A blend of old and new, rustic and swanky

Stowe, Vt.

November 16, 2008|Uplifting experiences, Eric Wilbur, Globe Staff

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, Stowe remains perhaps the most all-encompassing New England ski town. With a wide array of lodging, spa, dining, and night life options, ski bums and the well-heeled alike have been drawn to this northern Vermont town for generations.

SKI AREAS: Stowe Mountain Resort (5781 Mountain Road, 802-253-3000, www.stowe.com) beckons beginners to the more genteel Spruce Peak and thrill-seekers to the more difficult Front Four. Also nearby: Sugarbush (1840 Sugarbush Access Road, Warren, 802-583-6300, www.sugarbush.com), and Mad River Glen (62 Mad River Resort Road, Fayston, 802-496-3551, www.madriver glen.com).

OTHER SPORTS: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dogsledding.

LODGING: Topnotch Resort and Spa (4000 Mountain Road, 802-253-8585, www.topnotchresort.com, $195-$595) boasts one of New England's most luxurious spa destinations with unparalleled views of Mount Mansfield. Go back in time at the Green Mountain Inn (18 Main St., 802-253-7301, www.greenmountaininn.com, $129-$699), one of Stowe's oldest and most popular lodging options in the heart of town.

DINING: The Dutch Pancake Cafe (990 Mountain Road, 802-253-8921, www.greyfoxinn.com, $5-$15) offers more than 80 varieties of stuffed pancakes to fuel you for a day on the slopes. The Shed Restaurant and Brewery (1859 Mountain Road, 802- 253-4765, lunch entrees $8.50-$10.95, dinner entrees $7.95-$22.50) serves pub fare, but it's the hand-crafted beer and après-ski atmosphere that keep packing them in.

NIGHT LIFE: Party with local live bands at the Rusty Nail (1190 Mountain Road, 802-253-6245 www.rustynailbar.com) or hit the stage at Piecasso's (1899 Mountain Road, 802-253-4411, www.piecasso.com) for Saturday night karaoke.

WHAT'S NEW: The six-story, 139-room Stowe Mountain Lodge (7412 Mountain Road, 802-253-3560, www.stowemountainlodge.com), at the base of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, adds a new layer of luxury to Stowe.