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! Get your summer fun started today!
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!
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)
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.
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.
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. Event dates: June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22 from 4:30 – 7:30pm.
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, (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).
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 5, 12, 19 & 26, 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. Event dates: June 30, July 28, August 25.
Live @ The Barrage, Holland (Mountain & Lake Getaway)
Head up to the last exit in America to experience eclectic music and great company. Concerts will take place May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30 from 7 – 10pm.
Click here to discover even more ways to experience the Arts & Culture of the NEK.
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.
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, Access at various locations across the Kingdom
Take your bike out on this historic trail extending across some of the Kingdom’s most beautiful landscapes. Also open for walking and horseback riding. Parking available at many locations including St. Johnsbury, Danville and West Danville.
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!
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.
LAT45 North 5K Challenge, June 17, 8am, Derby (Eastern Trek)
Run or walk on the 45th latitude, where you’ll be halfway to the equator and the North Pole. Athletes of all abilities are encouraged to join – there is no entry fee. The race will take place on June 17 beginning at 8am.
Tour de Borderlands, June 23 & 24, Burke (Eastern Trek)
Head to Kingdom Trails for awesome riding, brews & cheer, and community spirit during Tour de Borderlands.
Strawberry Festival, June 30, 4 – 7pm, Burke (Eastern Trek)
Visit the West Burke Park in the village for dinner, dessert, music and dancing while celebrating the sweet, tart, and fresh flavor of strawberries.
Run, Swim or Bike the Kingdom, Various event locations across the Kingdom
Kingdom Games offers over 50 days of running, biking, and open water swimming events, each with its own theme and unique charm. Upcoming summer events include: The Moose (June 10); the Harry Crow Freedom Run (July 4); Kingdom Swim (July 29); and NEK Swim Week (August 5 – 11).
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.
12th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, August 13, 9am – 4pmGreensboro (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.