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RutlandHerald.com - We Are Vermont

Vactaion? (Staycation?)

Need a vacation? You can take it right here and find all you need. Nestled between two mountain ranges and highlighted by exceptional lakes, the Rutland region is full of adventures without setting foot out of the county. We’ve got world-class resorts – the Mountain Top Inn beat out Hawaii for the Best Dream Wedding Location – and we’ve got the State Fair. Our readers voted Killington the Best Tourist Attraction – the resort founded by Perry Merrill will turn 51 this year, and has been the training ground for numerous Olympic medalists and world-class athletes over those years. In years past you might have seen some of those athletes out on our favorite landmarks over the summer, like hiking Deer Leap, which won Best Day Hike. It’s a short and easy tramp to this stunning overlook, starting up at the Sherburne Pass off Route 4. While you’re up there, check out Killington’s mountain biking routes, which were voted best, barely edging out Pine Hill Park in downtown Rutland. The mountain resort has 45 miles of trails (mostly downhill), offers group rates, and is building a name as an off-road biking destination. Pine Hill Park, built with thousands of volunteer hours, was voted Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Spot by our readers. Just a stone’s throw from downtown across East Creek, you can find some solitude, miles of single-track trails and paths and some nice views at Pine Hill.

If you’re looking for more active pampering, the Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden offers a full-service spa, luxurious accommodations, cozy fireplaces and stunning surroundings. You can cross-country ski in the winter, or go for a horseback ride in the summer. You can also take a dip in the Chittenden Reservoir, which our readers consider the best place for kayaking and one of the best swimming holes in the region. The other best swimming hole, Clarendon Gorge, is south of the city off Route 7, and a splendid stretch of waterfalls, pools, rapids and scenery. You may have trouble finding a parking spot on a hot summer weekend!

Go north on Route 7 later this summer for the best agricultural fair around at the Addison County Farm & Field Days. Celebrating everything agriculture, from the best of barnyard breeds to the tractor pull, the Field Days start on August 3rd.

Back here in Rutland the annual tradition of the Vermont State Fair rolls out its 162nd year on September 4, and the entertainment is headlined by comedian Bill Engvall. There’s plenty more to keep you busy the whole week, with carnival rides, maple sugar, crafts, the Demolition Derby and 4H judging of all the agricultural bounty Vermont has to offer.

If your dog needs a working vacation, send him or her to Four Paws Academy. You’ll have to go along, but your favorite companion will learn a thing or two – they offer a range of classes on obedience and basic training.

To get your own basic training, try our readers’ favorite fitness club, Vermont Sports & Fitness Club, which has tennis courts, swimming, excellent personal trainers, and even a day-care where you can entrust your kids for a few hours while you work up a sweat in a spinning class.

For a different kind of workout, take a swing at the Rutland Country Club’s links, voted Best Golf Course and Best Pro Shop by our readers. Call the pro, Greg Nelson, for lessons or information.

Our Best Hotel is the Holiday Inn, which was also runner-up for Best Dance Floor. It’s the spot for meetings, business gatherings and other functions, as well as a clean, comfortable place to stay while you’re in Rutland. Welcoming staff make it our readers’ top choice.

Summer means it’s time for summer camp, and two of our picks fill that bill. The Green Mountain Conservation Camp over in Castleton, run by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, gives young Vermonters a chance to work in the outdoors and learn about the valuable resources at our doorstep. Up at the north end of Lake Dunmore, Kampersville has all you need to make your camping or cottage trip a success. The store has s’mores ingredients (and you can pick up a copy of the Rutland Herald there, too), and the lake has a giant water trampoline, plus more than 200 campsites and a plethora of activities to keep the kids happy while the parents relax.

If it’s raining? The MoviePlex 9 is the only show in town, at the Rutland Shopping Plaza, carrying new releases and hits. In the winter try the Rutland Regional Fieldhouse, where Castleton State plays hockey.

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