Stowe, Vermont, is a picturesque town in New England, known for its stunning landscapes, charming small-town atmosphere, and vibrant fall colors. Every year, as the summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, Stowe transforms into a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty. This year, New England had a record amount of rainfall, so our foliage trip this time was slightly different from other years. The leaves fell quicker, and the colors were more muted than previous years, but it was still a worthwhile experience. Just being up there and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Stowe is a treat for the senses, regardless of the weather conditions. We opted to stay at the TÄLTA LODGE, A BLUEBIRD BY LARK, a cozy boutique hotel in Stowe’s heart. The property offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, with spacious rooms featuring comfortable beds, stunning mountain views, and amenities like outdoor fireplaces and soaking tubs. If you are an avid mountain biker, the lodge offers a bike station to tune up your ride before hitting the trails.
Our two-day adventure began with a scenic drive up from Massachusetts, taking in the changing colors of the foliage along the way. Although there was some construction along the route this year, the traffic was minimal, allowing us to fully enjoy the journey. Our first stop was Burlington, Vermont, where we explored the vibrant downtown area and indulged in delicious local cuisine. It had been years before I had visited Burlington, and I was pleasantly surprised by how crowded the streets were with locals and tourists. It was very comforting to see that after Covid, wonderful places like these are coming back to life.
We also made sure to visit at least one Brewery; we decided on the renowned Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, known for its exceptional craft beers and laid-back atmosphere. When you enter the brewery, you are greeted with the aroma of hops and the buzz of conversation. The brewery is designed as a spacious, industrial-chic space with large communal tables and a bustling bar while keeping a homey feel. The exposed brick walls and dimly lit ambiance create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cold pint of their famous Green State Lager or trying one of their seasonal specialties. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and are happy to recommend beers based on your preferences. After enjoying our time in Burlington, we made our way to Stowe. Stowe is a quaint and picturesque town in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The town is known for its charming New England architecture, vibrant arts scene, and world-class outdoor recreational opportunities.
I was shocked by the traffic on the roads as we entered Stowe. I had never been and did not realize that the roads are often busy during fall foliage season. It runs on 2 traffic lanes that easily become congested with visitors eager to experience the beauty of the changing leaves. Many attractions and activities require planning and patience to navigate the town. Another lesson we learned was to make or plan food stops in advance, as many of the popular restaurants and cafes were quite crowded during this peak season. During Covid, Stowe lost some eating options due to restrictions and closures, so it’s essential to plan ahead and make reservations if needed. Eventually, we found a sushi place called Sushi Yoshi that had availability and a 45-minute wait, so we decided to try it out. While you wait, you can grab a drink at the bar; if you have a smaller party, you can eat and order at the bar as seating becomes available. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of sushi at Sushi Yoshi. Once you get to your seat, the service is efficient and friendly, and the sushi rolls are beautifully presented and incredibly fresh. The staff made the longer wait time worth it with their attentive and friendly service.
After satisfying our hunger at Sushi Yoshi, we headed to our accommodation for the next two nights at TÄLTA LODGE, A BLUEBIRD BY LARK. Located just a short drive from the center of Stowe, TÄLTA LODGE offers a serene and luxurious retreat amidst the natural beauty of Vermont. The most striking part of the lodge is its contemporary design that seamlessly blends with the surrounding picturesque landscape. My favorite part of the property is the stunning and spacious back, where there is access to the water. The “backyard” includes a hot tub, swings by the water, and fire pits with outdoor sofas and hammocks. It was the perfect spot to unwind and take in the fall foliage.
Each room that faces the back has its own private balcony or patio, allowing guests to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the outdoors at their own leisure. Seating for 2 is available on each terrace, providing a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while enjoying the breathtaking views. I pull the small acrylic table out of the room to use outside. During our stay at TÄLTA LODGE, we were fortunate to experience some of the most vibrant fall foliage Stowe offers. The colors of the leaves ranged from deep reds to vivid oranges and golden yellows, creating a stunning tapestry of hues. The lodge is a perfect vantage point to admire the foliage, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer panoramic views of the surrounding forests.
The hotel’s indoor area features a fireplace, workspaces, and a cozy seating area. Guests can gather around the fireplace on chilly autumn evenings, sipping on a hot cup of cocoa or enjoying a glass of wine from the nearby bar or whatever is on tap at the desk. They also feature coffee that is free for guests; it normally features a seasonal flavor. They also offer different milks and sweeteners to cater to many dietary needs. The front lobby also features a small gift shop and a small convenience store for guests to purchase from. The lodge offers complimentary WiFi throughout the property, so you can stay connected and share your beautiful fall foliage photos with friends and family. An indoor stretching room is attached to the indoor pool for guests’ use.
