I’m from St. Albans, Vermont, a town of about 7,000 people covering 15.5 square miles. The town of Castleton, on the other hand, is home to fewer than 5,000 people spread over about 42.5 square miles. Even for a Vermonter like myself, attending Castleton has been a different and humbling experience unlike any other in my life.

I’m from St. Albans, Vermont, a town of about 7,000 people covering 15.5 square miles. The town of Castleton, on the other hand, is home to fewer than 5,000 people spread over about 42.5 square miles. Even for a Vermonter like myself, attending Castleton has been a different and humbling experience unlike any other in my life. If it has been rewarding for me, I can’t imagine how the same experience feels for someone from say Boston, or Anaheim, or Vancouver—places much bigger than where I come from.

The small town and school allow you to focus more on yourself: your goals, your passions, and who you really are without outside distractions or influences. Castleton makes you realize what is most important to you because here you have the perfect atmosphere to think. Here, we are surrounded by nature, serenity and kind, hard-working people who are busy living their own peaceful Vermont lives.

Castleton’s downtown is beautifully kept and managed, and only about three blocks long. But despite its size, it manages  a diner, gas station, barber shop, library, bakery, post office, restaurant/bar, convenience store, and, of course, access to our picturesque university. We may live in a small town but whatever we might need is right at our fingertips.

Stray from downtown and the sights and opportunities get even better. Miles of hills and winding country roads highlight the town, along with a multitude of barns accompanied by their charming farmhouses. The scenic, sleepy roads are popular among runners and bikers, especially during the fall when the leaves change color and the weather is perfect for outdoor exercise.

About a mile down the road from Castleton University, off a beaten path you can find a rope swing and pond nestled between the trees. This is a place students look forward to visiting every year when they arrive back to school. The fall sports athletes may even consider the nook a safe haven—a much-needed escape from the scorching days of preseason.

“Castleton makes you realize what is most important to you because here you have the perfect atmosphere to think.”

In Castleton’s neighboring town of Hubbardton, there’s another scenic gem. The Zen Garden at Mount Zion, now a Vermont State Park newly named Taconic Mountain Ramble is a popular attraction for locals, visitors and especially Castleton students. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing escape. Found here are hiking trails and a Japanese Garden complete with waterfalls, small statues, unique fountains, and rock paths. For those who prefer a more exciting escape, Pond Hill Ranch, just up the road from the campus, puts on a weekly rodeo with horses, bulls and cowboys that runs through the summers until the beginning of September.

Beautiful Lake Bomoseen is less than five miles from campus.  Some students choose to live in houses on the lake for its sense of tranquility, and for the scenery.  In the warmer months it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking and boating; all wonderful ways to escape from any stresses that may be weighing you down.  In the winter: ice skating, ice fishing, or even just an icy-lake stroll.

Another form of entertainment for Castleton students and locals are the sports games. Castleton University has 29 NCAA Division III sports teams, and many play under the lights of Spartan Stadium. Spartan Arena in Rutland, Vermont, is another Castleton facility  and home to the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams.

No matter why you come here, though, I can attest to the fact that Castleton will help you grow. You will discover, experience, and create opportunity here. Any school is what you make of it, but the resources, setting and people of Castleton University make it difficult to dislike.