Byurakan Observatory | Ashtarak

Information

Landmark: Byurakan Observatory
City: Ashtarak
Country: Armenia
Continent: Asia

Byurakan Observatory, Ashtarak, Armenia, Asia

The St. Johnsbury Welcome Center is a public facility located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a single-story building constructed primarily of red brick. It features a prominent white-columned portico at the main entrance. The roof is a dark asphalt shingle. The building's design is Colonial Revival in style.

Location & Access Logistics

The Welcome Center is situated at 534 US Route 2, approximately 1.5 miles east of downtown St. Johnsbury. Access is directly from US Route 2. A dedicated parking lot with ample space for passenger vehicles and tour buses is available on-site. No public transportation routes directly serve the Welcome Center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was constructed in 1938 as part of a New Deal initiative to provide information and services to travelers. It was designed by the architectural firm of Freeman, French, and Freeman. Its original purpose was to serve as a roadside information point for tourists entering Vermont.

Key Highlights & Activities

Information on Vermont attractions, lodging, and dining is available from staff. Maps and brochures are distributed. Restroom facilities are accessible. A small gift shop offers local crafts and souvenirs.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available and maintained. Limited shaded areas are provided by the portico. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the vicinity of the building. No food vendors are located directly at the Welcome Center, but several are present in St. Johnsbury town center.

Best Time to Visit

The Welcome Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For optimal lighting for photography of the exterior, late morning or mid-afternoon provides direct sunlight on the facade. The busiest periods are typically during summer months (June-August) and fall foliage season (late September-October).

Facts & Legends

During its construction, the Welcome Center was one of several similar facilities built across Vermont to promote tourism and provide employment during the Great Depression. A local anecdote suggests that the original plans included a small observation deck, which was never built due to budget constraints.