Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, Rutland rests in a wide valley between two mountain ranges, in a natural north-south passage. To the east three large peaks in the Green Mountain range - Killington, Pico and Shrewsbury surround Rutland. To the west of Rutland are the Taconics. Explore nearby mountains and lakes and join the thousands of tourists who visit the region to ski, hike, bike, swim and enjoy the autumn foliage.

As Vermont's second largest city, rich in natural beauty and history, Rutland is hailed as an eclectic mix of the modern and historic charm. Visitors to downtown Rutland have discovered diverse shopping, dining, movies, and the wonderfully restored Paramount Theatre.

Killington Mountain & Ski Resort – Killington is the largest ski and snowboard area in the East, offering the most skiing and most variety of terrain served by the East's highest capacity lift system. Seven interconnected mountains provide unparalleled diversity of skiing and the greatest vertical in New England. And snowboarders are challenged with the longest terrain park in the East. High elevation vistas, mountain-to-mountain exploration on more than 87 miles of trails and the charm of Vermont are just the beginning of a Killington vacation. The Killington Resort posts the longest season in the eastern United States (October to June) and offers a tremendous variety of terrain on 7 mountains. The ski area is huge by the standards of eastern North America, covering 1,200 acres. The K also takes the biscuit for after-ski options. Along the Killington access road you can choose from more than 100 restaurants, nightspots with live music and dancing, along with quiet bistros and inns. The region, including historic Woodstock and Manchester, offers cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice skating and a variety of shopping delights, including factory outlets, antique shops, artisan workshops, craft fairs and rustic country stores.

Pico Mountain - Pico is one of Vermont`s largest mountains, rich in history and ski/snowboard terrain. One of Vermont's first mountain resorts, Pico opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1937. The slope was the 2.5-mile-long Sunset Schuss trail, New England’s widest ski trail at an average of 65 feet. Pico's first ski race was held in January 1938, and over the following decades the mountain has produced many downhill legends. Continuing the tradition to develop strong racers, Pico is home to the Killington Mountain School, and a renewed attention to racing this year with a timed course. A big mountain with high-speed lifts and a mod terrain park, Pico still retains its classic Vermont charm and personal touch. It has more vertical drop than 80% of the downhill ski areas in New England - 1,967 feet spread over 48 trails and 208 skiable acres. All mogul trails, glades, groomed steeps, and trails lead back to the same base area. The Pike, Pico's longest trail, begins at the summit and terminates right outside the lodge. From the summit, skiers and riders can try the intermediate 49er or the winding and narrow black diamonds Summit Glades, Upper KA, and Sunset 71. Take a shot at the mountain's steepest, most difficult trail, Giant Killer. Racers often train on Bronco, at the Outpost area, and on B-Slope, which descends in a wide arc from the top of Little Pico. Bumps usually form on the black diamond A-Slope, which is also on Little Pico Mountain. First-time skiers and snowboarders can board a chairlift and two gentle learning trails at the Bonanza area. Cruisers enjoy the groomed green circle and blue square trails off the Golden Express Quad. Powder hounds delight in fresh tracks after a snowstorm if they can find their way into the Birch Glades or Summit Glades. Pico also has a new and improved mini-terrain park with tabletops and a railslides that are open to snowboarders and skiers. Located on upper Triple Slope off the Knomes Knoll chairlift, the park is designed and maintained by Killington's snowboard staff.

Okemo Mountain - Okemo Mountain Resort is conveniently located in South/Central Vermont in the Village of Ludlow. One of the most outstanding vacation spots in the country, Okemo’s new Jackson Gore Base Area, Jackson Gore Inn, Coleman Brook Express Quad and new trail network is open and already receiving rave reviews. Okemo’s 601 acres of terrain offers 113 slopes, trails and glades, family programs, terrain parks and the highest vertical drop in Southern Vermont, 2,200 feet. In 2003, Ski Magazine ranked Okemo #1 in grooming and the Okemo Superpipe 5th in North America.   [Top]

