2nd Stop: Ben & Jerry's - Stowe - Mount Mansfield
Stowe is a quaint village in Vermont's Green Mountains famous for it's shopping and snow skiing, not much unlike Aspen or other small cities out west that owe their existence to those. As you can guess, everything's a little pricey but I guess that all depends on what you're definition of expensive is. Streets are very pedestrian friendly, as most in Vermont are, and are lined with craft shops, art studios, restaurants, etc. Great views of the mountains are everywhere.
On the way up to Mt Mansfield, be sure to stop off at this tried and true establishment that's become as much a part of Stowe as the ski runs. Great salads, sandwiches and large selection of entrees that pretty much covers it all. FANTASTIC French Onion Soup topped with sharp Vermont cheddar instead of provolone or swiss. Really great service. And you'll get to hear about this thing called a "growler" - yea, it ain't what ya think! The home brewed beers are really good, too, made in the micro-brewery on site. Brunch on Sundays. Nice patio dining outside in back during the summer.
Here's a link for further info: The Shed - scroll down 'til you find the listing.
I highly recommend taking the gondolas up to the top of Mt. Mansfield in Stowe, where in winter, the lift would drop you off for the ride back down on skis. In summer when I was visiting, you have the option of taking the numerous trails on a hike down the mountain (or on the ski runs) or you can take the goldola back to the bottom as well. Lifts are very well maintained and staff was friendly. Parking was limited, however, since it was evidently a busy day. Tickets can be purchased as round trip or one-way. You can visit Stowe Mountain Activities for further details on what to do in the area.
No visit to this part of Vermont would be complete without a stop at the Ben & Jerry's near Waterbury and there's no way I could give this icon of ice cream greatness anything less than 5 stars! OK, so the tour is kinda cheesy (no pun intended) and no different than the tour at any other Ice Cream factory (Breyers, The Mayfield Dairy outside of Atlanta, etc), but to be in the presence of all that ice cream bliss was pure heaven. Speaking of heaven, be sure to visit the ice cream graveyard where all the old flavors are retired. Today's sample was American Pie, which was good, but I would have preferred some Chunky Monkey. Click HERE for details on the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour. The gift shop is loaded with a lot of junk, however I was able to find the perfect t-shirt that sums up my workout at the gym lately: "Body by Ben & Jerry's".
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