Stowe, Vermont is one of the most dog friendly destinations in New England. With plenty of pet friendly establishments and all-season outdoor adventures, Stowe is a must-visit for travelers with their four-legged friends. Get everything you need to plan a paw-fect visit in this comprehensive, dog friendly guide to Stowe, VT.
Best Time to Visit Stowe with your Dog
There’s really no bad time of year to visit Stowe. Perhaps most well-known for its world-class ski resort, Stowe comes alive during the winter and spring. In the summer, you and your pup can enjoy hiking, biking, and the vibrant local arts and culture. But fall is my favorite time to visit Stowe with my dog, when the foliage is at its peak and the Green Mountains add red, orange, and yellow to its lush color palette.
Dog Friendly Restaurants & Breweries in Stowe
Don’t fret about leaving your pooch behind while enjoying a delicious meal in Stowe. The town boasts a wide selection of dog-friendly eateries, allowing you to dine with your furry friend by your side. Here’s a list of my favorite restaurants that offer outdoor seating options where well-behaved dogs are warmly welcomed.
The Bistro at Ten Acres
After a midlife crisis, owners Linda and Mark transformed this beautiful 1820s farmhouse into a charming lodge and restaurant. At The Bistro at Ten Acres, your dog can join you for dinner and cocktails on the outdoor patio. You’ll occasionally be treated to live music and always to a stunning view of Stowe’s rolling countryside.
Doc Ponds
A local Stowe favorite, Doc Ponds welcomes dogs on their outdoor deck. It’s a smaller (and popular) spot, so expect a bit of a wait. But being able to enjoy delicious comfort food and an extensive local craft beer list with your pup by your side is well worth it.
Idletyme Brewing Company
Idletyme Brewing Company‘s dog friendly deck is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. The outdoor bar built around a tree remains comfortable even when temperatures start to dip, thanks to roaring fire pits and ample heaters. Located right off the Stowe Recreation Trail, friendly staff will welcome you and your pup with treats and a water bowl.
Kaffeehaus Bakery & Deli
Located at the Trapp Family Lodge, a dog friendly resort, Kaffeehaus Bakery & Deli has a grab and go counter and outdoor seating. Enjoy a strong cup of coffee and fresh-baked pastries overlooking the beautiful mountain views. It’s easy to see why this stunning spot reminded the Von Trapp family of their home in the Alps.
Rock Art Brewery
Located in the nearby town of Morrisville, Rock Art Brewery welcomes visitors with a pint after a fun day of outdoor adventures in Stowe. A unique combination tasting room and art gallery, it’s one of the few places where you can sip beer while perusing incredible work from local artists. It’s a true family-run operation, with husband and wife, their two sons, and even their own doggo, who loves hanging out near the entrance to welcome new friends. Leashed dogs are very welcome to join you while you have a beer on the porch or inside the downstairs area.
The Roost
Topnotch Resort, another dog friendly hotel option in Stowe, boasts a swanky lobby bar and restaurant called The Roost that allows dogs on their courtyard patio. Enjoy bar bites and cocktails as you lounge near the resort’s pool, fire pit, bocce courts.
Stowe Cider
Beer might be the name of the game in Vermont, but cider is not to be overlooked. Pull off the Stowe Recreation to enjoy crisp, fresh-pressed hard cider made from local fruits at Stowe Cider. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you in the outdoor cider garden, where you can linger over a board game and sample snacks from local food trucks.
Stowe Sandwich Company
A family-owned and operated establishment, Stowe Sandwich Company is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Their new, larger location is right off the Stowe Recreation Path, so you and your dog can take a lunch break at one of their outdoor tables or grab sandwiches to go.
Von Trapp Brewing
Another dog friendly spot located at the Trapp Family Lodge, Von Trapp Brewing describes itself as “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont.” It was started by the youngest son of Maria and the Baron, who was inspired by his trips back to Austria to introduce the crisp, clean style of Austrian lager beers to the craft beer movement in Vermont. Dogs are only allowed at the outdoor beer garden. But with views of the sprawling grounds that reminded the von Trapps of their mountainous home country, that’s where you’ll want to stake your spot anyway.
Woodland Baking Company
Step inside Woodland Baking Company and immediately be greeted by the mouthwatering smell of fresh-ground coffee and baked goods being made from scratch on site. Don’t miss out on one of the best croissants I’ve ever had. Grab your breakfast to go and enjoy it at a one of their sidewalk cafe tables with your dog. Note: they’re located right across the street from the dog friendly hotel Field Guide Lodge.
Update: I’m sad to report that The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe, VT, which used to welcome dogs both inside their taproom and at their outdoor beer garden, is no longer dog friendly.
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Dog Friendly Things to Do in Stowe
Stowe is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and dogs are more than welcome to join in the fun. Here are just some of the ways you can get active with your dog in Stowe.
