Shop Local this Holiday Season
Dec 05 2024
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 capital, but during the holidays, its festive charm rivals larger neighboring towns. Here, the locals come together in a spirit of warmth and joy, welcoming visitors with open arms. Start your day off by strolling along State and Main Street, where locally-owned shops welcome in all travelers. For the perfect handmade gift, visit Artisans Hand Craft Gallery, a collective featuring the
Flannel Friday starts off the holiday season!
Nov 10 2023
Show a little love to downtown Montpelier, shop local! Enjoy shopping this holiday season, starting with Flannel Friday and Small Business Saturday! Montpelier’s annual Flannel Friday kicks off the holiday season on November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving, followed by Small Business Saturday on November 30th. This year, visitors can shop and eat in Montpelier’s vibrant downtown, with the backdrop of a beautifully lit downtown from seven sparkling illuminated bridges. During Flannel Friday, shoppers that come downtown in their flannel attire can win prizes and gift cards from local businesses…if they are spotted by the Flannel Fairy! Find a full list of business specials
Moonlight Magic returns to Montpelier!
Oct 07 2024
Get an early start to your holiday shopping at Montpelier’s annual Moonlight Magic evening on Friday, October 18th from 5 - 9 pm, sponsored by EastRise Credit Union. Enjoy some of the best sales of the year, grab a meal and enjoy street performances along your route. Starting at 5:15 pm at City Hall, catch Her Majesty’s Secret Circus, a funny, spectacular, must-see show that features amazing circus skills, audience sleeper agents, hilarious improvisation, and all the spy movie references you can think of! Check out all the store specials throughout downtown. They range from storewide discounts, a dry bar tasting
Special Thanks to Botanica Florals
Jun 10 2024
Botanica Florals is a highly-regarded local retail florist that sources flowers from local growers along with hand-picked selections from around the world. With the goal of enhancing connection in the community for special occasions, Botanica Florals allows its customers to express sentiments through the sharing of beauty and nature.
Last winter, Botanica Florals greatly supported Montpelier Alive by contributing to the downtown’s lighting, holiday lights and decor...
Celebrate the season in Downtown Montpelier!
Dec 02 2023
No matter how you celebrate the holiday season, downtown Montpelier offers something for everyone throughout December, culminating in a “uniquely Montpelier” New Year’s Eve celebration. During the darkest month of the year, downtown lights up the evening (or afternoon, at 4pm!), with holiday lights, greens, and festive window displays. Local artists display their artwork in storefronts yet to open from the summer floods, as part of the City’s Renewal Project.
Moonlight Magic Returns to Downtown Montpelier to Support Flood-Impacted Businesses
Oct 16 2023
Montpelier, VT - Local shoppers can get started on their holiday shopping while supporting downtown Montpelier’s recovery at Moonlight Magic, powered by VSECU, on Friday, October 20 from 5-9pm. Nearly a dozen recently reopened businesses will offer deals and festivities and stay open late that evening to welcome shoppers and thank the community for their support after the July flooding, and shoppers will enjoy fun performances downtown. Participating businesses include Althea's Attic Boutique, Artisan’s Hand Craft Gallery, Bailey Road, Capital Kitchen, Capitol Stationers, The Cheshire Cat, The Getup Vintage, Grian Herbs Apothecary, Notion Fabric & Craft, Splash Naturals, and Zutano Outlet. Events
Montpelier's Inspiring Women
Mar 17 2023
March means Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women and the myriad contributions they make to society. Montpelier’s woman-owned small businesses run the gamut from Althea’s Attic Boutique to Zutano. There are also Montpelier mavens breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Show your support for all women by giving them your business this month—and every month.
Reuse, Recycle and Repair
Mar 13 2023
When I first moved to Montpelier 30 years ago, I repaired my shoes at the Cobbler's Leather Shoppe, at 67 Main Street, where Splash is currently located. When the store closed a few years later, I remember the owner, Charlie Baril, telling me no one repairs shoes anymore. I was disheartened, but in researching this blog, I learned many downtown businesses still repair and refurbish. With only one landfill in Vermont, and all the benefits of keeping items in circulation as long as possible, Montpelier Alive wanted to feature these diverse shops in town, helping us to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!
Why Shop Local?
Dec 22 2022
I especially enjoy our downtown during the holiday season - the beautifully decorated historic buildings, the diversity of our downtown stores, the unique products they offer, and the delicious foods at cafes, restaurants, and bakeries to stay warm and visit with friends. Additionally just outside downtown, shoppers can enjoy skiing, sledding, hiking… in our incredible parks and outdoor spaces. Topping off this season, parking is FREE, up to two hours, through Christmas eve!
New Horizons for Bailey Road
Mar 03 2022
Montpelier Alive loves watching businesses build from the ground up. We remember when Bailey Road first opened, and it has been wonderful to see the business grow. We recently supported Bailey Road with a grant through our Welcome to Montpelier Program to support new and expanding Montpelier businesses. Here, Sarah DeFelice tells us a little more about Bailey Road’s journey, and the new vision she has for her expanding store.
A Place to Stay
Mar 03 2022
Montpelier, nestled into the heart of Vermont amidst the Green Mountains and at the convergence of three rivers including the notable Winooski, is a quaint gem of a town. Montpelier is the smallest Capital in the Nation, with the vibrancy of a bustling city. Known for its abundance of restaurants and cafes, and weekend family-friendly community events, Montpelier radiates activity.