Appalachian Long Trail - The Appalachian Long Trail is a hiking path traveling 265 miles north/south the entire length of Vermont. Complete topographic maps, photos and brief descriptions of the trail are available. If you are considering hiking on this or any backcountry trail, do not go without a USGS map, compass, guide book and knowledge of current weather and trail conditions. The entire Appalachian Trail is the premier recreational hiking trail in the United States, a continental-scale wilderness pathway set aside by Congress and the National Park Service for foot travel only. The route of the A.T. closely follows the ridge line of eastern America's Appalachian mountain chain for 2174.1 unbroken miles, beginning on the summit of Springer Mountain in northern Georgia and ending on the summit of Mount Katahdin in north central Maine. As it winds its way through the mountains, it passes through fourteen states, eight national forests, six national parks, and numerous state and local parks. The entire trail route is marked with white blazes (2-inch wide by 6-inch high rectangles painted on trees, rocks, etc.), and a series of three-sided lean-tos or shelters, each spaced about a day's journey apart, is available to all trail users on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available from numerous springs and streams, and the trail route passes through or near many towns and hamlets. More than four million people hike the A.T. annually, most for short hikes. In any given year, many thousands hike the entire Trail in sections over a period of years, and about 2,500 hardy individuals attempt to backpack the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous journey each year.

Vermont State Fair Grounds – The Vermont State Fair Grounds, located in Rutland, is home of the famous Vermont State Fair, held annually since 1846. This year, the Fair will be held September 2 – September 12, 2004. Entertainment will include live bands, family rides, food, beverages, Blazak’s Tigers and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs.

Green Mountain National Forest - The Green Mountain National Forest is located in southwestern and west-central Vermont. Providing abundant recreation and a wealth of natural resources, the Green Mountains are a perfect place to relax and enjoy our National Forests. The Forest's diverse landscapes range from the rugged, exposed heights of the Green Mountains to quiet, secluded hollows in the Wilderness. Generations of visitors have experienced the tranquil beauty that exists in the forest. The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are undergoing Forest Plan Revision. The plans will be revised to reflect resource and social changes on both Forests as well as new scientific information.

Wilson Castle - This 19th century architectural masterpiece is brimming with antique furnishings and museum pieces. Various artists use the Art Gallery to exhibit sculpture, paintings, and photographs. The castle began in 1867 by Doctor and Lady Johnson. He was a Vermonter who went to England to study medicine. While there he met and married a wealthy lady of the aristocracy. After 71/2 years of planning and construction, the castle was completed at the sum of $1,300,000. The Johnson’s remained in the castle for only a brief time. From the 1880’s until 1939, the castle was bought and sold 4 times. In 1939, a radio engineer named Herbert Lee Wilson came to Vermont. A pioneer in the AM radio field and builder of radio stations all over the world, he was looking for a new location to build another station and a summer home for his family. He bought the castle and installed radio station WEWE in the old stable, which remains in operation. After serving in the Army Signal Corp in WWII, he retired to the castle and in 1962 opened it for tours. His daughter, Blossom Wilson Davine Ladabouche, owns the property and makes her summer home in the old servants’ quarters, which have been redone for her. Guided tours are given daily from late May until late October, seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (802) 773-3284.    [Top]

Chittenden Dam - Chittenden is a 721-acre reservoir with an elevation of about 1495 feet with some spots up to 25-30 feet deep. The water elevation fluctuates depending on the season and power generation needs. On the southern end of Chittenden Reservoir is Lefferts Pond, which is a 49-acre impoundment with a large wetland area. Lefferts Pond is a shallow pond of only 10-12 feet. Fly-fishing, spinners and bait fishing are allowed on Chittenden Reservoir. Chittenden Reservoir and Lefferts Pond do have some special length restrictions on Walleyes and creel limits. Primary catches are Yellow perch, Smallmouth bass, Walleye and Brown trout.

Vermont State Parks – The beautiful and geographically diverse state of Vermont has many state parks for an abundance of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, entertainment and education. If you're interested in historical exploration, try the "ghost town" at Little River State Park or the slate mill ruins at Bomoseen State Park (the fishing is also great at both parks). You can view fossils if you visit Button Bay State Park or hang glide at Ascutney State Park. Whitewater canoeists travel to Jamaica State Park in the spring and fall to take advantage of events featuring the water release from dams on the West River. If your idea of a great park experience includes entertainment, check out the annual arts and entertainment schedule. Many parks have nature trails, and some, including Brighton and Groton State Forest, have nature centers with naturalist programs all summer. If you like to hike, consider a base camp at Gifford Woods State Park or Underhill State Park, which are close to some of Vermont's premier hiking trails. If you like to camp on an island, there's Burton Island State Park, and if you like primitive islands, Woods Island State Park. If you like being outdoors, but not in a tent, try sheltered camping at Lake Carmi, Camp Plymouth, Half Moon, Ricker Pond or dorm-style accommodations at Seyon Ranch.

