48 Hours in St. Johnsbury

Weekend Itinerary

Home to 7,300 residents, St. Johnsbury is the largest town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Here in the autumn you'll discover quaint, off-the-beaten-path gems, while also enjoying the regional hub of shopping, dining, and creativity. St. Johnsbury is the perfect home base from which to explore the natural beauty of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom during fall foliage season, but St. J (as the locals call it) has more than a weekend's worth of activities to delight you right here in town.

In addition to the itinerary below, make sure to check out our Calendar for events, performances, and fun activities taking place during your stay.

Friday​​

2pm: A Sense of Place

There’s only one St. Johnsbury (that’s true – there are no other locales with the same name in the world), and at the St. Johnsbury History & Heritage Center, you'll start off your visit by learning about the rich history that has made St. Johnsbury such a one-of-a-kind town. This includes information about the ingenuity and legacy of the Fairbanks family, who made their fortunes as inventors of the platform scale, and founded many of the cultural institutions you'll be visiting during the rest of your stay.

4pm: Historic Landmark

The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum serves as the public library for the town of St. Johnsbury. A National Historic Landmark, the building has gorgeous woodwork throughout, with spiral staircases in the main reading room and a painted ceiling in the lecture hall on the second floor. Settle into a comfy chair to read, or step into the attached art gallery filled with Hudson River School paintings and dominated by the recently restored Domes of the Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt. The gallery has undergone little change since its opening almost 150 years ago. 

5pm: Distillery Tour & Craft Cocktails

The St. Johnsbury Distillery creates craft spirits in downtown St. Johnsbury. Stop by the speakeasy-style Tasting Room & Restaurant to have a cocktail, or book a guided tour to watch the process of making their award-winning spirits... including samples. Make sure you check out the restrooms with hundreds of pennies embedded in the floors!

7pm: Dinner Next Door

Next door to the distillery, enjoy dinner at Salt Bistro, a chef-owned restaurant with a menu of Mediterranean favorites. Most nights, Salt Bistro has live music during dinner, and the outside patio seating is delightful on a crisp fall evening.

Saturday​​

8am: Bright & Early Breakfast at Cafe

St. Johnsbury was named “best small town for outdoor adventure” by National Geographic Adventure, and you’ll want to fuel up for the morning’s activities. Kick off the perfect weekend at one of our local cafes. The Buttery and Boule Bakery both serve a variety of great espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and more.

9am: ​Start Your Adventure Here

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, New England's longest rail trail, starts in St. Johnsbury and extends 93 miles across the state to Vermont's western border. Hike, bike, or even ride your horse along the mixed-use recreational trail built on a defunct railroad bed. All types of excursions await, whether you're interested in a short stroll, or an ambitious multi-day bike-packing adventure.

To make the most of your outing, find listings for a FREE bike lending library service (make sure to reserve your bikes at least one day in advance), e-bike rental services, locally-based bike guides, plus lots more via our RECREATION listings.

Recreation

Noon: Farm Fresh Food

Every Saturday morning from May through October, the St. Johnsbury Farmer’s Market sets up outdoors in the heart of the downtown from 9am - 1pm.

​It’s a local party each week, with live music, organic produce from area farms, crafts, baked goods, and prepared foods from local favorites like Genuine Jamaican.

1pm: Grab a Craft Beer

Vermont is internationally known for its craft beer scene, and St. Johnsbury has its own place to sample Vermont's terroir. Take a seat at Whirligig Brewing & Bistro and try beers made on-site in small batches with malts, grain, and hops that come from mostly local sources. The bistro also features a full menu if you haven't had your fill at the Farmers Market, plus wine and N/A options for those that don't wish to imbibe.

Or, next door, Birches restaurant boasts a delicious menu of lunch & brunch favorites, which you can pair with a locally-made craft beers, including award-winning pours from nearby Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro.

2pm: Gone to the Dogs

There's only one St. Johnsbury, and there's no place in the world like Dog Mountain, a bucolic 150 acre dog park and international cultural destination. Leashes are optional, and the site includes hiking trails, gorgeous views of the changing foliage on the surrounding hills, and dog-friendly ponds. Visit the one-and-only Dog Chapel, where the walls are covered with notes visitors have written to dearly departed pets. Developed by late artist Stephen Huneck, it is also the site of the Huneck Gallery, where you can find gifts and artwork all dedicated to man’s best friend.

3pm: A Sweet History

On your return from Dog Mountain, visit the Maple Grove Farms of Vermont to learn about the plant's history, which established St. Johnsbury the "Maple Center of the World" during the time of maple industry mogul George C. Cary. Today, the factory is remains among the largest packagers of maple products in the world. At the on-site museum and gift shop, you can taste all grades of pure maple syrup, enjoy a maple creemee (Vermont's signature soft-serve ice cream), pick up a souvenir, and watch videos about the history of the plant and the sugaring process.

4pm: Explore our Creative Landscape​

St. Johnsbury is home to a wealth of creativity. Fine art galleries at Catamount Film & Arts and the Backroom Gallery at the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild host rotating shows featuring both local and internationally-recognized artists. 

Or, use the JayLyn Public Art Tour as your guide. This online map will help you find dozens of contemporary and historical public artworks in St. Johnsbury and Lyndon, our neighboring town just a 10 minute drive to the north.

Our Arts & Culture directory to find listings showcasing the artistic, cultural, and historical fabric of our community.

Arts & Culture

6pm: Scenic Escape

Two local restaurants boast scenic locations, great for outdoor dining to enjoy the fall surroundings:

​Just down the hill from Dog Mountain, Papa Tirozzi's Bakery & Pizza features a sweet lawn and covered patio.

​Several rivers run through St. Johnsbury, and one of the best places in town to relax beside the water is the patio at Italian-themed restaurant 98 Mill.

Sunday

9am: Enjoy a Big Breakfast

There’s nothing like a big diner breakfast to round out the perfect weekend. The Kitchen Counter Cafe and Anthony's Diner have all of the diner classics you know and love, plentiful coffee, and comfortable, friendly service. ​

10am: Stroll Down Main Street

St. Johnsbury is renowned for its nineteenth century architecture, developed when the Fairbanks family was the town’s major employer and benefactor. Walk off your meal by taking the self-guided Main Street Walking Tour of magnificent homes and structures that line the stately avenue. Don’t miss the Tiffany window in the Grace United Methodist Church. We recommend picking up a hard-copy guide at the Welcome Center, but you can also use the linked PDF below.

Walking Tour PDF

11am: Cabinet of Curiosities

End your walking tour at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium. The building, on the National Historic Register, was built in 1889. When you step inside, you’ll be amazed by its incredible arched ceiling and collections of unique dioramas. Rotating natural science exhibits, bug art, and STEM exploration stations. The Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium is the only public planetarium in Vermont, and it presents different astronomy shows every hour.

1pm: Grab & Go

Get ready to wrap up your weekend in St. J with some casual, portable fare. Pop in to Eastern & Main Deli for dinner to go. Their signature sandwiches are named after local favorites such as the “Athenaeum,” the “Fairbanks,” and the “Catamount Club,” and you’ll be reminded of your visit to St. Johnsbury in every bite!

Discover St. Johnsbury
​​51 Depot Square, Suite 100
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
802-748-8575