Rutland Area Attractions

Your Guide to Where to Stay in Rutland VT: Top Picks!

Nestled within Vermont’s scenic splendor, Rutland serves as a gateway to ski slopes and hiking trails that beckon outdoor enthusiasts year-round. If you’re planning a trip to this winter sports wonderland and wondering where to stay in Rutland VT, there are various hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts to choose from, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Premier Hotels and Inns in Rutland, VT

When considering where to stay in Rutland VT, it’s helpful to explore options based on your preferences, whether you prefer the convenience of downtown accommodations or the tranquility of a countryside retreat. 

If you’re hunting for a place that screams ‘your home away from home,’ stay in these premiere hotels and inns.

Hampton Inn Rutland

Just minutes from green mountain trails and Killington skiing adventures, this inn is your ticket to comfort after a day of outdoor fun. 

A cozy bed, air conditioning that battles any heat wave, and free parking are just starters here. There is also ample storage to put all your luggage. Guests usually start their mornings at the coffee place inside before heading out to explore.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton

If you’re looking for a fancier place to stay, the boutique experience at Tapestry Collection by Hilton brings unique charm right into your stay. Think artful decor meeting modern amenities like EV charging stations for eco-friendly travelers.

Killington Mountain Lodge

The Killington Mountain Lodge is an après-ski haven. With features like private fireplaces and shared outdoor pools, why settle for less?

Best Western Inn & Suites Rutland-Killington

Another premier hotel in Rutland, Vermont is Best Western Inn & Suites Rutland-Killington. The inn is very spacious and is perfect if you’re bringing kids or planning an extended getaway. 

They also offer long-term rental discounts, so those looking to linger longer can do so without breaking the bank.

Budget-Friendly Lodging Options

Travel doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you’re eyeing a spot in Rutland. Here are some budget-friendly lodging options in Vermont:

Days Inn by Wyndham Rutland/Killington Area

The Days Inn by Wyndham Rutland/Killington Area is your go-to for wallet-friendly stays without skimping on comfort. They have free parking, cozy beds, and a fresh coffee smell every morning – all at a price that’ll make you smile.

Comfort Inn Trolley Square

If quaint squares are more your vibe, then check out the Comfort Inn Trolley Square. You’d find an unexpected twenty in your pocket because of its value for money – affordable with all those little extras like air conditioning and breakfast options to fuel up before exploring Green Mountain’s majesty.

Airbnb or Vacation Rentals

If you’re looking for transient accommodations, vacation rentals and Airbnbs are your go-to place. These gems give you space plus amenities of a home away from home. 

Whether it’s an apartment rental listing with a washing machine or maybe even one boasting its tennis court, there’s something out there just right for your stay and budget.

Scenic and Unique Stay Experiences

If you’re looking for a getaway that marries the charm of Vermont with unique accommodations, consider booking your stay at these locations:

Lake House Hideaway

Imagine waking up to serene waterfront views where the only agenda is tranquility. Sit back on your private deck and soak in those postcard-perfect lake vistas. 

A hidden gem like this gives new meaning to ‘your home away from home.’ Except here, every window frames the tranquil waters of Vermont’s pristine lakes. 

Vermont Horse Farm Stay

No alarm clock is needed when nature’s morning call beckons you outside. At one of these active farms, not only do you get to engage with beautiful horses daily but also learn about life on a farm against the backdrop of rolling green hills—a true slice of bucolic bliss. 

To saddle up for this experience, go horseback riding here. They offer hands-on equestrian experiences amidst picturesque landscapes.

Family-Friendly Accommodations with Amenities

Traveling with kids in tow? Rutland, VT has you covered. Here are family-friendly options for the whole family:

Hampton Inn Rutland

Places like the Hampton Inn Rutland offer that much-needed indoor pool to keep the little ones entertained no matter the weather. If your family prefers a splash under the sun, accommodations boasting an outdoor pool are aplenty.

The child space in here is also thoughtfully designed to give your kiddos their adventure right where you stay. While they conquer castles or explore jungles in play areas, you can sip on your favorite brew from the nearby coffee place — now that’s vacation harmony.

