Rutland, Vermont
A Wonderful Bit Of The New England States
by
Habeeb Salloum
 “If you want to see the
natural beauty of the New England States, travel to Vermont. It encompasses
all of New England’s charm” is how one of my colleagues described that part
of the U.S.A. - a wonderful tourist destination, especially if one is
enamoured with biking, hiking, skiing or with an enchanting scenic
countryside. For one yearning to feel the fresh breezes and the soothing
sensation of the outdoors, Rutland and, in fact, the whole state of Vermont,
is the true classic New England in its climate and charm.
Nestled
in a wide valley, a natural north-south passage, it lays between two green
mountain ranges, on the west the Taconics and on the East the three peaks of
Killington, Pico and Shrewsbury. The area draws thousands of tourists who
travel here to relish nature’s wonders.
 Rutland, a town of some
18,000 and the second largest city in Vermont, was established in 1770 but
was only declared a city in 1892. Set in a rustic atmosphere, it is rich in
natural beauty intermixed with bits of New England’s rich history. The
history and architecture of the town itself with its countless church spires
adds to the region’s tourist lure.
 For
many years, the city was known for its marble quarries giving it the name
the ‘Marble City’. Today, even though the marble industry has virtually died
out, a number of buildings still incorporate marble in their facades- a
reminder of the past marble age.
 While taking a stroll on the
main street of this neat and clean town, I stopped to admire the different
facades of the closely knitted buildings lining the street, a townsman
stopped by my side to see what I was looking at. “Do you like our
architecture”, he asked?
We
continued to walk together for a few blocks. Friendly like most of the
townsfolk, he told me that he loved his city and was happy to talk about it
with strangers. We parted with his words, “I love my city. It is a
delightful town to live in and, besides, many visitors who I have talked to
say it is a relaxing tourist destination.”
 However, what brings
tourists in droves to Rutland and, in fact, the whole of Vermont, is the
scenic beauty of the countryside. During virtually every part of the year
they come in their thousands to hike, ski, swim or just to glory in the best
of what nature has to offer and enjoy the hospitality of a friendly people
who have an art of making strangers welcome. This we experienced during our
stay.
Our
abode was ‘High Pastures’, a country Bed and Breakfast Inn six miles from
town and owned by who must have been the friendliest couple in the state.
They made us feel welcome the moment we stepped out of our auto, greeting us
and addressing us by name. This and the location of their inn, a newly
renovated 200-year old farmhouse, in a special mountain setting gave us a
feeling of elation. Built atop a hill on a 125-acre farm, it is owned by
Hull and Taffy Maynard - an energetic couple they had rebuilt their home
after it had partially burned a few years ago transforming it into ‘High
Pastures’.
 The Inn itself is an
inviting layout of comfort and quiet leisure. Nothing beats the aroma of
freshly brewed coffee and home-cooked waffles when the morning draws the
visitor out of one of the Inn’s lush and comfortable beds.
 Hull,
a former State Senator who had just retired and his gracious wife Taffy
greeted us as if we were old friends. They had breakfast with us every
morning and waited for us to come back in the evening. I enjoyed hours of
conversation with Hull and found that he was a kind-hearted and well-read
individual. I am sure that in
his days as a senator he must have tried all he could to help his fellow
men. It is truly a home away from home that Hull and Taffy offer wayfarers
who are lucky enough to stay at “High Pastures’.
Yet, it
matters not in what abode they stay, or what part of the scenic state they
visit, or what time of the year they come, as travellers will find, Vermont
has something special to offer. During spring one can ejoy maple syrup is
the snow or glory in the cool breezes and watch the growing world unfold; in
summer visitors can enjoy the green mountains with their seductive scenery;
in autumn a huge splash of colour engulfs the countryside; and in winter
visitors can come to Rutland and ski at the world-renowned Killington
Mountain Resort. But, best of
all, a stay at the hospitable ‘High Pastures’ makes Vermont all the more
inviting.
IF
YOU GO
For More
Information, Contact:
Department of Tourism and Marketing
http://www.travel-vermont.com/
An
Excellent Place to Stay:
High
Pastures
Cold River Road
Shrewsbury, Vermont 05738
Tel:
802-773-2087
E-mail:taffy1@sover.net
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