I’ve spent years traveling around Vermont, and one of the things I appreciate most is finding towns that have far more going on than people might realize. St. Johnsbury, in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, is a perfect example.
It’s a town with impressive architecture, a fascinating industrial history, wonderful small businesses and a growing food and drink scene. And then there’s Dog Mountain, one of my favorite destinations in the entire state, particularly if you’re traveling with a four-legged friend.
St. Johnsbury doesn’t always get the same attention as Stowe, Woodstock or Manchester. But spend a weekend here, and you’ll find plenty of reasons to return.
I love that you can spend the morning exploring a historic art gallery, stop for a beautifully made pastry, visit a mountaintop chapel dedicated to dogs and finish the evening with locally brewed beer or cocktails made with Vermont-distilled spirits.
And if you want to extend your visit, there’s even an opportunity to stay on a working farm.
Here’s how I’d spend a weekend exploring St. Johnsbury, Vermont, with a few of my favorite stops for food, shopping and activities along the way.
Start Your Morning at Boule Bakery
I’m a sucker for a great croissant, and Boule Bakery is exactly where I’d start a morning in St. Johnsbury.
Located on Railroad Street, Boule specializes in naturally leavened sourdough breads, croissants and pastries made from scratch. The bakery was founded by chefs Katey and Darrell McLaughlin, and the attention to technique is evident in its menu.
You’ll find plain and chocolate croissants, almond croissants, savory ham-and-cheddar versions, cardamom buns with orange glaze and rotating Danish pastries.
I’d have a hard time choosing just one.
Boule also makes its own English muffins for breakfast sandwiches and serves espresso drinks made with locally roasted coffee. It’s a good option for a quick breakfast before heading out to explore, or an afternoon stop when you’re craving something sweet.
The pastries are available first come, first served, so I’d recommend going earlier in the day for the best selection.
Address: 462 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Visit Dog Mountain & the Dog Chapel
If there’s one destination I’d encourage everyone to visit in St. Johnsbury, it’s Dog Mountain.
Created by Vermont folk artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen, Dog Mountain encompasses 150 acres of trails, open fields, ponds and mountain views. Dogs are welcome to explore off-leash, and there’s plenty of space for them to run and socialize.
But even if you’re visiting without a dog, I’d still make the trip. The Dog Chapel is one of the most moving places I’ve visited in Vermont.
Huneck built the chapel in 2000 as a tribute to the bond between people and their dogs. Inside, the walls are covered with handwritten notes, photographs and messages left by visitors remembering beloved pets.
It’s impossible to read those messages without thinking about the animals who’ve been part of your own life.
I love that the chapel celebrates both the joy of having a dog and the sadness that comes with eventually saying goodbye. And there’s a little humor mixed in, too, including the famous welcome sign: “All Creeds, All Breeds. No Dogmas Allowed.”
Make time to visit the Stephen Huneck Gallery, where you’ll find his woodcut prints, furniture, children’s books and dog-inspired artwork.
The grounds are free to visit, although donations are appreciated. The property is open daily from dawn until dusk, with separate seasonal hours for the gallery and chapel.
I’d allow at least an hour, longer if you’re bringing your dog and exploring the trails.
Address: 143 Parks Road, St. Johnsbury, VT
Explore the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
One of the things I love about St. Johnsbury is how much history is preserved right in the center of town.
The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is a beautiful example.
Founded in 1871 by Horace Fairbanks, the Athenaeum serves as both a public library and art gallery. The building is a National Historic Landmark, and the interior is impressive, with elaborate woodwork, tall bookshelves and a historic art gallery.
The gallery houses works from the Hudson River School, including Albert Bierstadt’s enormous painting The Domes of the Yosemite.
I love historic libraries, particularly ones where the building itself is every bit as interesting as the collections inside.
And the Athenaeum is still an active part of the community, hosting lectures, exhibitions and other cultural events.
Admission to the library is free. The art gallery currently charges $5 per individual or $10 per family, with free admission for St. Johnsbury residents and library cardholders.
Address: 1171 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Visit the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
Just up Main Street from the Athenaeum is another St. Johnsbury landmark, the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium.
