Discover why Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is
a National Geographic Geotourism destination

is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place -- its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. This March, find out why Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is the subject of the new National Geographic Geotourism Map Guide with a trip to the Northeast Kingdom. If you seek out local people and authentic experiences to enhance your trip, you will love the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Taste real maple syrup right from the sugarhouse boiler. Smell the wood smoke rising from the woodstoves in local homes. Warm your hands in mittens handmade from locally farmed alpaca wool. Be serenaded by the distinctive chirp of the black-capped chickadee. Enjoy all the Kingdom has to offer in a visit to what has been called the "Vermonter's Vermont".

Plan a trip to the Northeast Kingdom for Maple Open House Weekend (March 23-25, 2007) for a Kingdom-style welcome to spring. Learn the age old craft of making maple syrup from sap collection to the boiling process. Visit Jacques and Pauline Couture at Couture's Maple Shop and B&B to see a real working dairy and maple farm. You'll learn more about sugaring in the Northeast Kingdom than you imagined. Get the insider's view of the history of this old tradition plus a sweet selection of maple goodies to choose from.

A visit to the Bailey's & Burke country store will inspire travelers of all ages with their freshly baked whoopee pies, a Kingdom favorite. Meet woodworker Sam Sanderson of Sanderson Wooden Bowls at his workshop to see unique wooden bowls being turned by hand. Come face to face with an alpaca at Terry and Ron Miller's  Snowshoe Farm and Fiber Shop and bring home the softness of sweaters, hats and mittens made from the colorful yarn of these playful animals. While passing through town, have a leisurely browse a Lyndonville's Antiques and Emporium, where you can peruse antique furniture, collectibles, clocks, glass wear, china and more.

The Northeast Kingdom's Geotourism program opens all these doors and invites you to experience our colors and flavors, sounds and stories, highpoints and hidden treasures through the expert eyes of people who know it best. Planning a wonderful trip with geotourism in mind can include a combination of the familiar and surprising - a chance to feel at home while discovering what is authentic about where you are. "Geotourism" is a way for you to find trails, fairs, sights, and shops that reflect the heritage, cultures, landscape, and resources of the Kingdom.   The new National Geographic Geotourism MapGuide of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom can get you started. Order your free copy here. In the coming months, we'll be offering more about geotourism in the Northeast Kingdom. We look forward to welcoming you to our home!

Coming in April: Relaxing in the Kingdom: Spa Getaways, Garden Preparation, The Art of Doing Nothing, Wildly Lazy Afternoons

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