2025 Summer Bucket List – VT Northeast Kingdom

June 17, 2025

Make the most of summertime in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with the help of CowMoo’s Summer Bucket List.  Savor fresh summer flavor, embark on an outdoor adventure, listen to live music, and take in the thriving arts and culture scene. C heck our event calendar for a more complete list of upcoming events.

Patio with tables, chairs, umbrellas, and people; some dining. Trees in the background.

From weekly farmers markets and food trucks to craft breweries and maple creemees, summer in the Kingdom isn’t complete without exploring the Kingdom’s fresh seasonal flavors!

Sample a Seasonal Brew   (Eastern Trek, Farm & Field, Mountain & Lake Getaway)
There’s nothing like a craft beer made in Vermont! Follow the  NEKed Beer Trail  and enjoy a sampling of seasonal staples – or head to a local restaurant or bar to see what’s on tap locally.

Embark on an Ice Cream Tour   (Eastern Trek, Farm & Field, Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Brave the brain freeze and explore sweet treats throughout the Kingdom. From world famous maple creemees to some of the biggest ice cream sundaes around, there’s no shortage of scoops to try this summer.

Food Truck Popup @ The Pavilion St. Johnsbury (Eastern Trek)
Delicious food and lots of fun featuring food trucks, live music, and lawn games. Stop by for dinner or stretch your legs after cruising the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  Second & fourth Tuesdays of the month, June- August, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. 

Visit a Farmer’s Market
Find fresh produce, locally made goods, and more. Farmers Markets take place across the Kingdom all summer long.

Danville , Wednesday, 3pm – 6pm (Eastern Trek)
St. Johnsbury , Saturday, 9am – 1pm (Eastern Trek)
Lyndonville , Friday, 3 – 6pm (Eastern Trek)
Craftsbury , Saturday, 10am – 1pm (Farm & Field)
Hardwick , Friday 3-6 pm (Farm & Field)
Greensboro , Wednesday, 3-6 pm (Farm & Field)
Glover , Sunday 10:30am – 2 pm (Farm & Field)
Westmore , Monday 3pm-6pm (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Newport , Saturday & Wednesday, 3pm – 6pm (Mountain & Lake Getaway)

Grab a Coffee or a Bite to Eat at a Local Cafe
Throughout the Kingdom Local Coffee Shops, Bakeries, Cafes, and more are serving Vermont flavors at their best.

Eastern Trek
– Boule Bakery (St. Johnsbury)
– Central Café (St. Johnsbury)
– Boxcar & Caboose (St. Johnsbury)
– Locally Social Coffee (St. Johnsbury)
– The Kitchen Counter Café (St. Johnsbury)
– The Buttery (St. Johnsbury)
– Freighthouse Market & Café (Lyndonville)
– The Coffee Cabin (East Burke)
– Northeast Kingdom Country Store (Bruke)
– Cafe Lotti (Burke)

Farm and Field
– Front Seat Coffee (Hardwick)
– The Village Restaurant (Hardwick)
– Craftsbury General Store (Craftsbury)
– Carriage House Cafe & Grill (Orleans)
– Busy Bee Diner (Glover)
– The Will O Barn Snack Bar (Brownington)

Mountains and Lakes
– Three Branches Café (Island Pond)
– April’s Maple (Canaan)
– Green Mountain Natural Café and Foods (Newport)
– Roasters Cafe & Deli (Newport)

An art gallery with various paintings on the wall. Includes lighting, and a wooden floor.

Experience the Kingdom's Creativity

Open land and stunning views inspire creativity all across the Kingdom.  Attend a live show, visit a museum, or check out the arts scene. 

Visit a Museum or Gallery (Eastern Trek, Farm & Field)
Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is home to a variety of museums including the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium (St. Johnsbury), Museum of Everyday Life (Glover), Bread and Puppet Museum (Glover), and the Old Stone House Museum (Brownington).  Also check out the Fried Family Gallery at Catamount Arts (St. Johnsbury). 

