10 Relaxing Things To Do Near Lunenburg, Vermont (Essex County)
If you’re dreaming of quiet back roads, mountain views, and small-town charm,
Lunenburg, Vermont in
Essex County is a great place to slow down and breathe. This part of Vermont is called the
Northeast Kingdom, and it really does feel like its own little world: fewer crowds, more trees, and a sky full of stars at night.
Whether you’re road-tripping from Boston, spending a long weekend from New York, or just curious about hidden corners of New England, this area has plenty to offer. Below are
10 things to do in and around Lunenburg, VT that show off the best of the region.
1. Wander the Back Roads of Historic Lunenburg Village
Lunenburg itself is small, but that’s part of the charm.
Walk or drive slowly through the village and you’ll see:
- Classic New England homes with wide porches and old barns
- Quiet, curvy roads lined with maples and pines
- Peaceful views of the surrounding hills and the nearby Connecticut River valley
This is the kind of place where you can actually
hear the wind in the trees. Bring a camera or just your phone. Sunsets can be gorgeous, especially in the fall when the hills are glowing with red and orange leaves.
If you’re used to busy city trips, wandering around Lunenburg is like pressing the “pause” button on life for a while.
2. Cross Into Lancaster, NH for Mountain Views & Main Street Strolls
Just across the Connecticut River from Lunenburg is
Lancaster, New Hampshire, an easy, scenic drive of about 10–15 minutes.
Here you can:
- Walk along a small but lively Main Street with shops and places to grab coffee or a sandwich
- Enjoy open views of the White Mountains, especially Mount Washington on a clear day
- Check out local events and fairs, especially in summer and early fall
Lancaster makes a nice “hub” if you’re staying near Lunenburg. You get access to more services and restaurants while still staying in the peaceful countryside.
3. Visit Weeks State Park for a Hilltop Tower & Big Scenery
A short drive south of Lancaster, you’ll find
Weeks State Park in Lancaster, NH. This is a
must-do if you enjoy views and light hiking.
At Weeks State Park you can:
- Drive up a mountain road (usually open in warmer months) or hike up if you prefer
- Visit the old stone fire tower for 360-degree views of the White Mountains and surrounding valleys
- Tour the historic John Wingate Weeks House when it’s open
From the top, the landscape seems to stretch on forever. On a clear day, it feels like you can see half of New Hampshire. Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and maybe a local maple soda—then find a spot in the grass and soak it all in.
4. Explore the Connecticut River By Car, Bike, or Kayak
Lunenburg sits close to the
Connecticut River, the long river that forms the border between Vermont and New Hampshire.
You can enjoy the river a few different ways:
- Scenic drives along local roads that follow the riverbanks
- Biking some of the quiet back roads near the water (traffic is usually light)
- Kayaking or canoeing through outfitters in nearby towns in season
If you like calm water and peaceful stretches of river, this area is ideal. You might spot herons, ducks, and the occasional bald eagle. Early morning and late afternoon often have the best light for photos.
5. Take a Day Trip to the White Mountains for Hiking & Scenic Drives
One of the biggest perks of visiting Lunenburg is how close you are to the
White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Within about an hour’s drive, you can:
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway for stunning foliage in the fall
- Hike in Franconia Notch State Park or near Mount Washington
- Ride the famous Cog Railway up Mount Washington, if you want a memorable (and very steep) train experience
After a full day in the mountains, it’s nice to return to the quiet side of the border in Lunenburg and unwind. Think of Lunenburg as your calm home base, with big adventures an easy drive away.
6. Discover the Northeast Kingdom’s Backroads & Covered Bridges
Lunenburg is part of Vermont’s
Northeast Kingdom, a region known for:
- Rolling hills and farmland
- Hidden lakes and ponds
- Old churches and covered bridges
Head west from Lunenburg toward towns like
Concord, Victory, and Lyndonville and just explore. This is one of those areas where the simple act of driving is the main attraction.
Tips for a perfect backroads day:
- Have a loose plan, but don’t be afraid to turn down interesting side roads.
- Stop at any small general store you find—many sell local maple syrup, cheese, and snacks.
- Keep a paper map or downloaded map on your phone. Cell service can fade in the more remote areas.
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned New England road trip, this region delivers.
7. Go Wildlife Watching in Victory Basin & Nearby Forests
If you’re into nature and don’t mind a bit of rugged terrain, head toward the
Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area, southwest of Lunenburg.
In and around this wild area, you can:
- Hike or walk old logging roads and trails
- Look for moose, deer, beavers, and a variety of birds
- Enjoy the feeling of being truly “out there” away from busy towns
Bring:
- Sturdy shoes
- Bug spray in the warmer months
- A pair of binoculars if you have them
This is not a polished state park with snack stands and paved paths. It’s more of a wild, remote corner of the Northeast Kingdom—perfect for people who really want to feel close to nature.
8. Experience Small-Town Fairs, Festivals, and Farmers’ Markets
In rural Vermont and northern New Hampshire, community events are a big part of local life. If you time your trip right, you can catch:
- Summer fairs with rides, farm animals, and fried dough
- Fall festivals celebrating foliage, pumpkins, and apples
- Farmers’ markets with local produce, maple products, baked goods, and crafts
Check event listings for nearby towns like:
- Lancaster, NH
- St. Johnsbury, VT (about 35–45 minutes from Lunenburg)
- Lyndonville, VT
Standing in a small-town fairground with the smell of kettle corn in the air and a local band playing in the background is a simple but real taste of life in northern New England.
9. Go Leaf-Peeping in Fall and Stargazing All Year Long
If you love
fall foliage, Lunenburg and Essex County might spoil you for anywhere else.
In late September and early October, you can:
- Drive almost any direction and be surrounded by bright reds, deep oranges, and golds
- Stop at scenic pull-offs for photos of farms against colorful hills
- Combine foliage drives with short hikes or riverside walks
Once the sun goes down, don’t forget to look up. Because this area is so rural, there’s very little light pollution. On clear nights, the
stars are incredibly bright. If you’re from a city, you may be surprised at just how many stars you can see with the naked eye.
Grab a blanket, step outside, and enjoy your own quiet, private “planetarium” show.
10. Taste Local Vermont & New Hampshire Flavors
Even in a quiet place like Lunenburg, you won’t be far from:
- Maple syrup made at small sugarhouses
- Cheddar cheese and other dairy products from local farms
- Craft beers and ciders from regional breweries
- Hearty diner-style meals in nearby towns
In the spring, some sugarhouses host
maple open house events where you can see how maple syrup is made and taste it fresh. Even if you miss that season, most general stores and country shops carry local maple products all year.
If you enjoy food souvenirs, this is the place to stock up. Maple syrup and cheddar travel well and make great gifts back home.
Is Lunenburg, Vermont Right for Your Trip?
Lunenburg and Essex County are a good fit if you:
- Prefer quiet roads and small towns over busy cities
- Want easy access to both Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and the White Mountains
- Enjoy simple pleasures: drives, hikes, rivers, views, and local food
It might not be the place for nightlife or big shopping malls, but if you’re craving peace, fresh air, and starry skies, it’s hard to beat.
Share Your Lunenburg Travel Ideas
Have you ever explored
Lunenburg, VT or nearby towns in
Essex County?
Do you have a favorite scenic drive, hiking spot, or local eatery in the area?
Drop your tips and questions in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers planning a Vermont getaway.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who love quiet, off-the-beaten-path trips in New England.
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