As the birthplace of Vermont, Windsor is celebrating its place in history by sponsoring several special events restoring and renovating historic buildings, and focusing on revitalizing its downtown to assure future economic viability.

The premiere event, Windsor Heritage Days, occurs yearly in July to celebrate the July 8,1777 creation of the Vermont Constitution at Elijah West's Windsor Tavern, now the Old Constitution House. Windsor's downtown is devoted to a variety of activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, period costumes and music, more than 100 re-enactors and parades. Information and brochure: 802-674-5910.

History is a common thread that unites the Town of Windsor.

• Within a one-block area, works of three outstanding architects have withstood the test of time. They are Old South Church, designed by Asher Benjamin, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, designed by Alexander Parrish, and the U.S. Post Office, a former federal courthouse, whose architect was Ammi B. Young.
• In Windsor’s north end the Old Constitution House, houses artifacts and memorabilia reflecting the life and times of 18th century Vermont.
• The American Precision Museum, the national center for the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the history of precision manufacturing, is in Windsor’s south end.
• Windsor House is the centerpiece of downtown, a majestic former inn that hosted many luminaries, and currently houses organizations and businesses, including Historic Windsor, which saved the building from demolition over 30 years ago.
• Nearby, locally owned shops include the Vermont State Craft Gallery at 85 Main Street, 802-674-6729, with over 100 juried Vermont artisans represented.
• Paradise Park, located adjacent to Main Street, offers a 160-acre expanse of water and forested trails, which are open to the public for picnicking, walking, and fishing.
• Throughout history, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, the longest single-span covered bridge in the country, has linked the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.
• Attractions in the Windsor Industrial Park north of town include Simon Pearce Glass Works where you can view the making of handcrafted glass and Harpoon Brewery where tours are available year-round.

Other special Windsor area events in summer and fall include a Native American Intertribal Pow Wow on June 7 and 8; New England Barbeque Competition on July 26 and 27 at Harpoon Brewery; Moon Dance in downtown Windsor October 10, featuring costumes, face painting, music, cotton candy, and much more; and the Harpoon Brewery Octoberfest, October 11 and 12.

Information: Windsor/Mt. Ascutney Regional Chamber of Commerce, 802-674-5910.