Founded in 1889 by Franklin Fairbanks, the museum is housed in a beautiful Victorian building filled with natural history collections, scientific exhibits and artifacts from around the world.
The museum’s collections include mounted birds, mammals, minerals and other natural history specimens. I find the old-fashioned displays particularly interesting, as they reflect how museums presented science and nature more than a century ago.
It’s also home to Vermont’s only public planetarium, the Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium, which offers programs about astronomy and the night sky.
I’d allow about two hours to explore the museum, with additional time if you’re attending a planetarium show.
It’s a wonderful activity for families, particularly on a rainy or cold Vermont day.
Address: 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Walk or Bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
St. Johnsbury is also the eastern starting point of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, the longest rail trail in New England, stretching approximately 95 miles across Northern Vermont to Swanton.
I’ve long been a fan of Vermont’s rail trails. They’re a wonderful way to explore the state without dealing with traffic or committing to a strenuous mountain hike. And the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is particularly impressive, connecting 18 Vermont towns along a former railroad corridor.
The trail has a compacted crushed-stone surface with gentle grades, making it accessible for walkers, runners and cyclists of varying abilities. You can head out for a short stroll or spend several hours biking through the countryside toward Danville.
The stretch between St. Johnsbury and Danville is a great option for visitors looking to spend a little time outdoors. You’ll pass wooded areas and rural scenery, with opportunities to continue farther west if you’re up for a longer ride.
And it’s not just a summer activity. During winter, sections of the trail are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
I’d recommend bringing your bike if you’re planning a weekend in St. Johnsbury, or simply enjoying a morning walk before heading downtown for coffee and pastries at Boule.
Where to Start: The official St. Johnsbury trailhead is located at 543 Main Street, with parking available. There’s also a trailhead pavilion at 195 Bay Street, closer to downtown restaurants and shops.
Good to Know: The trail is free to use and open year-round, although conditions vary seasonally. Dogs are welcome on leash. Some sections near St. Johnsbury sustained flood damage and have steeper grades than usual, so check the official Vermont Rail Trails website for current conditions before visiting.
Lunch in St. Johnsbury at The Buttery: Kitchen + Pantry
After a morning exploring, I’d head back downtown for lunch at The Buttery.
Located on Railroad Street, The Buttery combines a café, restaurant, natural wine bar and specialty pantry in a small, thoughtfully designed space.
The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, with creative sandwiches, salads and dishes that go beyond typical café fare.
Past favorites have included a chili-crisp chicken sandwich, turkey pesto sandwiches, kale salads and a variety of vegetarian options.
I appreciate restaurants that take their lunch menus seriously. A good sandwich with fresh bread and interesting ingredients can be every bit as satisfying as a more elaborate dinner.
The Buttery also serves specialty coffee and has a carefully selected collection of natural wines available by the glass or bottle.
I’d recommend browsing the pantry before leaving. It’s a fun stop for food lovers looking for interesting ingredients or a bottle of wine to bring home.
Address: 379 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Shop at Moose River Lake & Lodge in Downtown St. Johnsbury
One of my favorite things to do when exploring a Vermont town is browse its independently owned shops, and Moose River Lake & Lodge is a St. Johnsbury destination I’d make time for.
Located on Railroad Street, this sprawling store specializes in rustic home furnishings, clothing, gifts, jewelry and outdoor-inspired decor.
The inventory is wonderfully varied. You might find a handmade pottery bowl, a wool sweater, a piece of antique furniture or something for your camp or cabin.
There’s also a wine cellar, books, puzzles and plenty of gift ideas.
I love stores where you can spend a good amount of time browsing without looking for anything in particular.
And Moose River has enough to explore that I’d allow more than a quick five-minute stop.
Address: 370 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Stop at Whirligig Brewing for a Vermont Craft Beer
If you’ve followed Travel Like a Local® for a while, you know I rarely pass up the opportunity to visit a Vermont brewery.
In St. Johnsbury, I’d make a stop at Whirligig Brewing.
This small, one-barrel brewery focuses on experimental, small-batch beers, particularly sour and wild ales. Many are made using locally grown grains, hops and seasonal ingredients.
