Local's Guide

Welcome to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

Welcome to Lake Salem Cottages in beautiful Derby, Vermont! We've created this guide to help you make the most of your family gathering or group retreat. The Northeast Kingdom (often called the "NEK" by locals) is one of Vermont's hidden treasures, offering pristine lakes, magnificent mountain views, and the perfect setting to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other.

On The Water

The best cottage times are spent right at the lake, and Lake Salem offers everything you need for perfect summer days.

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Lake Salem Activities

Swimming: The shallow shoreline extends about 50 feet into the lake, making it exceptionally safe for children

Fishing: Lake Salem is stocked by the state of Vermont and is renowned for bass, walleye, and salmon fishing

Boating: Each cottage comes with its own 12' aluminum boat, perfect for exploring both Big and Little Salem Lakes

Beach Games: The sandy beaches are ideal for family "Olympic" games, volleyball, frisbee, and more

Sandbar Exploration: Visit the unique sandbar at the end of the beach where the Clyde River connects the two lakes

Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for loons, herons, eagles, and other birds that frequent the lake

Nearby Water Adventures

Lake Memphremagog: Just 5 miles away in Newport, this international lake extends into Canada and offers
additional fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities

Clyde River: Perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing

Lake Willoughby: Often called "Vermont's most beautiful lake," this glacier-formed lake is nestled between Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor, about 30 minutes away

Crystal Lake State Park: Offering a mile of sandy shoreline with marked swimming area, picnic tables, and bathhouse in nearby Barton

Northern Star Lake Cruises: Scenic boat tours on Lake Memphremagog from Newport's waterfront

Land Adventures

Hiking & Biking

Newport-Derby Bike Path: A pebbled path running from Newport to the Canadian border, perfect for biking or walking

Mount Pisgah: East of Interstate 91, offering breathtaking cliff-top views overlooking Lake Willoughby

Jay Peak: The northernmost peak in Vermont with views extending into Canada, just 30 minutes away

Long Trail: Vermont's famous hiking trail with 270 miles of footpaths and 175 miles of side trails

Four Corners (Jay Branch Gorge): A beautiful swimming hole in the Jay/Troy area

Family-Friendly Activities

Old Stone House Museum: A school dormitory from the 1830s now displaying historical artifacts of the region

Haskell Free Library and Opera House: Uniquely positioned so the U.S./Canadian border runs directly through the building

Bread and Puppet Museum: An extraordinary collection of puppets, masks, and artwork in nearby Glover

Kingdom Dog Park: A great place to exercise your four-legged family members

Dining Guide

Nearby Favorites

The Eastside Restaurant & Pub: Waterfront dining on Lake Memphremagog in Newport with excellent American fare and great views

The Brown Cow Restaurant: A local favorite for breakfast in Newport, perfect for hearty morning meals before a day on the lake

Le Belvedere: Upscale French-Japanese fusion cuisine in Newport with lakeside views

Derby Line Village Inn: Austrian-German restaurant with authentic European dishes in nearby Derby Line

Vermont Pie & Pasta Company: Family-friendly Italian dining with pasta and pizza in Derby

Cow Palace: American bar and grill in Derby known for casual dining and reasonable prices

Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center: A hub of artisanal food and drink in Newport, featuring Eden Ice Cider Company and other local producers

Local Food Experiences

Farmers Markets: Newport Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays, May-October)

Farm Stands: Look for seasonal roadside stands selling fresh produce, maple syrup, and other local specialties

Berry Picking: Seasonal blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry picking available at farms throughout the region

Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center: Sample Vermont specialties including cheeses, ciders, and other locally-made products

Local's Guide

Welcome to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

It's Time for an Escape