From Zip Lines to Lantern Light: A Fall Adventure in Stowe, Vermont

There’s something so special about Vermont in October: the crisp air, the smell of bonfires in the air, that every winding road feels like it was made for leaf peeping, or (most likely) all of the above. 

As my flight was landing in Burlington airport with the colorful mountains in the background, I knew we were in for something memorable.

This five-day Vermont escape was all about connection. Connection with the outdoors, with each other, with ourselves. Every detail, from the cozy cabin to the scenic adventures, was designed to help women step out of their routines and into something unforgettable.

A Warm Welcome to Stowe

Throughout the evening, guests trickled into our cabin just outside downtown Stowe, tucked among tall trees glowing gold in the sun. 

Conversations over appetizers happened easily from that instant spark that happens when adventurous women meet. We spent the evening snacking, getting to know each other, and talking about the adventures ahead. It was the kind of night that reminded me all why we’d said yes to this: to slow down, meet new people, and just be in the moment.

Zipping through the Fall Colors

We started the day with hot coffee or tea in our new Women Who Explore mugs, breakfast, and getting ready for the fun day ahead.

After breakfast, the nine of us headed to go zip lining through Vermont’s lovely fall foliage (our first big adventure of the trip!).

The excitement was felt throughout the group the moment we stepped onto the platform! Our guides talked us through the course and gave us all the confidence we needed, and soon we were zipping through canopies of red and gold. The air was cold, our hearts were racing, and the views were stunning.

That afternoon, the group explored the area at their own pace. Some checked out the many beautiful waterfalls in the area, some went shopping, and others relaxed back at the cabin. Dinner was homemade and filled with great conversation, the kind of evening that makes group travel feel like family.

Bikes, Ice Cream, and Ghostly Tales

After breakfast, we packed up our snacks and sandwiches for a scenic ride along the Stowe Recreation Path. We rode a leisurely 9 miles, stopping only for a picnic and photos at beautiful features, a corn maze, and the famous Stowe Church.

After returning our bikes, we drove to the original Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a sweet treat (no trip to Vermont is complete without it). We enjoyed the factory tour, learning about the history of Ben & Jerry's, visiting the Flavor Graveyard, and sampling the ice cream of the day: Milk & Cookies. 

The evening brought us under flickering light for a haunted lantern tour. Our local guide shared stories of haunted inns, strange sightings, and centuries-old legends. Equal parts spooky and fascinating, it gave us a new appreciation for the history woven into this charming and quaint town. Afterwards, we visited one of the haunted covered bridges. Did we see anything spooky? Maybe :)

Gondolas, Gratitude, and Goodbyes

Our last full day was a celebration of Vermont’s natural beauty. We made our way to Stowe Mountain Resort and rode the gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, which is the state’s tallest peak.

The ride up on the gondola was gorgeous. It was so beautiful to see the landscape change from flat to mountainous as we reached higher elevation. Some of our group went on an exhilarating hike, while others enjoyed a picnic lunch with panoramic views. I think we all enjoyed a few quiet moments to take it all in. It felt like the perfect exhale at the end of a full, vibrant weekend.

That evening back at the cabin, we gathered for one final dinner together. We shared favorite moments, from the thrill of the zip line to Emily the ghost at the covered bridge (IYKYK) to falling in love with Vermont's famous maple creemees. 

Stowe is spectacular on its own, there’s no denying that. But experiencing it with Women Who Explore adds an entirely different kind of magic.

As a WWE trip host, these moments are everything. Watching women who arrived as strangers leave laughing like old friends, having inside jokes, and already talking about the next adventure is so amazing. We've been staying in touch and I'm excited to see where everyone explores next.

Blog written by Trip Host and Ambassador Elissa Volkman

Elissa Volkman is originally from southern Minnesota, where she spent most of her time outside biking, playing, taking photos, and learning about the wildlife around her. In 2010, she moved to the Twin Cities and attended the University of Minnesota for an undergrad in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies and a Master’s in Sport Management, emphasizing in outdoor program planning.

Elissa, her husband Eric, and chow mix Archie spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy traveling. She also enjoys a variety of other outdoor activities including rock climbing, downhill skiing, backpacking, canoeing, and nature and landscape photography.

Elissa has been a Women Who Explore ambassador since 2020 where she has led a variety of events from hiking to skiing to rock climbing to pints & puzzle nights. She’s excited to explore the world and learn with you soon!

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