Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Vermont Capitol
Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
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Let’s start out with a couple of facts: Montpelier, Vermont, is the only state capital without a McDonald’s; and based on population, it is the smallest state capital in the country (under 8,000 residents). Within a few short blocks, independently-owned shops and restaurants stand shoulder to shoulder. There’s a vibrant bustle in the air as visitors, dogs, residents, and those working their nine-to-five gigs buzz about in this sweet little Vermont city. However you classify Montpelier, it’s a fun place to explore on foot. You’ll discover a scene that is brimming with arts, culture, great food, friendly dogs (and people), and diverse shops. Park your car; be sure to feed the meter; then head off to explore our list of favorite things to do in Montpelier, VT.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Vermont Capitol Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Favorite Things to Do in Montpelier, VT
Start your day near the Vermont State House. You’ll be welcomed by Ceres, the goddess of agriculture who stands perched on the golden dome above the Capitol building. From July 1 through the end of October, tours are led by volunteers on the hour and half hour at the State House. You can also borrow a ‘magic wand’ from the Sergeant of Arms for a self-guided tour when tours are not in session or if you prefer to skip the official tour. Click here for more information.
Before heading up State Street towards Main, pop into the Visitor Center, just across the street from the Capitol.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Check out the Montpelier Visitor Center Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
As you head down State Street toward Main, you should visit The Vermont History Museum. Their “Freedom & Unity” multimedia exhibit covers Vermont’s history from 1600 to the present.
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Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Vermont History Museum Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
On a day like today, there’s no need to sit inside and watch a movie, but it’s nice to know there are two independent theaters in the smallest state capital in the country. Here’s the first: Capitol Showplace. As you can see on the marquee, they run big-studio and blockbuster movies. You’ll see the second theater later on in the post.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Capitol Theater Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Yes, beautiful architecture is a recurring theme in Montpelier. This is Christ Episcopal Church. We’re still on State Street.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Admire the local architecture. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
In the parking lot adjacent to the church, on Saturday mornings during the growing season, you can load up on fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, produce, locally-made food, arts and crafts at the Capital City Farmers’ Market. You can also load up on margaritas, chips, and salsa at Julio’s Cantina on the other side of the parking lot; however, this might be better to do later in the day. I have first hand experience at Julio’s, but not at the Episcopal Church. (What can I say other than I am Methodist.)
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Check out the Capital City Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings during the growing season. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
For a house-roasted brew, Capitol Grounds serves up the perfect cup. Unless your olfactory functions don’t work, you’ll know when they’re roasting their beans. They’re also a great stop for breakfast and lunch. The garlic-olive cream cheese is highly addictive for garlic lovers. In fact, speaking of sense of smell, I would recommend ordering the loose Jasmine tea if you plan on talking to anyone for the next three days after eating your bagel with a garlic spread. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can eat dinner and enjoy a glass of wine or beer.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Capitol Grounds Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
On to the toy store. Every small city/tiny village/whatever you want to call Montpelier needs to have one and Woodbury Mountain Toys has fulfilled Montpelier’s needs for more than twenty years. I’m not sure who is quoted as saying that Woodbury Mountain Toys is the “Best Toy Store, Ever!!,” but I’m pretty sure that most kids would agree. In fact, I agree.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Woodbury Mountain Toys Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
And, yes, the pizza at Positive π Pie is delicious (hand-tossed thin crust), though you can also get salads, starters, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. You need to read the menu to understand what kind of food these folks cook up. It’s not your grandma’s kind of pizza joint; it’s more like your hip cousin who spent some time in Portland (Maine, Oregon, I don’t know, just some place with a great food scene) kind of pizza joint.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Positive Pie Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Next stop is Capital Kitchen which has a wonderful collection of kitchenware. Drool.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Capital Kitchen Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Check out lunch at Mad Taco.Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Lunch at Mad Taco Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Or grab a beer at the ultimate dive bar, Charlie O-‘s.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Charlie-O’s “World Famous” Dive Bar Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
At Splash Naturals, owner Kelly offers expert advice and knows her products. She helped me find just what I needed: a paraben-free, and other bad-stuff free, SPF 30 face moisturizer.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Splash Naturals Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
The Savoy Theatre (Montpelier’s other theater) shows independent movies.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The independent Savoy theater. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Right next door to the Savoy is the Drawing Board. This store inspires you to get your art on.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Drawing Board Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
The Winooski River, a tributary of Lake Champlain, weaves through Montpelier. Winooski is the Abenaki word for onion.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Winooski River weaves through Montpelier. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Yum. Sarducci’s bustles from lunch through the dinner hour. Eat here. (My favorite: Mista Salad–with blue cheese dressing and huge chunks of blue cheese, followed by the Linguine al Pescatore.)
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Sarducci’s Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
It’s pretty common to see people strolling around town or sitting on a bench playing musical instruments in Montpelier.
A typical scene in Montpelier, Vermont. Photo Credit : Heather AtwellThings to Do in Montpelier, VT | Lost Nation Theater Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Need some new reading material? Check out Bear Pond Books. (Love browsing in bookstores? Check out our list of the Best Independent Bookstores in New England).
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Bear Pond Books Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Looking for a special handmade item for your home or as a gift? Artisan’s Hand Craft Gallery is packed with the best from Vermont’s craft community.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Artisan’s Hand Craft Gallery Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
There are so many deliciously scrumptious places to eat in Montpelier. These are just suggestions. Don’t eat everywhere I am recommending because you will explode.
The Skinny Pancake is known for their crepes (which, funny enough, look like skinny pancakes).
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Skinny Pancake Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Love baked goods and want to know where to find the best Montpelier, VT, bakery? La Brioche Bakery and Cafe is part of New England Culinary Institute which is based in Montpelier and Burlington. (Alton Brown graduated from NECI in 1997.)
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | La Brioche Bakery and Cafe Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
In search of a Montpelier, VT, hotel? Stay here, at the Inn at Montpelier.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Inn at Montpelier Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Drink here: Three Penny Taproom.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Three Penny Taproom Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Love to play outside? Onion River Sports is heaven.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Onion River Sports Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
By the way, we’re on Langdon Street now. Buch Spieler Records has been buying and selling music in Montpelier since 1973.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Buch Spieler Records Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Now, it’s time to head back to your car. Hopefully, your parking meter didn’t expire, or you will have a ticket.
Head out on Main Street (take a left from State and head past the Inn and Montpelier) then follow the signs to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Tasty and educational! Required eating: a maple creemee. Don’t know what a maple creemee is? Learn more on our list of 75 Classic New England Foods.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | The Woodshed Theatre at More Farm Maple Sugarworks. The theatre was rebuilt in 2016. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Time to burn some calories. Head back to town toward Hubbard Park.
I couldn’t remember how to get to The Tower in the park, so I had to ask Lilly for directions. The payment: a dog treat.
Will provide directions for treats. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
A half mile up the hill starting at the “New Shelter Pavillion” and you will find The Tower.
Destination: The Tower.
Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Enjoy views from the observation tower in Hubbard Park. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
Parting shot: Montpelier.
Enjoy beautiful parting views of Montpelier, VT. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
What are your favorite things to do in Montpelier, VT? Let us know in the comments!
This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated.