Explore Rutland County
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS EXPLORE!
Explore Rutland County for a classic Vermont experience and wide range of unique things to do. The Vermont Long Trail and Appalachian Trail meets in this county and offer incredible hiking for the outdoor enthusiast. Such towns as Rutland, Killington, Bridgewater, Pittsfield, Chittenden, Pittsford, Proctor, and Brandon are a few of the unique destinations all within a short drive from the Killington Area.
Killington is home to two fabulous ski areas, Killington Mountain (known as “The Beast of The East”) with 1,509 acres of skiing and snowboarding, 21 lifts and 155 trails extending across 6 mountain peaks. Pico Mountain is the 2nd highest in the Coolidge Range (after Killington Peak) with 57 trails on 468 acres. This is a great place to take the family for a fun day on the slopes! Killington has also been the site of the AUDI FIS Women’s Ski World Cup the last 4 years, with a crowd of over 35,000 spectators in 2019.
There is year round fun at Killington with over 10 newer “on Mountain” attractions. Besides the glorious, scenic lift rides, there is the Beast Coaster, Skye Ropes Course, Soaring Eagle Ride, Trampoline Jump, Zip Line Racer, Roaring Brook Mining, Jump Tower, Paint Ball & Laser Tag, Segway Tours, ATV Mountain Tours. There is also the Killington Bike Park, the largest in the East, with a wide range of terrain for Mountain Bikers of all levels. Mountain bikers can experience single track riding to easy flow trails with rollers and berms to add to the fun.
MOST NOTABLE AREA FINDS
Aside from the great skiing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, kayaking, and endless outdoor activities, there is a vast array of local talent with Artisans, Craftsmen, Potters, Glass Blowers, Musicians, Jewelry Makers, Entertainers, fabulous Chefs, Bakers and more. The atmosphere is one of hardworking, talented people that bring a lot to offer the area.It is an area of unique discoveries and experiences. From The Paramount Theatre where you can view world-class entertainment to the many Galleries, Museums, bookshops and boutiques to peruse, this is a place you will want to return to. Don’t forget to try out some of the local brew at Hop N Moose Brew Pub featuring Rutland Beer Works in Downtown Rutland and The Longtrail Brewery in Bridgewater (only 10 miles away). Handmade chocolates that are enjoyed all over the country can be found at Vermont Truffle Company. At Mendon Mountain Orchards you must try a homemade apple tart or pie made from apples picked right there. Say Hi to the chickens and also pick out a few handmade Vermont Gifts while you’re there! Well known, Sugar and Spice Restaurant in Mendon is always a favorite stop for their amazing breakfasts and lunches. There are iconic local businesses such as Seward Family Restaurant, owned by the hardworking Seward Family for over 70 years, where on a hot day there is nothing better than their homemade ice cream. Rutland’s renowned, Gill’s Delicatessen, has excellent and large sandwiches with shredded cabbage. People come from near and far for a Gill’s Sandwich! You would be remiss to not stop there if you’re seeking the full area experience. Happy Travels!
A GUIDE TO GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS
From Stockbridge, Vermont to West Rutland, there are over a dozen incredible galleries and museums to explore.
In Stockbridge a “must go” is Stone Revival Gallery and Gift Shop. This gem of a gallery and shop feature incredible marble/stone sculptures and wood carvings of Julian Isaacson, as well as, the works of local and far away artists and artisans. This Gallery & Gift Shop offers art, wall hangings, tiles, pottery, jewelry, hand-made unique gifts and much more. If you’re lucky you may see Julian out front creating a marble carving!
In Killington, visitors can stop for good eats, coffee, martinis and Art at Liquid Art Coffeehouse & Eatery.Just a few miles East of Killington, you must try a baked good or pre-order an incredible specialty cake at Dream Maker Bakers & Café.Other local favorite spots are Sun Up Bakery, The Look Out Tavern, Back Country Café & Pancake House, The Garlic Italian Road house, Domenic’s Pizza Joint, Flannels Bar & Grill, The Nite Spot Wood-Fired Pizza, Mogul’s Sports Pub, Casey’s Caboose Restaurant, and Choices Restaurant. Don’t miss local glassblowing in Killington at Fire On the Mountain and at Green Mountain Glassworks in Granville.
Moving onto Proctor is the world’s largest Marble exhibit at The Vermont Marble Museum & Gift Shop. Even the restrooms are marble! Come to this captivating place to appreciate the significance of the Marble Industry and reminisce in its history and artistic and cultural traditions past and present. While in Proctor, also tour Wilson Castle (especially in October around Halloween for the Haunted Tours!). The Castle was built in 1867 and features a mix of nineteenth century architectural styles, Dutch neo-Renaissance, Queen Anne and Romanesque styles. The owner and staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and the sights are awe-inspiring and a bit spoooooky.
Next head to West Rutland to enjoy the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. Large sculptures surround the yard of two incredible marble buildings that house the Studio and Center. The Carving studio offers Workshops, Exhibits, and Residencies.
At Castleton University Fine Arts Center in Castleton, visit the Christine Price Gallery. Upcoming art exhibits can be found at castleton.edu. As well, CU offers The Rutland “Downtown” Drawing Exhibit. This is a not to be missed FREE exhibit at the Castleton University Bank Gallery in Downtown Rutland.
It’s worth a trip to Downtown Rutland to see several other galleries and museums too. TImco Gallery is staffed by local artists and volunteers and is next to Timco Jewelers. Timco Gallery features paintings, photographs and other media created by mostly Vermont Artists. All for a great cause, as a portion of the proceeds go to area schools for art supplies! The Alley Gallery, in the Center Street Alley, features community and local exhibits as well as artists from around the world. Wonderfeel Kids’ Museum, also in Downtown Rutland, is a wonderful space with interactive exhibits offering creative play for children. This non-profit also has many enriching events throughout the year.
The Chaffee Art Gallery on S. Main Street in Rutland has been an important part of the community for over 50 years. Their main mission is to connect the local community with art thru exhibitions, classes and events for all ages. They host the annual Art in The Park Fine Art and Craft Festival each summer and fall.
Whether Avid Skier, Biker, Artist, Foodie or Shopper, the Killington/Rutland area offers so much to see and will inspire you to visit again and again.