It may be a tad early to start planning your ski vacation (hey, there’s always ski shots), but it doesn’t mean you should wait to experience Vermont this fall. The town of Stowe, VT is certainly worth a weekend trip. This small town is known for its beautiful foliage, pristine mountain tops and is home to some of New England’s top rated resorts and spas. Sounds good to me.
And, if you happen to love pumpkins and/or weird medieval siege engines, then this is certainly the perfect last-minute weekend getaway for you. Stowe, VT, a picturesque New England destination, is featuring their 5th Annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ festival. So, let’s get chuckin’: check out the video (below). For one day only, you will be able to see Trebuchets (remember those?) literally chuck pumpkins as far as they can possibly throw them. Pretty medieval.
Here’s what you should do in Stowe this weekend:
Stay Here:
You might as well stay at the hotel where the pumpkin chuckin’ is takin’ place. And, if not for that reason, then just for the fact that the hotel itself is an ideal getaway destination. Located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, this luxurious resort offers an indoor pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, golf course and of course, a spa. Along with the amazing accommodations, you’ll also experience picturesque New England views—perhaps some leaf peeping as well.
If you’re looking for that small, cozy feel, then head to Stowe’s Green Mountain Inn. The history of this inn is quite unique and the location is incredible. You can choose to stay at one of their 105 unique guest rooms, luxury room & suites, as well as village apartments and townhouses—quite the selection. This stay features some top dining option as well as shopping, heated pool, jacuzzi and (something I would be excited about) afternoon tea and cookies. Not to mention, this place looks adorable.
Go Here:
5th Annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival
Really, the video should (and name) should say it all: this is not to be missed. The Festival, located at Stoweflake Resort and Spa, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. But if you want to see some pumpkin chuckin’, make sure to head over for one of the three rounds taking place at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Considering this is an early Sunday afternoon, that will leave you just enough time to drive back to the city before nighttime.
The Festival is this Sunday, September 29 and will feature “mechanical wizards” launching pumpkins as far as possible with trebuchets. In addition to this unbelievable merging of pumpkins, fall and medieval “wizards,” the festival will also feature “music, children’s activities, a bounce house, chili cook-off, mini-olympics, and great food.” Sounds worth a trip to me.
Eat and Drink here:
For brunch and lunch go to…
Located at 38 Main St in Stowe, VT, this Cafe will bring you right into the heart of town. The restaurant offers a delicious variety of breakfast sandwiches and omelettes, and everything comes with bacon or sausage—awesome. For lunch, try one of their seasonal soups such as their curried carrot and ginger or butternut squash bisque.
With so many choices, this was a hard decision. But based on the cozy atmosphere and well-reviewed food, I’m going to chose Blue Moon Cafe as the restaurant of choice. Both elegant and cute, this restaurant’s American fare food and ambience leave you wanting more. Their Vermont Artisanal Cheese Platter is a must, as well as the delicious looking mussels and clams pasta with saffron broth.
