The Scenic Drive Everyone In Vermont Needs To Take

A picturesque way to travel through the Northeast Kingdom Byway in Vermont is via the NKB Main Corridor. This 51-mile journey begins in the community of St. Johnsbury and extends north through Lyndonville, East Burke, West Burke, Westmore, West Charleston, and Derby. It ends in Newport by which time we may be compelled to echo Vermont State Senator George Aiken who said in 1949, "This is such beautiful country up here  - it should be called the Northeast Kingdom." Let's discover what inspiration is in store for us as we travel one of the prettiest scenic byways in Vermont.

1. Fairbanks Museum and Planetorium, St. Johnsbury

We love this museum and planetarium, which is northern New England's premiere museum of natural history. Whether you enjoy the stars or check out the bug art, there is something for everyone to discover. Find out more on the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium website.

2. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, St. Johnsbury

This private, nonprofit public library and art gallery fills two roles: It serves the people of St. Johnsbury by enriching their lives, and it stands as a regional and national treasure. It's a monument to the 19th-century belief in learning.

3. Winter and Summer Farmers Markets

The farmers markets along Vermont byways have friendly people and great products. One of our favorites to check out is the year-round farmers market in Lyndonville. Read about it on the Lyndon Farmers Market Facebook page. The summer market is on Fridays from June-October from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Bandstand Park. The winter market is at the Breslin Community Center next to the park. And the St. Johnsbury Summer Market Facebook page shows it takes place on Saturdays at Depot Square from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., May 13 to Oct. 28. The winter market is at the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center.

4. Miss Lyndonville Diner, Lydonville

Don't miss a great meal at this beloved diner along one of the best drives in Vermont. Some say it's the best-kept secret in the Northeast Kingdom, but it doesn't seem like much of a secret - it's always packed! Read the daily specials on Miss Lyndonville Diner's Facebook page.

5. Randall Covered Bridge, Lyndon

Built in 1867, this 68-ft Queenpost bridge has unusually open construction, making it easy to observe the truss structure. It's located on Route 114 in Lyndon. Learn more about the bridge on the Vermont Covered Bridge Society Facebook page.

6. The Kingdom Trails, East Burke

This extensive network of scenic recreational trails provides some epic mountain biking and was constructed to accommodate all levels and abilities. Find the schedule on the Kingdom Trails Facebook page.

7. Auto Toll Road, East Burke

Travel along the peaks of one of the scenic drives near me (and near you!) at the toll road, and check out the views from the top. Pictured is a distant view of the Willoughby notch (Mounts Pisgah and Hor) and a surrounding landscape. More information, including rates, is available on the Burke Mountain Resort website.

8. Lake Willoughby, Westmore

We love the beaches at both the north and south ends of this lake, which also offers excellent boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Or simply sit back and enjoy the view from Northeast Kingdom Byway.

9. Vermont Reindeer Farm, West Charleston

Check out the only live reindeer in the whole state along the scenic byways in Vermont. Many other farm animals are available to pet and feed. You'll also enjoy the nature trail, reindeer games, and gift shop. Get the details on the Vermont Reindeer Farm website.

11. The East Side Restaurant & Pub, Newport

From smothered New York strip to Shrimp Risotto, and a tremendous breakfast buffet, featuring all of the favorites, this place is unforgettable.

And what about this creamy Tuscan Cajun Shrimp Special?

12. Lake Memphremagog, Newport

End this extraordinary trip on one of the best drives in Vermont looking out at the amber hues of Lake Memphremagog, a 30-mile-long that Vermont shares with Canada.

Get a better look at the unforgettable experiences available along the scenic byways in Vermont.

https://youtu.be/U7fqB2kB7FU

For some help organizing this scenic trip on the Northeast Kingdom Byway, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. And find a cozy Vrbo with a view to curl up in for the night.