A fun and accessible guide to Rutland’s thriving Downtown District
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANDI MARIE PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN RUTLAND PARTNERSHIP
On the bustling streets of Downtown Rutland, the “Rutland Renaissance” is in full bloom! This vibrant district is brimming with new and established independent Vermont shops, restaurants, and attractions, creating a lively haven for both locals and visitors. As Hal Issente, Executive Director of the Downtown Rutland Partnership, notes, “Downtown Rutland is a place where the spirit of Vermont’s independent, artisanal, and creative community truly shines.” With its eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, Downtown Rutland offers something for everyone, making it an irresistible destination for those who seek the charm and ingenuity of Vermont’s thriving local businesses.
Retail Therapy
Downtown Rutland boasts a delightful array of shops that cater to diverse tastes and interests. Begin your shopping adventure at Bookmobile on Center Street, where a vast collection of used books mingles with a sprinkling of new titles, unique cards, and gifts. Venture over to Camille’s on Merchants Row for consignment treasures and vintage finds that promise a unique shopping experience.
If antiques are your passion, the Curiosity Shop on Merchants Row provides an ever-changing selection of used furniture, collectibles, crafts, and re-purposed items. For those looking to add a touch of sparkle to their lives, Diamonds & More on Center Street and Freeman Marcus Jewelers on Merchants Row present an exquisite selection of jewelry and repair services.
Fashion enthusiasts will adore Divine on Center Street, where comfort meets luxury, and Fruition Fineries on Merchants Row, known for its fine women’s clothing, handbags, and accessories. For the cycling aficionados, Down Valley Bikes and Apparel on Merchants Row is a haven for dedicated mountain bike services and gear.
Game lovers should not miss Draw Go Games on Evelyn Street, Rutland’s friendly neighborhood game store stocking everything from Magic the Gathering to Dungeons & Dragons. “It’s wonderful to have such a great place where people can come together and enjoy their favorite games,” says Issente. For a unique shopping experience, Mountain Music on Center Street offers silver jewelry, vinyl records, and vintage audio equipment, capturing the essence of Rutland’s eclectic vibe.
Book lovers can immerse themselves in Phoenix Books Rutland on Center Street, proudly serving book enthusiasts with a wide range of titles and hosting engaging author events and poetry readings. “Phoenix Books is a beloved bookstore that really brings the community together,” notes Issente. The wellness seekers will find solace at Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center on Merchants Row, offering a Himalayan Salt Cave, which was the first public salt cave built in the US, as well as sound healing and reiki services, amethyst biomat & infrared sauna. The Wellness Center also offers seven innovative immersion meditation rooms using light, sound, color, and vibration for a personal journey within, along with wellness products.
For those who appreciate specialty markets, Giuseppe’s Italian Market on Center Street sells imported goods, wine, and ready-to-eat meals that will transport you straight to Italy. At GreenSpell Plant Shop on Center Street, you’ll find everything from exotic houseplants to handmade planters, making it a perfect stop for plant enthusiasts.
If you’re a fan of unique art supplies, Kaleidoscope Art Supply on Center Street is an eclectic store offering a variety of art and paper products. Meanwhile, Loose Loona Gifts + Tea House on Center Street combines a charming gift shop with a Scandinavian-inspired tea house, offering a cozy place to shop and relax.
For those seeking stylish menswear, McNeil & Reedy on Merchants Row offers a wide range of formalwear, casual clothing, and accessories. For recreational cannabis enthusiasts, Mountain Girl Cannabis on West Street is one of Vermont’s premier dispensaries. Puro’s Coins & Jewelry on Strongs Avenue caters to numismatists and collectors with its broad selection of coins, jewelry, and paper money.
The community-owned Rutland Area Food Co-op on Wales Street specializes in local, organic, and natural foods, while Wild Kind Toys on Merchants Row inspires creative play for children with its thoughtfully curated selection of engaging and sustainably-made toys. “It’s incredible to see such a variety of stores that cater to everyone’s interests, from books to plants to vintage finds,” says Issente.
Good Eats & Tasty Treats
When it comes to dining, Downtown Rutland offers a culinary landscape as diverse as its shops. Start your day with a visit to Last Cup Cafe on State Street, where the mission to preserve the beauty and flavor of espresso shines through every crafted beverage, served alongside a nice assortment of tasty snacks.
