St. Johnsbury, Vermont, a scenic town of 7,300, blends small-town charm with cultural gems like Dog Mountain and the Fairbanks Museum, a vibrant downtown, lively festivals, St. Johnsbury Academy, thriving businesses, and year-round arts and community events.
Trip Highlight
St. Johnsbury is a town where rural small town charm meets cosmopolitan experiences, at the intersection of highways that connect us to Boston, Montreal, and New York City, but with easy access as the remote wilds of rural northeastern Vermont.
See MoreKitchen Counter Cafe
A relaxed St. Johnsbury go-to for unfussy, well-made breakfast and lunch. Expect hearty portions, friendly service, and the kind of comfort food that feels exactly right on a Northeast Kingdom morning. What to order: the breakfast burrito or the house-made pastries.
See MoreLamoille Valley Rail Trail
A scenic, easygoing multi-use trail running through forests, fields, and small-town stretches around St. Johnsbury. Perfect for biking, walking, or a mellow Vermont foliage cruise, with plenty of quiet spots to stop, breathe, and take in the views.
See MoreDog Mountain, Dog Chapel
A heartfelt, one-of-a-kind hilltop sanctuary created by artist Stephen Huneck, where dogs can roam off-leash and humans can wander art-filled trails. The Dog Chapel—covered in handwritten notes honoring beloved pets—adds an emotional, uplifting touch to this iconic St. Johnsbury experience.
See MoreMaple Museum
A sweet, immersive stop celebrating Vermont’s maple heritage. Explore historic sugaring tools, hands-on displays, and stories of how maple syrup is made—from old-school buckets to modern tubing. It’s a quick, fun visit that gives you a real taste of local culture (often literally).
See MoreRailroad Street
St. Johnsbury’s lively main drag, Railroad Street, is where the town’s energy gathers—local shops, cafés, galleries, and everyday Vermont character packed into a walkable stretch. It’s the best place to browse, sip a coffee, people-watch, and feel the community’s vibe.
See MoreWhirligig Restaurant, Brewery & Bar
A creative, welcoming hangout blending hearty Vermont comfort food with house-brewed beers and a relaxed, rustic atmosphere. Come for the casual vibe, stay for the fun taps, solid cocktails, and better-than-expected pub plates. Tip: Order the smash burger with house fries.
See MoreFairbanks Museum & Planetarium
A quirky, hands-on museum packed with natural history, taxidermy, and science exhibits. Don’t miss the planetarium shows—they’re surprisingly immersive and perfect for all ages, giving a cosmic perspective on Vermont’s skies and beyond.
See MoreMain Street
The heart of town, lined with historic buildings, local shops, cafés, and small galleries. Stroll the sidewalks to soak in architecture, grab a coffee, and catch the slow, welcoming rhythm of this quintessential Vermont town.
See MoreSt. Johnsbury Athenaeum
A historic library and art gallery dating to 1871, filled with rare books and period artwork. Take time to wander the elegant reading rooms and admire the original murals—they’re quietly stunning and often overlooked by visitors.
See MoreKingdom Taproom
A lively, local-focused bar with a rotating selection of craft beers and ciders from Vermont and beyond. Tip: Try a flight to sample multiple brews, and pair it with their charcuterie board for a perfect snack.
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