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. 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
The Bistro at Ten Acres: After a midlife crisis, owners Linda and Mark transformed this beautiful 1820s farmhouse into a charming lodge and restaurant. Your dog can join you for dinner and cocktails on the outdoor patio, where 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’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.
The Roost: Topnotch Resort, another dog friendly hotel option in Stowe, boasts a swanky lobby bar and restaurant 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.
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.
Get More: Best Dog Friendly Breweries in New England
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.
Dog Friendly Things to Do 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.
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.
Dog Friendly Hotels in Stowe, VT
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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