One of the highlights of our two-day stay in Stowe was our spa day at Spruce Peak. Spruce Peak is known for its world-class spa, which offers a wide range of treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and the mind. Upon driving up to the spa, we were immediately impressed by its stunning and serene surroundings. When you have a spa appointment, drive your car to the main door and let the valet know, as it is complimentary for spa guests. The spa itself is a haven of relaxation and tranquility. When you get to the front door, take the right and follow the hallway all the down, and the spa will be on the left. The interior is decorated with natural elements like wood and stone, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Once you enter, the staff greet you warmly and provide you with a plush robe and slippers.
The spa offers various services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services. Plan your spa day in advance to ensure availability, as the spa can get quite busy during peak season. We opted for 3 services, as you will get a 20% discount when you book multiple treatments.
I chose the following (in this order for my time block):
- 50min Balancing Hand, Scalp and Foot Ritual
- 50min Custom Facial
- 50min Tranquility Hot Oil Wrap
Although I loved each service, the Tranquility Hot Oil Wrap stands out. My therapist began by applying warm, fragrant oils to my body and then wrapped me in a cozy cocoon of blankets. As I lay there, the soothing heat from the blankets and the aromatic oils worked their magic, melting away any tension and leaving me completely relaxed and rejuvenated. The therapist also incorporated strong massage techniques, further enhancing the overall experience. The Balancing Hand, Scalp, and Foot Ritual was another favorite of mine. My therapist used a combination of gentle massage and pressure-point techniques to release any tension in my hands, scalp, and feet. The result was pure bliss, as I felt the stress and tightness melt away from those areas. It was an excellent prequel for my Custom Facial, tailored to my skincare needs. The therapist applied a series of cleansers, exfoliants, and masks to cleanse and nourish my skin. After the facial, my skin was soft and silky, with a healthy glow lasting for days.
After my spa treatments and in between, I indulged in some relaxation in the spa’s amenities. I spent some time soaking in the warm waters of the hot tub, enjoying the soothing heat and tranquility. Make sure you stay hydrated; the spa does a fantastic job at providing refreshing infused water and herbal teas throughout your visit. The spa also features 2 saunas: one is a wet one that uses fresh eucalyptus and oils with the steam giving you a detoxifying and invigorating experience, and the other is a dry sauna with salt underneath the seats, which promotes relaxation and helps release toxins from the body. With either sauna, do bring liquids inside to help you stay hydrated. Next time, I will bring my own water bottle for ease of use during my spa treatments. Another side note on the dry spa is to wrap your hair in a little conditioner and tie it back to protect it from the salt/heat. When I first did my routine inside, I did not do that, and my hair was very dry, so I wanted to warn you before you make the same mistake. While you enjoy the wet sauna, I encourage you to try the salt scrub they offer before going inside, as it helps prepare you to fully relax and detoxify your body inside the sauna.
As you make your way upstairs to the relaxation lounge, you’ll find a serene space with comfortable chairs and soft lighting. Many chairs face Spruce Peak Mountain, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding fall foliage. You can order food from the phone that caters to spa guests; they also have a few beverage options for you to enjoy while you wait for your turn-in services. As I gazed out at the stunning colors of orange, red, and yellow, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment; I honestly fell asleep just by being surrounded by such natural beauty and relaxing for once. The lounge will be your meeting place for your spa services; the therapists will call for you there as well as drop you off after your session is done.
After spending all day at the Spruce Spa, we did not want to head back into town for dinner and decided to dine at the Alpine Hall. The food is so good, that we opted for the burger, mushroom pasta, cheese platter, beets, and 2 ciders. The staff was very pressed as I think they were low on help, so our waitress was scrambling to serve everyone in her section. However, the food itself was delicious and well worth the wait. I urge you to try the mushroom pasta dish, as it was a standout and packed with incredible flavor.
Afterward, we decided to walk around the Spruce Peak Village and take in the sights. We also ate far too much and had to walk around before driving back to our lodge. What an incredible place it is! Everything is picturesque and charming, with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and beautiful architecture. The village offers tons of fire pits and seating for you and your friends to catch up and enjoy the crisp fall weather. There are also a few shops for souvenirs, ski gear, hiking gear, and local crafts, perfect for picking up a reminder of your time in Stowe. There are also some light food options and a wine store for those looking to grab a snack or a bottle of wine to enjoy back at their accommodations.
Stowe is still recovering from the aftermath of COVID-19, so I hope anyone planning a visit there, please go with patience and understanding. All the businesses and shops are doing their best to provide visitors with a fast and enjoyable experience.
Whenever you get a chance, whether it’s for fall foliage, ski season, or a relaxing spa day, you consider Stowe, Vermont, as your destination.
Happy and Safe Travels!
<3 Ann