Rutland, Vermont Travel Guide
Introducing Rutland, Vermont! Rutland is home to around 15,000 individuals and sits in the middle of the state. Surrounded by forests, Rutland is an ideal getaway for anyone looking to commune with nature. An advantage of Rutland is its ability to impress year-round! Warm summers, gorgeous fall foliage, and snowy winters provide visitors with a treat with each season. Whether you come for skiing, hiking, or sampling some maple syrup, Rutland, Vermont has something for everyone!
Rutland is in south-central Vermont and is the third-largest city in the state. It is a bit of a drive from major cities, with the closest being Boston (3 hours, 170 miles), Montréal (3 hours and 44 minutes, 162 miles), and New York City (4 hours and 24 minutes, 255 miles). The closest airport is Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, located just south of town. Rutland is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and often gets visiting hikers from the Appalachian Trail coming to rest and restock.
This mountain town provides plenty of activities year-round. One of the main attractions for visitors is the access to two ski resorts. Killington Mountain Ski Resort and Pico Mountain Ski Resort are located just east of Rutland and offer various ski and lodging options. If skiing isn’t your thing, consider snowshoeing on one of the nearby trails!
For the non-cold-weather people, Rutland provides plenty of outdoor recreation activities in the spring, summer, and fall. Locals love to visit Pine Hill Park for mountain biking and hiking. Bomoseen State Park and Green Mountain National Forest both offer great hikes, fishing, and camping, with Bomoseen offering swimming at the lake. Other notable hikes include the locally highly recommended Deer Leap Trail. Are you looking for the ultimate view of Vermont? Hike in the White Rocks National Recreation Area for spectacular views!
Just here for the leaves and not an outdoorsy person? That’s cool too, cause Rutland has you covered. The Vermont Farmers Market is a favorite on Saturdays. Catch a concert or a show at the Paramount Theatre, which opened its doors in 1914. Have some "you" time and try a new experience at the Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center. They offer immersive meditation rooms, a salt cave, and a crystal and wellness shop.
No trip to Vermont can be complete without some maple syrup! One notable place to get your maple sugar fix is Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice, located just outside of town in an old sugar shack. This diner, ice cream parlor, and souvenir shop is your one-stop shop for a delicious maple breakfast (be sure to try the pumpkin pancakes!) and jugs of syrup to take home. Looking for breakfast closer to town? Johnny Boys Pancake House serves a variety of diner-style breakfast options, including some specialty French toast!
For some less maple-forward meals, check out Gill’s Delicatessen for local favorite subs, Tokyo House for sushi, and Roots for an unforgettable farm-to-table experience. Big days of exploring Rutland may require some caffeine! Head to Last Cup Cafe or Speakeasy Café to grab some coffee, tea, or one of their many specialty lattes (another opportunity for some maple syrup!). Lastly, end the day with a cold one and a wood-fired pizza at Hop’n Moose, a specialty cocktail at Taso on Center, or some craft beer at Vermont Tap House. Sticking with the maple theme, Vermont Tap House offers a maple BBQ sauce and even puts maple syrup on some of their pizzas!
Need somewhere to stay during your visit to Rutland? There are several accommodation types nearby. If you are looking to ski, consider staying at either of the lodges at Killington or Pico Mountain Ski Resorts. The surrounding area has several Inns and Hostels to accommodate hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Stay at the Antique Mansion for a Bed and Breakfast experience. There are a few chain hotels nearby, including Best Western, Days Inn, and Hampton.
Want a whole rental for yourself? Consider options on Vrbo. Here are a few of our favorites: Downtown Stay for 7, Cabin Near the Slopes for 4, Ski Village for 2, and Ski House for 10.
As discussed, Rutland is a great place to visit during any season. If you are finding it difficult to pick a time to visit, consider planning your trip around one of their many festivals! Downtown Rutland holds several festivals each year, including Rutland Winterfest, Downtown Sip and Shop, and even a Whoopie Pie festival! The Killington Wine Festival is nearby too, and there is a summer concert series hosted by the town of Rutland on Friday nights.
Whatever you’re into, Rutland, Vermont has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gave you a glimpse into life in Rutland that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