No need to cram everyone into one room either. With options for spacious sleeping rooms and even full homes complete with all amenities, from washing machines to dishwashers, you can find your home away from home. 

Free parking means more savings for those fun activities as well. 

Accommodations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you’re the type to wake up with mountains on your mind and trails in your heart, Rutland, VT is where your adventure boots should land. 

Pico Mountain

Green Mountain proximity means you can step out of bed and onto a hiking path or ski slope in no time. After a day of conquering, Pico Mountain lodgings are more than just a place to crash; they’re part of the experience. 

When we say these places cater to those with an adventurous spirit, we mean it—you won’t miss any modern comforts after tackling the Green Mountains.

Rent a Car for Your Next Rutland Getaway

Rutland, Vermont, with its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. We hope that you now have an idea of where to stay in Rutland VT.

Maximize your travel flexibility by renting a car from Vermont Rental Cars to explore more of what Rutland has to offer. Whether you’re here to hit the slopes at Killington Mountain or simply breathe in that fresh Green Mountain air, our fleet of high-end four-wheel drive vehicles is ready and waiting.

So go ahead and plan that dream winter sports visit or mountain lodge retreat, knowing you’ve got the perfect set of wheels from Vermont Rental Cars. Free parking is included at many locations, so you’ll not have a problem at all! Happy trip!

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A Little Town With A Lot of Heart

By Amy Allen

Vermont is filled with small, unique towns, each offering their own charm in the form of general stores, restaurants, and shops and Brandon, Vermont is certainly on that list. Located roughly halfway between Rutland and Middlebury, Brandon is not a spot to simply pass through in the car; it’s worth a stop.

A village green is at the center of the downtown area, and is marked by a historical monument that commemorates soldiers from the town who died fighting the Civil War. A gazebo is also located on the green, and throughout the warmer months, people gather there for outdoor concerts and craft fairs. The buildings in town are known for their historical architecture, with many referring to Brandon as a “quintessential New England village.

One of Brandon’s defining characteristics is its support of art. The downtown features several art galleries, along with a non-profit artists guild that features the work of local artists and promotes art throughout the state. Perhaps the most famous artist to call Brandon home is beloved American folk artist Warren Kimble. Kimble and his wife have lived in Brandon for nearly 30 years and until recently, owned and operated a gallery in town that showcased his work. Kimble’s distinctive art features beautiful barns, farm animals, sweeping trees and American flags.

In addition to its art galleries, Brandon features several gift shops, as well as wonderful restaurants. One of its most famous restaurants is Café Provence, a chef-owned spot featuring food from the chef’s native country of France. The spot also offers cooking classes for those interested in learning traditional French cooking techniques. For more casual fare, there is a very popular spot that sells tacos (and ice cream), a great bakery/coffee shop, and Chinese food restaurant as well.

Brandon also offers lodging, which contributes to making it a popular wedding destination. The Brandon Inn is centrally located downtown, and the popular Lilac Inn is just outside the downtown area. Also just outside the downtown area is one of Brandon’s newest and most popular attractions: the Barn Opera. Opened in late August of 2021, the Barn is the state’s only theatre specifically designed for opera. Live performances are offered throughout the year with a 110 seat capacity. Fans have raved both about the quality of the performances and the unique beauty of the theater.

Brandon truly offers something for everyone, even a beautiful, cascading waterfall in the center of town. It’s worth checking out, whether for just a few hours or even overnight, so that visitors are able to uncover all the big things this small town has to offer.

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A Perfect Place to Get Lost

By Amy Allen

No one loves getting lost when driving somewhere, but it can be incredibly fun and a bonding experience with family and friends when you get lost while walking through a gigantic corn maze together. There’s no better place to experience this than at Vermont’s largest corn maze, Hathaway Farms, located in Rutland Town, VT. The farm and maze is perched atop Prospect Hill, offering one of the most beautiful views of the Green Mountain State. 

 

The maze opens for guests in late July and stays open until mid-October. It’s open from 10 am – 5 pm on weekdays, (every Saturday till 9), is closed Tuesdays, and often remains open on weekends in November and December as long as the weather permits. The business keeps an updated website and Facebook page, so visitors can check in there for updates on hours and weekend openings in the early winter. Saturday evenings are particularly popular with young teens, who enjoy wandering the maze together in the dark using glow sticks and being able to partake in a safe yet independent activity. 

