Outbound Stowe: A Boutique Christmas Hotel in New England

Located near Mount Mansfield in Vermont, Stowe is a snowy mountain town right out of a Christmas card. Surrounded by white mountains, evergreen trees, and excellent skiing, it’s also home to one of the best Christmas hotels in New England. Here’s why Outbound Stowe should be the site of your next holiday vacation.

Stowe – A Town of Holiday Splendor

Stowe is one of the best winter towns in New England, offering skiing, sleigh rides, and plenty of holiday spirit. This town is a holiday dream, with snow-capped peaks and a twinkling downtown. Located near the tallest mountain in Vermont, this town’s most famous attraction is the Stowe Mountain Resort. This winter wonderland is famous for downhill and cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. However, skiing isn’t the only source of winter fun in Stowe. From Christmas celebrations to winter adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do in Stowe during the holiday season. Here are some activities that await you during your visit to the best Christmas Hotel in New England.

Holidays in Stowe

Early in December, Stowe hosts a traditional holiday celebration. There are parades, vendors, and enough cups of hot cocoa to fill a swimming pool, of course. But you can also go ice skating with Santa, meet local authors, or build your gingerbread dream house. The town is beautifully decorated during this time of year, and the local businesses on Main Street go all out with their holiday cheer. It’s the perfect time to book a stay at a New England Christmas hotel.

Later in the month, other venues, such as Spruce Village, host larger holiday events. The Spruce Peak Lights Festival features fireworks, ice skating shows, and plenty of twinkling lights. Over at Stowe Cider, you can celebrate the solstice with live music, barbecue, and homegrown hard ciders that are sure to please.

One of the best ways to take in Stowe is by going on a sleigh ride. The Trapp Family Lodge offers sleigh and carriage rides on the weekends so that you can take in the beauty of the Vermont mountains during this magical time of year.

Oh, and if the name Trapp sounds familiar, then you’re probably a fan of The Sound of Music. Stowe is where Maria von Trapp and her family settled after fleeing Austria. Today, you can tour the Von Trapp Family Lodge and Farm to learn more about their history, indulge in delicious food, and set out on cross-country skiing treks.

Year-Round Fun

Of course, we’d be doing Stowe a disservice if we didn’t discuss the local businesses, attractions, and activities available beyond the holidays. After all, while it’s home to some of New England’s most charming Christmas hotels, it’s still open all year! So even if you’re not stopping by for your Christmas vacation, this New England town has plenty to offer.

Stowe is home to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, which celebrates the heritage of cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. There’s a rotating series of exhibits here, featuring photographs, interactive displays, and a collection of vintage equipment dating back to the early days of skiing.

One of the most famous things to come out of Vermont is Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. If you’re a fan of all things cold and creamy, we have excellent news: the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory is less than twenty minutes from Stowe. Here you can sample ice cream flavors, pay your respects to dearly de-pinted flavors, and see how your favorite frozen treats are made.

Another famous export from Vermont is maple syrup. Maple season doesn’t begin until early spring, but this sticky, sweet syrup is foundational to Stowe’s culture and heritage. During the winter, you can see the first preparations for sugaring season. Farms drill new holes into their sap-producing trees and begin running lines to sugarhouses. However, the best way to experience Stowe’s sweetest tradition is by grabbing some sugar-on-snow after your ski run. This treat is made by combining warm syrup with real snow, resulting in a toffee-like confection. Try it with sour pickles, cider donuts, or a craft beer!

A Cozy Christmas Hotel in New England

Outbound Stowe is part of the Outbound chain of boutique hotels, which also includes The Virginian Lodge. Located nine minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort, Outbound offers a combination of suites, lofts, and charming cabins with easy access to the Vermont wilderness.

Most rooms feature full bathrooms, plush beds, smart TVs, and locally sourced tea and coffee. They come in several varieties, from poolside suites to lofts. There are also multi-bedroom cottages with private patios, fireplaces, and full kitchens. The cottages can host up to six guests, making them perfect for family vacations.

The most charming places to stay at Outbound Stowe are the cozy cabins. These one-bedroom cabins sleep four and feature an A-Frame style sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, a kitchenette, and hardwood floors. During the winter, the snow-covered rooftops of these cabins feel like something out of a snowglobe, while the sunrooms are the perfect place to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa.

Amenities at the Best Christmas Hotel in New England

“Nature on Tap” is the motto at Outbound Stowe, and every detail is designed with that ethos in mind. The resort has direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile paved trail that is regularly cleared of ice and snow. If you want to go walking in a winter wonderland but don’t want to strap on snowshoes, this is the place for you.

Want to warm up after a day in the snow? The Outbound Stowe features fire pits (perfect for s’mores), a hot tub, and a cozy lobby area with books, board games, and locally roasted coffee. If you’re looking for delicious food and seasonal cocktails, stop by Eastside Bar + Bites. The menu is primarily bar fare and finger food, such as chicken tenders and hamburgers. However, there are also more elaborate dishes, such as hangar steak and blackened shrimp. They even sell sweets from the local Sisters of Anarchy creamery!

Find Your Next Adventure With Nook Outdoors

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas hotel in New England, a beachside resort in Hawaii, or a glamping adventure in Florida, Nook Outdoor’s curated collection of boutique hotels and resorts are the perfect place to stay. These nature-focused resorts offer an elevated experience that is perfect for those who want a break from the ordinary. Browse our collection today to plan your next vacation.