Member Highlight: Juliana Jennings, J. Langdon Antiques
January 15, 2025
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 was the first person in my life to save a piece of furniture from being thrown away. She would sand, fix and paint until it was ready to be enjoyed again. When I moved to Vermont, I visited mini barn sales and auctions which got me even more passionate about antiques. I got advice from an antique dealer who told me to pick one thing and
Member Highlight: Nicole Zarrillo, Event Manager at Barr Hill
January 06, 2025
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 beautiful agricultural regions in the world. Todd had dedicated much of his life to farming, with a special love for beekeeping and their role in sustainable agriculture. Ryan, a fermentation enthusiast, had been operating a homebrew supply store in his hometown of Plainfield, Vermont. Together, they set out on a life’s work to perfect the use of raw honey
Shop Local this Holiday Season
December 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
Member Highlight - Rowan Sherwood, Hunger Mountain Coop
December 04, 2024
Member Highlight: Rowan Sherwood, Community Relations and Marketing Manager at the Hunger Mountain Coop How does a co-op differ from a regular grocery store? We are a member-owned cooperative with over 9,000 members. That’s more than the population of Montpelier! Think about that – we are not owned by any one entity. Every one of those members has a stake in our future. That makes us responsive to customer needs. We work hard to provide the best customer service around, and tailor our product mix to what our customers want and expect. There is a list of over 80 banned ingredients that serve
Member Highlight - Anita Hoy of Fluidly Moving Body Works
November 12, 2024
Tell us your story, how & why you got started to become a personal coachand bodyworker. I've been providing personal coaching for a long time. It started as "just a job" in the early 80s and it soon became a passion to become healthier and educated and pass this on to others including my family.I want to blend my passion for movement, wellness, and healing with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on other people's lives. It is fulfilling and meaningful to guide others on their journeys to feel stronger, move better, and find peace within themselves. What's unique about your
Member Highlight: Sylvia Thompson, owner of Zutano
November 05, 2024
Member Highlight: Sylvia Thompson, owner of Zutano Tell us about your Zutano and where the name comes from? I purchased the Zutano Outlet Store in November 2019. The original Company store opened in 1997. The name "Zutano" came to the founders while on their travels. It is Spanish and means so-and-so or what's their name. We are independently owned and are not affiliated with Zutano online. Being the one and only brick and mortar store, we carry Zutano at discounted prices. Tell us about the range of offerings in your store and some unique items you sell. We carry mostly Zutano brand clothing and accessories, althoughCelebrate Montpelier's Bridges!
October 31, 2024
On November 16th, Montpelier will light up the town! For the first time in history, seven of Montpelier’s downtown bridges will be illuminated. To mark this historic event, Montpelier Alive will host a community bridge lighting ceremony and lantern parade, with music, refreshments, and a special performance by Cirque de Fuego. For those wishing to participate in the parade, free, drop-in lantern making workshops will be held at the TW Wood Art gallery on November 2nd and 9thfrom 10 am-3:00
Member Highlight - Greenway Institute
October 30, 2024
Member Highlight: Kristin Cantu of Greenway Institute Tell us about Greenway Institute and how it found its way on the VCFA campus? Greenway Institute is building a different approach to undergraduate engineering education that will better serve students, industry, and the world. Our mission is to inspire current and future generations to engineer our sustainable future. We are building a 4-year undergraduate engineering college that is rooted in sustainability, has a hands-on approach to learning, and uses industry immersion to prepare students for engineering careers. Our educational model will result in students who graduate with an engineering degree, a job, and zero
Hiking Mount Hunger
October 21, 2024
Hiking Mount Hunger Nestled in the heart of Central Vermont, Mount Hunger is a beloved hiking trail that offers breathtaking views, a moderately challenging ascent, and in the fall, some of the most stunning fall foliage in New England. If you're staying in or around the state's charming capital city, this hike is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty Vermont has to offer, while staying conveniently close to downtown. In the fall, the trail turns into a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves turn from a vibrant green, to gorgeous hues of gold, red and orange. The dense
Member Highlight - Sabrina Fadial, Executive Director of the T. W. Wood Gallery
October 16, 2024
What's the story behind the gallery? How long has it been around and where has it been housed over the years? On August 8th, 1895, the Wood Gallery of Art was created by a deed of gift in trust by Montpelier artist Thomas Waterman Wood. This was a gift of art to the residents of Montpelier. T.W Wood’s donated works including copies of paintings that he did of many of the Great European Masters. These copies of works by Rembrandt, Turner and more were created by Wood with the intention of sharing this classic art with local Vermonters who wouldn’t have
Member Highlight: Tessera Therapeutic Massage
October 08, 2024
Tessera Therapeutic Massage is a solo practitioner massage therapy office specializing in oncology massage and manual lymph drainage. My office was originally located on Elm Street but like many, I was displaced by the flooding in 2023. I'm now located at the Cross House at 56 East State Street. Two days a week, I'm in the Radiation Oncology department at CVMC offering massage to patients in active treatment. When time allows, I volunteer with Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice to provide massage for hospice patients. I do stay busy and I'm
Moonlight Magic returns to Montpelier!
