Montpelier
Sample sweet maple in a cozy capital
Centrally located in Vermont, Montpelier serves as the Green Mountain State’s quaint capital city. The golden dome of the capitol building rises high over the unassuming skyline of this classic New England town, with streets lined by friendly restaurants and independent shops. With a population of less than 8,000, Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S., giving it a blend of vibrant civic purpose and small-town conviviality.
Located between the Appalachian Mountains and the Green Mountains, Montpelier’s surrounding landscape is noted for its verdant hillsides. Each fall, these knolls vibrate with the gold, orange and burgundy leaves that the Northeast is famous for. In the winter season, superb skiing is within easy reach.
Vermont Adventure
Outdoor enthusiasts can take their pick of activities in Montpelier. Visit Hubbard Park for hiking and exploring right in the heart of town. Visitors will find over 7 miles of trails and an observation tower that offers panoramic views. Running along the edge of town, the Winooski River is a popular spot for rafting. Slow, gentle stretches push you through the rolling hills of Vermont farmland, while faster, frothy sections offer the adventurous some classic whitewater rapids.
Located less than an hour from town, you will find Vermont’s third-tallest mountain, Camel’s Hump. Featured on the state quarter, this iconic gem reaches a height of over 4,000 feet in elevation. Those who can make it to the top are rewarded with panoramic views.
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Montpelier’s Tasty Meals and Sweet Maple
Visitors to Montpelier should come hungry. This small city offers big flavors in many forms. With the New England Culinary Institute located in town, it is no wonder the restaurant game is strong here. Take your pick from many top-rated eateries. Freshly harvested fruits, vegetables and herbs serve as the centerpieces for flavorful meals at several spots, thanks to a burgeoning farm-to-table movement.
For the quintessential Vermont experience, visit the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, which is one of the nation’s oldest family-run maple farms. Take a tour of this picturesque homestead, where quirky woodcarvings and friendly family members greet you. Sample the various grades of freshly tapped maple and enjoy a variety of sweet treats. In the winter, there’s nothing more divine than sugar on snow, the regional name for a special maple concoction poured on snow. Bragg Farm Sugar House is another favorite. Their maple creemee ice cream treat is legendary.
Cozy State House
For a taste of history, a visit to the Vermont State House is a must. Here, you can learn about the interactions of the branches of state government, see relics of the past, or relax on the front lawn. The Vermont Historical Society Museum is another educational stop, with interesting architecture and informative exhibits covering a wide swath of the state’s history.
The tidy downtown area is an entertainment hub, with restaurants and cultural spaces. Take a stroll through the cozy shops found in the graceful buildings that line the street. Each summer, the Lost Nation Theater provides vibrant performances, while the T.W. Wood Gallery is the prime spot for visual arts.
For More Information
Montpelier Alive
802-223-9604
Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
800-837-6668