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Geotourism Project for Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

 

About Vermont's Northeast Kingdom
"This is such beautiful country up here -- it should be called the Northeast Kingdom"
-- Vermont State Senator George Aiken
on a visit to the region in 1949


More than fifty years later, this part of Vermont state is still legendary. Located in the Northeastern corner of Vermont and bordered by Canada to the north and New Hampshire to the east, the Northeast Kingdom is revered by residents and visitors alike for its lovely countryside, abundant natural resources, and the preservation of traditional landscapes and lifestyles that have made the Vermont experience one to be cherished for generations.

A favorite vacation destination for over a century, the Kingdom offers endless recreational opportunities throughout the seasons, notable dining and lodging facilities, quintessential New England villages resplendant with classic architecture, enduring farmland, and a rich diversity of art, entertainment, and event venues all year long.



Fall Foliage
Beginning in early September, signs of fall foliage can be seen in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Summer's green leaves begin their gradual change to brilliant reds, yellows, oranges and purples, culminating in a parade of world-renowned color during the Fall Foliage season. Our spectacular fall foliage is managed by Mother Nature so times vary slightly each year based on weather conditions, but a lovely show of color is always assured.


Maple Sugaring
Maple Sugaring season in the Northeast Kingdom typically lasts from four to six weeks, sometimes starting as early as late February and continuing into April. Conditions must be ideal: warm, sunny days with temperatures rising above 40 ° (5 ° C) followed by freezing temperatures at night. Maple sugaring is a part of our heritage -- Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is home to the world's largest maple sugar producer as well as many smaller family-operated sugarhouses. Many sugarhouses are open year long to visitors.


Nature and Wildlife Viewing
Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is home to an abundance of wildlife such as loons, bald eagles, moose, deer, osprey, hawks, cedar waxwings, and others. It's easy to get close to nature here -- simply take a walk on one of our many well-blazed trail networks, meander through one of our state parks, forests or wildlife managment areas, or paddle on one of the many rivers, lakes and ponds, including the mighty Connecticut River, the longest river in New England.


Outdoor Paradise
Lace up your boots or walking shoes, grab your paddle, gather up your lures and rod, start practicing your swing, and don't forget to take your compass, guidebook and camera! The Northeast Kingdom is an outdoor paradise, offering everything from awesome hiking and biking trails, including the internationally acclaimed Kingdom Trails, to manicured golf greens and pristine lakes for fishing, swimming and parasailing. Not feeling athletic? How about visiting a local farm, taking a trail ride, or losing youself in a corn maze? Or try a perennial favorite -- soaking in some sun on a cool lake-side beach.


Winter Bliss
Wax your skis or snowboard, lace up your ice skates, grab your ice fishing gear, and don your woolies -- the Northeast Kingdom offers wintertime bliss, with everything from the excitement of downhill skiing, snowmobiling and ice climbing, to the peacefulness of snowshoeing in the quiet woods while looking for animal tracks. Our trails just can't be beat, whether it's the 5,000 mile VAST snowmobile trail network, miles and miles or forested snowshoe trails, or the groomed and tracked trails at our cross-country ski centers. Feeling nostalgic? Take a romantic ride in a one-horse open sleigh, or make snow angels with the kids in the fresh country snow!




Artisans and Culture
Grab your rug hook, quilting hoop, potter's wheel, wood carving set, sugaring buckets and cheese press -- the Northeast Kingdom is home to some very talented craftspeople and makers of Vermont specialty products who work with everything from glass, wood, textiles, soap, jewelry, metal, and clay to some delicious edibles, like cheeses, maple syrup, jams, mustards, and candies. Visit our galleries, museums, historical landmarks, studios, and workshops to see examples of this impressive work, or sample some first-hand at our local festivals, farmers' markets and country stores. Can't decide where to begin? Use our Northeast Kingdom Heritage Guide, available through the Northeast Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association, to lead you to hidden gems on our backroads and byways.


Relax and Unwind
Pick up your favorite book, find a comfy chair, stroll through a museum, take in a concert, watch a golden sunset, and snuggle up with someone special -- the Northeast Kingdom is the perfect place to unwind and take it easy, offering plenty of opportunities to 'do everything' or 'do nothing' at all. Wander through our antique stores and country shops, hunting for the perfect treasure, or meander in a state park, seeking the perfect vista. Dreaming of that ideal, relaxing moment? Decide what it means to you, and then do it -- or don't do it -- here in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.


Lodging and Dining
Reserve your room, pitch your tent, secure a dinner reservation, or pack your picnic basket -- the Northeast Kingdom offers a myriad of lodging and dining choices, with everything from four-star inns, resorts, and fine dining restaurants to quaint country B&B's, wooded campgrounds, and eateries that use farm fresh locally grown foods. Peek inside our quintessential New England villages -- you'll find cafés and country inns that will charm your heart -- or wander through our untouched landscape and discover what lodging and dining experiences await you off the beaten path. Looking for a special treat? Don't forget to try some homemade fudge and to sample one of our local microbrews.



"...when foliage flames each autumn, (this) could very well be the most beautiful place in America"   -- 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Patricia Schultz

"Farm-fresh food, heart-stopping scenery, and
killer bike trails are in abundance."   -- Jungle Magazine

"For those who love the outdoors, the Kingdom is a dream."
-- Outdoor Magazine


       
Text courtesy of Northeast Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association (NEKTTA)
 

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

Visit NEK Spring
Visit NEK Spring

Visit NEK Summer
Visit NEK Summer

Visit NEK Autumn
Visit NEK Autumn

Visit NEK Winter
Visit NEK Winter


Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Geotourism Program
Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Geotourism Program
National Geographic Northeast Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association Nulhegan Gateway Association University of Vermont Tourism Data Center






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