This Charming Mountain Town 5 Hours From NYC Feels Just Like Lapland — With Reindeer Encounters & Cozy Alpine Chalets

Does just the thought of the 10-hour flight to Finland give you anxiety? If you’re dreaming of snow-dusted forests, roaming reindeer, and cozy nights by a roaring fire, you don’t need to head to the North Pole. Just five hours north of Manhattan lies Stowe, Vermont, a destination that perfectly mirrors the ethereal beauty of Finnish Lapland. Widely known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe transforms every winter into a festive haven of twinkling lights, alpine-style architecture, and sub-zero adventures that feel worlds away from the city. 🦌 A Taste of the Arctic: Reindeer & Dog Sledding ------------------------------------------------ The most iconic part of a trip to Lapland is meeting its most famous residents. Stowe offers that exact magic right in the heart of New England. * Vermont Reindeer Farm: for a true Lapland experience, you can book an appointment to visit these majestic creatures–it’s one of the few places in the Northeast where you can get up close to live reindeer, making for the ultimate “North Pole” photo op * Dog Sledding: nothing says Arctic adventure like gliding through snowy forests behind a team of huskies–several local outfitters offer dog sledding tours that whisk you through the pristine, white-draped countryside of the Green Mountains 🏔️ The Lapland Aesthetic: Snow-Covered Peaks & Cozy Chalets ----------------------------------------------------------- Stowe’s geography and architecture are what truly sell the European illusion. * The Landscape: surrounded by Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), the town is often blanketed in deep snow from December through March. The dramatic, frosted ridgelines mimic the feels of Northern Scandinavia * Spruce Peak Village: this pedestrian-friendly base village feels like a luxury Finnish resort. With its open-air ice skating rink (which is complimentary!), outdoor fire pits, and timber-framed buildings, it’s the epicenter of Stowe’s winter charm * The Famous White Church: the iconic Stowe Community Church with its tall white spire against a backdrop of snow-covered pines is one of the most photographed spots in America–giving off serious serene, Nordic village vibes 🎄 “A Traditional Christmas in Stowe” ------------------------------------ If you visit during the holidays, the town leans even further into its fairytale persona with its annual celebration. * Lantern Parades: the streets glow with hand-held lanterns, mirroring the light festivals held during the dark winters of the Arctic Circle * Holiday Markets: find one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts that feel much more authentic than anything you’ll find in a suburban mall * Tree Lightings & Santa: the entire village gathers for the lighting of the town tree, complete with candy canes and carols The good news: since the holiday season is newly in our past, we practically have a full year to plan this adventure! 🎿 Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont -------------------------------- Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a professional relaxer, Stowe has the “winter retreat” vibe perfected. * World-Class Skiing & Boarding: hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort, which offers some of the most scenic (and challenging) terrain in the country * Cozy Coffee Shops: after a day in the cold, warm up at local favorites like Black Cap Coffee or The Butchery for a thick hot chocolate or a craft latte * Snowshoeing & XC Skiing: for a quieter pace, explore the miles of groomed trails at the Trapp Family Lodge–the Austrian-style resort owned by the real Von Trapp family from *The Sound of Music* 🏠 Where to Stay: From Alpine Resorts to Luxury Lodges ----------------------------------------------------- To complete the Lapland experience, stay somewhere that embraces the “hygge” lifestyle. * The Lodge at Spruce Peak: for a true ski-in/ski-out luxury experience with massive stone fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains * Trapp Family Lodge: this Austrian-inspired lodge offers a unique European flair that fits perfectly with the alpine theme * Field Guide Lodge: a modern, stylish take on the rustic lodge with chic interiors that feel very Scandinavian minimalist 🗺️ Getting There from NYC ------------------------- Stowe is a straightforward and scenic drive for New Yorkers looking for a total change of scenery. * 🚗 By Car: it’s roughly a 5-hour drive from NYC. Take I-95 N to I-91 N through the heart of Massachusetts and Vermont. The drive through the Green Mountains as you approach Stowe is breathtaking * 🚊 By Train: for a nostalgic journey, take the Amtrak Vermonter from Penn Station to Waterbury-Stowe station. From there, it’s just a short 15-minute rideshare into the heart of the village * ✈️ By Air: if you want to skip the drive, you can fly from JFK or LGA into Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is only 45 minutes away from Stowe ❤️ Why New Yorkers will Fall in Love With Stowe, VT --------------------------------------------------- Stowe offers that rare combination of high-end luxury and rugged, natural beauty. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the pine trees are heavy with snow, and the “Christmas fantasy” feels entirely real. If you’re craving the magic of Lapland but want to stay within driving distance of the city, this is your winter home away from home. Source: https://secretnyc.co/stowe-vermont-feels-like-finnish-lapland/