Located at the doorstep of Mount Mansfield, Stowe is as beloved for snowy winter sports as colorful fall foliage. Besides outdoor recreation, this fan-favorite Vermont town has charming architecture, locally driven eateries, and a spate of quaint lodgings.
The newest accommodation to open its doors in the area, Outbound Stowe, which falls squarely into the “Affordable & Adorable” category, is the ideal basecamp for exploration — whether your definition of adventure involves swooshing down slopes, cycling through the forests or scouring antique shops for an early 1900s apothecary chest.
In many ways, the property looks like a mashup of a retro roadside motel and modern lodge. The evergreen paint job fits in perfectly with the Green Mountain State color palette. The vibe is casual and easygoing. It’s the sort of place you could just as easily bring kids as a crew of outdoorsy pals (furry friends are welcome, too). Perched along the main street and with ample parking, the hotel would also make a great road trip pitstop.
The reception doubles as a spot to hang out with sofas, a fireplace, and board games. It’s also home to a little shop stocked with locally made products such as Sherry’s of Vermont homemade oat bars, Runamok maple syrup, and Shār trail mix. Don’t forget to check the board for the weekly activity lineup, which ranges from poolside yoga to live music.
The amenities recall summer camp. You’ll find a swimming pool, picnic tables, yard games, and fire pits for sitting around, trading stories, and toasting s’mores. For beverages and bites, Eastside Bar & Grill offers craft cocktails, local beer, and wine as well as elevated pub fare (think: burgers, chicken fingers, and crispy fries). Maple hour syrup tastings are a nice only-in-Vermont touch.
When it’s time to hit the hay, guests can choose between cozy rooms and cabins. The latter category channels the spirit of glamping but with contemporary comforts like kitchenettes, en-suite bathrooms, comfy platform beds, and living rooms featuring low-slung furnishing and A-frame windows that look out on the leafy grounds — including a huge tree-framed lawn, catch-and-release pond, and direct access to the Stowe Recreational Path.
Top Takeaways
Location: Stowe, Vermont
Address: 876 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Rating: Three-star
The Vibe: Modern outdoor lodge for fun-loving, no-fuss nature lovers.
Food + Drink: 1 bar/restaurant
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: With leafy grounds, forest-view cabins, and direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, the property puts nature within easy reach.
Amenities: pool; hot tub; bar/restaurant; fire pits; yard games; weekly activities; free parking; discounted day passes to DayHaus (co-working space)
What’s Nearby? Outbound Stowe backs up to the Stowe Recreation Path and is steps from Cady Hill Forest, a well-known hiking area. And it’s an easy 20-minute walk to downtown Stowe.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Get your AM caffeine fix at Woodland Baking and Coffee. Be sure to grab a breakfast burrito and a sampling of the best baked goods in town. For a sit-down morning meal, join the diners queueing up for omelets, house-made sausage, and biscuits outside Butler’s Pantry. For dinner, American Flatbread serves crispy wood-fired pizza and friendly service. Plus, it’s just down the road from Outbound Stowe.
Rooms: 73 rooms, including 8 suites and 13 cabins
Pricing: Rates start at $209/night
Closest Airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
