How to make the most of 'stick season' in Stowe, Vermont

There are two seasons in Stowe, Vermont, that offer travelers fewer crowds and more quality time with Mother Nature: "mud season," the thaw between the end of ski season and the beginning of spring, and "stick season," the roughly six-week period between late October and the start of ski season in mid-December when branches are bare.

With roughly 750,000 visitors annually, the quaint 19th-century New England village is the East's most popular mountain resort, offering fall foliage, skiing and Mount Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Those willing to visit during "stick season" are rewarded with freedom to do what you want when you want. In the words of one local blogger, "more authentic Vermont experiences with more authentic Vermonters."

So make the roughly six-hour drive from Long Island or take an Amtrak train, The Vermonter, from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Waterbury-Stowe (starting at $104 round trip), sooner rather than later, to experience Stowe before the snow.

Nature trails to explore

Hike or bike along the 5.3-mile long paved Stowe Recreation Path that parallels the West Branch of the Little River, including the low-impact, Quiet Path extension (rentals available). Follow the boardwalk out to Moss Glen Falls (0.6 – 4.2 miles) or hike any number of trails in Wiessner Woods and Cady Hill Forest (no parking fee).

Things to do 

Watch apples being pressed and cider doughnuts being deep-fried at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill (and general store) in nearby Waterbury Center. Slightly farther down the road, take in the normally prohibitively popular 30-minute Ben & Jerry’s factory tour ($6). Afterward, stroll through their fanciful "Flavor Graveyard" (RIP Crème Brûlée and Fresh Georgia Peach) There are several free galleries in the area, including the Bryan Fine Art Gallery, The Current (contemporary) and Northward Gallery (local arts and crafts) and after Thanksgiving, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum ($5 donation suggested) housed in Stowe’s 1818 town hall.

And while most of the things that make Stowe the year-round crowd-pleaser will still be open, there are a few things that won't be, most notably the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort, the Mount Mansfield Toll Road, and the Smugglers' Notch Scenic Highway.

Where to shop 

Located throughout the pedestrian-friendly village and lining the roads in and out of town is a plethora of country stores (most notably Shaw’s General Store highlighting all things Vermont and Stowe Mercantile selling maple syrup, handmade fudge, housewares and more), clothing and gift shops, tasting rooms (cheese, chocolate and maple products) and local handicraft emporiums. Stick season shoppers often benefit from closeouts on summer clothing lines and get a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Relax at a spa 

If there’s one thing that stick season, with its naturally therapeutic downtime, is perfect for, it’s pampering yourself at one of Stowe’s renowned wellness centers — the Topnotch Resort and Spa (deep-tissue massage, botanical crush scrub and gentlemen's facial), the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa (heated indoor pool, sauna and squash and racquetball) and the one plus ultra Spa at Spruce Peak (yoga and fitness classes, salon and massages), all of which offer luxurious overnight accommodations. Prices will only be slightly lower than during high season.

Grab a bite

Among the most appreciated benefits of stick season is the ability to not only have your pick of Stowe’s restaurants, but also to do so at your convenience and leisure. Among the top-rated restaurants that will now be accessible are the Butler’s Pantry, featuring maple sausage, pancakesand French toast, all served — naturally — with real Vermont maple syrup; Harrison’s and Michael’s on the Hill, both featuring seasonally inspired game and seafood. For something continentally Alpine, check out the variety of fondus at Swiss Fondue By Heinz or the traditional Austrian specialties (brats and sauerkraut, pretzels and brews) at either the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort or Bierhalle (the lodge's biergarten).

Take a sip

Located along or just off Mountain Road are the Alchemist Beer Café, home of the nationally renowned Heady Topper Double IPA, Idletyme Brewery and Restaurant and Stowe Cider,  which serve beers and ciders and typically host live music on weekends. For unparalleled daytime views, make a beeline for the Von Trapp Bierhalle off Luce Hill Road, whose views of Mount Mansfield are even better in stick season.

Stay overnight 

 Travelers can expect to pay between 20% and 40% less than they would the rest of the year at most of the areas 200-plus accommodation options. (Some of the best deals can be had via third-party booking service.) Among the more tried and true choices in the center of town are the Stowe Village Inn (rooms starting at $128), the Green Mountain Inn (rooms starting at $189) and The Brass Lantern (rooms starting at $159). Heading up Mountain Road are the Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge (rooms starting at $133), the Gray Fox Inn (rooms starting at $150), and the set-back Timberholm Inn (rooms starting at $149). Off by itself is the iconic von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort (rooms starting at $317), currently celebrating its 75th anniversary.