Rutland Travel Guide, Vermont

Rutland is a town with a small city atmosphere, located in a beautiful valley near Otter Creek and has an easy access to the mountains which makes it a good base for outdoor lovers.

The town’s economy is deeply rooted in the marble business and this can also be seen from its architecture, quite some buildings have marble in their structure. This trade has brought about the town’s nickname of “Marble City". It sounds quite charming and you would expect to see an enchanting town, but you will only be able to see glimpses of a past prosperity as the town has not undergone much restoration even if the town has made some strides in improving its appearance, especially downtown, but it isn't the sort of historic or charming town that justifies a trip all by itself. It is still true though that it is the regional hub for central Vermont.

But if you happen to be in town it is worth to have a stroll on the streets lined with fine homes with intricate commercial architecture that has at its base the main material to be found in the area: marble. And if your attention was captured by it then you can see more marble constructions in the nearby town of Proctor and you can even find out more about the marble you saw at the important buildings of the country among which is the Lincoln Memorial. The marble used for its construction came from this area. Even if you won’t be able to see the quarry still working you will have the opportunity to have a glimpse of how it used to be by visiting the large Vermont Marble Museum. There you’ll see the road the marble takes to become a work of art from the place it is extracted, to the preparation process and to the moment when the sculptor transforms it into a work of art. You will be able to see the statues of all the former presidents and will have the opportunity to buy some fine souvenirs made of marble.

Rutland's historic downtown is again a fine example of marble work architecture that will surely satisfy the eyes of a connoisseur and of the ordinary tourist, too. Of the highlights we should mention the Opera House and the Chittenden Savings Bank and most of the buildings on South Main Street.

There something else for the art lovers, The Chaffee Center for the Visual Arts that it is worth a visit just to see the building itself dating from 1896 and included in the National Register of Historic Places. It is a nicely restored building. While inside you will appreciate the mosaic and parquet floors and the exhibits of local artists that even sell some of the works.

For those who like shopping there’s a somehow interesting strip mall with unique downtown shops where you can find all kinds of interesting products. And if you have children with you, you can keep them quiet while you shop by promising to take them to Michael's Toys, a shop filled with toys for all ages.

Rutland’s neighborly, real town atmosphere and beautiful scenery create a warm community full of opportunity for all those who visit or live here.