Looking for the very Best Food and Dining in Stowe, VT?  From Casual to Upscale, Burgers to Boyden Farm Steak Tartare, Stowetopia serves up a list of our favorites.   Welcome to Stowetopia's™ Best of Stowe VT™ annual guide to best of the area's dining, shopping, services, and entertainment.  We're serving up the best in Stowe area dining and food with our Best of Stowe VT™ list.  We've dined at all of these terrific spots. No hear-say, we've made certain to visit these locations multiple times over the course of the last year.  We've also tried a great many more dining establishments that didn't make this year's list.  We've visited restaurants as a single ("table for one please"), a romantic couple, a children-in-tow family and an adult group of 12+ friends.    In addition to our perso... 12/11/2011

Casual dining in Stowe, VT that shouldn't be missed - Stowe "Locals" and visitors choose Harrison's for terrific food and superior service in a warm, cozy setting.  I was watching an interesting travel and dining segment on ABC's "Good Morning America" that offered a new spin on local dining.  Travel author and food enthusiast, Anthony Bourdain, was promoting his new Travel Channel show called "The Layover" where he admonishes viewers to checkout local food stops when they are traveling (and experiencing layovers).  From food trucks in New York City to locally owned BBQ and burger joints, Bourdain says that locals really know where to dine and travelers should get out there and check out those local recommendations. That's a perfect lead to this week's Stowe Meadows Stowetopia™ Guide T... 12/08/2011

Stowe Craft Gallery - The most unique collection of jewelry, furniture, lighting, clothing, kitchen decor and artisan crafts you'll find under one roof in Stowe VT  There's no better way to kick-off our shopping tour of Stowe, VT than with a review of one of the most unique shops in Northern Vermont.  The Stowe Craft Gallery delivers a cornucopia of unique hand-crafted artisan gifts, original artwork and "livable" art for your home.  Better still, all of their products are hand-crafted in the USA by independent artists and craftspeople.   Having a hard time finding just the right gift for the person who has everything?  Stop by the Stowe Craft Gallery (in-person or on-line) and you'll be delighted that you did.   Who says fabulous, hand-crafted items have to break the bank?  In all pri... 11/30/2011

Wanna know where the Stowe VT locals shop and dine...and play?  Want the best advise on buying-local without breaking the bank? How about first hand reviews of Stowe area activities? Here's your Guide To Stowe, VT from Stowetopia™. As the owner of the award-winning Stowe Meadows Lodge and a Stowe, VT local, I'm often called on to be a "Stowe Guide" of sorts. Nearly every Stowe Meadows guest asks for recommendations on three things:  1) Dining in Stowe, 2) Shopping in Stowe, and 3) Activities in Stowe. Check out Stowetopia™, our Stowe, VT Blog and take a tour around the Stowe area. Along the way you'll discover some of the most unique, locally-owned stores and restaurants in the state of Vermont. These are our favorite stops and nearly all are "buy-local" qualified.  Each of these locall... 11/28/2011

Christmas Photo Challenge - Stowe, Vermont Today, Nov 25, 2011, is the first day of "The Christmas Photo Challenge".  I love Christmas time so am excited to submit photos dedicated to this special time of year. In case you missed Joni Staples' Post about this Non-Activerain Challenge, here's the blog:http://activerain.com/blogsview/2607852/christmas-photo-challenge-a-non-activerain-sponsored-contest- Since Thanksgiving just ended, I was hoping to find some of the local Stowe stores decorated for Christmas.  I was not disappointed.  My first photo is of a stuffed bear that is always decorated for the appropriate holiday in front of a store called Shaws General Store which is located in Stowe Village.  BEAR IN FRONT OF SHAWS GENERAL STORE - Stowe Village, Vermont 11/25/2011

Zip lining is hot, even when it's cold outside! Stowe Meadows Lodge recommends ArborTrek Canopy Tours if you want to add a little zip to your next Stowe, VT vacation? "Yikes!" you gasp, "not in winter!" Yes, zip lining is a year 'round activity in Stowe, Vermont and is one of the hottest entries on the Stowe Meadows "Guide To Stowe Activity List".   Thanks to our friends at ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, up to 3 fantastic zipline courses are open all year at Smuggler's Notch, just across Mt. Mansfield from Stowe, VT. Vermont's First World-Class Zip line Canopy Tour will have you sailing above mature sugar maples, streams and centuries old hemlocks...all right in the heart of the Green Mountains.  Think you're too old?  Bahhh! My 74 year old father-in-law Rudi was totally up for this.   Th... 11/23/2011

