Mention Stowe, Vermont to most New Englanders and visitors, and they’ll think of winter landscapes and some of the best skiing the region has to offer. But what they don’t realize is that Stowe is a year-round resort, and summer attracts as many visitors to the area as winter.

To cater for the season Stowe has a full agenda of summer events and festivities for the whole family, including small children.

In July, the 2nd Annual Stowe Art & Craft Festival takes place weekend July 28th – 30th. Events this year include theatrical performances, a dance performance, arts festival, chef demos and wine tastings, musical entertainment, and a whole bunch more. The festival takes place at the Stowe Events Field from 10-5 daily. Admission is $8 for adults and children are free.

If Spanish dancing gets your juices flowing then head for Stowe’s Tango Fest on Friday night July 21st in the Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow. Ground opens for picnickers at 6:00pm. Tickets are $25 per person with children 12 and under free.

Over the next few weekends the Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow also plays host to the Vermont Mozart Festival. In celebration of Mozart’s 250th birthday, a selection of his works ranging from Symphonies, Piano Concertos, and scenes from his operas, will be performed on the evenings of July 23rd, July 30th, and August 6th. Ground opens at 5:00pm for picnics, and tickets range from $25 - $30.

For those that enjoy classic cars, then the return of the 49th Stowe Antique Classic Car Meet August 11th – August 13th, and North America’s largest all British Classic and Sports Car Show dubbed the British Invasion opens September 14th and runs through 17th, will keep you gasping and gaping as these wonderful cars parade for your pleasure.

The Antique Classic Car Meet takes place at Nichols Field on Route 100 daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is $6 for adults. The 16th Annual British Invasion is at Topnotch Meadow, and is $15 for a two-day pass.

Stowe is home to wonderful restaurants and shops but with a village atmosphere. The Stowe area lodging businesses are offering special packages during theses summer events and for more information visit the official site of Stowe at http://www.gostowe.com/

BTW: If you venture near the Stowe ski area Spruce Base Lodge on your way to Smugglers Notch area or to climb Mount Mansfield, and you can’t see it anymore, don’t be alarmed… it’s not hidden, just gone! It’s been torn down as the first step in building a new lodge. A temporary lodge is being erected for the new ski season, and will be “home” until the replacement lodge is completed.

For ideas and suggestion for other destinations and attractions in the area visit my special Vermont online guide by clicking here.

Visit again next week for more ideas for your New England trips.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Destinations