Looking for one last trip before summer ends? The New York Times recommends this VT spot

While a month left of summer may seem like plenty of time, if you’ve yet to go on that trip or take that time off, now is the time to start planning. Though, after factoring in schedules, bookings, and work, you probably should have started by now.

It’s okay, we don’t judge. If you’re having trouble making a decision, a recent article in The New York Times listing six potential destinations for a late summer trip may be a good starting point if you don’t have time to plan a trip that’s too far away.

While these places are scattered across the world, there is one location that lends itself to a last-minute summer getaway, especially if you’re a fan of hiking, mountains, and small-town New England.

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and why the NYT loves it

The Northeast Kingdom is, as its name implies, in the north of the Green Mountain State, on the border of Canada. It’s comprised of the Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties.

Here’s what The New York Times said about why they liked it: “The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is an overlooked, rural part of the state near the border with Quebec. That means in the winter it is bitterly cold. But in the summer? Gorgeous.“

What to do when visiting Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom

With walking and biking trails that show off the area’s natural forests this is a good trip for someone who loves the outdoors. The largest towns, St. Johnsbury and Lyndon, have fewer than 8,000 residents.

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which is the longest rail trail in New England at 93 miles, is considered an ideal starting point for new off-road bikers. The Kingdom Heritage Trail System, which opened in 2019, is also mentioned, providing hikers with new access to some of the best of the area’s backcountry.

Farm to table seems to be the only way to eat here, with locally produced beer, cheese and maple syrup available in the small-town general stores and farmers’ markets.

Vermont Open Farm Week runs from Aug. 4 to 11, where visitors can get hands on with farm activities, providing a good time for families traveling with children, who will have the chance to climb onto a tractor or milk a cow.

Accommodation won’t break the bank either – with two person cabins going for approximately $110 per night.

What they said

“The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is an overlooked, rural part of the state near the border with Quebec. That means in the winter it is bitterly cold. But in the summer? Gorgeous.“