There is always something to do or see around the Northeast Kingdom. The area is blessed with several magnificent lakes such as Lake Memphremagog, Lake Willoughby, Lake Salem, Crystal Lake and many ponds. Enjoy such summer activities as swimming, boating and waterskiing. Vermont winters offer ice fishing and snowmobiling. Hiking is a popular summer activity and the Northeast Kingdom has a number of mountains to choose from in addition to the Long Trail.
HASKELL OPERA HOUSE – The cornerstone for the Haskell was laid on October 15, 1901, directly on the U.S./Canadian border thus 2001 was our centennial year. The Opera house opened June 7, 1904 and remains virtually the same today. It has three antique sets, and exquisite Rococo interior and rare roll-up curtain depicting a stunning scene of Venice. The sets and curtain were painted by renowned Boston artist, and native of Vermont, Erwin LaMoss. The acoustics are perfect. The curtain is raised in April and lowers in October. Tickets 334-6720
ALPACAS – Would you like to see the wonders of these creatures take a drive to Darling Hill and capture their beauty.
RIVER OF LIFE CORN MAZE – Available from August to October. Take Route 5 to Route 14 to Irasburg. 754-2096
NELSON’S ELK FARM IN IRASBURG OR DERBY – View the beautiful Elk grazing in a fenced in pasture on Route 14 in Irasburg or take a short ride up to Derby and view them behind the Cow Palace. You might also get a peek at a friendly moose that has wandered in with them.
AIRPORT SCENIC FLIGHTS – Located five miles south of downtown Newport, rentals and scenic flights available 334-5001.
MUST SEE
LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG – Newport is a gateway between New England and Canada. The city lies on the southern shorr of the lake, whose name is derived from an Abenaki indian word meaning “beautiful waters”. Lake Memphremagog offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. From late spring to early fall the lake is utilized by boaters, swimmers, jet skis, and wind surfers.
OLD STONE HOUSE MUSEUM – A school dolinitory in the 1830’s, this 4-story structure was designed and erected by the Reverend Alexander Twilight, believed to be the first Black college graduate, and legislator. Today this very special museum displays the tools and kitchenware, the needle-work and crafts, the furniture and art of the region’s past.
SCENIC VIEW FROM TOP OF SHATTUCK HILL – Want to see a beautiful view of Lake Memphremagog and neighboring Canada, this is the place to do it. Place to take glorious pictures.
WILLOUGHBY LAKE – boasts 1,653 acres plentiful with rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, land-locked salmon and yellow perch. The South Trail is a well known trail, offering sweeping views from the top of Mt. Pisgah over to the top of Mt. Hor and beyond. Viewing the nesting peregrine falcons and alpine plant life is enjoyed along the Willoughby Cliffs.
CRYSTAL LAKE – The beach area has almost a mile of sandy shoreline with a marked swimming area. The large historic granite bathhouse has rest rooms, changing areas, and a concession stand. There are approximately 40 free standing charcoal grills, nearly 80 picnic tables, play areas, rental boats and canoes, and lots of parking space.
VILLAGE BIKE SHOP- As a sponsor of the Kingdom Trails network the Village Bike Shop is helping to secure some of the most beautiful trails in the United States for all riders. Jeff and the others in the shop can tell you more about joining and being involved here in the area. Annual Clean,Lube and Maintenance,Adjustment,Equipment Upgrades, Custom Work and more.
GOLF
Newport Country Club 334-7715
Orleans Country Club 754-2333
Jay Peak Ski Resort 988-2611
Barton Country Club 525-1126
Dufferin Heights Golf Course*
Stanstead, Quebec (819) 876-2113
*Passport Needed or 2 Forms of ID
CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL – About 15 miles of groomed ski touring trails here in Derby/Newport area. Call 802-334-7676. Also, cross country skiing is allowed on the Newport-Derby bike path during Winter months.
JAY PEAK SKI RESORT – Mother Nature is very good to Jay Peak. Because of the mountain’s unique location and geographical features, we get more snow than anywhere else in New England. Summer you can golf, tram rides, and hiking, winter you can ski. Ski and family packages available 802-988-2611
NOTHING LIKE SKIING IN VERMONT
BURKE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT – Northeast Kingdom resort with 45 trails and 4 lifts on 240 acres. 802-626-3322
SNOWMOBILER’S PARADISE – Snowmobile enthusiasts will be thrilled with the many opportunities for snowmobiling with many easy places to access the VAST trails.
HIKING
NEWPORT’S BIKE PATH – Glorious pebbled bike or walking path leading from Newport to the Canadian Border. The path stretches around Lake Memphremagog for a scenic view.
MOUNT HOR TRAIL – The three vistas encompassed by this hike take in surprisingly varied scenery. Two offer views of Lake Willoughby and the surrounding mountains, while the third, just below the Mount Hor summit, takes in a mosaic of small ponds with New Hampshire Mountains on the horizon. The first section of the hike is the toughest, so let kids know that once they have conquered that initial slope, the rest of the trip is a relative cinch. Despite the precautions parents must take at the overlooks (where the sheer hillside falls away for up to 1200 feet), this is a terrific hike for youngsters. After all, looking down on things for an afternoon is a nice change for little guys.
MOUNT PISGAH – East of Interstate 91 between Saint Johnsbury and Derby Line. A hike to breathtaking cliffs overlooking Lake Willoughby. Special attractions: Spectacular cliff top views and possible chances for sighting hawks and falcons.
JAY PEAK – Jay Peak is the northernmost peak in Vermont of any prominence. It is most known as a ski resort, but hikers enjoy it for its views to Canada, only 10 miles away. Dogs will find most of the route rather easy, with one exception, where the Long Trail (LT) crosses a ski trail.
THE LONG TRAIL – 270 Miles of footpaths, 175 miles of side trails and nearly 70 primitive shelters, it offers endless hiking opportunities for the day hiker, weekend overnighter, and extended backpacker.
COATICOOK GORGE – Hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, tube slide, and snow mobile trails. Located in Coaticook Quebec about 45 minute drive.
YOUNG VIEW FARM EXPERIENCE – View their dairy farm operation, crops grown their, and maple syrup production 525-6683
NORTON AND CANAAN VERMONT – Looking to catch a view of a moose but still take in all of Vermont’s wonders, take a drive down Route 111 to 114.
Our local Chamber of Commerce often hosts events such as the Chili Cook-off and Spring Homeshow. Autumn foliage season offers spectacular colors throughout the hills and mountains of northern Vermont. Craft shows at Jay Peak and other fall festivals will keep visitors busy and offer a wide variety of wares presented by local crafters.
History buffs will enjoy the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington, VT or the Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport. The Haskell Library and Opera House is located in Derby Line, VT and straddles the the border between the USA and Canada. Pick up a copy of the Vermont Northland Journal for informative historical articles about the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont or visit Vermonter.com for stories about other interesting places in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.