October 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
Bridge Illumination Project
August 28, 2024
This winter, Montpelier Alive will artfully light up seven of Montpelier’s downtown bridges. Bridges are among the most important visual elements of any city. Lighting the bridges in the historic downtown will create a visual spectacle designed to add warmth and beauty to our cityscape, draw visitors from near and far, improve pedestrian safety, and celebrate the community and resilience of Vermont’s capital city.
Member Highlight: Elena Gustavson, owner of Magpie & Tiger
August 20, 2024
Member Highlight: Elena Gustafson, owner of Magpie & Tiger Tell us about your store and how you chose its name: Magpie & Tiger is inspired by my mother's telling of stories to my sister and I when we were young. She couldn't read or write very well, but it never stopped her from sharing folktales and stories told to her by her mother, although I suspect she made up stories too! Korea has a long history of oral storytelling and folktales were primarily used to impart lessons to young children, which my mom definitely did, but some of the stories were amusing, silly, and
Member Highlight - Sharon Estes Whyte of Althea's Attic
August 07, 2024
Member Highlight: Sharon Estes Whyte of Althea’s Attic When did you open Althea's Attic and where does the name come from? Althea’s Attic started 25 years ago as a pop up in my living room in Cape Elizabeth Maine. I invited other local artisans to join me and soon after I took the “show on the road” popping up all over New England. This was my “side hustle”, always working a full time gig as I manifested my dream. We became a brick & mortar boutique officially amidst the pandemic on October 31st, 2020. The Name is inspired by the Grateful Dead song
Seeking Vendors for the Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival
July 23, 2024
The Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival Returns to the Capital City September 14th and invites both Food and Art Vendors to join! The Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival, presented by Hunger Mountain Co-op, returns for its fourth year. Taste features local restaurants, favorite regional artisanal foods, local artists, chef demos, beer and cocktail gardens and amazing street performers - this year’s Taste of Montpelier has it all! We are currently looking for more great local artists, crafters and artisan food vendors. You can apply to join us at: https://forms.gle/1cLBDtmVBpbHXo656 The main festivities run from 1-5 pm on Saturday, September
Seeking Vendors for the Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival
July 23, 2024
The Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival Returns to the Capital City September 14th and invites both Food and Art Vendors to join! The Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival, presented by Hunger Mountain Co-op, returns for its fourth year. Taste features local restaurants, favorite regional artisanal foods, local artists, chef demos, beer and cocktail gardens and amazing street performers - this year’s Taste of Montpelier has it all! We are currently looking for more great local artists, crafters and artisan food vendors. You can apply to join us at: https://forms.gle/1cLBDtmVBpbHXo656 The main festivities run from 1-5 pm on Saturday, September
Flood the Streets with Art
July 08, 2024
After the destructive flooding in Plainfield and Barre last week, the Flood the Streets with Art event, re-scheduled for Wednesday, July 17th, has been revised to meet the current needs of our wider community. Through the mediums of art, writing, and music, as well as a chance to donate to help the 2024 flood victims, the public will have the opportunity to come together to reflect, express their feelings, and support our neighboring communities who are currently suffering the effects of flooding.
