This Quiet Vermont City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Rutland, Vermont, is a resilient town that has repeatedly reinvented itself, from Revolutionary War roots and marble wealth to a post-railroad era shift. Today, that industrial grit has been traded for a different kind of pull. Rutland has now become a favorite basecamp for exploring the Green Mountains, where skiing areas and hiking trails have replaced the old rail lines. Its legacy in the marble industry has quite literally been set in stone, thanks to stone-centered art hubs like the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. So grab your skiing gear or hiking boots and get ready to explore Rutland, where there is far more to discover than first meets the eye.
Winter Recreation
Thanks to its location among the Killington and Pico Mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for winter recreation in Rutland. Driving just 10 minutes northeast, for example, you will reach the Pico Mountain Resort. This mountain receives about 250 inches of snowfall annually, and has 468 skiable acres and 19 miles of trails to explore. There is also a learning area with two gentle trails if it is your first time skiing!
Right on the western edge of town, Pine Hill Park is a wonderful place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. A couple of the most notable trails in the park for these snow sports include the Redfield Trails and the Carriage Trail. February also marks the annual Rutland Winterfest, a multi-day event that consists of 30 free or low-cost events across town, ranging from an ice sculpture gallery to human foosball and a fat bike fest. Although the event has just passed for the year, you can definitely add it to your calendar for next year!
Summer Recreation
Rutland’s position near national forests and state parks makes it an equally tempting destination for summer activities. The town is an excellent gateway to the Green Mountain National Forest, which spans roughly 400,000 acres throughout southwestern and central Vermont. Hiking is, of course, abundant, with highlights including the Deer Leap Overlook Trail, a two-mile trail that provides incredible views of the Pico and Killington Mountains.
If you drive about 30 minutes west of Rutland, you will also find Bomoseen State Park, a massive, 3,576-acre park that sits along the shores of Lake Bomoseen. This park is particularly interesting for history lovers, as it was formerly a prominent slate quarry site. Several colorful quarry holes can still be viewed today, along with a self-guided slate history trail. When the snow melts, Pine Hill Park is also a great place for trail running, with 16 miles of trails weaving in and out of the park.
Rutland’s Creative Side
Strolling around downtown, you will quickly realize that Rutland is home to some amazing creative minds. More than 20 murals decorate the historic buildings, complemented by 12 marble sculptures honoring the town’s heritage. Even the benches across the downtown district often depict paintings! The Chaffee Art Center, an art hub set in a 1890s mansion, plays a large role in developing the town’s creative scene. Throughout the year, the center hosts rotating exhibits, a summer arts festival, and classes for artists of all ages and levels.
Another unique addition to the art scene is the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. This center focuses on passing down the craft with various workshops and classes. They also have a beautiful sculpture garden and a trail to check out on the premises. Lastly, if you are traveling with children, you can spend an afternoon at the Wonderfeet Kids Museum. The museum lets kids explore and roleplay different scenarios, from a farm and farmer’s market to a train depot, a diner, a credit union, and even a recycling truck.
The Culinary Scene
Rutland has a strong local restaurant scene, making it easy to skip the chain spots during your visit. You can start the day at The Bakery—and yes, that really is the name of the restaurant! This beloved local bakery partners with local farmers and ranchers to provide fresh ingredients, with dishes including breakfast bagels, pastries, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more. For lunch, you can check out one of Rutland’s international options, such as the Tokyo House, which serves freshly-made sushi, tartar, and gyozas. To end the evening, grab dinner and drinks from Hop ‘N Moose, a pub that has been operating in Rutland since 2014. This establishment is renowned for its wood-fired pizza and burgers, while also serving a wide lineup of Vermont-made craft beers and spirits.
A Town That Has Come Out On Top In Every Sense
Although Rutland has certainly faced its challenges through the years, it has come out on top, today home to a spectacular range of recreational activities, an involved art community, and a notable culinary scene. Its ski areas are just what travelers need in the winter, while the summer brings state parks and hiking trails that are just as lovely. Who knows what else you might discover during an adventure of your own?