If you’re craving Mexican cuisine, Taco Fresco on Center Street serves up authentic and delicious tacos, burritos, and tamales. Roots the Restaurant on Washington Street provides an eclectic farm-to-table menu in a relaxed yet classy atmosphere, perfect for both lunch and dinner (For more on Roots the Restaurant, see page 42). For a delightful bakery experience, The Pies the Limit Bakery on Strongs Avenue is a must-visit for homemade donuts and baked goods.
For those seeking a taste of Vermont’s brewing scene, Hop’n Moose at Rutland Beer Works on Center Street is a local brewpub offering specialty wood-fired pizzas and classic pub fare. Brix Bistro on Merchants Row, with its upscale urban atmosphere, offers fine wine, beer, cocktails, and a fun bistro menu with weekly specials, ideal for a memorable meal.
Sandwich lovers will find their haven at Hand Carved by Ernie on Center Street, where Brooklyn-style sandwiches are generously crafted with fresh ingredients. For a family-friendly dining option, Cara Mia’s Pizzeria on Strongs Avenue delivers homemade pizzas featuring high-quality ingredients, while Kong Chow Fusion on Center Street offers Chinese-American and Vietnamese dishes that are sure to delight. For a casual deli experience, Maxie’s Deli on State Street serves fresh subs piled high with your choice of ingredients.
For a more relaxed pub experience, Two Shea’s on Wales Street provides a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor patio, pool table, and darts, and The Mad Rose on Center Street is a craft cocktail lounge perfect for a sophisticated evening out. Fine dining can be enjoyed at Taso on Center on Center Street, known for its crowd-pleasing dishes with international twists. Ted’s Pizza on State Street is a hometown favorite, offering pizza and pasta with homemade sauces.
For a quick and satisfying bite, head to The Sandwich Shoppe on Merchants Row, where the wall of creative sandwich variations is sure to please. For those looking for a bakery experience, The Bakery on West Street provides house-made breads, pastries, and sandwiches using locally sourced ingredients. In search of a pleasant and uplifting contemporary American dining experience? West Street Grille on West Street offers burgers, appetizers, and more.
Art, Events, & Other Attractions!
Downtown Rutland is not just about shopping and dining; it’s a cultural treasure trove waiting to be explored. The Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum on Merchants Row is a destination discovery center that highlights Vermont’s rich heritage while building essential skills in children through interactive exhibits and programs. Their mission is to foster curiosity and exploration, inspire creativity, and ignite the imagination of every child through the power of play. The museum provides a caring and inclusive environment with relevant and interactive learning experiences. Exhibits like the Casella Recycling Truck, GMP Robot, Mountain Playground, and their Farm area encourage role-play and hands-on activities that entertain and educate. The Farmer’s Market, Train & Depot, Diner, Credit Union, Bandstand, and Wonder in the Woods exhibits offer opportunities for children to explore different roles, from chefs to engineers, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery. As Issente highlights, “The Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum receives 30,000 visitors a year and is a must-visit for families.”
Need to catch up on some office tasks during your Rutland sojourn? Not to worry! The Hub CoWorks on Merchants Row provides a modern coworking space that incubates tech startups and offers a professional environment for visitors. The Paramount Theatre on Center Street is another gem, hosting a variety of shows and events in a beautifully restored historic setting. “The Paramount Theatre is truly a jewel downtown, undergoing renovations to expand its services and continue offering fantastic shows,” says Issente. (For more on The Paramount Theatre, its ongoing renovation, and upcoming events and performances, see page 39).
In the heart of summer, Downtown Rutland’s vibrant Friday Night Live Summer Music Series transforms Center Street and Merchants Row into a bustling hub of music, food, and community spirit, with thousands of attendees enjoying live bands and local vendors. “Friday Night Live has been a fantastic way to bring the community together,” says Issente.”
Rutland’s annual Pride Festival is another highlight, celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the community. “This year’s Pride Festival was an uplifting event that brought so much joy and unity to our downtown area,” Issente shares. The event, organized by Rutland County Pride, Inc., features parades, performances, and various activities that promote the well-being of the LGBTQIA2S+ and allied communities.
As the seasons change, the excitement in Downtown Rutland continues with the upcoming Whoopie Pie Festival, set for Saturday, September 14. This annual festival is an all-day extravaganza filled with music, performances, activities, and diverse foods. Local entrants from various Vermont bakeries and organizations, such as Busy Bee Bakery, Dream Maker Bakers, Sweet Birch Coffee Roasters & Bakery, and many more, will compete to showcase their best whoopie pies. The festival is a sweet celebration of community spirit and culinary delight.
