CowMoo’s Northeast Kingdom Summer Bucket List

July 26, 2023


The Kingdom is Open for Business! Many people have been impacted by the flooding in Vermont and while challenging times may still be ahead, we appreciate your visitation and business! If you are interested in donating to support recovery efforts in Vermont, please consider the Vermont Main Street Recovery Fund supporting small businesses and the Vermont Community Foundation’s VT Flood Response and Recovery Fund 2023.

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, or take in the thriving arts and culture scene. Live music, intriguing events, and one of a kind opportunities await! Please check event websites and business hours before making a trip due to possible impacts. 

Patio with people at tables, under umbrellas and awnings, and greenery, appears to be a bar or restaurant.

Explore Fresh Summer Flavor

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.  End of Summer event dates: August 8 & 22 from 4:30 – 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, 9am – 1pm  (Eastern Trek)
 – Newport , Saturday & Wednesday, 9am – 2pm  (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
 – Craftsbury , Saturday, 9am – 1pm  (Farm & Field)
 –  St. Johnsbury , Saturday, 9am – 1pm  (Eastern Trek)
 –   Lyndonville , Friday, 3 – 6pm   (Eastern Trek)
 – Hardwick , Friday 3-6 pm (Farm & Field)
– Greensboro , Wednesday, 3-6 pm (Farm & Field)

Mark your calendar for  Vermont Open Farm Week , August 6 – 13. This annual week-long event provides an opportunity to visit multiple farms for a variety of agriculturally-focused activities.

Art gallery interior with various paintings on the walls.

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: August 2 & 9 from 6 – 8:30pm.

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. The last Final Friday of the summer is on August 25.

Live @ The Barrage , Holland (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
 Head up to the last exit in America to experience eclectic music and great company. Upcoming concerts: July 29, August 26, September 30 from 7 – 10pm.

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

A person in a cap looking out at a lake from a wooden boardwalk. Green trees and blue sky in the background.

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.

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!

A man playing guitar onstage at an outdoor concert, facing a large 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. 

4th Annual Lavender 5K , August 5, 10am – 12pm, Derby (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
 Run through Lavender fields on the edge of America at this family- friendly run-walk 5k race. Stick around Lavender Essentials of Vermont after the race for vendors and Mac & Cheese Fest (details below)

2nd Annual Mac & Cheese Festival , August 5, 12pm – 2pm, Derby (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
 The cheesiest event this summer! Sample Mac & Cheese, vote for your favorite, and shop an array of vendors with 360-degree views on Lavender Essentials of Vermont’s culinary farm. Purchase event tickets online.

NEK Swim Week , August 5 – 11, Various event locations across the Kingdom
 8 lakes, 46 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 , August 5, 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.  

12 th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival , August 13, 9am  – 4pm  Greensboro (Farm & Field)
 Sample and shop an incredible selection of artisan foods, beverages, and Vermont specialties. This year’s event will take place at Highland Center for the Arts. Tickets required.

Old Stone House Day , August 13, 10am-4pm, Brownington (Farm & Field)
 Celebrate the heritage of the Old Stone House and the Bicentennial of the Town of Orleans. Tour the Museum, play historic games on the lawn, visit the petting zoo, and taste a selection of Jasper Hill’s award-winning cheese. Admission is $15 per car, $10 for early admission.

Island Pond Comedy Festival , August 17 – 20, 5pm – 12pm, Island Pond (Eastern Trek)
Spend your weekend laughing with comedy workshops, games, and performances featuring New England’s top comics. Your VIP pass will grant you access to all the events during Island Pond’s Comedy Festival.

Caledonia County Fair , August 23 – 27, 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.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra String Quartet , August 26, 1pm, Island Pond (Eastern Trek)
 Spend a harmonious evening in Island Pond listening to four of VSO’s talented string players. Concert will be held in the Essex House Pavilion.

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