NORTHFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) – For 47 years, Frank Pecora has occupied a baseball dugout in Northfield. First, as the legendary skipper for the Marauders high school program, and then for the Norwich Cadets. But this season will be his final one, as the head coach announced he will retire after the season.

After winning 15 state championships in almost 40 years of work with Northfield High School, Pecora was an assistant coach at Norwich University for three years before taking the head job.

Despite all the wins and accolades, Pecora says he’s most thankful for the relationships, and a chance to do what he loves.

“The opportunity to coach in high school, young teenagers, and here, young men, it’s been an honor and a pleasure to do what I love doing,” he said. “I’ve been in education for 55 years and I haven’t worked a day in my life.”

The Cadets will face Johnson & Wales on Friday in the double-elimination GNAC tournament.

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Nestled amidst the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont, Stowe is a picturesque town that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure. As the month of May paints the landscape in vibrant hues of springtime, Stowe transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking rejuvenation. Discover the 9 best things to do in Stowe May 2024 and create memories that will last a lifetime.

With its stunning mountain scenery, Stowe is a hiker’s paradise. Embark on a challenging trek to the summit of Stowe Pinnacle or ascend the iconic Stowe Mountain Resort gondola for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Engage in invigorating bike rides along scenic trails, or if water is your element, explore Stowe’s pristine rivers and lakes by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

For those seeking a more leisurely pace, visit the charming village of Stowe, where you can browse quaint shops, savor delicious local cuisine, or simply relax in one of the cozy cafes. Delve into the region’s fascinating past at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, or immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the Helen Day Art Center.

May in Stowe also brings the annual Vermont Brewers Festival, a celebration of the state’s thriving craft beer industry. Indulge in tastings from over 100 breweries while enjoying live music and local food vendors. Experience the vibrant culture of Stowe through its eclectic festivals, farmers’ markets, and community events.

The best months to visit Stowe are May through October, when the weather is at its most pleasant. Plan your trip around the Vermont Brewers Festival in May or the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival in June. Getting to Stowe is easy, with nearby transportation options including the Burlington International Airport (BTV) and the Amtrak train station in Waterbury.

Stowe offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate. Savor farm-to-table cuisine at Michael’s on the Hill, indulge in hearty comfort food at Charlie B’s Pub & Restaurant, or explore international flavors at The Alchemist Brewery & Restaurant. After a day of adventure or exploration, unwind at one of Stowe’s many cozy inns or luxurious resorts, such as the Topnotch Resort & Spa or the Stowe Mountain Lodge.

Stowe embodies the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities, tranquil escapes, or culinary delights, Stowe has something to offer everyone. Plan your visit for May 2024 and experience the 9 best things to do in this enchanting Vermont town, creating memories that will stay with you long after your return home.

## Hiking and Biking Trails

Stowe Pinnacle Trail

Challenge yourself with the ascent to Stowe Pinnacle, a 2.5-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The strenuous hike rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Worcester Range. The summit offers a perfect spot for a picnic, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola

For a less strenuous but equally rewarding experience, take a ride on the Stowe Mountain Resort gondola. The 4-mile scenic ascent takes you up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Enjoy stunning views of the Green Mountains and the surrounding landscape from the comfort of the gondola.

Stowe Recreation Path

Explore Stowe’s natural beauty on two wheels along the Stowe Recreation Path, a paved trail spanning 5.3 miles. The mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for all fitness levels, whether you prefer a leisurely bike ride or an invigorating workout. The trail winds alongside the West Branch River, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife sightings.

## Water Activities

Kayaking on the Winooski River

Embark on a paddling adventure on the Winooski River, known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings. Rent a kayak and explore the meandering river, passing by lush green banks, quaint bridges, and historic mill buildings. The gentle current makes it an ideal activity for kayakers of all experience levels.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Lake Mansfield

Glide across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mansfield on a stand-up paddleboard. This serene lake offers a tranquil setting for paddling, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine forests. Enjoy the stunning views while getting a full-body workout and immersing yourself in nature’s tranquility.

Charming Stowe Village

Shopping and Dining on Main Street

Stroll along Stowe’s charming Main Street, lined with quaint shops and boutiques. Discover unique souvenirs, handcrafted items, and local art, or indulge in delectable treats at one of the many cozy cafes. The village’s vibrant atmosphere invites you to relax and soak in the local culture.

Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum

Delve into the rich history of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. Explore interactive exhibits, vintage equipment, and captivating stories that showcase the evolution of winter sports in the region. Learn about the legendary skiers and snowboarders who have shaped the sport’s legacy.

Helen Day Art Center

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the Helen Day Art Center, a hub for visual and performing arts. Admire rotating exhibitions featuring works by local and regional artists, attend a captivating performance in the intimate theater, or participate in hands-on workshops to unleash your own creativity.

