Keys to the Kingdom

August 7-9, 2026

Could the Northeast Kingdom be your next home?

Experience the Northeast Kingdom like a local and discover whether this remarkable region feels like home.


Meet employers, community leaders, housing professionals, and future neighbors while exploring one of New England's most unique regions!

Two people standing at the front of a boat, smiling and looking off to the right.

Photos from Keys to the Kingdom 2025

What is Keys to the Kingdom?

Keys to the Kingdom is the region's signature open-house event, hosted by the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce. This weekend-long event is a one-of-a-kind, immersive relocation experience designed for prospective New Vermonters interested in exploring life in the Northeast Kingdom.


Over the course of the weekend, you'll explore the communities, landscapes, businesses, and organizations that make the Northeast Kingdom unique while connecting directly with the people who call it home. Rather than visiting as a tourist, you'll be welcomed to the region through the lens of everyday life by engaging in the activities that mean the most to you with your future neighbors.

The Experience

We believe the best way to imagine life in the NEK is through a balance of community connection and personal exploration. Keys to the Kingdom combines shared experiences with open exploration time, giving you the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees while also spending time discovering the Northeast Kingdom in ways that reflect your own interests and goals.


Host concierges will create customized itineraries based on your interests, designed to help you to explore the places, opportunities, and communities that matter most to you.


Whether you're seeking a career change, a stronger sense of community, access to the outdoors, a place to raise a family, or simply a different pace of life, Keys to the Kingdom is designed to help you envision your future in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

Preliminary Itinerary

Attendees are invited to stay at Burke Mountain Resort, where a discounted room block has been reserved for Keys to the Kingdom guests.


While attendees are welcome to choose accommodations that best fit their needs, Burke Mountain Resort will serve as the event's primary lodging location and gathering place throughout the weekend.

Arrival

Open Exploration

For guests arriving in the Northeast Kingdom before dinner, our local concierges can offer personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your day.

Afternoon

Join us at the Burke Mountain Hotel for a welcome dinner where you'll meet event hosts, local residents, and other prospective New Vermonters.

Evening

After dinner, we'll keep the evening going with a lively trivia night! Unwind, share some laughs, and get to know the people spending the weekend with you.

Friday, August 7th

Great Questions

  • Is this event right for me if I'm only beginning to explore the idea of moving?

    Yes! Some attendees may already be planning a move to Vermont, while others are just beginning to learn about the region. Keys to the Kingdom is designed to help you determine whether the NEK is the right fit for your goals and lifestyle.


    If you have some questions before signing up, please don't hesitate to connect with an Event Director.

  • How is Keys to the Kingdom different from a typical visit to the Northeast Kingdom?

    Rather than focusing on tourism, Keys to the Kingdom is designed to help prospective New Vermonters explore what it would actually be like to live, work, and build community in the Northeast Kingdom. 


    Our concierges can connect you directly with employers, housing professionals, business leaders, etc. who can help you gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in the Northeast Kingdom.

  • What does the weekend include?

    Keys to the Kingdom includes the following shared events: our welcome reception dinner, community trivia night, a boat cruise, and Sunday brunch. 


    Attendees are responsible for travel, lodging, activities, and meals outside of the event activities. 

  • What happens if it rains?

    Keys to the Kingdom is a rain-or-shine event, designed to give you an authentic look at life in the Northeast Kingdom. That includes experiencing whatever Vermont Weather™ comes our way! 


    Some activities may be adjusted for safety and comfort based on conditions, but the weekend will proceed regardless of the forecast.


    As any Vermonter will tell you, the secret is to dress in layers. Make sure to pack for a range of weather and activities, wear comfortable footwear, and bring rain gear just in case. 

  • How are attendees selected?

    Because space is limited, registrations are reviewed to ensure the event is a good fit for attendees and the goals of the program.

  • What happens after the event?

    Attendees will leave with local contacts, resources, and information to help continue their exploration of living and working in the Northeast Kingdom. 

  • I'm interested in moving to Vermont, but I can't make it to this event.

    We'll miss you at this year's Keys to the Kingdom! 


    If you're interested in learning more about life in the Kingdom, fill out the Connect with a Vermonter form and select the Northeast Kingdom region on question #11 to talk to an NEK local.

Still have questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out, we're happy to help.

August 7 - 9, 2026