The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Stowe, Vermont: 2026

There’s something about fall in Stowe that never gets old. The mountains begin to change, mornings get a little crisper, and suddenly weekends fill up with foliage drives, cider donuts, long walks, and all the seasonal traditions that make autumn in Vermont so special.

Whether you live here year-round, are spending the season in Stowe, or are planning a fall getaway, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to eat, explore, and experience around Stowe this fall.

Farms, Orchards & Classic Fall Stops

No Vermont fall is complete without apples, cider donuts, and at least one trip through a corn maze.

Percy Farm Corn Maze is one of the easiest ways to add a little fall fun to a day in Stowe. Located along Mountain Road and accessible from the Stowe Recreation Path, the maze takes roughly 30–40 minutes to complete and comes with a pretty unbeatable Mount Mansfield backdrop. Percy Farm Corn Maze

Just down Route 100 in Waterbury Center, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is practically a fall rite of passage. Stop for fresh cider, watch cider being made, browse Vermont-made goods, and — most importantly — grab a warm cider donut (or a few). Their famous cider donuts are made fresh every day. Cold Hollow Cider Mill

For apple picking, Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot makes a great fall day trip. The orchard is participating in Vermont’s 2026 Apple Days and offers pick-your-own apples along with plenty of classic orchard atmosphere.

Cozy Coffee Stops

A cool Stowe morning calls for something warm in your hands, and there are plenty of good options around town.

Start in Stowe Village at Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, where the Vermont Maple Latte feels especially appropriate this time of year. Black Cap Coffee & Bakery

Over at The Roastery at Movement Coffee, try the Maple Custard Latte — one of the current specialty drinks on the café menu. The café and bakery are also entirely gluten-free. Movement Coffee

Stowe Bee Bakery & Café is another favorite for a cozy morning stop. Order the steamed apple cider and don't leave without checking the pastry case. Stowe Bee Bakery & Café

And at GiraKofi, a chai latte with maple is an easy fall order before heading out for the day. GiraKofi

Food Worth Leaving the House For

Fall food in Vermont deserves its own category.

At Cold Hollow Cider Mill, we're going back for the warm cider donuts. At Stowe Bee Bakery & Café, try a warm popover with honey butter. And for a sit-down breakfast, Butler’s Pantry is a Stowe favorite, with homemade biscuits and sausage gravy among its hearty breakfast options. Butler’s Pantry

If you're craving something savory after a day outside, head to von Trapp Brewing Bierhall for Austrian-inspired comfort food. A pretzel and cheddar lager soup paired with one of their lagers feels particularly fitting on a cool Vermont afternoon. von Trapp Brewing Bierhall

Where to See the Best Fall Color

You don't have to go far to find incredible foliage in Stowe.

For a classic scenic drive, head through Smugglers’ Notch along Route 108. The winding road between the cliffs is beautiful any time of year, but surrounded by fall color, it's one of the area's quintessential autumn experiences.

For something slower, walk or bike a section of the Stowe Recreation Path. The 5.3-mile path winds through meadows, woods, and along the West Branch of the Little River, with plenty of places to stop along the way.

Wiessner Woods is a quieter option for an easy walk beneath the changing canopy, while the Barnes Camp Boardwalk offers an accessible, short outing with beautiful views toward Mount Mansfield and Smugglers’ Notch.

Explore Stowe's fall foliage spots

Fall Date Night Ideas

Fall might be our favorite season for date night in Stowe.

For natural wine and a menu built around what's available from Vermont farms, grab dinner at Cork before taking an evening walk through the Village. Cork

Harrison’s Restaurant is another cozy Village option, especially once the temperatures start dropping. Harrison’s Restaurant

For something a little more casual, head to von Trapp Brewing Bierhall for lagers, pretzels, and mountain views, or catch an evening of live music over cider at Stowe Cider. Stowe Cider already has several live music dates scheduled for September and October 2026. Stowe Cider events

Fall 2026 Events to Put on Your Calendar

There are plenty of reasons to plan a weekend in Stowe this fall, but these are a few we're especially looking forward to:

British Invasion — September 18–20, 2026. The annual celebration of British motorcars returns to Stowe, including the Friday evening Block Party and weekend car show. British Invasion details

von Trapp Oktoberfest — September 19, 2026. The 17th annual celebration at von Trapp Brewing Bierhall brings Austrian music, food, lagers, steinholding competitions, and plenty of traditional Oktoberfest fun. 2026 von Trapp Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest at Idletyme — September 26, 2026. Another chance to celebrate Oktoberfest right on Mountain Road, with Festbiers and Bavarian-inspired food specials. Oktoberfest at Idletyme

Seasons at Stowe: Harvest Festival — October 17, 2026. Head to Stowe Mountain Resort for a free celebration of the season featuring live music, fall flavors, and family-friendly activities. 2026 Harvest Festival

Heady Trotter 4 Miler — October 18, 2026. The annual four-mile race starts and finishes at The Alchemist and pairs a fall run with live music, food trucks, lawn games, and plenty of post-race fun. 2026 Heady Trotter 4 Miler

Make the Most of Fall in Stowe

Peak foliage may get most of the attention, but some of the best parts of fall in Stowe are the simple ones: a quiet morning on the Rec Path, stopping for cider donuts on the way home, meeting friends for dinner in the Village, or taking the long way just because the foliage is too good not to.

It's one of the seasons that reminds us why we're lucky to call this corner of Vermont home.