## Culture and Festivals

Vermont Brewers Festival

Savor the flavors of Vermont’s thriving craft beer scene at the annual Vermont Brewers Festival, held in May. Sample over 200 beers from more than 100 breweries, enjoy live music, and indulge in local food offerings. This lively festival celebrates the state’s rich brewing tradition and brings together beer enthusiasts from near and far.

Planning Your Stowe Adventure

Best Months to Visit

May through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and exploring Stowe’s natural beauty.

Nearby Transportation

Burlington International Airport (BTV) and Amtrak train station in Waterbury provide convenient transportation options to Stowe.

Local Cuisine

Stowe offers a diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table cuisine to hearty comfort food and international flavors.

Best Hotels

Topnotch Resort & Spa and Stowe Mountain Lodge provide luxurious accommodations and amenities for a comfortable and memorable stay.

Conclusion

Stowe awaits your arrival with a captivating blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Plan your visit for May 2024 and experience the 9 best things to do in this enchanting Vermont town, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“Does anybody recognize this seed?” ecologist Shelby Perry asked the audience, pointing to an image projected on the wall of the Mad River Valley Arts (MRVA) gallery last Thursday, April 18. “It’s a tough one.”

It was the seed of an American chestnut tree – a spiny burr that moves around by hooking itself onto mammals’ coats. When found, these seeds are often sterile due to lack of fertilization, Perry said. In the early 20^th century, a blight fungus nearly wiped out the entire population.

Perry, an ecologist with the Northeast Wilderness Trust, shared a trove of knowledge about trees in her lecture “Trees and Rewilding” – an event that wraps up the MRVA exhibition “RISE: Trees, Our Botanical Giants.” The show features artworks made primarily from wood, or those that take up more conceptual aspect of trees and forests. It comes down on Friday, April 26.

Perry used field recordings and other bits of audio in her presentation – peepers, chickadees, and the soundscape of a shaded summer forest. She described the intricacies of tree development across the seasons, focusing on the present moment – spring.

It’s a period of re-awakening, of seeds moving, of flowering tree tops, and the birth of baby animals, she said. The audience looked at an image of the flowering tips of a red maple tree.

Perry suggested collecting the budding branches in winter, putting them in a vase of water, and waiting for the buds – either leaves or flowers – to open. “I’ve brought home a lot of red maple twigs,” she said, “and I love it when the flowers open in January and February, when everything is white and I need to see a little taste of spring.”

As for why the leaves are red, Perry said the latest theory argues that the color is a product of a chemical acting as sunscreen for the foliage, which doesn’t yet have the chlorophyll needed to absorb the sun’s energy.

Perry spoke about species that thrive on the ground, alongside trees – wild flowers like Spring Beauty, Trout Lily and Blood Root. As “spring ephemerals,” Perry said, “their whole life cycle is about taking advantage of this moment, right now, before all the leaves come out, and there’s a bunch of sunlight reaching the forest floor.”

Some of these species are in critical partnership with ants, she said. Their seeds have a sugary coating, with ants hauling them to their sandy ant hills, where they germinate and grow from inside.

Perry pulled up an image of the bright orange Eastern newt – a creature that wanders the forest floor for up to a decade in “their Kurt Vonnegut phase,” she said – and the Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold, “single-celled organisms that are essentially a giant bag of nucleuses, that ooze around on the forest floor…then fruit on rotting logs and woods.”

Perry concluded her talk by speaking briefly on the concept of “rewilding” – a form of ecological restoration that aims to restore natural processes, reducing human influence on ecosystems. The Northeast Wilderness Trust is involved in a more passive form of this. They purchase and protect land, leaving it alone and letting natural processes play out. “For me, it feels like an act of humility,” Perry said. “It’s about saying ‘we don’t know what’s best,’ so we can let some places decide for themselves.”

Most of what we know about trees is based on observations from 50-80 year-old forests, she said, with only 3.3% of New England forests currently being rewilded.

Rewilding take a long time, “but somebody has to start the clock somewhere,” she said. Thinking on a small scale, landowners can rewild parts of their land by letting the edges of their property get brush-y and thick. They can also mow paths in their lawn instead of the whole area, letting native species repopulate. It might not seem like much, but Perry said that even letting a half-acre grow wild would be building a home for a ton of really small organisms like frogs, fireflies and slime molds.

“Any place you can just reign in that manicuring a little bit, is a little bit of rewilding, and it’s at a scale that’s beneficial to the small things that fit in that place.”

This year, MRVA’s mission is to host exhibitions and events that show the intersection of art and the environment. The next show, “ALOFT: Birds, Insects and Aerial Phenomena” opens on May 2.