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72 Hours in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

NEK by the Numbers
71,315 acres of public state forest land and parks
35,575 acres of public lakes and ponds
3,840 miles of public rivers and streams

Named in 1949 by former governor George Aiken for its pastoral setting and natural beauty, the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Vermont. Use this itinerary to inspire a NEK getaway that will have you feeling like a local.


DAY ONE

Start your trip in St. Johnsbury for the sense of community small towns are known for with just a touch of big-city flare. 


Experience

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
Experience Victorian elegance in this exquisite natural history museum, home to the state’s only public planetarium.

Northeast Kingdom Artisan’s Guild
Discover work done by Vermont artists at this cooperative craft and fine art gallery.

Food and Drink

Kingdom Taproom and Table
Order from a small yet varied menu grounded in local ingredients. 

Kingdom Crust Company
The menu has something for everyone, from pizza made just the way you like it to sandwiches and desserts.

Stay

Fairbanks Inn
Spend the night unwinding and relaxing at this charming property, located in St. Johnsbury’s quiet downtown.


DAY TWO

Make your way into the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. 


Play

Kingdom Trails
A world-class trail system intertwined with the local community. This expansive trail network (100+ miles) offers outdoor recreation experiences year-round. 

mountain biking through the trails in vermont

Lake Willoughby 
Carved by a glacier and boasting dramatic views, Lake Willoughby is crystal clear and bordered by mountains. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and more.

Experience

Highland Center for the Arts
This year-round center for visual and performing arts offers music, theater and more.

The Museum of Everyday Life
A place for reflection on the overlooked aspects of everyday life. Exhibits explore ordinary objects such as the safety pin, pencil, and toothbrush.

Food and Drink

The View Pub
Enjoy a lunch of salads, soups, and sandwiches at Burke Mountain Resort.

Hill Farmstead Brewery
Sip a beer at this renowned brewery, sitting on ancestral land that has been worked by the Hill family for decades.

Stay

The Willoughvale Inn and Cottages
On scenic Lake Willoughby, the Willoughvale Inn offers a relaxing escape in the main inn or private cottages.


DAY THREE

Venture to the top of the Northeast Kingdom, just south of the Canadian border.


Play

Jay Peak Resort
Resort destination with skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and hiking and golfing in warmer months. Enjoy views from the aerial tram or experience the Pump House Indoor Waterpark.

Jay Peak Resort in the winter - vermont vacation

Experience

Old Stone House Museum
Featured as a stop on Vermont’s African American Heritage Trail, this museum tells the story of Alexander Twilight, who founded Old Stone House.

Food and Drink

East Side Restaurant & Pub
Enjoy waterfront dining on the shore of Lake Memphremagog. After a hearty meal, visit the on-site country store.

Stay

Jay Peak Resort
With lodging options featuring hotel suites, condominiums, townhouses, and homes, nearly all offer the convenience of ski-in/ski-out.

Discover

Plan your trip at Plan.VermontVacation.com