Insurance in Stowe , VT

History and Geography

Stowe is a town in Lamoille County, Vermont perhaps best known for its famed four-season recreation and resort activities. Covering 72.7 square miles, it is the second largest town by area in the state. Much of the town lies in the valley between Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, which is located on the western side of town, and the Worcester Range to the east.

Stowe was chartered in 1763, but it was not settled until much later in 1793. Over the next 100 years, virtually all the land in town had been sold and the town was firmly established. As with many other towns in this area, the initial industries in town were farming and lumber. First sheep, and then later dairy farming provided income for many families. However, Stowe was also unique in that by the mid-1800s, it was already a popular tourist destination with hotels, stables, and a depot built to accommodate the summer tourists.

It wasn’t until 1913 that skiing was introduced to the town by three Swedish families. Soon, the town was holding an annual Winter Carnival with ski jumping, skating, and other events. Downhill skiing began in 1933, and the rest, as they say, is history. Stowe is now one of the highest ranked ski and tourist destinations in the northeast.

Recreation

Stowe is a true year-round destination with four distinct seasons, countless festivals, events, and recreational activities. Topping in at 4,395 feet, Mount Mansfield provides stunning vistas, hiking trails, zip-lining and more for adventurous summer tourists. Shopping in the downtown area, fine dining, golf, and more all attract visitors throughout the year. The town is a highlight for the fall foliage Vermont is famous for.

In winter, the town comes alive. As the “Ski Capital of the East”, there are many winter activities to choose from including:

Downhill skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
Dog sledding
Ice fishing

With over 22 feet of average annual snowfall, winter extends from November through April, providing ample opportunity for tourists and locals to take advantage of all this town has to offer.

Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of events including arts and crafts shows, a balloon festival, theatrical productions, races, and more.

Von Trapp Family Lodge and Other Accommodations

One of Stowe’s most famous families is the Von Trapp family immortalized in the Broadway musical and movie, The Sound of Music. After escaping Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938, the Trapp Family Singers began touring Europe and America. They immigrated to America in 1939, purchasing land in Stowe that would become the Von Trapp Family Lodge. Today, it is still owned and operated by the Von Trapp family, welcoming guests to their idyllic mountain lodge and into the history of their famous family.

Stow is home to a number of premier accommodations and spas in including the Green Mountain Inn, a historic property dating back to the 1800s. Other popular resorts include the Mountainside Resort and Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa. As a tourist destination, there are many places to eat, stay, and find entertainment all year round.

Vermont is home to many destinations for skiing, hiking, and other recreational activities, but Stowe is well-known as one of the best towns in the area to enjoy New England charm, the spectacular four seasons, and endless options for livings, working, and playing.