Quechee Gorge - Quechee Recreation Area is a large park spread out over a vast area, unique in that 611 acres of the park are leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The tract of land contains a campground, picnic area, and utility building. The park contains 47 tent/trailer sites and 7 lean-to sites, which are located in the camping area. Two bathrooms with showers ($) serve the campground. Most sites can accommodate large RVs. There is a sanitary dump station, but no hookups. A large field and play area are also in the campground. Located next to Quechee Gorge is a picnic area with a pit toilet and a hiking trail along the gorge. Area attractions include: Quechee Gorge, Glass Blowing Mill and Pottery Shop; Quechee; Billings Farm Museum, Woodstock; King Arthur Flour Factory & Museum, Norwich; and St. Gaudens National Historic Site, Cornish, NH.   [Top]

Green Mountain Rock Climbing - Vermont's highest quality climbing experience, Green Mountain Rock Climbing provides indoor and outdoor rock climbing, adventure team building, hiking, biking and orienteering courses in Rutland and Killington Vermont. Climbing is a fun and rewarding sport, and believe it or not, it's as easy as climbing a ladder! They specialize in beginners and have a staff that knows how to instruct and support new climbers in a non-intimidating environment. Whether you're looking for something exciting for the kids or perhaps something new for yourself, GMRCC has it all. Visit their website at www.vermontclimbing.com for more information.

Vermont Marble Exhibit – Located in central Vermont, the Vermont Marble Exhibit is the largest marble exhibit in the world with exciting and educational exhibits and a unique gift shop. In the main entry hall are polished panels of Vermont marble, from Verde Antique - a stunning green stone - to Champlain Black - a black marble that still contains fossils - to Imperial Danby - the bright white marble that Vermont is famous for. The exhibit features over 100 exciting displays, including the Gallery of Modern Sculpture and the Hall of Presidents. The museum theater shows a new film on how marble deposits formed over 400 million years ago and resulted in one of Vermont's unique treasures. (802) 459-2300.

Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. - The Vermont-based manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet was founded in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, with a $12,000 investment ($4,000 of which was borrowed). They soon became popular for their innovative flavors, made from fresh Vermont milk and cream. The company currently distributes ice cream, low fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and novelty products nationwide as well as in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops, restaurants and other venues.   [Top]

There has continuously been a deep-seated love of the arts and the finer things in life here in the Green Mountains. This is possibly an extension of the Vermonters' love and appreciation of the scenic beauty of the Vermont outdoors and the calming sounds of country life.

Roaming the crossroads of Vermont, the visitor may enjoy fine art, history, and memorabilia at many museums and galleries throughout the region, including:

Museums

• Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont - This nationally recognized collection of Norman Rockwell's art, established in 1976, commemorates his Vermont years and the entire span and diversity of his career (1911-1978). The Museum features a chronological display of more than 2,500 magazine covers, advertisements, calendars, and other published works that illustrate Rockwell's development as an illustrator and links his work to the political, economic, and cultural history of the United States. Gift shop. Daily 9am-6pm. www.normanrockwellvt.com.
  
  
• New England Maple Museum - Located in Rutland, the New England Maple Museum tells the history of maple sugaring through an exciting and educational series of exhibits. There is a large collection of antique sugaring equipment, as well as a display using modern equipment. Demonstrations on evaporators, maple candy making, and wooden sap bucket making are held during the summer and fall. Sugar on Snow parties are held March - May. For more information, call (802) 483-9414.
  
  
• Billings Farm and Museum, Rte. 12, Woodstock. Historic working farm with extensive exhibits and programs. Restored manager's house furnished in style of last century. (802) 457-2355
  
  
• Castleton Historical Society Museum, Main St.. 19th and 20th century furnishings, paintings, costumes, documents, photographs, and military memorabilia. (802) 468-5328
  
  
• East Poultney Museums. Three museums documenting early New England settlements. Melodeon Factory, Union Academy and The Old School House. Open Sundays 1-4:30 pm or by appointment. For info. call Ruth Czar (802) 287-5268.
  
