ORANGE COUNTY

County Offices
5 Court Street
Chelsea 802-685-4610

Chamber of Commerce
31 Vermont Route 66
Randolph 802-728-9027
https://whiterivervalleychamber.com/

Scenic Orange County is anchored by the county seat or “shire town” of Chelsea and the leading town of Randolph. The eastern range of the Green Mountains extends along the northwestern part of the region, and several rivers grace the open landscape. Grazing land is abundant and still supports the traditional agricultural economy.

Services
In addition to the strong network of public schools that serve Orange County communities, this area is home to one of Vermont’s most outstanding institutions of higher education. Vermont Technical College is consistently recognized by US News & World Report as one of America’s “Best Colleges.” The main campus covers 544 rural acres of the picturesque town of Randolph. In addition to modern facilities and a college farmstead, Vermont Tech even boasts its own ski hill. The Community College of Vermont serves the entire state with a dozen learning centers and innovative programming that is nationally recognized for its outstanding delivery methods and online instruction. Other easily accessible institutions of higher education include the Vermont Law School, which offers more courses in environmental law than any other law school in America. Dartmouth College in New Hampshire is an easy commute from Orange County, internationally known as an Ivy League college with three leading professional schools. Dartmouth also awards degrees through the doctorate level in a wide range of Arts and Sciences programs.

Healthcare services are equally outstanding, anchored locally by Gifford Medical Center in Randolph. This community medical center provides a full-service hospital as well as family health and specialty clinics in towns throughout the area. Gifford Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services that include 24-hour emergency care, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, and a 30-bed nursing home. The Birthing Center was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to the traditional hospital-based deliveries and continues to be a leader in low-intervention midwifery and family-centered care today. The hospital has grown in size and sophistication to better serve the community, adding substantial technologies and skilled personnel. Professionals in private practice are located throughout the county, meeting most routine and many specialized needs just around the corner from home. Should an exceptional healthcare situation arise, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, provides a nationally ranked academic medical center that includes the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.

Lifestyle
Lovely Orange County offers a picturesque environment for residential development and small-town living. Open farmland, covered bridges, rolling hills, Green Mountain foothills, and meandering rivers create postcard perfect vistas. The simplicity of the area’s agricultural roots remains in active farms and agri-business. At the same time, the region’s awareness of future demands is evident in such long-standing institutions as the Chandler Music Hall, the Gifford Medical Center, and the highly respected Vermont Technical College. Meeting regional healthcare, cultural, and educational needs with award-winning programs and initiatives, these institutions have positively influenced both residential and economic growth. Community spirit runs high in Orange County, where traditions are still celebrated in local fair and festivals like the Tunbridge World’s Fair, the Brookfield Ice Harvest Festival, and the Randolph Fourth of July Parade and Celebration.

The leading town of Chelsea is unique for its twin commons and fine historic structures. Most of the brick buildings in the town were built between 1820 and 1835, although the Town Hall was dedicated in 1894. The Chelsea Village Historical District is now officially on the Register of Historic Places, preserving a truly quaint and charming atmosphere. The town of Randolph also plays a vital role in Orange County life, serving as a lively center of trade and agriculture. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the rich programming at the Chandler Center for the Arts, including plays, musicals, concerts, and children’s programs that feature guest artists and regional talent. The center proudly sponsors three popular annual festivals including the New World Festival, the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival, and Fiddlehead Festival. Other nearby attractions include the Vermont Institute of Natural Science with its Raptor Center and Nature Center in Quechee, or recreational activities around the four seasons in the Green Mountain National Forest and Vermont state parks. Hiking, camping, bicycling, horseback riding, golfing, winter sports, and nature study are just a few of the common pastimes. For rural living at its finest, take the time to explore Orange County.

Chelsea, Corinth
Chelsea Town Offices
802-685-4460
https://www.chelseavt.org/

Corinth Town Offices
802-439-5850
https://corinthvt.org/

Chamber of Commerce
802-728-9027
https://whiterivervalleychamber.com/

The historic town of Chelsea was settled in the late 1700s and claims two commons or greens as one of its unique features. The North Common dates back to 1795, and a few years later a prominent citizen offered land for a new South Common. Centrally located in Orange County, Chelsea is known for its historic village atmosphere and the preservation of many fine brick structures. Newcomers can choose from long-established neighborhoods lined by ancient trees or newer construction in the outlying countryside. The town of Corinth adds scenic acreage for residential development but claims no official village center. The only substantial village is East Corinth, a former mill center. The town office is in the hamlet of Cookeville, the location of two Dairies of Distinction. Many residents of this area commute to regional employment centers or operate home-based businesses. Others are loggers, artists, writers, farmers, business people, carpenters, and contractors who appreciate small-town living at its finest.

Randolph
Town Offices
802-728-5433
https://randolphvt.org

Chamber of Commerce
802-728-9027
https://whiterivervalleychamber.com/

The progressive town of Randolph is comparatively small but plays a large role in the quality of life for Orange County residents. The sense of community and historic price are both strong, evidenced by the downtown district in West Randolph that is now part of the National Main Street Program. The town’s picturesque village is registered as a National Historic District, preserving a quaint atmosphere of historic charm. The community recreational opportunities are well developed, and the town is home to a regional jewel: The Chandler Center for the Arts. The center hosts a full calendar of performing arts and gallery exhibits, showcasing national and regional talent. The main campuses for Gifford Medical Center and the highly respected Vermont Technical College are also located in Randolph. A naturally beautiful environment, regional recreational areas, historic homes, beautiful new construction, and a serene setting are other elements that endear Randolph to newcomers.

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