Things to Do in Montpelier, VT | Shops, Food, Arts & Culture in the Smallest State Capital

Let’s start out with a couple of facts: Montpelier, Vermont, is the only state capital without a McDonald’s; and based on population, it is the smallest state capital in the country (approximately 8,000 residents). Within a few short blocks, independently-owned shops and restaurants stand shoulder to shoulder. There’s a vibrant bustle in the air as visitors, dogs, residents, and those working their nine-to-five gigs buzz about in this sweet little Vermont city. However you classify Montpelier, it’s a fun place to explore on foot. You’ll discover a scene that is brimming with arts, culture, great food, friendly dogs (and people), and diverse shops. Park your car; be sure to feed the meter; then head off to explore our list of favorite things to do in Montpelier, VT.

Favorite Things to Do in Montpelier, VT

Start your day near the Vermont State House. You’ll be welcomed by Ceres, the goddess of agriculture who stands perched on the golden dome above the Capitol building. From July 1 through the end of October, tours are led by volunteers on the hour and half hour at the State House. You can also borrow a ‘magic wand’ from the Sergeant of Arms for a self-guided tour when tours are not in session or if you prefer to skip the official tour. Click here for more information.

Before heading up State Street towards Main, pop into the Visitor Center, just across the street from the Capitol.

As you head down State Street toward Main, you should visit The Vermont History Museum. Their “Freedom & Unity” multimedia exhibit covers Vermont’s history from 1600 to the present.

On a day like today, there’s no need to sit inside and watch a movie, but  it’s nice to know there are two independent  theaters in the smallest state capital in the country. Here’s the first: Capitol Showplace. As you can see on the marquee, they run big-studio and blockbuster movies. You’ll see the second theater later on in the post.

Yes, beautiful architecture is a recurring theme in Montpelier. This is Christ Episcopal Church. We’re still on State Street.

In the parking lot adjacent to the church, on Saturday mornings during the growing season, you can load up on fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, produce, locally-made food, arts and crafts at the Capital City Farmers’ Market. You can also load up on margaritas, chips, and salsa at Julio’s Cantina on the other side of the parking lot; however, this might be better to do later in the day.  I have first hand experience at Julio’s, but not at the Episcopal Church. (What can I say other than I am Methodist.)

For a house-roasted brew, Capitol Grounds serves up the perfect cup. Unless your olfactory functions don’t work, you’ll know when they’re roasting their beans. They’re also a great stop for breakfast and lunch. The garlic-olive cream cheese is highly addictive for garlic lovers. In fact, speaking of sense of smell, I would recommend ordering the loose Jasmine tea if you plan on talking to anyone for the next three days after eating your bagel with a garlic spread. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can eat dinner and enjoy a glass of wine or beer.

On to the toy store. Every small city/tiny village/whatever you want to call Montpelier needs to have one and Woodbury Mountain Toys has fulfilled Montpelier’s needs for more than twenty years. I’m not sure who is quoted as saying that Woodbury Mountain Toys is the “Best Toy Store, Ever!!,” but I’m pretty sure that most kids would agree. In fact, I agree.

And, yes, the pizza at Positive π Pie is delicious (hand-tossed thin crust), though you can also get salads, starters, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. You need to read the menu to understand what kind of food these folks cook up. It’s not your grandma’s kind of pizza joint; it’s more like your hip cousin who spent some time in Portland (Maine, Oregon, I don’t know, just some place with a great food scene) kind of pizza joint.

Next stop is Capital Kitchen which has a wonderful collection of kitchenware. Drool.

Check out lunch at Mad Taco.

Or grab a beer at the ultimate dive bar, Charlie O-‘s.

At Splash Naturals, owner Kelly offers expert advice and knows her products. She helped me find just what I needed: a paraben-free, and other bad-stuff free, SPF 30 face moisturizer.

The Savoy Theatre (Montpelier’s other theater) shows independent movies.

Right next door to the Savoy is the Drawing Board. This store inspires you to get your art on.

The Winooski River, a tributary of Lake Champlain, weaves through Montpelier. Winooski is the Abenaki word for onion.

Yum. Sarducci’s bustles from lunch through the dinner hour. Eat here. (My favorite:  Mista Salad–with blue cheese dressing and huge chunks of blue cheese,  followed by the Linguine al Pescatore.)

It’s pretty common to see people strolling around town or sitting on a bench playing musical instruments in Montpelier.

Need some new reading material? Check out Bear Pond Books. (Love browsing in bookstores? Check out our list of the Best Independent Bookstores in New England).

Looking for a special handmade item for your home or as a gift? Artisan’s Hand Craft Gallery is packed with the best from Vermont’s craft community.

There are so many deliciously scrumptious places to eat in Montpelier. These are just suggestions. Don’t eat everywhere I am recommending because you will explode.

The Skinny Pancake is known for their crepes (which, funny enough, look like skinny pancakes).

In search of a Montpelier, VT, hotel? Stay here, at the Inn at Montpelier.

Drink here: Three Penny Taproom.

Love to play outside? Onion River Sports is heaven.

By the way, we’re on Langdon Street now. Buch Spieler Records has been buying and selling music in Montpelier since 1973.

Now, it’s time to head back to your car. Hopefully, your parking meter didn’t expire, or you will have a ticket.

Head out on Main Street (take a left from State and head past the Inn and Montpelier) then follow the signs to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Tasty and educational! Required eating: a maple creemee. Don’t know what a maple creemee is? Learn more on our list of 75 Classic New England Foods.

Time to burn some calories. Head back to town toward Hubbard Park.

I couldn’t remember how to get to The Tower in the park, so I had to ask Lilly for directions. The payment: a dog treat.

A half mile up the hill starting at the “New Shelter Pavillion” and you will find The Tower.

Destination: The Tower.

Parting shot: Montpelier.

What are your favorite things to do in Montpelier, VT? Let us know in the comments!

This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated. 

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Heather Atwell

More by Heather Atwell