72 Hours in the Northeast Kingdom
Two Nights And
Three Days 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.
Visit at a Glance
These three days offer suggestions for things to do surrounding lodging, dining, shopping, and nearby attractions. Use this itinerary as a guide for further discovery and bookmark these locations. Another great way to find a hidden gem is to ask a shop owner for their favorite local spot.
Key Points of Interest
- Day 1: Start your trip in St. Johnsbury for the sense of community small towns are known for, with small, local business that form the town’s backbone and miles of public, dog-friendly trails.
- Day 2: Make your way into the heart of the Northeast Kingdom on two wheels at the world-famous Kingdom Trails.
- Day 3: Venture to the top of the Northeast Kingdom, just south of the Canadian border, and discover heritage including a museum that honors the first Black person to graduate from a U.S. college.
Start your trip in St. Johnsbury for the sense of community small towns are known for with just a touch of big-city flare.
– Day 1
Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
Experience Victorian elegance in this exquisite natural history museum, home to the state’s only public planetarium.
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.
Fairbanks Inn
Spend the night unwinding and relaxing at this charming property, located in St. Johnsbury’s quiet downtown.
Make your way into the heart of the Northeast Kingdom.
– Day 2
Kingdom Trails
A world-class trail system intertwined with the local community. This expansive trail network (100+ miles) offers outdoor recreation experiences year-round.
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.
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.
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.
The Willoughvale Inn and Cottages
On scenic Lake Willoughby, the Willoughvale Inn offers a relaxing escape in the main inn or private cottages.
Venture to the top of the Northeast Kingdom, just south of the Canadian border.
– Day 3
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.
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.
East Side Restaurant & Pub
Enjoy waterfront dining on the shore of Lake Memphremagog. After a hearty meal, visit the on-site country store.
Jay Peak Resort
With lodging options featuring hotel suites, condominiums, townhouses, and homes, nearly all offer the convenience of ski-in/ski-out.
About the Vermont Inspiration Guide
This itinerary comes from the Vermont Inspiration Guide, through a partnership between the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This free annual publication highlights Vermont’s restaurants, retailers, attractions, and outdoor adventures and can be ordered online along with other trip planning resources.