State Street Stories
May 15, 2025
Life doesn’t stop on State Street, even with the dust,
noise, and detours.
As essential infrastructure work continues in downtown Montpelier, local
businesses are adapting, staying creative, and counting on community support.
Hear directly from shopkeepers and restaurant owners about what it’s like to
run a business in the middle of a construction zone, and why now’s the perfect
time to come downtown and show them some love.
Mid-Spring Check In
May 07, 2025
As May hits its stride, Montpelier is bursting with spring energy! From blooming trails and mountain hikes to fresh finds at the Capital City Farmers Market. Whether you're chasing sunshine or finding comfort on a rainy day with a book and a latte, visit Montpelier and savor the season downtown. [Read the full blog ?]
Member Highlight: Capital City Farmers Market
May 01, 2025
Discover how the Capital City Farmers Market fuels community connection, supports local farms, and adapts through challenges—all while creating a vibrant Saturday tradition in the heart of Montpelier. In our interview with Market Manager Keri Ryan, we explore what makes this market unique, how it operates on a grassroots level, and why it continues to be a cornerstone of Central Vermont’s local food economy.
Member Highlight: Juliana Jennings, J. Langdon Antiques
January 15, 2025
Juliana Jennings’ passion for antiques began with her mother’s love of restoring old furniture. After moving to Vermont, she focused on antique furniture and opened J. Langdon Antiques in 2016 with her husband, Simon. Located on historic Langdon Street, their shop offers mid-century modern furniture, art, jewelry, and more. Juliana loves Montpelier’s close-knit community and is grateful for its support, especially after the flood.
Celebrate the season in Downtown Montpelier!
December 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.
Flannel Friday 2023
November 10, 2023
Show a little love to downtown Montpelier, shop local! Flannel Friday starts off the holiday season on Friday, November 24th, the day after Thanksgiving. Montpelier's unique and locally-owned businesses offer a wide variety of unique gifts and they could all use extra love after recovering or still recovering from the July flood. Come downtown in your flannel attire on Flannel Friday because if you're spotted by the Flannel Fairy, you can win prizes and gift cards from downtown businesses! On November 25th, Small Business Saturday, is a day to celebrate and support our downtown businesses and all they do for our community. It's
Moonlight Magic Returns to Downtown Montpelier to Support Flood-Impacted Businesses
October 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
March 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
March 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?
December 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
March 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
March 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.