Today in Montpelier

Montpelier Alive Celebrates 25th Anniversary with 'Bridge to a Bright Future' Fundraiser

April 07, 2025

Montpelier Alive's Founding Members -Dan Groberg

March 28, 2025

As Montpelier Alive’s Executive Director from 2018–2022, Dan helped lead the organization through pivotal moments. Under his leadership, Montpelier Alive also spearheaded pandemic recovery efforts, expanded public art, and enhanced downtown marketing and communications. Now the Executive Director of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Dan remains deeply connected to Montpelier’s vibrant community.

Montpelier Alive's Founding Members -Linn Syz

March 28, 2025

For 15 years, Linn played a crucial role in shaping Montpelier Alive—volunteering, serving on the board, and stepping up during transitions. From organizing events to securing sustainable funding, Linn’s efforts helped Montpelier Alive become the vibrant force it is today.

Montpelier Alive's Founding Members -Suzanne Eikenberry

March 28, 2025

From 2006 to 2010, Suzanne served as Montpelier Alive’s first full-time Executive Director, leading transformative initiatives and overseeing the organization’s rebranding. Under her leadership, Montpelier Alive strengthened merchant collaboration, introduced downtown street recycling, and upgraded Montpelier’s holiday lights to energy-efficient LEDs. Suzanne remains a strong advocate for Montpelier.

Montpelier Alive's Founding Members -Sue Minter

March 28, 2025

In 1996, Sue Minter helped lay the foundation for Montpelier Alive, shaping it into the community-driven organization it is today. Inspired by the Main Street Program, she helped establish the first committees, launch branding efforts, and champion initiatives like the July 3rd celebration and downtown designation. Sue’s passion for urban planning and community collaboration set Montpelier Alive on a path to sustain and enhance the downtown’s vibrancy for decades.

Montpelier Alive's Founding Members -Phayvanh Luekhamhan

March 28, 2025

Phayvanh’s journey with Montpelier Alive started as a volunteer before she became Executive Director from 2011 to 2014. Under her leadership, Montpelier Alive piloted the Parklets Program, creating outdoor dining spaces that continue to benefit downtown today. A champion of the arts and community engagement, learn how Phayvanh’s vision for sustainable, community-driven programs helped shape Montpelier Alive’s lasting impact.

Montpelier Alive's Founding Members -Mary Hooper

March 28, 2025

As Montpelier Alive’s very first Executive Director, Mary played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s early success. In this interview, she reflects on the formation of the Montpelier Downtown Community Association, the predecessor to Montpelier Alive, and the community-driven efforts that helped Montpelier become one of Vermont’s first designated downtowns. Read more about her impact and why she believes a strong downtown organization is vital to Montpelier’s future.

Capital Soccer Club

March 17, 2025

Founded in 1999, Capital Soccer has grown from a small local effort into Central Vermont’s premier soccer organization. Offering year-round programs, camps, and leagues, Capital Soccer is dedicated to player development, teamwork, and making the sport accessible to all.

E. State Street Construction Project

March 06, 2025

Compiled information from DPW regarding the East State Street Construction Project happening in Downtown Montpelier March-June 2025.

Montpelier's Winter Wonderland: Lights, Music, and Fun!

February 26, 2025

Montpelier has embraced the winter season with glowing bridges, lively music, and community celebrations! From the return of the Spice on Snow Festival to the family-friendly fun of Winterfest and the delicious offerings of Restaurant Week, the city has been buzzing with energy. With lights brightening the darkest months and local events bringing people together, Montpelier continues to shine as a true winter wonderland.

Member Highlight: Skinny Pancake

February 20, 2025

Skinny Pancake has grown from a humble food cart to a beloved Vermont staple, serving up delicious, locally sourced food with a commitment to sustainability. In our interview with Marketing Manager Maddie Hayes, she shares the story behind the brand’s growth and its deep connection to Montpelier. With a focus on community and real food, Skinny Pancake continues to bring people together over crepes and local flavors.

Featured Restaurant: The North Branch Café

February 11, 2025

We spoke to Lauren Parker, owner of The North Branch Cafe, to learn more about her path into the restaurant industry along with her philosophy on customer experience and providing healthy food to locals.

Featured Restaurant: Barr Hill

February 04, 2025

We interviewed Patrick Amice, General Manager of the Barr Hill distillery, where he shared a little about his own career inspiration and journey.

Featured Restaurant: Oakes & Evelyn

February 04, 2025

Justin Dain of Oakes & Evelyn shares his fascinating background and career trajectory within the hospitality industry along with how he and his staff express their commitment to fine dining and creativity through service and cuisine.

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.

Member Highlight: Nicole Zarrillo, Event Manager at Barr Hill

January 06, 2025

Barr Hill was founded in 2011 by beekeeper Todd Hardie and distiller Ryan Christiansen, who set out to craft spirits using raw honey, inspired by Vermont’s agricultural landscape. Now based in Montpelier, they continue to grow nationally, with a focus on sustainability, locally sourced ingredients, and their newest release, Phyllis Rye Whiskey.

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

Zutano Outlet Store, independently owned by Sylvia Thompson since 2019, offers discounted Zutano brand clothing, accessories, and a curated selection of other high-quality children's items. Located in downtown Montpelier, the store thrives on strong community connections and the town’s supportive, close-knit spirit, which was especially evident during the 2023 flood.

Celebrate 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

Guare and Sons Funeral Home has been a cornerstone of Montpelier for over a century, carrying on a family tradition of compassionate service since 1921. Now owned by Jonathan Boucher, with his wife Jasmine joining the firm, the funeral home continues to provide traditional and green burial services, deeply committed to the community—even through challenges like the 2023 flood.

Montpelier's Race Against Racism

May 24, 2024

The Race Against Racism is an annual student-led event in Montpelier that amplifies conversations on racial justice through speeches, performances, and a 5K run/walk. Organized by high school students, the event fosters community engagement, education, and action to support BIPOC voices in Vermont.

A Bright Winter for Montpelier

May 20, 2024

Montpelier Alive is launching Phase 1 of its Bridge Illumination Project, lighting up four historic downtown bridges to connect neighborhoods and attract tourism. With successful crowdfunding and a matching grant, the project aims to expand in Phase 2, adding three more bridges along the Winooski corridor, enhancing both the city's landscape and access to the business district.

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