The farm isn’t just for show. It’s a third generation working beef and maple farm. The livestock barn is a huge attraction, allowing guests to get up close and personal with donkeys, giant rabbits, sheep, chickens, cows and more. There’s a farm store selling the farm’s own maple syrup and Vermont-made products, as well as a “Snack Shack” that serves food and refreshments for those who work up an appetite while wandering through the tall corn. Additionally, there are wagon rides, pumpkin picking, fun games to play, a corn pit (think ball pit but with kernels of corn) for little kids to play in, play houses, swings, and even a mini-maze that’s more manageable for young kids to solve. 

 

The maze itself is set up according to a different theme each year, with the owners providing an aerial view of the design once the season is over for all to enjoy. Visitors to the maze are given a square of paper after paying their admission fee, and while moving through the corn, they answer trivia questions at different stations with the correct answer providing the proper path forward, and also collect different shaped hole punches on their papers at each station. All eight punch stations are hard to find, but those who manage to punch their paper with every single one get to enter a special raffle drawing upon exiting the maze. Additionally, several tall bridges are located throughout the maze, providing sweeping views of the beautiful surrounding area. Solving the maze is no easy task, but there is an early exit for those who choose to abandon the quest and just enjoy all that the farm has to offer. 

 

Spending a few hours at Hathaway Farm and Corn Maze means outdoor fun for the entire family in a beautiful setting! This is a don’t miss attraction in the Rutland area! 

For more information, visit https://www.hathawayfarm.com/

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Take a Stroll Through the Vermont Farmers Market

Take a Stroll Through the Vermont Farmers Market
By Amy Allen

Shopping locally and supporting farmers is quintessential Vermont, and there’s no better way to do that, than to shop at Vermont’s largest farmers’ market, located in downtown Rutland. Even better, the market runs year-round, allowing vendors a place to sell their goods as well as giving locals and tourists an opportunity to purchase a wide variety of items all year long.

The market is held at Depot Park in Downtown Rutland, adjacent to the Wal-Mart shopping plaza. It runs on Saturdays from mid-May through the end of October from 9 am – 2 pm. Visitors can easily find parking in the adjacent lots, and take a stroll through the vendor stalls while listening to live music and chatting with the farmers and artisans. Many enjoy the opportunity to get to know the farmers producing their food, and the chance to glean some growing techniques for their own backyard gardens. The produce available changes from week to week, depending on what’s in season. Visitors can enjoy fresh berries in the opening weeks of the market and things like root vegetables and apples as the weather turns crisp and fall approaches.

Additionally, a somewhat smaller version of the weekend market runs on Wednesday afternoons in the same location from 1pm – 5pm. In early November, once the weather turns cold, the market moves indoors to the Vermont Farmers Food Center, located just up the road from the summer location. The vendors stay there every Saturday, from 10 am – 2 pm until the month of May, when it warms up enough to be back outside.

The market has something for everyone; from fresh produce, to garden starts in the spring, to homemade jams and sauces, to fresh eggs, breads, artisan cheeses, pies, maple syrup, and a wide variety of prepared ethnic foods that can be eaten there or brought home for lunch or dinner. Additionally, a wide-variety of Vermont crafts are available, such as beautifully crafted cutting boards, unique handmade jewelry, beautiful pottery, as well as hand knit items, just to name a few. The market is a perfect place to shop for yourself, and for unique gifts for family and friends. You can feel good about spending your dollars locally, and directly benefiting the person who planted the seeds for the lettuce in your salad or knitted the yarn together to create the winter hat atop your head!

Of note, while the market used to allow pets, it currently has a no pet policy in place, so leave the dogs at home. Also, unless purchasing a pricey craft item with a credit card, you’ll want to bring cash with you to make your purchases, as well as a reusable grocery bag in which to store your items while you walk. There’s an ATM located right in the market parking lot should you need cash.

Click here to learn more about the market: https://vtfarmersmarket.org/

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