Take a trip back to a time of bell bottoms, flower children and straight skis... The year was 1969, and the place was a small ski town called Stowe. There was a relatively unpopulated strip of pavement called the Mountain Road, and on its way to the tallest peak in Vermont, passed by a run down building called the Gale Farm Property. It was here where it all started. A respectful young man named Gar Anderson owned this building and converted the space in to the original Rusty Nail. The "saloon" type establishment operated for several years when it was then sold to two men from Florida. These gentlemen attempted to have a place where tired skiers could warm their feet by the fire and enjoy libations. The plan backfired and facing bankruptcy, sold it back to Mr. Anderson. Another interested party from Jeffersonville, Vermont, purchased the property where they had a successful tavern until the mid 1980's. At this point the venue evolved into a disco joint called "Dancin' in the Streets".

Unfortunately for the new owners, there was a young determined gentleman of high standards, operating the competition down the street at the "Baggy Knees". His name was Bobby Roberts. Born on a flight enroute to Boston and raised in Stowe, Bobby had a keen eye to what locals wanted and a shrewd business sense. The Baggy Knees became the hot spot on the Mountain Road and a local hero was born. At the same time the owners of Baggy Knees were making unfulfilled promises of part ownership to Bobby, he was introduced to his mentor, Marvin Gamaroff. Marvin convinced Bobby to take over "Dancin in the Streets" at the Gale Farm Property, and now, a legend was born: "The Rusty Nail". The year was 1986 and one-piece ski suits were glowing with neon pink and yellow, and local kids were just starting to "ski" on one board. The Nail was a hot spot like none other before in Stowe, including a bucking machine that tested one's adventure and sobriety. Live music interrupted the bucking contests from bands like: Downpour, Davis Brothers and Diamond Lil. The Rusty Nail was successful, but was beginning to out grow the run down building at Gale Farm.

In 1991 Bobby moved the Rusty Nail down to the current site which was then the Stowe Playhouse. The Playhouse was not used during the winter months, and the Nail was only open for the ski season. A convenient relationship was formed. The building was used for local theatre productions in the summer, and as the nightclub during the busy winter months. The Nail continued to be a hot spot for three years, but on a cold, early morning in March, 1994, an unknown electrical problem burned the building to the ground. The site would remain vacant until January, 1996, when Bobby re-opened the new, massive post and beam structure as the Rusty Nail. The success was immediate, with larger concerts beginning in 1999 to utilize the unique acoustics and generous space of the venue. It was here that Bobby Roberts continued to be a tremendously positive influence to the community of Stowe, hosting charitable events and passing his infectious smile to every patron.

After many years in the nightclub/community-relations business, Bobby decided to "pass the torch" to only the right interested party whom he felt would carry the tradition along of positive community relations. The Nail was sold April 30th, 2004, to a new team with strong local ties, and the desire and means to take the Nail into the 21st century. The space will continue to be used for the best in entertainment, from local artists, to regional and nationally touring acts, as well as charitable events, with a new emphasis on food and customer services.