My Hometown Guide to Montpelier

Montpelier, Vermont is about as cute as it gets. This smallest-state-capital-in-the-US (population: 8,000 residents) is both a tourist haven and an actually really rad place to live. If you do live here, you know that it's the perfect spot for supporting local, celebrating community and enjoying nature. Here are my fave local hangs in the Capital City

Tags: Hometown Guide, Locally Owned, Small Business

• Savoy Theatre in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Cozy underground theater with couches and lounge chairs. Mostly showing indie, arthouse and foreign films.

• The Getup Vintage in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Handpicked (but not overpriced) gently used vintage clothes in downtown.

• The Hippie Chickpea in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Veggie heavy Mediterranean food with local ingredients. Only open a few days a week and strictly window service, so call an hour (hour and a half) before you want to pick up your food to avoid crazy wait times.

• Kismet in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Montpelier's fave farm to table restaurant. If they're open for brunch (it can be spotty), make a reservation and snag the vegan benedict.

• The North Branch Cafe in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Cute little vegetarian/vegan cafe in downtown. Super fresh, health-conscious ingredients. Fun experimental bevs like dandelion and ginger matcha lattes.

• Caledonia Spirits in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Award winning honey-laced spirits. Taproom and distillery. Snag anything with the Bar Hill gin

• Hubbard Tower in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  Hubbard Park offers quick and easy access to nature just steps away from downtown Montpelier (behind the State House). There are miles of trails, but for extra good views pick a route that takes you to Hubbard Tower and climb the stairs to the top

• Buch Spieler Records in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  If you're a vinyl lover, Buch Spieler is one of the best in the state. Impeccable selection, something for everyone, and super cool merch. Staff is very knowledgable and will special order anything and everything.

• Bohemian Bakery in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  This 👏 spot 👏 slaps. Beautiful french pastries, delish coffee, and baguettes come out of the oven every day around noon.

• Three Penny Taproom in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  The best local bar (ok there's only two — but three penny wins by a mile). Great local beer selection and delish pub food. Vegan options too!

• Capital City Farmers Market in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  One of the best things to do in Montpelier during the summer. So many local farmers, makers, and creators. Snag a minty lemonade from the lemonade stand and grab a veggie samosa before picnicking on the State House lawn

• Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, United States

  
  leah

  One of the best local bookshops in VT. Really great selection of local authors and makers