  
• Middletown Springs Museum. Middletown Springs, VT. Open Sunday 2-4pm. For information, call Jim Geddes at (802) 235-2144
  
  
• Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich,. Natural, physical sciences, ecology, technology. Walking trails. Admission: 10am-5pm daily. (802) 649-2200.
  
  
• Mount Independence State Historic Site. Orwell, VT. Visitor Center and museum open Wed. - Sun. Revolutionary War fortification, new Interpretation Center, historic hiking and walking trails. (802) 759-2412.
  
  
• The D.A.R. House and Museum, 22 The Green, Woodstock. Interesting collection of early furniture and memorabilia, especially of Woodstock Railroad, including a most unusual eight-foot long 1820 primitive painting.
  
  
• Vermont Ski Museum, Rt. 4, Mendon. Many interesting displays showing the history of skiing in Vermont. (802) 773-6030.
  
  
• Wallingford Historical Society Museum, Town Hall, School St., Wallingford. (802) 446-2831. Permanent collection of costumes, photographs, and memorabilia.    [Top]

Exhibits

• Pittsford Historical Society Exhibit, Eaton Hall, Rt. 7, Pittsford. Tues. 9-4. (802) 483-2040.
  
  
• President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth Notch, 672-3773. 10am-4pm. Free.
  
  
• Rutland Historical Society, 1 Nickwackett St., (802) 775-2006.
  
  
• Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), Church Hill Rd., Woodstock. Seventy-seven acre nature preserve with self-guided trails. Frequent programs; bird and fern recognition walks; excellent library. VINS has a rare herbarium collection and a raptor center. (802) 457-2779.
  
  
• Wallingford Historical Society Museum, Town Hall, School St., Wallingford. Permanent collection of costumes, photographs, and memorabilia. (802) 446-2831.   [Top]

Galleries

• Carving Studio, historic Marble St., West Rutland. (802) 438-2097. Studio and sculpture center. Stone and wood carving, sculpture, clay, and more. Workshops and classes in stone, wood, and granite carving, mold making, bronze casting, figure modeling, and more are offered during the summer months. Call (802) 773-4003 for information and a current class and events schedule.
  
  
• Caulfield Gallery, Rte. 5, Woodstock. Gallery devoted to oil and watercolor works by Robert O. Caulfield. (802) 457-1472.
  
  
• Chaffee Center for the Visual Arts, 16 South Main St., Rutland. (802) 775-0356. Lively and diverse exhibits that change often throughout the year. Engaging exhibitions (over 10 annually), workshops, lectures, cultural events, and tours. Call (802) 775-0356 for information.
  
  
• Christine Price Gallery, Castleton State College, Castleton. Changing anthropology and art exhibits. (802) 468-5611, ext. 323.
  
  
• Cortina Inn, Rte. 4, Killington. (Afternoon tea is served in the unusual two-story lobby that has a round hearth in the center and exhibit space for local sculpture and art in the gallery. 802) 773-3331.
  
  
• Crossroads Arts Council, 39 E. Center St., Rutland. (802) 775-5413.
  
  
• Farrow Gallery and Studios, Main St., Castleton, (www.vermontel.com/farogal/) Historic renovated church on historic Main St. in Castleton. Open daily 10-5, closed Tuesdays. January-April open most days and by appointment. (802) 468-5683.
  
  
• MoonBrook Cooperative Art Gallery, 24 Wales St., Rutland, 05701, call for hours. Discover new artists each month. (802) 775-9548
  
  
• Proctor Free Library, Rte. 3, Proctor. (802) 459-3539. Occasional exhibits of sculpture and history.
  
  
• The Print Mint, Bridgewater Mill. (802) 672-3461. Posters, old and new reproductions.
  
  
• Shattuck Studio & Gallery, 36 Patricia Lane, Rutland, VT, (802) 775-6661.
  
  
• Sugar House Gallery at Moonridge Farm, Middletown Springs. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday (802) 235-2434.
  
  
• West Rutland Artists Guild, 50 Marble St., West Rutland, VT 05777. Vermont artists, all media. Worth the journey. (802) 438-5611.
  
  
• America's Favorite Folk Artist - Warren Kimble Gallery and Studio, Country Club Rd., Brandon, VT. June - October hours, Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM. (802) 247-3026.   [Top]