11 11 11 11 - in Stowe, Vermont - A Veteran's Day Salute! Today is November 11th, 2011 - thus 11 11 11.  At 11:00 a.m. Stowe had it's annual Veteran's Day Ceremony.  This event is always attended by a small group of locals who are always there.  It happened to be a great November day with a partial sun and cool - around 45 degrees. The flag in front of the Akely building was at half mask.  The Veterans were wearing their special gear.  Prayers were said in honor of the all the veterans.  And many tears were shed - too many memories....  Although I was not in the military, I was raised in an Air Force Family.  My father served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  He is 93 yoa and doing quite well down in Florida.  Two of my brothers also served in the Air Force.  Although neithe... 11/11/2011

Sunrise over Mt. Mansfield, VT - Halloween 2011 Though I can't call this an amazing color-filled sunrise shot, it was one for our record books.     Gorgeous Fall Foliage still on the trees (highlighted by the rising sun) and snow on the slopes.  Our Halloween this year included building a snowman who could wear a headdress of fall leaves.  Someone even suggested we give our Halloween snowman a pumpkin for a head.  ha ha                                 11/10/2011

Stowe Vermont - Halloween Ghost Walk and Decorations Halloween in Stowe, Vermont is a time of tradition.  The businesses and homes are decorated with pumpkins, corn husks, ghosts and goblins.  There is still color from the end of the foliage season.  The Stowe Elementary School kids though, are the best part.  Every year, Stowe is home to The Ghost Walk.   At about 2:00 p.m., the kids, teachers, staff and many of the parents exit the school and parade through Stowe Village. Many of the businesses, parents, and locals line the streets to watch the parade.  WDEV, a local radio station, plays "halloween" music as the parade of participants display their costumes.  The Stowe Police even block the road from traffic.  This year, the weather was perfect - 60 degrees and sunny!  Even though my ... 11/02/2011

The Case of the Missing Flamingos - in Stowe, Vermont For the past two years, a flock of pink flamingos has been seen about the Town of Stowe.  Now flamingos are about as indigenous to Stowe as polar bears are to Florida.  The flamingos could be seen hanging out at Ye Olde England Inne, the Stowe Reporter, the Ski Patrol hut, the Stowe Community Church, Frida's, Blue Moon, FixPC, Commodores Inn and the Stowe Police Department.  The first time I saw them was when they had congregated in front of the Stowe Reporter.  I thought - what in the world?  A few weeks later, they showed up at another business.  I had no idea what they were doing around town. It wasn't until they were reported stolen that the story of The Flamingos was made public.   Nancy Stead, a writer for the Stowe Reporter, w... 09/17/2011

The British are Coming to Stowe, Vermont - Sept 16-18, 2011 On September 16th through September 18th, 2011, Stowe Vermont will host the 21st Annual British Invasion.  This is North America's largest British Classic Sports Car and Motorcycle Event.  Come and experience British cultural activities, shops, crafts, Auto Jumble and the Car Corrral.  The participants are primarily from the US and Canada with over 600 cars on the field, and about 1000 total.  This event is "A three day celebration to the Great British Motorcar and other things British." There will also be the British Invasion Block Party on Friday, September 16th with plenty of motorcars to check out at the kick off dance party on Main Street, Stowe, VT. The event in 2010 was highly attended and the September weather cooperate... 08/21/2011

July 4, 2011 in Stowe, Vermont Well, the 4th has been over for a week now and I finally downloaded all the photos and videos I took.  The weather was perfect, the town was packed with both locals and tourists. My camera was set with fully charged batteries and an extra card.  The day was almost too colorful.  I couldn't resist taking way more photos than I needed.  And everyone seemed to be having a great time - including me! If you didn't make it this year, try and plan for July 4, 2012!     The fireworks were spectatcular.  I was actually able to capture them this year by reading some tips on how to shoot fireworks.  I think they came out pretty good.  Here are my slide shows of the events: 07/11/2011

Come Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in Stowe, Vermont! For such a small town, Stowe loves to put on a great Fourth of July Celebration.  This year's events include:   10:00 a.m. - The Moscow Parade - Moscow Village's "very local" event with marching music, the Ladies Lawn Chair march, floats, Stowe Fire and Rescue vehicles.  Be early.  It's a short parade!  Here's a slide show of last year's parade:       11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Old-Fashioined Village Festival - Celebrate with street performers and musicians.  Face painting, caricature artests, and bouncy house for the kids.  Dunking booth featuring local dignitaries, festive food and loads of fun!  Visit stowevibrancy.com for more information. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Seven Miles of Sales - Fabulous July 4th sales in the Vi... 07/01/2011

High School Basketball, the end of an era...for this Mom The very first blog I wrote on ActiveRain was in January of 2009.  I had been reading blogs for awhile but never felt motivated to write one as nothing excited me to do so.  Then, I went to my son's basketball game and knew I had to write about it. The photo to the left is from his sophomore year #15. My First Active Rain Blog - How are Basketball and Real Estate Similar - the lesson my son taught me. Since that time, I have written many blogs.  I am certainly not a regular contributor but try to do at least 2 a month.  Some months, I am a bit more inspired. That sophomore son I wrote about just finished his last game of his high school career.  He will be graduating in June.  I still don't know which university he'll end up at, b... 03/15/2011

   Enter twice per day. Once on Front door http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/Dream-Home-Sweeps-2011-Enter/56094 and once on   HGTV site http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-dream-home-2011-giveaway-enter/package/index.html   This years is in Stowe Vermont. The grand prize package is worth $2 plus million and includes $500,000 and a new 2011 GMC Acadia Denali. You can enter till February 18, 2011.     Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS New Home Construction Sales Resale Home SalesInvestment Properties    Keller Williams Real Estate601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact FormWhat Others Are Saying...          02/03/2011

Stowe Vermont Home Sales - Market Report 2005 through 2010 Stowe, Vermont is a beautiful, four season resort town.  Stowe has a full time population of about 4,500 people.  Many of Stowe homes and condos are vacation and second homes.  Below are market statistics by year and a chart for each year.  The data used is from the Northern New England Real Estate Network MLS.  Most of Stowe's sales are through the lcoal MLS.  You can click on the charts for enlarged versions.  Towards the end of this article, is a year to year comparison.   2005 Stowe Home Sales# of Homes Sold:  82Average List Price: $735,080  Average Sale Price: $682,000Median List Price:  $495,000  Median Sale Price:   $475,000Average Number of Homes on the Market: 74Average Price per Finished Square Foot Sold: $224Average D... 01/09/2011

Stowe Vermont Land Sales - Market Report for Years 2005 through 2010  Stowe Vermont Land Sales - Market Report for Years 2005 through 2010 Now that 2010 is over, I have been compiling my year end data for my sales reports.  Land is hard to quantify because prices vary so much based on factors not easily apparent.  Such factors include:1.  Size of Lot - Generally, the larger the lot, the less it will cost based on a per acre formula.2.  Location of Lot - Some neighborhoods are definitely more desirable.3.  Views from Lot - a View of Mt. Mansfield can definitely command a higher price.4.  What's Included in the Price? - Survey, Septic Design, Subdivision, Covenants, View Easements, Power to Site, Fuel availability, Access/Driveway, Required Clearing, Topography (blasting costs), Ridgeline... 01/09/2011

Stowe Vermont Condo and Townhome Sales - Market Report 2005 through 2010 Stowe, Vermont as a four season resort has many condo/townhome projects.  The majority of these properties are owned by second home and vacation home owners.  As a result of the tightening of banking regulations, mortgage companies have made the purchase of condos, especially in a resort town, much more difficult.  Below are market statistics by year with accompanying charts.  You can click on the charts to enlarge them.  The statistics are from the the Northern New Enlgand Real Estate Network MLS.  The majority of sales are reflected in these market reports. 2005 Stowe Vermont Condo Sales# of Units Sold: 46Average List Price:  $364,415  Average Sale Price:  $352,040Median List Price:   $352,000  Median Sale Price:... 01/09/2011

HGTV 2011 Dream Home - Located in Stowe, Vermont Stowe, Vermont is normally buzzing with tourists this time of year, and these past few weeks have been no exception.  The small, resort town has been booked for the Christmas and New Years Holidays for weeks.  But now, there is a new energy - the HGTV Sweepstakes for a chance to win the 2011 Dream Home located at Spruce Peak Mountain, in little Stowe, Vermont. In December of 2010, I had the opportunity to tour the home with the contractor, Brendan O'Reilly of Gristmill Builders, Stowe, VT.  I have seen a lot homes in my 13 year career as a Realtor® in Stowe, but must say that this home was a pleasant surprise.  I loved everything about it - from it's site right above the ski resort, to the construction, to the landscaping by Ambler Design... 01/02/2011

Halloween - Stowe Vermont Style Stowe, Vermont is a quintessential New England town.  Our full time resident population is about 4,500.  Most of the homes in Stowe are spread out - which makes it difficult to engage in the Trick-or-Treat ritual we all grew up with. Every year, the Stowe Elementary School kicks off the event with "The Ghost Walk".  In the afternoon, all the kids dress up in their gear and parade through the Village of Stowe.   Parents, business employees, some tourists, and various locals line the streets to watch them parade through the town.  And the kids are just priceless!  As for the actual Trick or Treating event, "The Village" area homes prepare for the annual event by decorating their properties.  Some homeowners go all the way with skeletons on the porch, dry ic... 11/04/2010