Vermont's Northeast Kingdom comprises the three northeastern-most counties of the state -- Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans countries. Together, they make up a region rich in cultural history, stunning natural beauty, and opportunities for unparalleled outdoor recreation.

In 1949 on a visit to the region, Vermont Senator George Aiken exclaimed "This is such beautiful country up here -- it should be called the Northeast Kingdom!" The area adopted this name, and has affectionately been called 'The Kingdom' or the 'NEK' since.

Caledonia County
Caledonia County is home to the region’s largest town, St. Johnsbury.  Here, you’ll find shops and Victorian homes lining Main Street, St. Johnsbury Academy, a vibrant arts & cultural scene and more. 

Head north to Lyndonville for some antiquing or the annual Burklyn Arts Fair, as well as Lyndon Institute and Lyndon State College.  Head south to Peacham, the most photographed town in New England according to Yankee Magazine. 

Orleans County
Orleans County is filled with picturesque little towns like Glover, Morgan, and Westmore as well as the larger city of Newport on the banks of Lake Memphramagog.  The ‘Lucerne of America’, Lake Willoughby, is located here as are Seymour Lake, Crystal Lake and many more lakes, pond, streams and rivers.

You can hike or ice climb Mt. Pisgah, enjoy lunch with a view of Canada, go to the annual Craftsbury Antiques & Uniques Fair held every summer and more. 

Essex County
Essex County is known as the Northern Frontier. It’s the most rural and least populated part of the region. 

For snowmobiling, Essex County can’t be beat.  Miles and miles of groomed trails wind their way through Island Pond, Bloomfield, and Canaan all the way to the Canadian border.  A ride via car or snowmobile through these small towns includes the sites of farms passed down from generations, charming country stores, quaint Inns awaiting your arrival, and hard working people. 

Whether you hunt with a rifle or binoculars and camera, wildlife is abundant here and big game opportunities include moose, deer, bear and turkey. Birders will find dozens of native species including rare ones if they are patient and industrious.  Brousseau Mountain, located in the town of Norton, is one of the few nesting sites for Peregrine Falcons. The Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge is located here, protecting over 26,000 acres of land and countless native species. 

Throughout the Kingdom there are more than 75 homes, inns, covered bridges and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Lodging choices range from quaint B & B’s to full service resorts to farm stays to lakeside cottages to economical hotels.  Each one is ready to welcome you to the area and make you feel at home.   

Dining options vary from local diners to fine dining with reservations required to casual pubs to snack bars.  All pride themselves on friendly service and fresh, thoughtfully prepared food.