Montpelier VT: America’s Tiniest State Capital

Montpelier, Vermont, the state’s capital city awaits with its unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. With a population of 7,500, Montpelier VT is the smallest State Capital in the United States, and, as a point of pride, the only one without a McDonalds.

It’s also got a hippie (though not hip), socialist vibe about it. That’s not so surprising, given that Montpelier is Bernie Sander’s home away from home, one that perfectly exemplifies the Vermont State Motto: Freedom and Unity.

Join us as we unveil the enchanting things to do in Montpelier VT.

Craft beer at Bagitos, Montpelier VT

You can stay right in town in a lovely B&B, tour the State House, enjoy the best Maple Creemee in Vermont, shop one of the quirkiest pet shops on earth, and of course, drink the hottest craft beer, and eat like a Head of State on this Vermont Capital getaway.

Things to Do in Montpelier VT

Tulips in bloom at Vermont Capitol, Montpelier VT

TOUR: The Vermont State House

Most stunning in Spring, when beds of multi-colored tulips run arrow-straight to the front steps, the plaza leading up to the front doors of this comparatively small State House swarms with photographers. Even on days when the building is closed to visitors.

This version of Vermont’s State Capitol was built in 1859 after a fire claimed the first one in 1857. This Renaissance Revival structure, a gold dome gleaming in the sun, is open for tours during the week only.

Vermont History Museum, Montpelier VT

TOUR: Vermont Historical Society Museum

The first thing you’ll see when you enter the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier Vermont is the last Catamount (Mountain Lion) shot in Vermont enclosed in a glass case along with the rifle that shot it.

For some reason, kids adore this somewhat macabre display. But there’s much more for adults to appreciate in this single-floor, 5,000 sq ft. museum.

Sam Adams Punished, Vermont History Museum, Montpelier VT

Ease through a Native American Longhouse, step into a Colonial Era tavern, and learn why Sam Adams (yes, the namesake of the beer) was strapped to a chair hung from the Catamount Tavern sign and ridiculed by the townspeople for a few hours.

Don’t miss the 18-minute video, Freedom and Unity, which delves into three contentious issues debated and decided on in the State House; Slavery, Women’s Suffrage, and LGBT Rights.

KKK Exhibit, Vermont History Museum, Montpelier VT

Though it focuses on industries most identified with Vermont – Maple Syrup, Cheese, Stone (especially marble and granite), and Skiing – the museum does not shy away from its darker elements.

One highlights the rise of and prevalence of the KKK in the 1920’s. Not surprisingly, it coincided with the influx of an immigrant workforce. The more things change……

Character Wood at Morse Farm, Montpelier VT

TOUR/SHOP: Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

Ask for “Burr,” the burly owner/artist who is quick to tell visitors that he’s the 7th generation of Morse’s to be running this enterprise. According to Morse, “60 years in this location, 150 years before that down the road.”

Morse Farm Sugarworks, Montpelier VT

Burr’s dad was a dairy farmer who hated milking cows. “One day Dad said, ‘I’m getting rid of the critters. I want to start milking people.’” So, He began making maple syrup.

In 1967, Dad Morse moved the operation closer to the State Capital where he’d be assured of a steady stream of year-round tourists.

Capitalizing on a growing number of Midwesterners looking for authentic New England experiences and real Vermont Maple Syrup, Morse marketed to bus groups from Illinois. When Tauk Tours joined up in the 1980’s, business took off.

Morse Farm Maple Creemees, Montpelier VT

Morse Farm encompasses a store where, of course, you can purchase Morse Farm Maple Syrup. Also, watch a sugaring demonstration, treat yourself to a smooth Maple Creemee (voted the Best in Vermont), and laugh at some of Burr’s most irreverent “tree trunk” sculptures. For example, the head of an elephant and the back end of a donkey. Burr claims he is making no political statement – “it’s just how the limbs came together.”  Open daily 9-5. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9am-8pm.

The Morse Maple Farm is one of 10 quirky-romantic places to propose in Vermont.

Savoy Theater, Montpelier VT

CINEMA: The Savoy

Montpelier, a tiny city of 7,500, has two, count ‘em, two movie theaters! One shows current, first run flicks, and The Savoy plays the indie stuff.

The Quirky Pet, Montpelier VT

SHOP: The Quirky Pet

The door to this happy puppy establishment might be blocked by a Rastafarian hair-do’d dog. The owner owns three of these Komondors, Hungarian sheepdogs also known as Mopdogs, and they just might be the quirky pets to which the proprietor refers to in her shop’s name. But of course, you can find anything your quirky pet desires in this funky pet shop.

Artisans Hand Gallery, Montpelier VT

For lovers of local crafts in wood, glass, and other mediums, this one does not disappoint. And the “Sale” table is incredible.

SHOP: Bear Pond Books

An indie bookstore with a creaky old wood floor. My favorite kind.

Montpelier VT Restaurants

Three Penny Taproom, Montpelier VT

EAT/DRINK: Three Penny Taproom

With 25 craft beers on tap, this place is a first-stop for esoteric beer hounds. Come in for a pint, even if you don’t plan to eat here.

Montpelier VT Hotels

Inn at Montpelier, VT

STAY: Inn At Montpelier

Though not ultra-luxe, the Inn @ Montpelier is clean, charming and welcoming. Refreshed rooms are available in the main house and another building steps away, and range from cute-small to large and plush.

Guestroom, The Inn at Montpelier, VT

Mine was bright and cheerful with floral wallpaper, a tiny enclosed porch, and a small clean bathroom with a shower tub.

What makes this place ideal is its charm and proximity to town – just one block from the start of the business district and a walk to everything from restaurants to the State House and History Museum.

Continental Breakfast, Inn at Montpelier, VT

Continental breakfast in the nicely decorated main house is complimentary with the stay. 

Author

    by
  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

2 thoughts on “Montpelier VT: America’s Tiniest State Capital”

  1. Whoever wrote the article needs to do their homework before they actually publish it. Kismet has been closed for two years now. Which I find it is rather insulting for someone merely goes online and tries to convince other consumers that these are best things in Montpelier.

  2. Hi Wayne – Yes, my post is out of date. But I can assure you that I don’t just go “online” to get my information. At the times I visited Montpelier, these were the hotspots and attractions to see. I consider my readers to be travel researchers – and not “consumers” – so I try to be as accurate as possible. All photos are mine, by the way. Proof positive I was there. Thanks for reading, anyway, insulting as it may have been to you. And I will correct the post to reflect closed establishments.

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