Rainy Day in St. J

Is the threat of showers putting a damper on your summer lake life or trail time? St. Johnsbury is the perfect destination to keep you and your crew entertained no matter the weather, with activities to delight kids, teens, and adults. Read on for some ideas, or stop by the Welcome Center at 51 Depot Square to talk to our trained information booth staff.

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Culture Crawl

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium is a cabinet of curiosities, great for kids of all ages, with natural history exhibitions, hands-on science exploration, the enchanting Shippee Family Eye Care Butterfly House, and Vermont's only public planetarium, featuring shows several times a day. Open daily, 10am - 5pm.

St. Johnsbury History & Heritage Center is just a block away, and showcases the town's historic legacy, including exhibitions about the Fairbanks Scales company, featuring a full-size working model of an industrial scale, complete with a wagon on top! Put a coin on the scale to see the instrument at work. Summer hours, Monday through Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

Fine art and craft galleries all throughout town feature a wide variety of artistic styles. Explore our creative landscape at the Catamount Arts Fried Family Gallery, the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild, the Golden Gallery, the Stephen Huneck Gallery at Dog Mountain, and at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum (details below).

Curl Up With a Good Book

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is the town's public library, housed inside an incredible National Historic Landmark building. Comfortable chairs are placed in cozy corners for your reading pleasure, and a large children's room includes activities as well as books. Attached to the library, an art gallery filled with Hudson River School paintings feels like stepping back in time - it has undergone little change since it opened more than 150 years ago. Open Monday through Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday, 10am - 3pm.

Down the street from the library, Secondhand Prose, run by the Friends of the Athenaeum, is a great place to find quality used books. Prices are pay-what-you-wish, with proceeds benefiting library programs. Open Monday through Saturday, 11am - 3pm.

Boxcar & Caboose on Railroad Street is St. Johnsbury's independent bookstore, featuring a wide selection of local authors and national best sellers, a children's play area, a small cafe, and Hobo's Candy Counter filled with sugary delights. On a rainy day, it's a great place to pick up a Lego set or new puzzle. Open Monday through Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday, 10am - 3pm. 

Screen Time

Star Theatre of St. Johnsbury features all the delights of a small-town movie theater, on four screens showing the latest new releases. The popcorn can be topped with fresh Cabot Creamery butter, or you can bring in goodies from the next-door ice cream parlor and restaurant, YUMMIES @ The Star. Open daily. Visit the website for showtimes.

The theater at Catamount Film & Arts is all about the indie flicks, and the concession stand at their Art Center will also top their fresh popcorn with Vermont butter! You can also rent films from their 4,000 title collection.

Rock and Bowl

Gold Crown Lanes is a step back in time to an affordable family entertainment center, featuring 16 lanes of 10-pin bowling, a small arcade, and the Lamplighter Lounge & Sports Bar. Open late daily, with Open Bowling hours listed here.

Shop 'Til You Drop

St. Johnsbury's shopping scene is worth several hours of exploration whether you're looking for antiques, souvenirs, local crafts, vintage or contemporary clothing, home goods, curiosities, art supplies, records, and more. For the eco-conscious shopper, the town boasts a particularly wide selection of secondhand shopping options. Check out our SHOP directory below for listings, or stop by the St. Johnsbury Farmers Market on Saturdays, 9am - 1pm.

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Goodies: Choose Your Own Adventure

Whether you're looking to imbibe some of Vermont's world-famous craft beers, sample local spirits, indulge in a pastry, tuck into a diner breakfast, enjoy global cuisines, or savor a farm-to-table dinner, St. Johnsbury's eateries have something for every palate. Check out our EAT directory for 25+ independently-owned options.

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For more rainy-day options, visit our Play page, and check out the Calendar to find daily live music shows, exhibitions, and activities.