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Stowe and Waterbury, Vermont: Essentials Edition
Background-Stowe and Waterbury
Stowe and Waterbury are neighboring towns with some interesting contrasts in their history, town scape, and feel. While Stowe has been one of the most premier resort towns in the world that has attracted tourists since the mid-1800s, Waterbury is more up and coming, garnering more interest lately for some of its incredible cuisine, namely, Hen of the Wood and Prohibition Pig. Waterbury was most likely never developed like Stowe because of its history housing the Vermont State Hospital for the Insane through the 20th century, where doctors signed for the Eugenics Bill for sterilization multiple times in the hospital’s history. This post again is just to give a couple of my favorite recommendations in this area.
Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont
There are many wonderful places to stay in Stowe, but I would recommend the Topnotch Resort and Spa. It has a private, luxurious feel, as though you have just stepped off your private jet into a winter retreat. The spa is rated one of the best in the country with its facilities and the services it provides. The bar and restaurant give the lobby area a lively feel. In addition, pets are also allowed which is important for me and my best pal, Scout. Just a short drive north on Route 108 is the Stowe Mountain Resort, which has some great skiing. If the road isn’t blocked due to weather, keep going north on the road through Smuggler’s Notch. This is a breathtaking drive.
Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, Vermont
Hen of the Wood was opened by Eric Warnstedt in 2006. Since then it has gained national praise for its soulful, locally sourced food. The restaurant is in a historic brick mill, and the atmosphere is visually appealing, containing an open kitchen, a central atrium, and a cozy barn-like feel with flagstone walls and warm wooden timbers.
Similarly, the food is spectacular. My favorite meals here have been the crispy fried quail, scallop crudo, and the fried rabbit with sunchoke, smoked crème fraîche, and grilled radicchio. Plus, their wine list is fantastic. I would go as far to say that this is one of my favorite restaurants in New England. Year after year my parents and I return, and the food and service seem to age like fine wine.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury Vermont
Everyone that goes up to Waterbury already knows about Ben and Jerry’s and Cabot, but a lesser known gem is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This shop has incredible Vermont gifts. Most notable are their apple cider donuts, the best I’ve had. Just remember to ask them for warm ones right off the fryer! They also make their own apple cider, which you can sample in the shop. You could definitely lose about an hour wandering around this store.
Prohibition Pig, Waterbury, Vermont
The owners of Hen of the Wood bought Prohibition Pig, a casual eatery and brewery on Main Street in downtown Waterbury. You can sit and dine in the main restaurant, which offers tasty traditional North Carolina BBQ and delicious bites like fried chicken biscuit sandwiches, or you can head out back to the brewery, which, along with its full list of beer, serves extraordinary street food like pork belly tacos with sriracha mayo, bao brisket sandwiches, and carnitas bowls. This food is awesome, there’s no other way of putting it.
