Rutland's historic downtown is an eclectic mix of the old and the new. Rich in natural beauty and a wonderful history, the area also has a healthy economy and vibrant community. The downtown area serves as the regional center for thousands of people, with many professional and service businesses in close proximity to great shopping and dining.

Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, Rutland rests in a wide valley between the green Mountain range and the Taconics, in a natural north-south passage. Nearby mountains and lakes and bring thousands of tourists ski, hike, swim and enjoy the autumn foliage. Killington, Pico, Okemo, and Stratton offer some of the finest skiing in the Northeast, within minutes of downtown Rutland.

One of the state's largest cities, Rutland is still a bustling municipal center, its recently revitalized downtown alone employing more than 3,500 people. Approximately 625 of them work in the State's downtown office building.

Rutland offers many transportation options. Route 4, one of Vermont's major east-west highways, and the Route 7 north-south artery, run through downtown. Amtrak rail service, daily flights at Rutland Airport, and a Vermont Transit bus terminal provide additional options for service from every direction.

The train remains an important piece of Rutland's vitality. Amtrak brings tens of thousands of skiers, cyclists, and others from New York City's Penn Station directly into Downtown Rutland each year. No less important is the train's continued function in industry.

Artifacts date Native American inhabitants to as early as 8,500 BC. Settled in 1770, Rutland City was the seat of the state legislature from 1784 to 1804. Rutland's downtown boomed with the marble industry after 1850. In the 1870s Merchants Row was one of the most impressive streets of commerce in New England. Marble was used extensively in many architecturally significant buildings; marble quarrying still flourishes nearby. Rutland's architectural legacy is second to none. One hundred and eight of its downtown buildings are listed in the National Register.

Take advantage of the Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Rutland. Many fine Victorian homes of the era still stand behind the Main Street Park between Route 7 and downtown. Shoppers find trendy and classical apparel, unique gifts, home items, jewelry, books, and fine food in downtown Rutland. Downtown Rutland's diverse offerings compare to those of much larger cities. Any appetite can be satisfied in downtown Rutland. Nearly 30 distinctly different eateries cook up just about anything from sandwiches to sumptuous cuisine and a global array of ethnic delights. Eat in or take out, buffet or bistro, intimate dining or al fresco, a place setting awaits in downtown Rutland.

The Downtown Rutland Farmers Market, Tues. and Sat. mid May - October, offers fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, breads, and mouth-watering desserts, plus handmade arts and crafts.

Live music, from jazz to pop, art and the region's largest movie complex, with nine screens of first-run films, are all part of the entertainment picture in downtown Rutland. Recently the historic Paramount Theater was renovated to provide a vital cultural center for year-round live entertainment including popular musicians, theatre and dance performances.

The Paramount was once called one of the finest theaters in the country. Built in 1913 as the Rutland Playhouse, the theater reflected the "City Beautiful" style on the exterior and a Victorian look on the interior, fabric covering its walls and gold leaf adorning the ceilings. Because of the ease of reaching Rutland via rail, top performers from Montreal and Boston including Ethel Barrymore and Will Rodgers were regulars at the Rutland theatre.

The theater was renamed the Paramount, and jumped on the movie bandwagon in the 1930s, providing entertainment for Rutland area residents until it closed in 1975. An effort was begun in 1985 to restore and re-open the theatre, and through hard work, attention to historic detail, and community spirit, the Paramount Theatre re-opened in March 2000. Tours of the theater can be arranged; a walking tour featuring Downtown Rutland is also available.

Summer outdoor events are a regular downtown happening. Thursday noon, enjoy Alley Cats Tuesdays at 12:30 pm in the Center Street Alley. Spend a Thursday evening at a Depot Park concert or at Flicks Downtown outdoor movies under the stars. In the fall, join the annual October Chili Challenge.