Behind the Cover: New England Travel and Lifestyle Writer Jess Kirby

Jess Kirby is a writer and creative whose deep-rooted love for New England is woven into everything she does. Born and raised on Aquidneck Island in Newport, Rhode Island, where her family has lived for five generations, Jess grew up pond skating, exploring the woods and beaches, surfing, and water skiing in Mackerel Cove, all of which instilled in her a lifelong connection to the outdoors and a strong sense of place.

Today, Jess, her husband, and their daughter (plus their dog) split their time between coastal Rhode Island and the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she’s found a slower pace and a community of like-minded people. Whether she’s savoring summer swims in Silver Lake, enjoying a maple creemee at Scoops in Woodstock, or appreciating the absence of billboards along Vermont’s winding roads, Jess is a New Englander through and through, making her the perfect person to capture the spirit of New England for our May/June cover.

What special stories or memories do you have of growing up in Rhode Island?

I have stories that go as far back as my earliest memories. I grew up on Aquidneck Island and spent summers as a kid in Narragansett Bay on our family’s little Whaler water skiing in Mackerel Cove, fishing, and going on harbor cruises. My entire childhood is filled with memories on the island, whether it was getting lost in the woods, pond skating, spending days at the beach, surfing, and just having a lot of freedom and independence to explore with my siblings, cousins, and friends. 

What is it about Vermont that made you want to move there?

Believe it or not, I didn’t really spend much time in Vermont until I was in my thirties, and the first time I came and stayed for several nights, I knew it was a place I would eventually call home. It’s a totally different way of life here, and it’s special and magical in so many ways. I think it’s why so many people come to Vermont every year. You get to Vermont, and it just feels different. The sense of community here is different from any other place I’ve lived. 

Nowadays, if you’re showing visitors around Woodstock, Vermont, what do you most want them to see?

There are just so many special things about Vermont. I always point out that we don’t have billboards, because it’s something you don’t see here, which is so nice. The country stores and general stores are awesome, the farm-to-table food, the farms, some of which have been in the same family for generations. When you drive around Vermont, you realize how special and unique it is. 

Given that you have been living in Vermont for a few years now, how would you describe what it’s like to spend the summer there?

Summer in Vermont is incredible. There is so much to do, from hiking and biking to swimming in lakes and ponds. There is such incredible energy and so much amazing food, festivals, music, and other events all season long. 

Is there anything about living in Vermont that you are still getting used to?

Mud season. It’s not my favorite. 

Do you have a favorite country store? Favorite spot for a maple creemee?

In my area, Gillingham’s is a great stop for a classic Vermont general store. I also love the South Woodstock country store, and they have a great breakfast and lunch. For maple creemees, you can’t go wrong at Scoops in Woodstock, or for a little scenic drive, check out Silver Lake Syrups in Barnard. It’s a family-owned spot right near Silver Lake, which is so fun in the summer. 

Favorite weekend getaway now?

We went on a trip to Martha’s Vineyard last September as a family. It was so incredible, what a beautiful and special place. We also did a weekend getaway to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which was really fun. The beaches there and in Kittery, Maine, are amazing. We go to Newport a lot for the weekend because we still have so much family there, so it’s usually our go-to spot for a getaway as a family.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Vermont is known for foliage, and it’s definitely our busiest time of year (for good reason). If you plan to make a trip, try to come during the week; it’s less crowded and you can have an easier time getting reservations and enjoying all the small villages throughout the state.

See more from Jess Kirby at The New England Guide or by signing up for her newsletter, A Common Thread.

Christabel Barry

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