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.
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
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1pm: Welcome!Start your visit at the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center, located at 51 Depot Square. This historic passenger depot for the railway was constructed in the 1890's. The beautifully-restored building now houses exhibits dedicated to the building's history as a transportation hub, as well as municipal offices.
It is also home to the Discover St. Johnsbury information booth, staffed with friendly and knowledgeable community members who can help answer questions about your visit, and point you towards maps and brochures to guide you throughout town. |
2pm: A Sense of PlaceThere’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 learn 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.
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4pm: Historic LandmarkThe St. Johnsbury Athenaeum serves as the public library for the town. 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 or step into the attached art gallery filled with Hudson River School paintings and dominated by the epic Domes of the Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt. The gallery has undergone little change since its opening almost 150 years ago.
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5pm: Distillery Tour, Dinner & Craft CocktailsThe St. Johnsbury Distillery creates craft spirits made right in downtown St. Johnsbury. Stop by the speakeasy-style Tasting Room & Restaurant to have dinner and 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!
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7pm: Movie NightSt. Johnsbury is a small town that boasts two downtown movie theaters. Take your pick of a first-run blockbuster or family-friendly flick at the Star Theater, or go for an indie or foreign film screening at Catamount Arts. Between the two theaters there are six screens, so you’ll have plenty for your viewing pleasure... and both locations will top your popcorn with Vermont's-own Cabot Creamery butter. What's not to love?
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Saturday
8am: Bright & Early Breakfast at CafeSt. 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.
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9am: Start Your Adventure HereThere are outdoor experiences for all types of recreation preferences in St. J. Highlights include the 95-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, multi-use mountain biking and hiking trails in the Town Forest, and the beautiful view from the Observatory Knob hiking trail.
To make the most of your outing, check out our Recreation listings for directions to each site, plus services including a FREE bike lending library for kids and adults (make sure to reserve your gear at least one day in advance). |
Noon: Farm Fresh FoodEvery 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, pumpkins, coffee, cheese, crafts, baked goods, and prepared foods from local favorites like The Genuine Jamaican and Emma's Japanese Kitchen. |
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1pm: Scenic EscapeIf you didn't have your fill at the Farmer's Market, you'll find two Italian-themed restaurants that boast scenic locations, great for outdoor dining (both dog friendly!)
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. And, Papa Tirozzi's Bakery & Pizza features a sweet lawn, covered patio, and ice cream stand. |
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2pm: Gone to the Dogs
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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. |
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3pm: A Sweet HistoryOn 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 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.
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4pm: Explore our Creative LandscapeSt. 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. |
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5:30pm: Spice Up Your MealTime for dinner! Peruse the menu at Salt Bistro, a chef-owned restaurant with a menu that skews Mediterranean. The restaurant’s name refers to the ten different flavored salts available for tasting.
Or, up on Main Street, Javier Bill's Almost Authentic Mexican Food is a great spot to savor tacos, burritos, and homemade salsas, washed down with the curated cocktail menu featuring additive-free tequilas and mezcals. |
7pm: OPTION 1 - Cosmic BowlingGold Crown Lanes is a step back in time to a classic (and affordable) family entertainment center, featuring 10-pin bowling, a small arcade, and the Lamplighter Lounge. On the weekends, "cosmic" bowling amps up the glow-in-the-dark atmosphere, and the party continues until midnight. |
7pm: OPTION 2 - Belly Up to the BarWithin a one-block radius are several bars and restaurants perfect for a nightcap or (responsible) bar crawl, with plenty of non-alcoholic options for those who don't wish to imbibe. Start at The Buttery, which becomes a hip natural wine bar in the evenings. Continue down the block to Whirligig Restaurant, Bar & Brewery and try beers made on-site, as well as regional craft brews. Downstairs from Whirligig is Sam's Listening Bar, which features a rotating menu of specialized cocktails & mocktails. Close out your night with billiards and dancing at The Whiskey Den (21+), where the party doesn't get started until late. |
Sunday
9am: Enjoy a Big BreakfastThere’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, local maple syrup, and comfortable, friendly service. |
10am: Shop DowntownReady to scratch that shopping itch? Stroll along Railroad Street and up Eastern Avenue to find souvenirs of your visit. Moose River Lake & Lodge is an emporium of delights. If you’re looking for a good read, visit Boxcar & Caboose, an independent bookstore with a candy counter and children’s section with a play space. Other inspired goods await at artistic gift shop Art & Joy, and a wide selection of antique & second-hand stores, and dozens more to be found in our Shop directory.
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Noon: Grab & GoPop in to Eastern & Main Deli for some casual, portable fare. Their signature sandwiches are named after local favorites such as the “Athenaeum,” the “Fairbanks,” and the “Catamount Club." |
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1pm: Stroll Down Main StreetSt. Johnsbury is renowned for its nineteenth century architecture, developed when the Fairbanks family was the town’s major employer and benefactor. Walk off your sandwich 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. |
3pm: Cabinet of CuriositiesEnd your walking tour, and your visit, at one of the architectural and cultural gems of St. Johnsbury: 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 several different astronomy shows daily.
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