I appreciate breweries that aren’t afraid to experiment, especially when they’re working with Vermont agricultural products.
Whirligig’s tap list changes frequently, so you might find something different every time you visit. It’s a good opportunity to try a beer style you wouldn’t normally order.
The brewery also offers a food menu with pub favorites and more adventurous dishes, so you could easily turn a beer stop into a casual meal.
Address: 397 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Dinner & Cocktails at St. Johnsbury Distillery
For dinner, I’d head to St. Johnsbury Distillery and its Prohibition Kitchen.
The distillery produces small-batch spirits, including rum, gin and vodka, with a particular emphasis on Vermont ingredients.
Its Dunc’s Maple Rum is made using pure Vermont maple syrup, and you’ll find it incorporated into several cocktails and dishes.
The restaurant has a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, with a menu that includes creative appetizers, sandwiches and more substantial entrées.
A few dishes that caught my attention on the current menu include crab Rangoon nachos, Brussels sprouts with maple-rum candied bacon and a short-rib shepherd’s pie.
And, of course, I’d be ordering a cocktail.
The menu includes a Maple Rumhattan, rum Old Fashioned, elderflower margarita and several other drinks featuring spirits made on-site.
You can also arrange a distillery tour and tasting, which would be a fun addition to a weekend visit.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, particularly on weekends.
Address: 74 Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury, VT
Where to Stay in St. Johnsbury: Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary
If you’re spending the night in St. Johnsbury, I’d look into Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary.
Located on a 135-acre property just outside downtown, Storeybrook is a nonprofit horse rescue and working farm that also offers overnight accommodations.
The Carriage House Airbnb sleeps up to six guests, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace and a beautiful clawfoot soaking tub.
But the real appeal is the farm itself.
Storeybrook is home to rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and other animals. Guests can explore much of the property and visit the barn, following the farm’s guidelines for interacting with the animals.
Private farm tours and educational experiences have also been offered, allowing guests to learn more about the animals and the sanctuary’s work.
I love the idea of spending a weekend exploring St. Johnsbury and then returning to a peaceful farm, particularly one with such a meaningful mission.
If you’re booking, ask about adding a farm tour to your stay. Availability and pricing can vary.
Location: Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary, 1838 Spaulding Road, St. Johnsbury, VT
What to Know Before You Go to St. Johnsbury, Vermont
- Location
- St. Johnsbury is located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, at the intersection of Interstates 91 and 93.
- How Long to Visit
- You can see several downtown attractions in one day, but I’d recommend staying overnight to enjoy the restaurants, brewery and distillery without rushing.
- Best Time to Visit
- St. Johnsbury is a year-round destination. Summer brings outdoor concerts and events, fall offers beautiful foliage, and winter is a good time to explore its museums, restaurants and shops.
- Getting Around
- Downtown St. Johnsbury is walkable, particularly along Railroad Street and Main Street. You’ll need a car to visit Dog Mountain and Storeybrook Farm.
- Parking
- Public parking is available downtown, and the museums and Dog Mountain have designated parking areas.
- Traveling With Dogs
- Dog Mountain is a wonderful destination for dogs, but pets aren’t permitted inside the Fairbanks Museum. Check individual restaurants and accommodations for current pet policies.
- Museum Admission
- The Athenaeum gallery charges a small admission fee for nonresidents. The Fairbanks Museum currently charges $17 for adults, with an additional $8 for planetarium shows.
- Rail Trail Access
- The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail begins in St. Johnsbury and offers walking, biking and seasonal winter recreation. Check trail conditions before visiting, particularly after heavy rain or flooding.
- Reservations
- Book Storeybrook Farm in advance, particularly during foliage season. I’d also reserve dinner at St. Johnsbury Distillery and arrange any farm tours before arriving.
St. Johnsbury has plenty to fill a weekend, particularly if you enjoy good food, Vermont history, small businesses and getting outdoors.
And if you’re traveling with your dog, I’d make Dog Mountain the centerpiece of the trip.
I love seeing towns like St. Johnsbury continue to develop their downtowns while preserving the history and community institutions that make them special.
There’s a lot more to explore here than you might expect from a quick drive through town.
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