48 Hours in St. Johnsbury

Weekend Itinerary

Home to 7,300 residents, St. Johnsbury is the largest town in the rural Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, named one of Yankee Magazine's '2026 Best Small Towns in New England'.

​Here you'll discover quaint, off-the-beaten-path gems, while also enjoying the regional hub of shopping, dining, innovation, and creativity. St. Johnsbury is the perfect home base when you’re exploring Vermont's Northeast Kingdom for mountain biking at Kingdom Trails or Burke Mountain, both less than 30 minutes outside of town. But, St. J (as the locals call it) is full of its own charms.

Check out our itinerary for a weekend's worth of ideas to delight you right here in town, and make sure to check out our Calendar for events, performances, and fun activities taking place during your stay.

Friday​​

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 its history as a transportation hub, as well as municipal offices.

​It is also home to Discover St. Johnsbury's information booth, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who can answer questions and point you towards maps & brochures.

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 learn about the rich history that has made St. J 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 visit during the rest of your stay.

4pm: Historic Landmark

Next up: visit the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, which 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 epic Domes of the Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt. The gallery has undergone little change since it opened almost 150 years ago.

5pm: Distillery Tour, Dinner & Craft Cocktails

The 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!

7pm: Movie Night

St. 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?

Saturday​​

9am: Start Bright and Early 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, pastries, and other breakfast items.

10am: OPTION 1 - Trail Time

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail starts in St. Johnsbury and extends 95 miles to Vermont's western border. This is New England's longest rail trail, and is great for ambitious multi-day bike trips or short outings.

But, there's more than just the LVRT for those interested in exploring the great outdoors. St. J has several in-town hiking trails, including a short but steep hike up to Observatory Knob to take in the view from the highest point in town, or the Town Forest, with trails that wind through a serene network of forested paths.

To make the most of your outing, check out our Recreation listings for directions to each site, plus guides & services including a FREE bike lending library for kids and adults (make sure to reserve your gear at least one day in advance).

Recreation

10am: OPTION 2 - Shop Downtown

​Ready 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 a large children’s section with games, puzzles, and a play space. Under the purple awning, the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild features crafts and art made by local artisans.

​Other inspired goods await at artistic gift shop Art & Joy, locally-designed apparel shop Magic Wolf, a wide selection of antique, consignment and second-hand stores, and dozens more to be found in our Shop directory.

Shop

Noon: St. Johnsbury Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning from May through October, the St. Johnsbury Farmer’s Market sets up downtown from 9am - 1pm. It’s a local party each week, with live music, organic produce from area farms, crafts, and prepared foods. For a snack or lunch to go, try Genuine Jamaican for an authentic jerk kick or Maria's Kusina for Filipino cuisine.

1pm: Scenic Escape to Italy 

If 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. 

3pm: Gone to the Dogs

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, and dog-friendly ponds. Visit the 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.

5:30pm: Spice Up Your Meal

Time 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 Bowling

Gold 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 Bar

Right next door to each other are two full service bars (both with plenty of NA options for those who don't wish to imbibe).

Take a seat at Whirligig Restaurant, Bar & Brewery and try beers made on-site, as well as regional craft brews. If you're still peckish, they have a full menu of decadent bistro classics. Downstairs is Sam's Listening Bar, which features a rotating menu of specialized cocktails & mocktails. The tunes and the vibe are impeccable at this 21+ establishment.

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: Cabinet of Curiosities

When you step inside the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, you’ll be amazed by its incredible arched ceiling and collections of unique dioramas. Rotating natural science exhibits, bug art, STEM exploration stations, and a butterfly house make the museum a delight for kids of all ages. The Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium is the only public planetarium in Vermont, and it presents different astronomy shows every hour.

Noon: Signature Sandwiches

On the same street as the museum, pop in to Eastern & Main Deli for lunch to go. Their sandwiches are named after St. Johnsbury landmarks such as the “Athenaeum,” the “Fairbanks,” and the “Catamount Club”.

1pm: Historic Main Street

St. Johnsbury is renowned for its nineteenth century architecture, developed when the Fairbanks family was the town’s major employer and benefactor. Take 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 brochure of the tour at the Welcome Center, but you can also use the linked PDF below.

Walking Tour PDF

3pm: Tour 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 local and internationally-recognized contemporary artists. Or, use the JayLyn Public Art Tour as your guide. This online map will help you find exceptional contemporary and historical public art in St. Johnsbury and Lyndon, our neighboring town just a 10 minute drive to the north.

Art & Culture

5pm: Close Out Your Stay with Free Live Music

If you're in St. Johnsbury in July and August, you'll be treated to an exceptional and one-of-a-kind performance series. The Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series, presented by Catamount Film & Arts, hosts free live music at Dog Mountain every Sunday evening starting at 5pm. Dog friendly, kid friendly, and wallet friendly too, you won't want to miss this one. For dinner, there are food vendors and a beer garden on site.

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