Your Guide to Experiences and Gifts in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom this Valentine’s Day.
Where to Walk
Highland Center for the Arts’ Open Air Art Exhibit
This 1.8 mile snowshoe and XC ski trail is showcasing pieces from 11 different Vermont-based artists. The trail is free from dawn to dusk with the four-legged companions required to stay at home for this one. HCA comes equipped with a gear library and a small café on the weekends for fueling and outfitting needs.
Snowshoe the Night Away
Hosted by the Northwoods Stewardship Center, their Valentine’s Day Candlelit Snowshoe is a ‘shoo-in’ for a best date night. From 5:30-8:30 PM singles ($15) and couples ($25) can take a stroll through candlelit forest and enjoy a socially distanced cup of hot cocoa.
Braaaap
If you’re looking for a higher-octane adventure, consider taking your honey on a scenic tour through the Kingdom’s immense network of snowmobile trails. NEK Adventures offers full service tour and rental packages for sleds ranging from novice to expert.
Aroma Therapy Holiday
There’s just something about lavender. It smells good, tastes good, and is all around a surefire great gift for anyone. And Lavender Essentials of Vermont has your home-grown gift, just waiting to be sent to your door!
At Home Viewing
For those looking to stay close to home, consider Vermont Art’s online visual exhibits. With showcases from across the state including a few from the Kingdom like the Catamount Arts Center, Fairbanks Museum, and Highland Center for the Arts, local art has never been more accessible.
Pedal Into Paradise
Celebrating its 10th annual anniversary, Winterbike held by Kingdom Trails will be a little more elongated from it’s normal one-day celebration to over a month. For $50, each participant receives:
- A limited edition poster & t-shirt designed by MTBVT
- A 2-day pass to the network (if you already have an annual membership, reach out to katie@kingdomtrails.org for a discount code)
- Access to designated loops
- A voucher for a meal at a local eatery
Paddle With Your Partner
Winter blues have you thinking warmer/summer thoughts? Pick up a map from the Northern Forest Canoe Trail to spend your Valentine’s evening trip planning for a paddling adventure through the Northeast Kingdom section of their route. This map includes the 62- mile section from Lake Memphremagog to the Connecticut River.
Stories from the Heart
In its sixth year, the Northeast Storytellers are sharing poems, narratives, and folk lore honoring St. Valentine and the topic of love. This event will take place on Zoom on February 14 and is entirely free!