To wrap up the fall festivities, don’t miss the Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This beloved event features creatively decorated floats, costumed marching bands, and community groups parading through the downtown streets. The Halloween Parade is one of Rutland’s most exciting events, drawing thousands of spectators each year,” says Issente. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity and community spirit of Rutland.” The parade route starts at Madison Street and Strongs Avenue, winding through Wales Street, West Street, and Merchants Row, ending at the plaza. With trophies awarded for categories like Most Original and Best Costumed Marching Band, this event is a fun and festive conclusion to the fall season in Rutland.
Regardless of the season, art enthusiasts will be captivated by Downtown Rutland’s stunning murals and sculptures, which bring color and life to the urban landscape. Notable murals include The Hidden Tunnel by Kathryn Wiegers (2009, Wales Street), The Fish by Kathryn Wiegers (2013, Merchants Row), Vermont Flowers by Kathryn Wiegers (2014, Merchants Row), Batman vs. Grifin by Kathryn Wiegers (2015, Merchants Row), The Elephants by Kathryn Wiegers (2016, West Street), A study in color by Community College of Vermont’s Color Theory class (2017, CCV courtyard), The Whales by Brian Sylvester and Ailsa Diancia (2014, Center Street), The Giraffes by Kathryn Wiegers (2019, West Street), Peregrine Falcon by Kathryn Wiegers (2020, Center Street Marketplace Park), Open Your Heart by Steve Costello (2021, Center St Marketplace Park), Evelyn Street Creatures by Tim Sargent (2021, Evelyn Street Alley), Wise Man by Kathryn Wiegers (2021, Wales Street), Moose Family by Kathryn Wiegers (2021, Moose Lodge 1122, Center Street), A Beginner’s Mind by Lmnopi (2022, Merchants Row), “Ukraine Mural” by Kathryn Wiegers (2022, Center Street), Vermont seasons by Ethan Bruce Nelson (2022, Wales Street), Harriet Quimby by Lmnopi (2023, Evelyn Street), and We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest Until It Comes by Lmnopi (2020, Center Street Marketplace Park). “The murals add such vibrancy and character to our downtown,” Issente notes. “Each one tells a story and connects us to the rich history and diverse culture of Rutland.”
The sculptures throughout the Downtown Rutland are equally impressive, celebrating Rutland’s rich history and cultural heritage. Highlights include The Jungle Book by Sean Hunter Williams (2017, Center Street), Stone Legacy by Alessandro Lombardo and Andrea Ingrassi (2018, Center Street Marketplace Park), Ann & Solomon Story by Evan Morse and Amanda Sisk (2018, West Street), Andrea Mead Lawrence by Stephen Shaheen (2018, Chittenden Building), 54th Regiment by Don Ramey (2019, Chittenden Building), Bill W. by Alessandro Lombardo, Kellie Pereira, and Stephen Shaheen (2019, Center Street Marketplace Park), Paul Harris by Amanda Sisk and Evan Morse (2020, Merchants Row), Martin Freeman by Mark Burnett and Don Ramey (2020, Center Street Marketplace Park), Julia Dorr by Amanda Sisk (2021, Rutland Free Library), Redfield Proctor by Kellie Periera, Evan Morse, and Taylor Apostol (2023, Merchants Row), and Tom Fagan & the Rutland Halloween Parade by Jiannan Wu and Alessandro Lombardo (2023, West Street). The sculptures are the result of collaborations with the Chaffee Arts Center and various local artists, showcasing Rutland’s dedication to public art and community engagement.
In addition to murals and sculptures, Downtown Rutland is home to several art galleries that showcase local and international talent. The Castleton University Bank Gallery, located in the former Lake Sunapee Bank space, hosts student work throughout the year in a beautiful marble setting. Meanwhile, the Timco Art Gallery, situated next to Timco Jewelers and Goldsmiths, features paintings, photographs, and various pieces from students and local artists available for purchase.
With such incredible cultural experiences, a rich history, thriving independent businesses, and lively events, it’s no wonder that Downtown Rutland is experiencing a true renaissance. There’s never been a better time to come to Downtown Rutland and experience the best of what Vermont has to offer!
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