Central VT Chamber of Commerce

Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce

The People:
The region's residents are always ready to come to the aid of those in need, but they are not quick to assume that help is needed or desired. They have, and expect in others, a deep-rooted pride in personal independence. Generations of residents have carved a living from buried granite, treacherous forests, and mediocre soils. The serenity of the landscape belies the fierce spirit of the people who make it their home.

Transportation:

Eastern seaboard cities and Canadian markets have easy access to and from Central Vermont. Interstate highways connect the region with Boston and New York, which are three and five hours away, respectively. Portland is less than three hours, and Montreal is about a two-hour drive.

Edward F. Knapp Airport in Berlin accommodates freight and corporate aircraft, and Burlington International Airport is just 45 minutes away. Amtrak serves Montpelier, Waterbury and the East Coast. Vermont Transit/Greyhound connects with most major cities, with offices in Montpelier and Waterbury.

Arts & Culture:

Vermont has long been home to writers, crafts people, and painters - the kinds of artists aided by a solitary and beautiful environment in which to work. Over the past 10 years, however, musicians, theater artists and dancers have been drawn to Central Vermont in increasing numbers. As a result, the region has grown into one of the handful of Vermont communities in which visual, literary and performing artists and presentations abound. It's hard not to find something interesting to do or see in the arts almost any time of day or night.

Central Vermont is littered with historic buildings and classic architecture. Many area residences and most commercial buildings in the downtown areas are 100 years old.

Recreation

The Green Mountains provide the bare necessities for skiing, slopes and snow. To this foundation, the ski industry has added lifts, lodging, restaurants and other amenities that complete the package. Mad River Glen, Sugarbush, Bolton Valley and Stowe ski areas are all within an hour drive of Montpelier and Barre. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are less formal but no less available. The region's wealth of open lands, public and private, provide almost unlimited options.

Area golf courses include the Barre, Montpelier and Northfield county clubs, Blush Hill in Waterbury and Sugarbush in Warren. Hikers and fishermen favor the warmer months but can be found almost any time of year. The Long Trail runs the entire length of the state from Canada to Massachusetts. The gentle, three-hour hike to the summit of Camel's Hump in Duxbury is popular with residents and visitors.

Biking is a rapidly growing form of recreation. Many towns have bike paths, while others explore "off-road." The Chamber of Commerce has published a guide to Back Road Bike Tours for the convenience of visitors. Abundant lakes, ponds and streams provide access to boating and swimming.

Quality of Life

The Rating Guide To Life In America's Fifty States found Vermont to be the best location in the nation. The analysis of 25 key life categories summarizes Vermont's lofty status by stating "Vermont offers the highest quality of life of any of the 50 states, bar none." The nation's most rural state received the guide's only A+ rating.

It confirmed what Vermonters have known for decades. The state has an outstanding natural environment, good health, recreation facilities, educational systems and performing arts. It has low crime rates, conserves its natural resources, and is a great place for families.

Here to Help

Whether you're interested in spending the day in Central Vermont, making it your family's home for life, or considering a business venture, the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce is more than happy to provide the information you want.

Write, call, fax, or e-mail for any of the following information.

Visiting Central Vermont
Living in Central Vermont
Doing Business in Central Vermont
Bike Tours in Central Vermont
I'd like information on CD-ROM when available.

General Vermont Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 336, Paine Turnpike
Barre, VT 05641
Phone: 802-229-5711
Fax: 802-229-5713
E-Mail: CVERMONT1@aol.com