The Stowe Theatre Guild (Rte. 100 and Rte. 108, 67 Main St., 802/253-3961, www.stowetheatre.com [1]) presents crowd-pleasing musicals throughout the year at the Stowe Town Hall Theatre. The village abounds with bars for après-ski libations.
The Rusty Nail (1190 Mountain Rd., 802/253-6245, www.rustynailbar.com [2]) is classier than its name might imply, with a martini menu and DJ dancing on weekends.
The Matterhorn (4969 Mountain Rd., 802/253-8198, www.matterhornbar.com [3]) has comedy nights and cover-band performances along with pool tables and sushi.
The von Trapp Family continues its musical legacy with Music in the Meadow (802/863-5966, www.stowearts.com [4]), a summer concert series of classical and popular music held in the meadow behind the lodge. For more than 20 years, the Stoweflake Resort has literally been full of hot air.
The annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival (802/253-7355 or 800/253-2232, www.stoweflake.com [5], mid-July) offers opportunities for $10 tethered balloon rides, along with longer flights for those paying $500 for a package stay at the resort.
Stowe becomes the Austrian village it has always wanted to be each fall during Stowe Oktoberfest (802/253-7321853-2506, www.stoweoktoberfest.com [6], late Sept.), a two-day crush of oompah bands, schnitzel, beer, and more beer. Miss Vermont even makes a showing.
Ski-jumping and ice-sculpture carving shake Stowe [7] out of the winter doldrums during the Stowe Winter Carnival (www.stowecarnival.com [8], late Jan.). A highlight is the village-block-party night that fills the streets with bulky parkas and merriment.
Links:
[1] http://www.stowetheatre.com
[2] http://www.rustynailbar.com
[3] http://www.matterhornbar.com
[4] http://www.stowearts.com
[5] http://www.stoweflake.com
[6] http://www.stoweoktoberfest.com
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/vermont/northeast-vermont/north-central-vermont/stowe
[8] http://www.stowecarnival.com