Wednesdays on the Waterfront Newport (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Enjoy a live concert at Newport’s Waterfront Gazebo on the shores of Lake Memphremagog.  Free and open to all ages. Concert dates: July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6 from 6 – 8:30pm.

Levitt Amp St. Johnsbury Music Series at Dog Mountain (Eastern Trek)
Presented by  Catamount Arts , enjoy 8 free Sunday summer concerts at Dog Mountain. Featuring various music sounds, from celtic rock to smooth jazz.

St. J Final Fridays St. Johnsbury (Eastern Trek)
A downtown celebration of art, food, music, culture and fun. A free event along Railroad Street and Eastern Avenue in St. Johnsbury. June 27, July 25 & August 29, 2025, starts at 4 pm

Click here  to discover even more ways to experience the Arts & Culture of the NEK. 

Person on a boardwalk, gazing at a lake under a cloudy sky. Green trees frame the path.

Soak up Summer Sun with Outdoor Fun

Whether you like to spend time on the trails or in the water, there’s nothing like spending time in the great outdoors.  Compete in an athletic event or go out just for the fun of it!

Ride the Northern Star ,   Newport (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Cruise Lake Memphremagog along the Northern Star. Check their website for special theme nights and other events throughout the summer.

BeeBee Spur Rail Trail Access at Newport and North Derby (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Take your bike out on a ride to the edge of America along the Kingdom’s scenic Lake Memphremagog. Also open for walking. This trail connects to the Waterfront path into Newport’s downtown. Parking available at North Country Hospital to access from Prouty Drive or at 1685 N Derby Road.

To find other locations to bike throughout the Kingdom,  click here .

Hike Around Kettle Pond  Peacham (Farm & Field)
Explore the shores of Kettle Pond on a 3.1-mile loop through Groton State Forest. This trail is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Take a Hike in the St. Johnsbury Town Forest
The St. Johnsbury Town Forest offers a network of trails along Moose River and through the forest. Take a stroll just outside of the downtown. Easy – Moderate difficulty. 

Explore other hiking trails throughout the Kingdom – learn more  here .

Chase the Waterfall at Jay Branch Gorge Jay (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Also known as Four Corners Falls, enjoy making a splash in this delightful swimming hole. For more places to  swim  in the Kingdom, click here.

And if you’re into  canoeing or kayaking , we have plenty of opportunities as well!

  Get Hooked on Fishing
By boat, kayak, or from the shore – there are several locations to cast your line in the Northeast Kingdom waters. Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or starting a new hobby come explore the crystal waters that are renowned for their fresh water fishing.

A musician playing guitar on stage in front of a crowd.

Can’t-Miss Summer Events

Here’s a sampling of some of the events happening this summer in the Kingdom. Visit our  Events Calendar  to learn more. 

NEK Swim Week , August 2 – 10,  Various event locations across the Kingdom
8 lakes, 46 – 57 miles, 9 days, how far will you swim in the crystal-clear waters of the NEK during Kingdom Games’ Swim Week? Bringing your own kayaker is strongly encouraged. Choose one lake to conquer or sign up for the entire week.

Dog Mountain Summer Party ,  August2, 12 – 4pm,   St Johnsbury (Eastern Trek)
The best place to spend the dog days of summer! Bring your four-legged friend for this annual summer celebration.  

Old Stone House Day , August 13, 11am-4pm,  Brownington (Farm & Field)
In honor of the museum’s 100 year anniversary! Tour the Museum, play historic games on the lawn, visit the petting zoo, and taste a selection of Jasper Hill’s award-winning cheese.

Island Pond Comedy Carnival , August 17 – 20, 5pm – 12pm,  Island Pond  (Eastern Trek)
A fun night of comedy with some of New England’s best comedians at Essex House and Tavern in Brighton, VT.

Caledonia County Fair , August 20 – 24,  Lyndonville (Eastern Trek)
Visit Vermont’s oldest fair! The grounds will be packed with fun filled activities and special events for the whole family. Tickets available  online  or at the gate.

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