bigtravelbuzzMontpelier is the capital city of the U.S. state of Vermont, located in the central part of the state. The city has a population of around 7,500 people and is the smallest state capital in the United States in terms of population. Montpelier is known for its beautiful historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and skiing. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including the New England Culinary Institute and the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Places to Visit in Montpelier
Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, and while it is a small city, there are several interesting places to visit:
Vermont State House: This is the seat of Vermont’s government and is considered one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in the United States.
Hubbard Park: This is a 185-acre park located just outside of downtown Montpelier. The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the city.
T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center: This gallery features works from local and national artists and has an impressive collection of 19th-century Vermont landscape paintings.
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: This maple farm offers a tour of its facilities, where visitors can learn about the maple syrup making process and sample some of their delicious products.
North Branch Nature Center: This nature center offers a variety of programs and events focused on nature education, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.
Vermont Historical Society Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history of Vermont, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.
Christ Episcopal Church: This church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and is located in the heart of downtown Montpelier.
Hunger Mountain Co-op: This community-owned grocery store offers locally-sourced foods and products, as well as a cafe and bakery.
The Vermont Mountaineers: If you’re visiting during the summer, catch a baseball game featuring the local team, the Vermont Mountaineers, at Montpelier Recreation Field.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library: This historic library is open to the public and offers a vast collection of books, periodicals, and other materials.
Best Time To Visit Montpelier
The best time to visit Montpelier is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, and many outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, are available. The fall season, from September to November, is also a good time to visit as the foliage is colorful and vibrant. The winter months in Montpelier can be quite cold and snowy, but it is a great time to experience winter sports and enjoy the scenic winter landscapes. Spring, from March to May, can be unpredictable with snow still on the ground in early spring, but the temperatures start to warm up towards the end of May.
Things to Do in Montpelier
Montpelier is a small town, but it offers plenty of things to do for visitors. Here are some popular activities:
Visit the Vermont State House: This historic building is the home of the Vermont Legislature and is open for tours during the week.
Explore Hubbard Park: This 200-acre park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a tower with stunning views of the city.
Visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum: This museum showcases the history of Vermont, from the Native American era to the present day.
Take a walking tour: Montpelier is a charming town with many historic buildings, and taking a walking tour is a great way to see them all.
Attend a performance at the Lost Nation Theater: This professional theater company puts on plays, musicals, and other performances throughout the year.
Explore the North Branch River Park: This park features a river and wooded trails, and is a great place for a peaceful walk or picnic.
Check out local art galleries: Montpelier is home to several art galleries, featuring work by local and regional artists.
Visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: This maple farm offers tours, tastings, and a chance to see how maple syrup is made.
Take a scenic drive: Montpelier is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and taking a drive through the surrounding countryside is a great way to see it all.
Attend a local festival or event: Montpelier hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Montpelier Farmers Market, the Montpelier Art Walk, and the Vermont History Expo.
How to get around in Montpelier
Montpelier is a small city and it is very easy to get around on foot. Many of the city’s attractions, such as the State House and the Vermont Historical Society Museum, are located in the downtown area, which is compact and easily walkable. There are also bike rentals available for those who prefer to cycle around the city. Additionally, Montpelier is well-connected to other parts of Vermont by a network of highways, and driving is a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
Where to eat in Montpelier
There are many great places to eat in Montpelier. Here are some recommendations:
Kismet: This restaurant offers a variety of farm-to-table dishes made from local ingredients.
Sarducci’s: This Italian restaurant is located in a historic building and offers a range of classic Italian dishes.
The Skinny Pancake: This restaurant serves crepes and other comfort food dishes in a casual setting.
Positive Pie: This pizzeria offers a variety of creative pizzas and other comfort food dishes.
J. Morgan’s Steakhouse: This upscale restaurant specializes in steak and seafood dishes.
Three Penny Taproom: This pub offers a variety of local craft beers and casual pub fare.
The New England Culinary Institute: This culinary school has a restaurant open to the public, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes prepared by students.
La Puerta Negra: This Mexican restaurant offers authentic cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
Coffee Corner: This cozy coffee shop is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry.
Rabble-Rouser: This restaurant and bar offers a variety of dishes and cocktails in a fun and lively atmosphere.
Famous street stalls in Montpelier
As Montpelier is a small city, it doesn’t have many famous street stalls. However, you can find some local food trucks and stands during festivals and events that take place in the city. The Montpelier Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday from May to October, is a great place to sample some delicious food from local vendors. There are also several food trucks and stands located around the statehouse during the summer months.
Where to stay in Montpelier
Luxury accommodation
Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, and while it is a small city, there are still a few options for luxury accommodation. Some of the best luxury hotels in Montpelier include:
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center – This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Montpelier and offers luxurious rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
The Inn at Montpelier – This historic inn features elegant rooms with antique furnishings, a full breakfast, and a cozy fireplace in the common area.
The Pitcher Inn – Located just outside of Montpelier in the town of Warren, this luxury inn features uniquely decorated rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a spa.
The Woodstock Inn & Resort – While not in Montpelier, this resort is located about an hour’s drive away in the charming town of Woodstock. It features luxurious rooms, a full-service spa, and multiple on-site restaurants.
The Stowe Mountain Lodge – This luxurious lodge is located in the nearby town of Stowe, about a 45-minute drive from Montpelier. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options.
All of these options are on the higher end of the price scale, but offer a truly luxurious experience in Montpelier and the surrounding area.
Where to stay in Montpelier
Budget accommodation
Montpelier is a small city, and options for budget accommodation are somewhat limited. However, there are a few options to consider:
The Inn at Montpelier: This historic inn is located in the heart of downtown Montpelier and offers cozy rooms at a reasonable price. It also has a restaurant and bar on-site.
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center: This hotel is a bit more upscale but can offer budget-friendly rates depending on the season. It’s located within walking distance of the Vermont State House and downtown Montpelier.
The Comfort Inn & Suites at Maplewood: This hotel is located just outside of Montpelier in the neighboring town of Berlin, but it’s still only a short drive to downtown. It offers basic amenities and is a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
Airbnbs: There are a variety of affordable Airbnb options in Montpelier and the surrounding areas, including private rooms and entire apartments/homes.
It’s worth noting that Montpelier is a popular tourist destination in the summer and fall, so it’s best to book accommodations in advance to ensure availability and the best possible rates.
Travel Tips Montpelier
Montpelier, Vermont is the smallest state capital in the United States, and has a population of less than 8,000 people. Here are some travel tips for visiting Montpelier:
Dress for the weather: Montpelier has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snow and cold temperatures if you are visiting in the winter, and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
Walk around downtown: Montpelier is a small city, and the downtown area is easily walkable. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings to explore, so take some time to wander around and see what catches your eye.
Visit the Vermont State House: The Vermont State House is a beautiful building with a gold leaf dome that is a prominent feature of the Montpelier skyline. Take a free guided tour to learn more about the state’s history and government.
Explore Hubbard Park: Hubbard Park is a 185-acre park located just outside of downtown Montpelier. It has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a tower that offers views of the surrounding area.
Check out local events: Montpelier has a lively arts and culture scene, with plenty of events and festivals throughout the year. Check the local calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Rent a car: While Montpelier itself is small enough to explore on foot, you’ll need a car to get around the rest of Vermont. Renting a car will allow you to explore the scenic countryside and visit other small towns and attractions.
Try the local cuisine: Vermont is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, and Montpelier has plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the state’s famous cheese, maple syrup, and craft beer.