Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom — affectionately called “God’s country” by the locals — is a bucolic three-county region that skirts the Canadian border and runs down the northwest edge of New Hampshire. It offers some of the most pristine pastoral vistas in Vermont; it’s also a hub for recreation of all kinds. Here are some highlights from Newport and Jay, two of the region’s 48 small towns.
If you want to visit Newport and Jay, Vermont, here’s a suggested itinerary.
Note: Check websites to confirm business hours for the day you visit.
Jay Peak Resort
Skiing and snowboarding? Check. Golf? Check. Mountain biking? Check. This kid-friendly four-season resort even has pools, a lazy river and a 65-foot water chute at its Pump House Indoor Waterpark. There’s also an ice arena, a spa, and a rec center with climbing walls, an arcade, obstacle courses and a movie theater. With so much to do on-site, it’s an all-in-one getaway with something for every member of the family.
830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay
Kingdom Brewing
If you detect a hint of maple or spruce in your pint at Kingdom Brewing, it likely originated not far from where you’re sitting. Owners Brian and Jenn Cook use U.S.-grown grains, heirloom recipes, and ingredients from their own farm and greenhouse to craft creative brews such as Maple Tripel, Bear Mountain Vanilla Bourbon Milk Stout and Diversity Blackberry Pale Ale. The rustic on-site “brew cabin” serves wood-fired pizza on Friday and Saturday.
353 Coburn Hill Rd., Newport
Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center
Enjoy elevated pub fare at the Warehouse, sample a flight of Eden Cider’s harvest and ice ciders, and check out the goods from a range of Vermont food artisans at this downtown den dedicated to spotlighting Northeast Kingdom farmers and other producers.
150 Main St., Newport
Memphremagog Trails
This all-volunteer nonprofit organization maintains a 13-mile network of groomed trails for year-round recreation, including mountain biking, cross-country skiing and hiking. Don’t miss the stunning views of Lake Memphremagog, a glacial lake separating Newport from Québec. Vermont weather can be capricious, so if you’re planning a springtime visit, visit the org’s website to check the trails’ condition before you head out.
3892 Darling Hill Rd., Newport
Dusit Thai
It’s hard to imagine a place more different from the steamy, bustling Thai capital of Bangkok than the quiet northern Vermont community of Newport, but the two locales happily collide in the cuisine at this authentic Thai restaurant. Married co-owners Panadda “Exzy” Saengsiri and Jintana “Jinny” Thananusak brought recipes straight from their homeland to create the approachably exotic menu, including fragrant basil- and lemongrass-scented curries and noodles.
158 Main St., Newport
The Pick & Shovel
Did you forget to pack something? Whatever it is, you’re sure to find it at the Pick & Shovel, an all-in-one combination of hardware store and general store, and then some. Seriously — need some two-by-fours? Live goldfish? A pair of boots? A creemee? (That’s Vermont’s version of a soft-serve ice cream cone.) You’ll find it all in the labyrinth of aisles at the place that says, “We’re an adventure, not just a hardware store.” And don’t forget the maple syrup! You’re not allowed to leave the state without some.
54 Coventry St., Newport
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