Vermont Small-Group Day Tour from Stowe: Ben & Jerry’s, Cold Hollow Cider, Trapp Family Lodge, Smugglers’ Notch
by Vermontology Guided Tours
Overview
This small-group day tour lasts about seven hours and begins with a visit to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury. Guests take a 30-minute guided tour featuring a short film about the company’s history, a walk through the production area, and free samples of the newest ice cream flavor, followed by time to browse the gift shop. Next, the group travels to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center, where visitors can sample fresh apple cider and explore a variety of Vermont-made products like maple syrup. Hot cider donuts are available to purchase. After Cold Hollow Cider Mill, the tour continues to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Set on 2,500 acres, the lodge offers views of the Green Mountains and is known for its connection to the Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music. Visitors see the welcome sign referencing Austria and Vermont and spend about one hour at the lodge. The journey proceeds with a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch State Park, a narrow mountain pass with steep cliffs reaching 1,000 feet. This section is only accessible outside winter; during that season, the tour visits Emily’s Covered Bridge and takes a route through Stowe Hollow instead. The final stop is downtown Stowe, where visitors have about 90 minutes to explore local artisan shops, specialty food stores, and the Ski and Snowboard Museum. The village hosts various summer events, including a hot air balloon festival and arts and crafts shows. The tour includes hotel pickup, private air-conditioned transportation, a designated driver-guide, and admission to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour. Lunch is not included but available for purchase. Moderate walking is required.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
The first stop is the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Guests take a 30-minute guided tour including a short film on the company’s history and a walkthrough of the production facilities. The tour ends with free samples of the latest ice cream flavor. Visitors also have time to visit the gift shop.
45 min
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Next is Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center. This producer of apple cider and other Vermont products offers the smell of fresh apples being made into cider. Visitors can sample freshly made cider and browse items like maple syrup and specialty foods. Hot cider donuts are available for purchase.
30 min
Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
The tour then goes to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. The lodge is set on 2,500 acres with views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. It is the home of the Von Trapp Family from The Sound of Music. Visitors are welcomed by a sign inviting them to share a bit of Austria and Vermont.
60 min
Scenic Drive through Smugglers’ Notch State Park
After the lodge, the group takes a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch State Park, a narrow mountain pass with steep cliffs rising 1,000 feet. The road is winding and offers mountain views. Smugglers’ Notch is closed in winter; during that time, the tour visits Emily’s Covered Bridge and drives through Stowe Hollow instead.
40 min
Stowe
The final stop is downtown Stowe village, population just over 4,300. Visitors have about 90 minutes to explore local artisan shops selling art, jewelry, clothing, gifts, and specialty foods. The village also has a Ski and Snowboard Museum and hosts summer events such as a hot air balloon festival and arts and crafts shows.
90 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.