It's no secret: Stowe and Vermont have been under seige from the Rain Gods. But while the rain can be a barrier to some activities, (but not all: I witnessed a lot of bikers outfitted for the elements and happily cycling along) I love the rain. Okay, not in overload, but here's what I love: The sound: better than counting sheep as a sleep aid; the Green Mountains of Vermont become greener than ever; the already incomparably clean air of Vermont is washed even cleaner.
And finally--the point of this blog today--there are so many indoor activities that beg your attention! Here are the high points of a rainy day in Stowe:
And finally--the point of this blog today--there are so many indoor activities that beg your attention! Here are the high points of a rainy day in Stowe:
- Read a Book. Recall the joy of imagining as you get comfy with fiction or non, historical or modern, romance or mystery. See it in your mind's eye, and not on a screen. In Stowe we have options for accessing those reading materials. Pay a visit to Lackey's Variety Store for a selection of magazines second only to those in the big box stores. Buy the latest best-seller or children's book at Bear Pond Books on Main Street in Stowe Village. Browse the Stowe Free Library's Porch Book Sale. Or, grab a book or magazine from the library's stacks and make yourself at home. Kids love the Stowe Free Library, too, so check their website for info on programs for kids and teens. Mosey upstairs to the Helen Day Art Center for a viewing of their latest, "Without Boundaries" by Mexican artist Raphael Cauduro
- Eat. Drink. Stowe's dozens of restaurants are cozy and welcoming. Take your time, relax, savor the flavor. Take part in a wine tasting at Trapp Family Lodge. Nibble for free: cider samples at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, award-winning Cabot Cheddar Cheese at the Cabot Annex (or travel a wee bit longer to their factory tour in Cabot); chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates--all on Route 100 South. On the same route is Ben & Jerry's, where the tour is a couple of bucks, samples included
- Visit the Vermont Ski Museum, whose mission is to "Collect, Preserve and Celebrate Vermont's Skiing History".
- Shop without a purpose. See what great and distinctive merchandise in our shops strikes your fancy. Try on that great outfit at In Company or Well Heeled! Take the time to pour over the scores of types of penny candy at Stowe Mercantile. Check out the Flying Monkey at Shaw's General Stowe.
- Learn how to dip chocolates at Laughing Moon, blow glass at Little River Hotglass, paint pottery at the Painting Place.
- Spa it up! Luxurious destination spas Topnotch Resort & Spa and Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa are top options.
- Dinner, then a show? You have choices! Cinema or live theatre? We've got both. Stowe Cinema is now showing HANCOCK; MAMMA MIA! and the uber-est movie of all, THE DARK KNIGHT (Marvel at the acting skills of our U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy in a cameo) LIve theatre includes Stowe Theatre Guild's BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL, Waterbury Players; ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS, and Lamoille County Players' GREASE .
Just a short list. When you're in Stowe stop in to our Visitor Information Center on Main Street, and one of our info specialists can help you explore more options. And remember, you're STILL in Stowe. A pretty special place to be, rain or shine.
