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: 7 °F
Feels Like: -9.1 °F
Weather: Light snow
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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"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)

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: Juliana Jennings, J. Langdon Antiques

Member Highlight: Juliana Jennings, J. Langdon Antiques   How did you get started with antiques and start up J. Langdon Antiques?   I’ve always loved history and I’ve always loved antiques. My mom started my interest as she ...

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Member Highlight: Nicole Zarrillo, Event Manager at Barr Hill

Tell us how Barr Hill got started and where the name comes from? Barr Hill started in 2011 with a beekeeper, Todd Hardie, and a distiller, Ryan Christiansen, working together in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, one of the most remote and ...

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Shop Local this Holiday Season

A Locals Guide to Holiday Shopping and Events in Montpelier As the snow falls into the capital city, lights twinkle in every window, and the tight knit community comes together to celebrate the magic of the season. Montpelier might be a quaint ...

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"On any adventure, it’s important to have a “base camp” — a place you return to, regroup and reflect on your experiences, but that also lets you savor amenities you may not find on the open road. For a foliage expedition in Vermont, the perfect choice for a base camp is the capital city of Montpelier. Located in the central part of the state, Montpelier balances charm and sophistication, serenity and bustle. Centered by the state capitol building (a showpiece in the fall when its brick and gold dome stands out, flanked by colorful trees; how many statehouses are a few steps away from a beautiful hike in the woods?), the city of busy yet walkable streets is dotted with amazing dining spots, quaint and captivating shops, an art scene and district, and much more." - Capital Times! Montpelier the perfect spot to embark on foliage adventures by Boston Herald