A special weekend showcased everything our city has to offer prospective Vermonters
Newport recently hosted Keys to the Kingdom, a special event welcoming visitors from different states who are considering relocating to the Northeast Kingdom. The weekend event took place from August 8-10, bringing prospective residents directly into our community to experience what Newport has to offer.
A Community-Focused Welcome Initiative
The program was brought to Newport by NEK Welcome Wagon, a program of the NEK Chamber of Commerce, and made possible by ThinkVT funding. The event was designed to introduce potential new Vermonters to all that the region has to offer—natural beauty, small-town charm, strong community networks, and career opportunities.
Experiencing Newport’s Community and Culture
The weekend itinerary provided visitors with an authentic taste of life in Newport. Friday evening began with a welcome reception where participants picked up their welcome packets at Le Belvedere, located at 100 Main Street.
Saturday offered visitors the opportunity to spend the day exploring Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom or joining activities around Downtown Newport. Participants engaged with community members, local businesses, and employers throughout the weekend, with stops including downtown shops, restaurants, and real estate offices as they got to know the neighborhoods.
The Saturday evening highlight was a sponsored dinner cruise on Lake Memphremagog aboard the Northern Star. Visitors were advised to eat dinner before boarding, with snacks and beverages available for purchase during the cruise that departed at 5:45pm and returned at 8:00pm.
Sunday concluded the weekend with a hosted brunch at the lakeside Eastside Restaurant from 9:00am to 11:00am, where participants could chat about their weekend experiences before beginning their journey home.
Building Tomorrow’s Community
Local residents were encouraged to offer a warm welcome to visitors and be prepared to share what they love about living and working in the NEK. This grassroots approach created opportunities for authentic connections between current and potential future neighbors.
The NEK Welcome Wagon team emphasized that together, the community could show these future neighbors what makes the Northeast Kingdom a place to call home.
A Thoughtful Approach to Growth
Events like Keys to the Kingdom demonstrate Newport’s commitment to thoughtful community building, connecting with individuals who are already considering relocation to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and providing them with genuine insights into life in our region.
Keys to the Kingdom officially concluded after Sunday’s brunch, marking the end of a weekend designed to showcase the best of what Newport and the Northeast Kingdom have to offer.