Rutland Vermont  Hotels, Inns, B&Bs

Rutland (pop. 17,300) is the second largest city in Vermont and the regional hub of Rutland County in the heart of central Vermont.

In the nineteenth century, Rutland and marble meant the same thing. Around 1830, huge veins of high-quality, solid marble were discovered west of the city. When Rutland built a railroad terminus in 1851, the marble quarries had an efficient means of moving product, and the city became one of the primary marble resources in the world. The wealth the quarries created funded the growth of Rutland development, and an entire downtown area is designated as an historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Vermont Marble Museum in nearby Proctor celebrates the role of marble as one of Vermont’s most important natural resources. Exhibits explore the history, science and art of Vermont Marble … and the past, present and future uses of marble in art and construction.

Approximate driving time to Rutland from the following locations: from Boston, allow three hours … from New York City, allow up to 5 hours … from Montreal, allow up to 4 hours … from Bradley International Airport (Hartford, CT), 3 hours … from Burlington International Airport (South Burlington, VT), allow 2 hours. Rutland also has a regional airport, Southern VT Regional/Rutland KRUT.

In any direction, you will find excellent opportunities to explore the natural environment of Vermont.

Aiken State Forest, just outside Rutland, has been a venue for recreation, hunting, and firewood for more than a century. Bald Mountain, at the heart of the forest, has steep and uneven terrain (hiking boots required), but it is more than worth the effort – you will find white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, grey squirrel, and wild turkey, and, in Cold River, mountain streams with rainbow trout and brown trout.

More than three miles long, the Bald Mountain Hiking Trail offers excellent views, plus you get to watch New England

birds you can add to your yard list, and pick blueberries and wildflowers along the way.

Coolidge State Park is the largest state park in central Vermont. It has a rustic feel with breathtaking panoramas of the Black River Valley and the Green Mountains.

This is where you will find miles of hiking trails, mountain streams a natural habitat for brook trout, and, if you get lucky, barred owl, moose, or black bear. Plymouth Notch, near the park, is the birthplace of Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the US.

Aiken State Forest also has cross country ski trails and roads within the forest with opportunities to go exploring off-trail.

The Vermont State Fair takes place September 3 through 12, 2010, the queen of Vermont fall fairs and festivals. When the Vermont State Fair gates open, you will have access to rural Vermont at its best. Attractions this year include Wynonna Judd, Cledus T. Judd, the Adirondack Fiddlers, Sweetwater. Rick Springfield, Charlie Pride, a demolition derby, harness racing – and horse, pony and ox pulling contests. A goat show, rabbit show, steer, goat and ox shows, a 4H fashion show, horse and cattle shows also are on the program. Do not miss the judging of maple products, pumpkins, dairy, and culinary arts.

The College of St. Joseph, a private Catholic university with baccalaureate and master’s programs and the Community College of Vermont (CCV) are both in Rutland.

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