Things to do in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom
Highland Lodge is on Caspian Lake in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. “The Kingdom,” as locals call it, has many hidden gems. Here, we tell you how to find them all!
Some friendly tips:
- Our local General Stores are way better than a typical urban minimart! Many of them have delicious food, hardware, and gifts. Be sure to visit them all as you drive by!
- See our Google Map above to plan your day trips!
- Remember to always have a paper map, or program your GPS before you leave the Lodge, as mobile phone service is non-existent on most area roads.
- We are in the small town of Greensboro, very close to Craftsbury, Glover, and Albany.
- Hardwick is the border town to the south with the greatest concentration of stores and restaurants. We recommend stopping there for dinner or supplies if you are coming to the Lodge from I-91, or from the Morrisville/Stowe area.
Outdoors:
Highland Lodge Beach and Nature Trails - our Lodge & Cabins sit on 136 acres of forest, wetlands, and we also have the longest private beach on Lake Caspian. During ski season, the Craftsbury-Greensboro Nordic Trail System begins out our backdoor and continues up Barr Hill and over to Craftsbury, through some of the most beautiful trails in the Northeast. The entire network of trails from Greensboro to Craftsbury is groomed and maintained by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center throughout the Winter- if you would like to enjoy these trails, please make sure to either purchase a day pass either directly from them online or through us upon arrival.
Use this Craftsbury Outdoor Center link to their website, including maps and programs year-round.
Use the Greensboro Trail Map link for a view of the Greensboro side of the trail network.
Lake Willoughby (Westmore)
Gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains, a must-see
Directions
Kingdom Trails (East Burke)
World-class mountain biking and fat biking
Directions
While the Barr Hill Nature Reserve Hike starts at our very back door, additional nearby hikes include:
- Mt. Pisgah
Skiing:
We are situated between three world-class Alpine ski resorts, each about an hour from the lodge:
Jay Peak (Jay)
The large mountain-top ski resort, restaurants, spa, and an indoor water park
Directions
Stowe Mountain Resort (Stowe)
Full ski resort with a skating rink in the adorable town of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, fine dining
Directions
Burke Mountain (East Burke)
The Kingdom’s chill resort, new hotel, cute pubs, and shops
Directions
Quick Food and Beverage:
Craftsbury General Store (Craftsbury)
Full catering kitchen, takeout meals, pizza, groceries, beer & wine; a good stop between Highland Lodge and Craftsbury Outdoor Center
Directions
Willey’s Store (Greensboro)
Takeout sandwiches, groceries, beer & wine (including Hill Farmstead growlers)
Directions
Hill Farmstead Brewery (Greensboro)
Rated the world’s best beer for several years running, visiting their tasting room is a must, but keep in mind they have a two beverage max, so after you visit, come back to our House Bar to try a few more!
Directions
Caledonia Spirits (Hardwick)
The maker of award-winning Barr Hill Gin and many other fine spirits and honey products, they also have a great tasting room.
Directions
Jasper Hill Farm (Greensboro)
The maker of award-winning cheeses, Jasper Hill does not offer a tasting room or tours, but you can pick up their cheese at one of the general stores, or request a cheese tasting here at Highland Lodge!
Directions
Restaurants:
Blackbird Bistro (Craftsbury)
A true Kingdom Gem, excellent pizza and pub fare, beer & wine, events include live music, trivia, and movie nights
Directions
Positive Pie (Hardwick)
Full American menu of apps and entrees, pizza, full bar
Directions
Scale House (Hardwick)
Fine dining with a focus on fresh seafood, great cocktails
Directions
Parker Pie (West Glover)
A true Kingdom Gem, excellent pizza and pub fare, beer & wine, events include live music, trivia, and movie nights
Directions
Museums & Culture:
Miller’s Thumb (Greensboro)
Beautiful gallery and extensive gift shop and boutique, open in the summers.
Directions
Highland Center for the Arts (Greensboro)
A state-of-the-art theatre, gallery, and cafe, inspired by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Music, events, and food at the Hardwick Street Café.
Directions
Turning Stone Farm and Gallery (Greensboro)
Historic barn and farm hosting an art gallery and creative studio, and also serves a wonderful event venue.
Directions
Bread & Puppet Theatre and Museum (Glover)
Historic puppet theatre for audiences of all ages, perform outdoors in the summer, glorious puppet museum is open year-round
Directions
Circus Smirkus (Greensboro)
World-class, award-winning international youth circus, presenting a summer show and hosting camps for kids of all ages
Directions
Museum of Everyday Life (Glover)
Lovely self-serve museum committed to the mysterious delight embedded in the banal and beloved objects we touch every day
Directions
Mirror Theatre (Greensboro & Hardwick)
Presents theatre, concerts, and dance
Directions
Summer Music from Greensboro (Greensboro)
Presents concerts every summer
