Where the Interstate Ends: Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

"Vermont actually resembles California - not because of its beaches but due to its distinct regions. For example, Burlington correlates to the Bay Area. And in the Northeast Kingdom, where I grew up, we classified everything below White River Junction as 'Southern Vermont.' Down there, half the towns seem to channel Boston or New York City, kind of like Santa Barbara to L.A., which makes the Kingdom something like Humboldt County - rural and spectacular, with a recalcitrant outlaw streak."

"On the stump in the town of Lyndonville in 1949, U.S. Senator George Aiken coined the term 'Northeast Kingdom' to capture the bucolic charm of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties, and to gin up tourism. Even then, the N.E.K. was struggling, and today it remains the poorest and most sparsely-populated area of Vermont."

"For those seeking retail therapy or hip nightlife, the Northeast Kingdom is unlikely to scratch the itch. You can find cool shops and live music, but compared to the Stowes of Vermont, the choices are fewer and opportunities rarer. As a teenager, I couldn't split from the Northeast Kingdom fast enough. But as an adult, it's the home I pine for, one of my most beloved places in the whole world."

Vermont contains distinct regional variations often overlooked by outsiders who view it as monolithic. The Northeast Kingdom, comprising Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, was named by Senator George Aiken in 1949 to promote tourism in this struggling area. Today it remains Vermont's poorest and most sparsely populated region. Unlike developed areas such as Burlington or Stowe, the Northeast Kingdom offers limited retail and entertainment options but compensates with raw natural beauty and low human density. The region's isolation and economic challenges contrast with its appeal to those seeking authentic rural experiences and spectacular landscapes.

Read at InsideHook