Go Hiking in Smuggler’s Notch State Park
You and your pup will love exploring sprawling Smuggler’s Notch State Park. Located in a narrow pass in the Green Mountains, it’s accessible via a winding road that closes in the winter. One of my favorite hikes is Sterling Pond Trail, a moderate, 2.3 mile out-and-back trail with rewarding views.
Stroll the Stowe Recreation Trail
The crown jewel of Stowe, Stowe Recreation Trail is a five mile paved trail that runs parallel to Mountain Road all the way to town. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride, making fun stops along the way like Percy Farm Corn Maze, Idletyme Brewing, and Stowe Cider.
Let loose on the Stowe Quiet Path
The Quiet Path is an extension of the Stowe Recreation Trail close to town for walkers and joggers only. The relaxed 1.8 mile circuit meanders along the West Branch of Little River with beautiful panoramic views of the mountains. It’s a favorite spot for local dog owners to socialize, and dogs are allowed off leash as long as they are under voice control. Parking areas on Mayo Farm Road, Weeks Hill Rd. and Cemetery Roads offer easy access to the path.
Get lost at the Percy Farm Corn Maze
Open late summer through the fall, the Percy Farm Corn Maze is fun for the whole family – including dogs! Just be courteous and keep your dog on leash and as always, be sure to pick up after them. You can access the maze from the Stowe Recreation Trail, or park at Thompson Park.
Hit the village shops
Many local shops and boutiques in Stowe not only allow dogs but also shower them with affection and treats. Stroll the charming downtown area and discover unique treasures together. The local country store Stowe Mercantile boasts an impressive assortment of locally made crafts, unique gifts, and Vermont-made treats for you and your four-legged friend. Once Upon a Time Toys not only offers an array of toys and games for children of all ages but also warmly welcomes furry family members.
Dog Friendly Hotels in Stowe, VT
Finding suitable accommodations that welcome dogs with open arms is crucial for a stress-free vacation. Luckily, Stowe offers a range of dog-friendly lodging options. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin in the woods or a charming bed and breakfast, you’ll find numerous establishments that go the extra mile to ensure your pup feels right at home. Some accommodations even provide special amenities such as dog beds, treats, and designated dog-walking areas, ensuring that both you and your dog can unwind and relax after a day of adventure. Here are the places I’ve stayed with my dog in Stowe.
Field Guide Lodge
Field Guide Lodge, a stylish boutique hotel run by Lark Hotels, allows dogs under 70lbs for an added fee of $50 per dog per day. We stayed in one of their three dog friendly Cottage Suites, which had a nice amount of space and a private exterior entrance. You can book these suites online, just make sure to add add a note at checkout with the quantity, size, and name of your dog. Dogs are not allowed to be left in a guest room alone. Out of respect for other guests, dogs are permitted only on the porches and exterior common areas of the hotel, and only while on leash.
One of the things that makes this hotel stand out is its stylish, lodge-chic decor. The lobby lounge, comfortably decked out with retro wood stoves and cozy fur throws, invites you to linger over a book or a board game. Breakfast is available at the lobby coffee bar or drinks and small bites at their brand new vintage ski-themed bar Après Only. You have to book the outdoor hot tub in advance, which is a bit inconvenient. But the advantage is you’re guaranteed to have it to yourself. And the location can’t be beat. We were able to walk to downtown, and the mountain shuttle stops right in front of the hotel. It’s the perfect home base for you and your pup’s adventures in Stowe.
The Stowehof
The Stowehof is my go-to choice for dog-friendly accommodations in Stowe. This warm and welcoming lodge feels like a true alpine escape, built around raw wooden beams and stunning mountain views. There’s something so timeless and comforting about it. The world may change around it, but The Stowehof will always be a familiar place to call home away from home.
With clean and simple rooms, it’s also one of the more affordable hotel options in Stowe. Breakfast here is a bit overpriced and leaves something to be desired, so head elsewhere for your morning meal. But do grab drinks from The Fritz Bar and settle into your favorite cozy spot. Maybe it’s playing a board game at the large booth, reading a good book in front of the sunken fireplace, or stargazing around the roaring outdoor fire pit. The hotel’s location is hard to beat as well. Located right off of Mountain Road, it’s within walking distance to the Recreation Trail. Plus, there’s direct access from the property to Wiessner Woods, dog-friendly trails for hiking or cross-country skiing.
Update: The Stowehof is currently closed for renovations until 2024.
Getting around Stowe with a Dog
Getting to and around Stowe with a dog requires a car. In the winter, make sure that car has four-wheel drive to navigate snowy passes. And always allow extra travel time to get downtown. Mountain Road, the main road that connects the ski resort to town, sees frequent heavy traffic. Also make sure to bring or rent a bike to take full advantage of the Stowe Recreation Trail.
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