National Life Group and Montpelier Alive announce downtown merchants as collection hubs for the Do Good Cupboard
June 19, 2024
Montpelier Alive, the capital city’s downtown association, has coordinated with 14 businesses to act as collection points for the National Life Group Do Good Cupboard, located at 58 Barre Street in front of the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. Established during the pandemic, the Do Good Cupboard is a community resource available 24/7 for those who need emergency, shelf stable items such as nonperishable food and hygiene products. It is not intended to provide on-going assistance but items that could be helpful during a time of hardship. Items in the Do Good Cupboard are often depleted daily. Identifiable by branded window clings,
Member Highlight: Jolynda Burton, Director of Monteverdi Music School
June 13, 2024
Member Highlight, Jolynda Burton, Director of Monteverdi Music School Tell us a bit about Monteverdi Music School, how long it's been around, how it was started, types of classes offered, and your interests as the Director. Monteverdi Music School is the Montpelier area’s community music school at 46 Barre Street in Montpelier. A member organization of the Center for Arts & Learning, we are a 501(c)(3) that works to bring music to the public and ensure it is accessible to all. We have an accomplished faculty of 23 musicians, currently, and offer classes, private lessons in a wide range of instruments and
Special Thanks to Botanica Florals
June 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...
Member Highlight: Kelly Sullivan of Splash Naturals
June 04, 2024
Tell us about yourself and your start as a small businesswoman: I am an artist at heart and love creating beautiful spaces with the hope that people will enjoy what I put together. My background is herbalism and education, I taught primary school right out of grad school, Anna Maria College. When I was ready to start a family, I wanted to do something that I could weave into my life that could involve my children. I'm happy to report that all of my children have worked in some of my small businesses at one time or another along the way! I began with small businesses in Burlington
Member Highlight - Jasmine Boucher of Guare and Sons
May 28, 2024
Tell us about the history of Guare and Sons The Guare family funeral business has been a part of the history of Montpelier for more than one hundred years. It is one of the longest-running family businesses known in Montpelier. In 1921 Thomas and Florence Guare purchased the Frank E. Hall Funeral Home which was located on East State Street in Montpelier. Mr. Guare also opened an office located in what was known as the Tomasi block in Montpelier. Thomas and Florence Guare purchased a property in 1924 located on 57 Barre Street in Montpelier. They renovated the first floor to serve as a funeral home. Thomas Guare was assisted by
Montpelier's Race Against Racism
May 24, 2024
Montpelier’s Race Against Racism
Almost every year for the past decade, Montpelier-area high schoolers organize a phenomenal event that supports and fosters local student activism. According to Heather McLane, Community Based Learning Advisor at Montpelier High School, what began as the humble idea of freshman Hope Petraro and adult activist Henry Harris has evolved into an annual staple for the local community and even state-wide. The goal of Race Against Racism is to strengthen and amplify the crucial conversation surrounding racial justice in Vermont, and to strengthen the idea that change is now. It strives to provide an opportunity for the community to come together to listen to the voices of people of color in our state, in order to learn, grow, and support one another.
A Bright Winter for Montpelier
May 20, 2024
A Bright Winter for Montpelier
By: Sheena Khan (Marketing & Communications Manager for Montpelier Alive)
Montpelier Alive has big plans this winter! Thanks to some successful grant writing and crowdfunding, we will be able to complete Phase 1 of our ambitious Bridge Illumination Project. The Bridge Illumination Project will artfully light up to seven of Montpelier’s downtown bridges, connecting neighborhoods to each other and the commercial center. Montpelier Alive is currently installing the necessary electric infrastructure on seven historic bridges and this winter will light the School Street, Langdon Street, Bailey Avenue and Rialto Bridges!
