Gateway to the Northeast Kingdom

Discover a community rich in traditions and culture, vibrant with arts and architecture.

This watershed, along the upper reaches of the Connecticut River that divides New Hampshire’s granite from Vermont’s Green Mountains, inspires great minds and great passion. From the earliest Abenaki settlements, this valley draws people to stop and appreciate the beauty and abundance of the land.

St. Johnsbury owes its most visible heritage to the Fairbanks family, specifically brothers Thaddeus and Erastus who arrived in the early 1800’s with little more than a wagon and innovative ideas. They patented and produced the platform scale, bridging the agricultural economy with the needs of a nascent industrial commercial system. Their company – Fairbanks Scales – succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations, reaching markets around the world. In the process, St. Johnsbury became one of the most prosperous towns in the Northeast.

The Fairbanks family founded institutions dedicated to education and the arts for the people of St. Johnsbury. Today, cultural institutions – the St. Johsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, and Catamount Arts – offer world-class programs and events for audiences of all ages throughout the year.

St. Johnsbury’s Victorian roots remain strong, and new dimensions of the community add vitality and variety. A regional hospital, the largest weekly farmers market in the area, and striking art galleries enrich everyday life.  All this happens in a community with more bridges than traffic lights, more spires than chain stores, and more surprises than you expect!

St. Johnsbury’s restaurants invite families and friends to gather around a table featuring local flavors and creative presentations at The Wine Gate, Pica-Pica, Kingdom Taproom, Anthony’s Diner, Cantina di Gerardo, Bread & Butter, Cafe at Gatto Nero Press, Hilltopper Cafe and more. Shoppers make downtown a destination for home décor at Moose River Lake & Lodge; unique hand-made gifts at the Northeast Kingdom Artisans’ Guild and Artful Eye; rugged hunting and outdoor gear at Caplan’s Army Store; apparel at Podo Shoes; books and toys at Boxcar & Caboose; art supplies at The Frame Dames.

For more information, visit Discover St. Johnsbury or call (802) 748-7121.