Celebrating Downtown Montpelier!

Montpelier Alive celebrates the City of Montpelier. We work with partners to sustain and build upon Montpelier’s vibrant downtown community by offering and supporting special events and activities and by promoting City businesses. We work to ensure a thriving local economy for Montpelier and to preserve the City’s historic character and unique sense of place.

Getaway to Montpelier!

Centrally located and easy to access from New England and Eastern Canada, Montpelier makes visits easy with no rush hour, easy parking, and a relaxed casual atmosphere that begs you to slow down and shed the stress of everyday life.. 

Plan Your Visit

Downtown Parking

map of new england with time distances shown for New York (5hrs), Hartford (3hrs), Boston (3hrs), and Montreal (2.5hrs)
Temperature: 10.9 °F
Feels Like: 2.7 °F
Weather: Overcast
map of new england with time distances shown for New York (5hrs), Hartford (3hrs), Boston (3hrs), and Montreal (2.5hrs)

Spring

The color of happiness must be spring!

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Summer

The season to simmer in sunshine.

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Fall

Nature covered in brown sugar and cinnamon.

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Winter

When snow turns the land into a magical playground.

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"...A mix of craft-beer bars and “exquisite” restaurants make the area near the intersection of State and Main streets a magnet for foodies. With the town’s many shops owned by locals, residents enjoy a small-town camaraderie where “almost everyone knows your name.”..." - Parade Magazine, 16 Best Main Streets in America

Our Vibrant Capital City

Exquisite historic buildings are home to Vermont's state government, shopping, commerce and world-class dining and arts. Outstanding outdoor recreation is within minutes of the downtown. Montpelier is the largest urban historic district in Vermont. The crown jewel is the impeccably restored State House - one of the oldest and best preserved in the country. Three blocks away is the city's unique business district. Linger at independently-owned shops offering books, records, clothing, fine crafts and pastries, or dine in one of the many farm-to-table restaurants, craft beer bars, and cafes.

Things to Do

Whether your passion is the great outdoors or a great night on the town, we invite you to come play in Montpelier and central Vermont. From co-ops, galleries, and cultural institutions to classical chamber music performed by some of the world's finest musicians

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Shopping

Leave your computer behind and experience the joy of shopping again. Visit our many independently-owned specialty boutiques surrounded by historic architecture and breathtaking natural beauty. Stroll through our charming pedestrian-friendly city and experience customer service with a personal touch. Our local merchants are dedicated to helping you find that something special.

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Dining

Montpelier is not just a feast for the eyes.  Montpelier has become known as a place for foodies with a great restaurant explosion in recent years. We invite you to take a culinary adventure in the Capital City. No matter what your taste is, Montpelier has it all.

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Latest News

Member Highlight: Skinny Pancake

The Skinny Pancake is more than just a creperie—it’s a Vermont institution dedicated to local food, sustainability, and community. Read more about their history and plans for the ...

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Featured Restaurant: Enna

Meet Shannon Bates who owns and runs Enna! In this interview, Shannon gives us a peek into how she got started in the food industry, her inspiration and a little bit about her philosophy regarding ...

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Featured Restaurant: The North Branch Café

We spoke to Lauren Parker, owner of The North Branch Cafe, to learn more about her path into the restaurant industry along with her philosophy on customer experience and providing healthy food to ...

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"Montpelier might be one of the smallest state capitals in the country, but don't mistake its tiny size for a sleepy town: Montpelier bustles with culture and charm both classically New England and uniquely its own." - Smithsonian, 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014 (#16 of 20)