Vermont.com ... is Vermont!
You are currently visiting the EASTERN VERMONT GATEWAY region.
Click on a text link or on the area of the map that you would like to visit
(1) Islands & Farms
(2) Stowe/Smugglers Notch
(3) Northeast Kingdom
(4) Champlain Valley
(5) Central Vermont
(6) Mid-Vermont
(7) Crossroads of Vermont
(8) Eastern Vermont Gateway
(9) Southern Windsor County
(10) SoVermont
(11) Southern Vermont
Back to the Statewide Page
Islands & Farms Stowe/Smugglers Notch Northeast Kingdom Champlain Valley Central Vermont Mid-Vermont Crossroads of Vermont Eastern Vermont Gateway Southern Windsor County SoVermont Southern Vermont Vermont

Region 8: Eastern Vermont Gateway
The Eastern Vermont Gateway is a rural region in east central Vermont with primary access via Interstate 89 and Interstate 91. Major resort areas include Woodstock and Fairlee as well as the nearby Killington and Quechee areas. The region is characterized by rugged, forested mountains, open farmlands, quiet historic villages and rural countryside. Historic sites include the Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth and the Marsh-Billings Historic Park in Woodstock. Numerous lodging establishments are available in all areas of the region. This is a four-season tourist area offering entertainment and relaxation to all interests and ages.

Areas of the Eastern Gateway include:
  • Barnard
  • Bethel
  • Fairlee
  • Norwich
  • Pomfret
  • Quechee
  • Randolph
  • Royalton
  • Strafford
  • Thetford
  • Turnbridge
  • Woodstock

  • Background Information on the Eastern Vermont Gateway...

    Fairlee:
    Fairlee is a small village set in a bend of the Connecticut River overlooked by the Palisades, a set of cliffs beyond which nestles Lake Morey, ringed by summer camps and vacation homes. The cliffs above Fairlee are a striking view in themselves, but the careful watcher may be rewarded by the sight of a swift flash – peregrine falcons diving from their nests. This is one of several Connecticut River Valley nesting sites for these birds, which are making a comeback from near extinction. Travelers in this region of the valley experience a prized and unique balance between the built and natural environment. Church-spired villages are set among farmlands and forests, hills and hollows, and through it all the river meanders from one side of the broad valley to the other.

    Quechee:
    During the Ice Age, Quechee, like the majority of our continent, was covered by a glacier. As the glacier receded, the melting waters slowly and steadily cut away the bedrock ridge that has become Vermont's most spectacular natural wonder, the Quechee Gorge. In 1875, the Woodstock Railroad Company built a bridge (an engineering feat of its day) to span the Quechee Gorge. For over 50 years, the train traveled back and forth between White River Junction and Woodstock, carrying visitors, local folk, and commodities for the Upper Valley and far beyond. Progress brought the automobile, resulting in the train's final run in 1933. The rail bed was converted to highway use and, today, is Vermont's only direct east/west roadway.

    In the late 1960's, a group of investors arrived in the area looking for that quintessential Vermont land to build a four-season resort community. As this was the first development of its size to come under the jurisdiction of Vermont's Land Use Act 250 Law, the end result is a resort that is well planned, developed and maintained with great attention to its surroundings.

    Randolph:
    Randolph, located in Orange County, is bounded by Brookfield to the north, Tunbridge to the east, Bethel and Royalton to the south, and Braintree to the west. Randolph Center is situated at the intersection of Vermont Routes 14 and 66. Interstate 89 is less than 2 miles to the east of the Village. A unique and enjoyable place to visit, work & live. The Village area is registered as a National Historic District, and there are many recreation opportunities offered locally.

    Woodstock:
    Words like romantic, magical and historic are often used to describe Woodstock, Vermont. This quaint little village has been called "the prettiest small town in America." First settled in 1768, Woodstock retains the elegant charm and rugged character of American antiquity. With a covered bridge in the middle of town, and stately homes surrounding the village green, it is easy to see why Woodstock has been called the "quintessential New England village." You will be greeted with traditional New England hospitality in our unique shops and galleries, artisan studios, country stores and fine restaurants. Embodying Vermont's natural way of life, Woodstock offers visitors convenience to world class hiking, skiing, biking, fishing, and golfing as well as playing host to some of America's premier outdoor events.

    Where to go & What to do
    [Lodging] [Dining] [Attractions] [Sports] [Resorts] [Golf] [Real Estate]
    [Weddings & Conferences] [Arts & Culture] [Woodstock/Quechee City Page]
    Information was obtained from the Vermont Department of Tourism
    and various area Chamber of Commerce websites.