Snapshots of Strength, Spirit,
and Small Business in Action
Downtown Montpelier is open, and still full of character, even as construction equipment lines State Street and jackhammers echo through the air. Vital infrastructure upgrades began in March 2025, and while the work is essential, it hasn’t made life easy for the businesses right in the construction zone.
That’s why Montpelier is hosting a pair of Cash Mobs this month, on May 17th and May 31st, encouraging folks to shop and dine downtown. Come spend a few dollars at your favorite State Street spot (or discover a new one), and know that your support is helping keep Montpelier vibrant.
Learn more about this initiative by visiting MontpelierAlive.com/CashMob
What’s happening on State Street?
The City of Montpelier is upgrading stormwater infrastructure beneath State Street to prevent sewage overflows into the Winooski River and reduce pollutants in runoff. The work is loud and disruptive, especially on the south side of State Street, where businesses are navigating shifting sidewalks, detours, equipment fumes, and the ever-present background hum of machinery.
Despite that, shopkeepers and restaurant staff continue to show up, get creative, and serve the community.
Elena from Magpie & Tiger described the street’s everyday rhythm like a front-row seat to local life: “Parades, races, kids coming home from school, and the folks that wander by. It’s fun to see everyone pass through.” She’s been connecting with customers through newsletters and in-shop events and says, “Many customers come downtown specifically to see if I carry what they need before they go elsewhere. They know State Street businesses are struggling, and I love the commitment our community has to local shops.”
Dawn from The Cheshire Cat Boutique agrees. “We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support of our community. Your commitment to shopping local and sharing kind words about our boutique with friends and family means the world to us,” she said. “The encouragement and thoughtful promotional ideas (like this Cash Mob) from fellow business owners and local organizations during these challenging times has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Sonja Grahn and Sarah McAllister from Botanica Florals added that State Street is “a fun and funky street and we love having our business located on it.” They’ve been using social media to stay in touch with customers and keep them updated. “We are OPEN and finding ways to work around the challenges we are currently facing,” they said. “Community support is critical during good times and not so good times. We love and appreciate our community so much!” And for those eagerly awaiting a splash of color: “The downtown flower barrels, flower boxes and hanging baskets are coming back on May 21st!”
Positive Pie, a longtime downtown favorite, has been adjusting too. They’ve tried specials, signs, and social media to keep traffic flowing. “We love being part of the downtown community and helping other businesses, as well as receiving help from others,” they shared. “When we stick together, we have a better outlook.”
And Delish, Montpelier’s sweet shop for nearly 18 years, said it best: “It’s not easy to keep a small business afloat during these times and every customer and each and every purchase helps us so much.”
There’s no better way to show support than showing up, so come say hi during the first Cash Mob this Saturday. A few dollars, a friendly face, and a little extra love can help these businesses stay strong and keep downtown Montpelier thriving, even during construction.
What to Know When Visiting Downtown
- Sidewalks are open – pedestrian access is maintained throughout construction.
- Shops and restaurants are open – please continue to support them!
- New all-way stop at State & Elm Street – a temporary traffic pattern to improve safety.
- Expect detours and noise – pipe ramming is beginning soon and will be very loud (hearing protection is available on-site).
Construction on State Street is expected to wrap up by the end of June, with the next phase moving to other downtown streets in 2026. For the latest updates and parking info, visit MontpelierAlive.com/NavigatingConstruction.
In the meantime, your visit, your purchase, your friendly wave, it all matters. “Just a few dollars spent locally can have a huge impact,” Elena reminded us. “Downtowns across the country are disappearing... it’s about creating an experience and a value for our customers, so that they keep coming back with enthusiasm.”
Let’s keep showing up for Montpelier.