Montpelier Alive Announces its 2024 Downtown Event Grant Awards
May 14, 2024
Montpelier Alive awards announces its 2024 grant funding to 10 downtown Montpelier Community Events Montpelier Alive works to create a vibrant and livable Montpelier by celebrating its heart and soul: its downtown. One way it brings the community together is through events. Montpelier Alive’s annual Downtown Events Grant Program supports many of these events and is announcing its ten 2024 grant awardees. The 2024 recipients are: All Together Now, All Species Day; Good Beginnings of Central Vermont, It Takes a Village; the Monteverdi Music School, Make Music Day; Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools Race, Against Racism; Pride Center of Vermont, Montpelier Pride Fest;
Member Highlight - Paul Richardson of Storyworkz
May 13, 2024
What is StoryWorkz and what services do you provide?
We founded the company 34 years ago, in 1990, and we help companies (and nonprofits) of all sizes grow through story-based marketing.
We are a collaborative of about a dozen fun and experienced marketing professionals who do everything from photo and video to social media, from web development and graphic design to wordsmithing and branding. We essentially help our clients weave together all the things they need to do for marketing and branding and putting their best face forward.
Within this collaborative I handle the photo/video stuff, as well as general project management. So, I
Member Highlight: Deborah Glottmann of The Mitzvah Fund
May 07, 2024
Member Highlight: Deborah Glottmann of the Mitzvah Fund What is the Mitzvah Fund and how did it get started? The Mitzvah Fund is a small veterinary non profit. We provide non emergency routine, surgical and dental veterinary care for the animals of low income seniors, low income veterans, unhoused neighbors, and disabled first responders. The Mitzvah fund started in 2006. Our co- founders dad used to ask every night at dinner what mitzvahs did you do today. He was an immigrant and very serious about giving back to his community and deeply instilled that mission into all three of his kids. Upon
Member Highlight: Dr. Mel Houser of All Brains Belong
May 01, 2024
Member Highlight: All Brains Belong Tell Us about All Brains Belong. All Brains Belong is a nonprofit in downtown Montpelier that provides flexible ways to get healthcare and connect with community, while also educating the community on how to become a more welcoming place for all brains. We call it “All Brains Belong” because we believe that no matter how someone’s mind or brain works, they deserve access to high quality medical care, community, education, and employment support. How did you get started? Like many people, the early days of the COVID pandemic made it painfully obvious that I needed to change the way
Member Highlight: Oakes & Evelyn
April 24, 2024
Member Highlight: Justin Dain, chef/owner of Oakes and Evelyn Tell us a bit about you, your background and your path to opening Oakes and Evelyn. I grew up in Waterbury Center, Vermont and started cooking at the age of 15 at Stowe Mountain Ski Area. I loved the environment of the kitchen mentality and started exploring culinary schools for after high school. During high school, I worked in Stowe area restaurants to gain experience and learn as much as possible of the craft. After high school I went to The Culinary Institute of America for my AOS degree. Following the CIA I went
Member Highlight - Kelly Cook of Minikin
April 16, 2024
Member Highlight: Kelly Cook, owner of Minikin What do you sell at Minikin? We sell baby and children’s clothing and toys. We currently offer clothing from newborn sizes up to 7 years of age. We choose brands that focus on ethical manufacturing practices, and use of natural fibers such as organic cotton, bamboo, and wooden toys. We want to offer items that will last your family through the years, look good, feel good, and have a healthy impact on the planet. Tell us how you started Minikin. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted my own shop. Over the years the vision of what
Member Highlight - Jesse Williams of Thrive Heathworks
April 11, 2024
Member Highlight - Jesse Williams of Thrive Healthworks Tell us about Thrive Healthworks, your offerings, how you are different, unique from some of the other health practitioners in town. Thrive Healthworks is a Reiki, breathwork, and speech therapy practice located in the heart of downtown, 79 Main St., Unit 3 (upstairs through the door between Bohemian and Zutano). Reiki is a beautiful healing art that recharges the body, promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, contributes to mental and emotional wellbeing, and creates balance. Many of my Reiki clients talk about feeling a release during our sessions, which contributes to calm and balance. Breathing is something we
Lighting Up Montpelier!
