Been maybe 3 years since we were last at Stowe and Von Trappe. My buddies wife is taking him up to Stowe and was looking for things to do there for 4 days. They don’t hike or ski. Going in September. I Remember the Alchemist and Doc Ponds were great spots. There was another place with brick oven pizzas that escapes my mind. Also recommended Ben and Jerrys. What else can I suggest is up there in the post Covid days?
Alright so I just reviewed the map. If I told them to get off 89 and head north on 100, starting at Ben and Jerry’s, what else is there to do up there? They are late 50s and dont Ski or hike. They wine, whiskey Beer chill and eat.
They should hit Blackback, Pro Pig and/or The Reservoir in Waterbury before or after Ben and Jerry’s. CBC Waterbury is also a great stop to pick up the best selection of VT (and all sorts of other) great beer. I don’t think the Cabot Annex Store does free samples anymore but I think it’s back open and is right on 100 if they like cheese. The Stowe Gondola ride is also worth a mention - https://www.stowe.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/gondola-skyride.aspx
Why are they going to Stowe if they don't ski or hike (or bike?)?? Maybe they like rain and overpriced hotel rooms? I recommend heading 15 minutes north to the beer garden at Lost Nation in Morrisville. No activity required except staggering away after lots of good BBQ and session beers. edit: a pretty scenic drive when it's not raining.
Ben and Jerry's is closed for tours/visits now. I think you can stop and purchase ice cream to go, but it just aint the same! The skiing will not be good when they visit, so it's fine that they don't hike or ski! Moss Glenn Falls is really pretty, and super easy to walk to. Definitely not a hike, but worth a visit for sure. Also recommend driving the notch road and parking up at Smuggler's Caves to walk around and check out the boulders up there. Waterbury Center State Park (Waterbury Reservoir) is beautiful. Would suggest heading there for a lunch and hang at the beach if the weather cooperates. You can rent kayaks, which would definitely be worth it.
But no one's given any recs on the the second part of the request "for beer and hubby". Where can the OP's friend meet a nice marriage-minded fellow?
Might want to try Caledonia Spirits in Montpelier- one of the best gins in America (Barr Hill) and the barrel aged gin Tomcat is great also. Hen of the Woods is as good a dining experience you can find.
Very excited to see they are moving to a beautiful new space on Main Street in Waterbury (right next to Blackback).
