Northeast Kingdom Vt Map
The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is a charming region known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, there’s something for everyone in this part of the Green Mountain State. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
The Northeast Kingdom is home to several must-visit attractions, including:
1. Lake Willoughby
Known as the “Lucerne of America,” Lake Willoughby is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking in the area.
2. Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
This museum in St. Johnsbury features a vast collection of natural history exhibits, including preserved animals, minerals, and fossils. The planetarium offers shows and educational programs for all ages.
3. Bread and Puppet Theatre
This internationally renowned puppet theatre in Glover offers free outdoor performances during the summer months. The theatre is known for its political and social commentary, as well as its elaborate puppets and masks.
Hidden Gems
The Northeast Kingdom is full of hidden gems that are worth seeking out, including:
1. Parker Pie Company
This pizza joint in West Glover is a local favorite, serving up delicious pies made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
2. Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge spans over 36,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and birdwatching in the area.
3. Old Stone House Museum
This museum in Brownington is housed in a historic 19th-century building and features exhibits on local history and culture. The museum also offers guided tours of the surrounding village.
Food Scene
The Northeast Kingdom is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and artisanal food producers. Some must-try spots include:
1. Jasper Hill Farm
This award-winning cheese producer in Greensboro offers tours and tastings of their delicious cheeses, made using milk from their own herd of cows.
2. Hill Farmstead Brewery
This acclaimed brewery in Greensboro is known for its world-class beers, made using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the facility.
3. The Skinny Pancake
This Burlington-based creperie has a location in Montpelier and serves up sweet and savory crepes made with Vermont-sourced ingredients.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Northeast Kingdom can be an expensive place to visit, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing fun. Some budget-friendly tips include:
1. Camp or stay in a hostel
Camping or staying in a hostel can be a much cheaper alternative to hotels or resorts. The Northeast Kingdom has several campgrounds and hostels to choose from.
2. Pack a picnic
Instead of eating out for every meal, pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in one of the region’s many parks or scenic overlooks.
3. Take advantage of free activities
The Northeast Kingdom has plenty of free activities, including hiking, swimming, and exploring small towns and villages.
Outdoor Adventures
The Northeast Kingdom is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Some top outdoor adventures include:
1. Kingdom Trails
This 100-mile network of trails in the town of East Burke is a mecca for mountain bikers, with trails for all skill levels.
2. Jay Peak Resort
This ski resort in Jay has over 80 trails and glades, as well as a water park and ice arena.
3. Mount Pisgah
This 2,751-foot mountain in Westmore offers stunning views of Lake Willoughby and the surrounding mountains.
Historical Landmarks
The Northeast Kingdom has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. Some must-visit historical landmarks include:
1. Old Constitution House
This historic building in Windsor was the site of the signing of the Vermont Constitution in 1777.
2. Justin Morrill Homestead
This historic site in Strafford was the home of Justin Morrill, a U.S. senator and founder of the land-grant college system.
3. Fairbanks Family in St. Johnsbury
This museum in St. Johnsbury features exhibits on the Fairbanks family, who were prominent inventors and entrepreneurs in the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Northeast Kingdom is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Some top family-friendly activities include:
1. Shelburne Museum
This museum in Shelburne has a vast collection of art, Americana, and historic buildings, as well as a circus-themed exhibit that kids will love.
2. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
This science center in Burlington offers hands-on exhibits on Lake Champlain’s ecology and history.
3. Santa’s Village
This amusement park in Jefferson is a magical place for young kids, with rides, shows, and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, the Northeast Kingdom has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer, including:
1. Dog Mountain
This 150-acre park in St. Johnsbury is dedicated to dogs and their owners, with hiking trails, a dog chapel, and sculptures of dogs throughout the park.
2. The Bread and Puppet Museum
This museum in Glover features the puppets and masks used in the Bread and Puppet Theatre’s performances, as well as exhibits on political and social issues.
3. Cabot Creamery Annex
This cheese shop in Cabot offers free samples of their award-winning cheeses, as well as a viewing area where visitors can see the cheese-making process in action.
Natural Wonders
The Northeast Kingdom is home to some of Vermont’s most stunning natural wonders, including:
1. Lake Memphremagog
This glacial lake spans over 27 miles and straddles the Vermont-Quebec border.
2. Burke Mountain
This 3,267-foot mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as hiking and skiing opportunities.
3. Quechee Gorge
This 165-foot-deep gorge in Quechee is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Northeast Kingdom may be a rural region, but it still has plenty of options for a night out on the town, including:
1. Parker Pie Company
This pizza joint in West Glover hosts live music and events throughout the year.
2. The Highland Center for the Arts
This arts center in Greensboro hosts concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
3. Kingdom Taproom
This craft beer bar in St. Johnsbury has a rotating selection of Vermont beers on tap, as well as live music and events.
Local Markets
The Northeast Kingdom is home to several farmers’ markets and artisanal food producers, including:
1. St. Johnsbury Farmers’ Market
This farmers’ market in St. Johnsbury features fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music.
2. Vermont Maple Outlet
This maple syrup producer in Jefferson offers free tastings of their maple products, as well as a gift shop with Vermont-made products.
3. Hill Farmstead Brewery
In addition to their acclaimed beers, Hill Farmstead Brewery also sells locally made cheese and other Vermont-made products.
Beaches and Mountains
The Northeast Kingdom has plenty of options for both beach and mountain lovers, including: