Explore the Northeast Kingdom
Adventure awaits in the Northeast Kingdom. From bikes to breweries, sleds to skis, the NEK is truly an all-seasons destination. Here is our insider's guide to our favorite things to do during your next getaway.
Kingdom Trails
Kingdom Trails (KT) is a comprehensive trail network offering 100+ miles of non-motorized, multi-use paths for four-season adventure. Named “the best trail network in North America” by Bike Magazine, the trails can also be explored on foot, horse, ski or snowshoe.
The Village Inn is located just down the street from the Kingdom Trails Association Headquarters (where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass) and directly across the street from the East Burke trailhead – we’d venture it’s about ten pedal strokes from here to the pump track!
Visit the Kingdom Trails Association to learn more about current conditions, passes, and their code of conduct. And please Ride With Gratitude to ensure this unique network remains a community resource well into the future!
Burke
Mountain
Burke Mountain boasts 50+ trails covering nearly 180 acres of skiable terrain. With more than 217" of average snowfall, Burke Mountain is home to the prestigious Burke Mountain Academy, a training ground for young ski racers and Olympic hopefuls!
The base of Burke Mountain is just a mile from the Village Inn, providing easy access for winter sports enthusiasts. During the summer season, Burke Mountain also offers lift-accessed downhill trails for mountain bikers. It is one of two locations in North America chosen to host the 2022 Enduro World Series, the first time the event will be held in the Eastern US!
Lake
WIlloughby
Lake Willoughby may just be one of Vermont's most iconic vistas! Its unique geography is a result of glacial erosion which created the beautiful 'bowl' shape we see today.
Lake Willoughby offers miles of hiking trails as well as beaches and boat launches. Located just 25-minutes from the Inn, it is a great spot for paddle boarding or kayaking. (For those looking to minimize their potential tan lines, it is also worth noting that Lake Willoughby is also home to one of Vermont’s only nude beaches. Bring extra sunscreen!)
Vermont has become synonymous with great craft beers, and the Northeast Kingdom is no exception! The only downside is having to decide where to hit up first - your cup (or pint glass) runneth over with options!
Dirt Church Brewery (5 mins)
Next Trick Brewing (10 mins)
Red Barn Brewing (20 mins)
Whirligig Brewing (25 mins)
Hill Farmstead (40 mins)
Caledonia Spirits – Barr Hill Gin (1 hour)
Lost Nation Brewing (1 hr 15 min)
Rock Art Brewing (1 hr 15 min)
Green Mountain Distillers (1 hr 15 min)
Ten Bends Beers (1 hr 15 min)
Stowe Cider (1 hr 20 min)
The Alchemist (1 hr 20 min)
Von Trapp Family Brewery (1 hr 20 min)
Lawson’s Finest Liquids (1 hour 30 min)
Breweries+ Distilleries
Food + Drink
Whether you are in search of a food truck or fine dining, The Village Inn is just a quick walk from a number of great local eateries and just a short drive (or a steep bike ride) to dining options on Darling Hill or Burke Mountain.
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Mike's Tiki Bar
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Foggy Goggle Osteria
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Burke Public House
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Orange Rind
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Cafe Lotti
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Northeast Kingdom General Store
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Tamarack Grill
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Auntie Dee Dee's
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Juniper's Restaurant
Winter in the Kingdom
East Burke is truly a four season destination. Burke Mountain is conveniently located just 5-mins from the Village Inn and offers 2,000+ ft of skiable (and snowboard-able) terrain.
During the winter season, Kingdom Trails offers 25+ miles of groomed single track for fat biking enthusiasts and access to the full network for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes.
For those interested in motorized snow sports, The Village Inn also provides easy access to the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) trail network.