Since you are up so high, bring lots of water to drink when hiking.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Tenia on May 30, 2004

Smuggler's Notch Pass
Between Jeffersonville and Stowe Stowe, Vermont

A Special PlaceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

A collection of shops that feature the finest Vermont has to offer. The Cabot Annex Store is all about cheese. There are great samples to be had. Also featured is the Lake Champlain Chocolates. There are not as many free samples, but the smell of chocolate is still great. The Vermont Teddy Bear Store lets you make your own teddy bears (if you have the time, it's worth going to the factory and taking the tour). If you are going to Shelburne, plan on also visiting the Shelburne Museum, which is virtually across the street from the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. Also featured at the Special Place is the Snow Farm Vineyard, Mesa Home Factory Store, and Rockin' R Vermont T-Shirts and Gifts. Close by is Vermont Clay Studio and Ziemke Glass Blowing Studio. Of course, just down the street is Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, which is also not to be missed.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Tenia on May 31, 2004

A Special Place
2653 Waterbury-Stowe Road Stowe, Vermont 05677
(802) 244-6334

Von Trapp Family LodgeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Gardens
Located above the town of Stowe, there are great panoramic views of the valley. The gardens throughout the grounds are wonderful to walk around and there is a path to the family burial site if you are interested. The buildings and grounds have a very Austrian feel that translates to great food in both the bakery (whichclosed at 1pmm so go early in the day) and the restaurant. The store on-site featured all things Vermont and Austrian, including some great Austrian sweaters. I was even able to get a crest for my walking cane.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Tenia on May 31, 2004

Von Trapp Family Lodge
700 Trapp Hill Road Stowe, Vermont 05672
(802) 253-8511

About the Writer

Tenia
Tenia
Rothesay, New Brunswick

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