April 10, 2024
Member Highlight: Three Penny Taproom
April 03, 2024
Member Highlight: Wes Hamilton, co-owner of Three Penny Taproom The original idea for Three Penny was to open a brewery or brewpub. We were actually on the verge of signing a lease for the old clothespin factory space when that plan fell apart. As we re-imagined the business to be a "craft beer bar" focused on beers that weren't found at most places we honestly just hoped we might carve-out a small niche place for ourselves in a niche market. At that time "craft beer" wasn't nearly the thing it has become; Hill Farmstead Brewery didn't exist, nor did Farmhouse in Burlington. Aside from
Montpelier’s BIPOC female-led small businesses
March 29, 2024
There is so much that can be highlighted about Montpelier’s female community leaders and small business owners that one can create a whole series on the topic (and we just may do so!). By providing opportunities for wealth creation and economic advancement in minority communities, BIPOC businesses play a critical role in bridging the economic divide which in the long-term, contributes to a more equitable and just society. There are a plethora of amazing female-owned or led businesses in Montpelier to choose from, but to wrap up this Woman’s History Month, we are proud to feature a few of the BIPOC
Member Highlight: Emerge with Amy LePage
March 20, 2024
Tell us about Emerge with Amy LePage’s offerings: First off, I’m excited to be in my new office/studio space right downtown at 15 State St. (shared with The Everything Space). I hope you’ll join me at my Open House for Free Classes, snacks & tea, and raffles. It’s this Sunday, March 24th from 1:30 - 7:15 pm. Here’s class times and “stop by & say hi” times. All of my offerings involve guiding people to better understand their body and nervous systems while they move, breathe, interact, respond and navigate life’s moments and world around them. I have two main focal points of
Member Highlight: Kim Bent and Kathleen Keenan at Lost Nation Theater
March 13, 2024
How did Lost Nation Theater get started in Montpelier, and what motivates you to create your annual programs at City Hall? Lost Nation Theater incorporated as a professional non-profit Vermont theater company in Bristol, Vermont, in 1977, when 6th generation Vermonter and Founding Artistic Director Kim Bent came back home for the 5th time and made peace with the idea that if he wanted to make Theater his life’s work, he would have to do it in Vermont because that’s where his heart was! LNT started out as a touring company dedicated to the creation of exclusively original work, so we relocated
Member Highlight - Chris McDonald at Capital Kitchen
March 05, 2024
Tell us a bit about Capital Kitchen and how you came to own the store.
I had known Jess Turner, the former owner, for years when I heard that she was ready to move on. I have to admit I had been eying the shop for quite some time--I love anything food related, so much so that it became a running joke at Bear Pond Books, my previous gig, that food was all I ever talked about. While Bear Pond was a fantastic place to work for my roughly 20 year tenure there, I was ready for a project entirely my own. So I approached Jess about buying Capital Kitchen and she was immediately receptive. We started the process in summer of 2021 and she turned over the keys at the end of the following March. Both she and Northfield Saving Bank, from which we secured the loan, were an absolute dream to deal with.
Celebrate the total eclipse in downtown Montpelier!
March 05, 2024
April isn't the most popular in Vermont...but it's full of hidden surprises. This year, thousands are expected to descend upon Montpelier for the once in a lifetime total eclipse on April 8th. The last time the Green Mountain State was in the path of totality was 1932; it won't happen again until 2106! Downtown businesses are excited to have this boost of visitors. One of Montpelier's biggest assets is its compact, walkable downtown, with a unique mix of locally-owned and truly delicious cafes and restaurants, as well as shops, movie theaters, and the beautiful State Capitol building. Not to mention the
Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience works to create a more resilient community for all
February 08, 2024
Washington County’s July flood impacted much of the Winooski River Watershed (This watershed begins in the town of Cabot and flows 90 miles to Lake Champlain in Colchester.) The watershed drains approximately 1,080 square miles in central Vermont, encompassing all of Washington County, along with other Vermont counties and is the largest tributary watershed to Lake Champlain. It includes almost 10% of the land area of Vermont. In addition, the river has seven major tributaries, most of them, North Branch, Dog River, Stevens Branch, Little River and Mad River are located in Washington county (source from Friends of the Winooski
Montpelier looks ahead to 2024
January 07, 2024
Montpelier Alive is excited to enter 2024 with many hopes and visions for a brighter year, following a challenging year. We look forward to all our downtown businesses reopening and new ones setting up shop in the empty storefronts. One such new opening is Naive Melody Instrument Exchange at 95 State Street. Stay tuned for their grand opening. Other businesses devastated by the floods are reinventing themselves in new locations (stay tuned!). Restaurants Namaste and Filibuster are tentatively opening this month; we’ll announce all these changes in our weekly newsletter and on social media. Our city closed 2023 with a bang, including
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
Celebrate Halloween the Montpelier Way!
