It’s the unofficial start to the summer season and time to plan a trip to enjoy Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Within the Kingdom, there are three destination areas to explore: Eastern Trek, Farm & Field, and Mountain & Lake Getaway. Each of these regions is distinct with its own set of adventures, restaurants, and lodging establishments. See below for suggested itineraries on how to spend each day of your Memorial Day weekend – or explore the adventures mapped out on our website. From Farmers’ Markets to parades, a Demolition Derby, and the Vermont Spring Open Studio, there is certainly plenty of NEKed fun for all to enjoy this weekend.
Eastern Trek
Saturday, May 28
Johnsbury Farmers’ Market, 9am – 1pm
Feast on freshness this Memorial Day weekend! Head to the St. Johnsbury Farmers’ Market on Pearl Street and Eastern Ave and stock up for your Memorial Day cookout. Find everything from fresh produce, cheeses, and meats to handcrafted art and other locally made goods. You may even catch some live music!
Sunday, May 29
Use Sunday as a free day with family and friends. Take the day to explore one or many of the activities offered around the Eastern Trek. Go biking at Kingdom Trails or on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Bring your furry friend up Dog Mountain. Explore the wonder of the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium or take a tour of some of the NEK’s famed covered bridges.
Monday, May 30
Memorial Day Parade in St. Johnsbury, 10 – 11am
The American Legion Post #58 is organizing this year’s Memorial Day Parade in St. Johnsbury. The parade will begin at Father Lively Center (on the corner of Winter and Summer Street) and will travel down Main Street to the Courthouse. Following the parade, the American Legion Post #58 will host their Annual Chicken BBQ.
Farm & Field
Friday, May 27
Depending on what time you arrive in the NEK, you can spend Friday getting acquainted with the region. Sip an award-winning brew at Hill Farmstead Brewery. Enjoy a walk around Bar Hill Natural Area or bike ride at Hardwick Trails. Let your mind wander at the Museum of Everyday Life or take in the larger-than-life puppets and masks at Bread & Puppet.
Hardwick Farmers’ Market, 3-6pm
Head to Atkins Field in Hardwick on Friday afternoon and fuel up for the weekend ahead. Find everything from meat and veggies to prepared food, baked goods, flowers, and artisan craft – plus live music from local talent.
Saturday, May 28
Craftsbury Farmers Market, 10am – 1pm
Over 30 vendors will be set up in Craftsbury Common for the Craftsbury Farmers Market, a weekly event taking place from late May – October. Find everything from fresh produce, meats and flowers to locally made jams, pickles, breads, and more. Enjoy music, shopping for crafts and mingling with locals.
Danville Memorial Day Parade, 11am
American Legion Post #115 is hosting the Danville Memorial Day Parade. The parade will begin at 11am from Danville Elementary school and head up Main Street to the Veterans War Memorial.
Hardwick Kiwanis Spring Festival & Parade
The Hardwick Kiwanis Spring Festival & Parade is back with activities for all! Participate in the 7am Bird Walk or 9am Fun Run before enjoying the parade at 10:30am. Fireworks will begin at dusk, followed by the Street Dance from 8 – 10:30pm.
Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29
Vermont Spring Open Studio Weekend, 10am – 5pm
This weekend is the 30th Anniversary of the Vermont Spring Open Studio Weekend – let’s get out there and support our local craftspeople! The Vermont Crafts Council has put together some great tours to help guide you on your journey. While the tour is taking you all throughout the lovely Green Mountain State, there is a good concentration of participants in the Farm & Field area of the NEK. Check out the Hardwick to Johnson loop, where you’ll see six makers with open studios this weekend, May 28 & 29.
Demo Derby & Memorial Day Celebration, 9am – 7pm
Head to Roaring Brook Park in Barton for the Orleans County Fair Association Memorial Day Celebration. A variety of activities are in store including an Open Horse Show and Demolition Derby as well as family-friendly activities including a baseball tournament, food vendors, and a bouncy house. Visit their website for a schedule of events.
Mountain & Lake Getaway
Friday, May 27
It may take a bit of time to get up to the northern tip of the Kingdom, so take Friday to relax by the water and stroll the streets of Downtown Newport. Enjoy shopping, dining, and taking in the scenery of this region. Consider taking a ride on the Northern Star at sunset for ultimate views.
Saturday, May 28
Newport Farmers’ Market, 9am – 2pm
Vermont-grown produce, agricultural products, baked goods, and crafts are waiting at the Newport Farmers’ Market. Overlook Lake Memphremagog and shop local! The Newport Farmers’ Market is located on the Causeway across from Waterfront Plaza.
Annual Plant Sale, Old Stone House Museum, 10am – 4pm
Explore the history of Northern Vermont through the collections, artifacts, exhibitions, and events at the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington, VT. On Saturday, May 29, they will be hosting their Annual Plant Sale, featuring a variety of vegetables, seedlings, and perennials.
Sunday, May 29 & Monday, May 30
Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the northernmost part of the Northeast Kingdom. Jay Peak Resort is bound to have something that will excite you – and they just reopened their Championship Golf Course for the 2022 season. The Newport-Beebe Bike Path extends to the Canadian Border and is excellent for both biking and walking. And since you’re this close to the border, we also recommend heading to Derby to cruise down Canusa Avenue, where you can experience two countries at once!