Driving along U.S. Route 4 or 7, the casual traveler may think "that's all there is" to Rutland -- a smattering of shops and a couple of malls plus some fast food stops. If so, he or she misses the charm and unique character of Vermont's second largest city, one with over two centuries of community building and growth.
The first Native Americans used the water highway of Otter Creek to reach the valley that Rutland would grow in. The longest river in Vermont, Otter Creek rises in Dorset, working its way north through Rutland, Addison, and Chittenden Counties. Rutland's earliest Caucasian settler, James Mead, built his first structure along Otter Creek, in the area now known as Center Rutland, planning to harness the falls' waterpower for a sawmill.
In the community's early years, much of its economic life centered along Rutland's Main Street, today's Route 7. But railroad tracks, working their way through the most level areas, aligned themselves alongside the Otter Creek floodplain, and the town's commercial center gradually moved "downhill" to be closer to the train depots.
From the mid-1800s on, Rutland competed with Burlington to become Vermont's largest city. Rutland was the forming ground for people who shaped an industrializing country, claiming both Jay Gould and John Deere among its natives. Much of Center Street and Merchants Row, downtown Rutland's key intersection, appears little changed from 1880's era photographs.
Lunch and dinner offerings have taken on a more international flavor these days, with a choice of Italian, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese fare, as well as deli and American favorites. Tops on our list of recommended dinner stops are Little Harry's, on West Street, open only after 5 p.m., with a "very eclectic" dinner menu that embraces both Thai and Jamaican spicing. Back Home Again on Center Street, with an emphasis on health-oriented selections, Tokyo House, on West Street, for sushi and teriyaki. Tapas, on Merchants Row, with an all-American menu. The Palms on Strongs Avenue and Three Tomatoes Trattoria on Merchants Row for a variety of Italian classics. Sal's with pizza to die for, and Black Cactus and Candelero's on Wales, each with their own interpretation of Southwest cuisine. In the middle of the day, check out Clem's on Wales Street (also open for breakfast), and The Sandwich Shop on Merchants Row, a long-time, family-oriented deli with a faithful clientele.
Retail shops in the heart of downtown Rutland offer a variety of jewelry, decorator items, art supplies, clothing for children and adults, candy, organic foods, and books. Across Merchants Row from the multi-storied commercial buildings of downtown lies Rutland Plaza, a single-story complex of retail outlets, complete with supermarket, 9-screen movie-plex, candy shop, card and gift shop, and discount outlets. Designed to visually complement the historic downtown, the outdoor mall spans from Price Chopper's local flagship store at its eastern end to a vigorous WalMart, a successful juxtaposition of new and old.
From May through October, a colorful Farm Market brings freshly picked, locally grown vegetables and fruits to the downtown. Produce and crafts vendors pitch their tents and set up tables at Depot Park, directly across Merchants Row from the multi-story business blocks.
Depending on the season, buyers may choose from bedding and potted plants, salad greens, squashes, herbs, tomatoes and peppers, sweet corn, flower bouquets, wooden bowls, jewelry, yarn, frozen organic meat, jams and jellies, colorful fleece toys and cotton hats, fresh baked breads and pies, cheeses and spreads, and more. Live music often adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the bi-weekly market.
© 2012 
