Welcome to Montpelier!

Montpelier provides small town charm with big city flavor. We are America's smallest Capital City, and you are welcome here. We do things a little differently here. Local is a way of life, and we are proud to be the only state capital without a Walmart, McDonalds, or a Starbucks. 

Exquisite historic buildings are home to Vermont's state government, shopping, commerce and world-class dining and arts. Outstanding outdoor recreation is within minutes of the downtown. Montpelier is the largest urban historic district in Vermont. The crown jewel is the impeccably restored State House - one of the oldest and best preserved in the country. Three blocks away is the city's unique business district. Linger at independently-owned shops offering books, records, clothing, fine crafts and pastries, or dine in one of the many farm-to-table restaurants, craft beer bars, and cafes.

 

 

Come Visit Vermont’s Capital City!

Today is

and it's currently in Montpelier Vermont.

Montpelier has something to offer year-round. Learn about some of seasonal activities to be found in town and nearby. From summer concerts to winter sports, your sure to find something happening. 

read more

Getaway to Montpelier!

Centrally located and easy to access from New England and Eastern Canada, Montpelier makes visits easy with no rush hour, easy parking, and a relaxed casual atmosphere that begs you to slow down and shed the stress of everyday life.. 

Plan Your Visit

Downtown Parking

"Thank you to Montpelier Alive for all they do for our little town of Montpelier. It's people like you that make a difference." - Debra Martin

Latest News

Member Highlight: Kim Bent and Kathleen Keenan at Lost Nation Theater

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 ...

Go to Article
Member Highlight - Chris McDonald at Capital Kitchen

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 ...

Go to Article
Celebrate the total eclipse in downtown Montpelier!

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 ...

Go to Article
Why Post Offices are crucial to the landscape of a healthy downtown

On January 8th, 2024, Ben Doyle, chair of the Montpelier flood of 2023 Commission and Montpelier’s congressional delegation called for a rally to restore its downtown post office, after the building which housed it was devastated during last ...

Go to Article
Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience works to create a more resilient community for all

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, ...

Go to Article
Montpelier looks ahead to 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 ...

Go to Article
"Just steps from the Vermont State House lies the pedestrian-friendly Montpelier downtown shopping district – a neighborhood packed with shops, antique stores and restaurants. Find one of a kind pieces from Vermont artists at the Artisans Hand Craft Gallery, pick up a new cooking gadget at Capital Kitchen or browse treasures from around the world at Global Gifts." - Ten Best Small Towns for Shopping by USA Today