October 23, 2023
Celebrate Halloween the Montpelier Way! This year downtown celebrates Halloween with something for everyone, from trick or treating to karaoke. Trick or treating from 4:00 - 5:00 pm starts off the evening for the youngest crowd, followed by a Halloween costume parade and jamboree (including costumed pets) with a special guest! Parade meets up at 5:00 pm, at the corner of State and Elm (Filibuster Cafe corner), and goes around the block, ending on Langdon Street Bridge. The bridge will be lined with carved pumpkins - vote for your favorite one at Bent Nails Bistro. After the Parade, Zombies take over Langdon
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
The Taste of Montpelier Food Festival Returns to the Capital City October 7th
September 27, 2023
The Taste of Montpelier Food Festival, presented by Hunger Mountain Co-op, returns for its third year. This year it’s the main event of Montpelier’s Reopening Celebration! Taste features food trucks, vendors and artisans, chef demos, beer and cocktail gardens and street performers - this year’s Taste of Montpelier has it all! The main attraction, The Great Taste runs from 1-5pm on Saturday, October 7th on Langdon Street and State Street from Main to Elm. It features over 20 food trucks and artisan foods. The demo tent features four different presentations ranging from a high school student teaching how to make tamales,
Visiting Montpelier after the July 2023 Flood
September 14, 2023
On July 10th, devastating rains resulted in the North Branch of the Winooski River cresting more than 20 feet, filling business basements and retail spaces with floodwaters. More than 4,000 volunteers came to town to help businesses clean up and recover, with the goal of enabling our restaurants and retail stores to reopen as quickly as they can. The community came together to organize benefit concerts, festivals and other fundraisers to support our downtown to bring back a more resilient Montpelier! As our City recovers and businesses reopen, there are plenty of reasons to visit Montpelier this fall, and parking is
Guitar Sam reminisces after 42 years in Montpelier
June 23, 2023
Guitar Sam, a business that opened in 1981, closed this year, after 42 years in business! Carolyn Grodinsky met with Kevin Crossett recently and learned about how the store and how the downtown has changed over these years. Kevin opened Guitar Sam when he was 25. He had previously worked in retail but wanted to work for himself. He said people thought he was crazy, and he got lots of pushback, as well as folks telling him that they hope it goes okay. “I’d say after 42 years, I guess it was okay.” Over those years, Kevin moved the business four times
What's Make Music Day all About?
June 16, 2023
We interviewed Jolynda Burton, Music Education Director at the Monteverdi Music School about the first upcoming coordinated Make Music Day in Montpelier. What is Make Music Day and how did it get started: Make Music Day began back in 1982. The first World Music Day was organized by the French Minister of Culture as a celebration of the joy of music. The story goes that a cultural study showed that roughly half of French citizens played a musical instrument. This inspired Monsieur Lang to create an event where people would share their music with the world. Thus, Fêtes de la Musique (“Festival
Wrightsville Beach Offers More Than Just Swimming
June 08, 2023
From Kayaking to Disc Golf: Wrightsville Beach Offers More than Just Swimming Wrightsville Recreation District is known for its easy access and sandy beach, but it’s not just about swimming. Located in Middlesex just five miles from downtown Montpelier, the reservoir and recreation area offers a breadth of outdoor activities from kayaking to disc golf, bird watching, picnicking, or just lying on the beach. Last year, 17,000 people used the park during its main season. Wrightsville’s 88 acres includes the beach; picnic areas; 18-hole disc golf course (which draws disc golf tourists from the Northeast, other states, and Canada); a recreation field;