Stowe is a town in Lamoille County, Vermont. The population was 4,314 at the 2010 census. Tourism is a significant industry.

Stowe was chartered June 8, 1763 by Royal governor Benning Wentworth of the New Hampshire colony.

Stowe lies in a broad, fertile valley between Mount Mansfield and other peaks of the Green Mountains to the west, and the Worcester Range to the east. The city covers approximately 72 square miles.

Tourism

Stowe is host to arts and crafts shows, a balloon festival, and many other special events. The weekend-long British Invasion event is held annually in Stowe during the third week of September. The Stowe Theater Guild, along with Hyde Park Opera House, and the Waterbury Festival Players, combine to offer theatrical productions each summer.

The 2007 Fed Cup Semifinals between the United States team (coached by Zina Garrison) and Russia took place in Stowe on hard courts in July. Vania King, Lisa Raymond, Meilen Tu, and Venus Williams made up the team for the U.S. A 4,100 capacity stadium was built at Topnotch Resort.

Skiing

At 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest mountain and is a ski area with terrain suitable for intermediate to expert skiers. The famous “Front Four” trails (National, Lift Line, Starr, and Goat) are the most challenging. The lower altitude Spruce Peak is suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Other Activities

There are many hiking trails on and around Mount Mansfield and Smugglers’ Notch State Park, such as a portion of the Long Trail, all of which are maintained by the Green Mountain Club. There are also rock climbing and ice climbing activities.

There is mountain biking in the area. Besides public trails, there are private trails at the Trapp Family Lodge.

Stowe Recreation Path

The Stowe Recreation Path, is a recreation trail that runs 5.3 miles and was completed in 1989. The Path has received several awards and honors.

• Douglas Casey, investor and financial author
• Rusty DeWees, comedian, actor, and writer
• William “Billy” Kidd, first American man to earn an Olympic medal in alpine skiing
• Joe Kirkwood, Sr., golfer
• Graham Mink, right wing with the Washington Capitals
• Joseph Skinger, artisan
• Ken Squier, commentator for NASCAR
• Maria von Trapp, matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers
• Fritz Wiessner, pioneer of free climbing
• Jake Burton Carpenter, CEO of Burton Snowboards

Source: Wikipedia.com