Montpelier, the Smallest State Capitol in the USA, Offers Quaint
Small Town New England Charm
Downtown Montpelier. Photo By GearedBull - Own work, CC BY 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2660877
by Eric Hurwitz. Article updated on 11/30/16
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Montpelier, Vt., might be the nation's smallest state
capitol, but it offers big-time enjoyment. Not the typical city
experience, however, as you won't find skyscrapers, ample nightlife,
shaggy people playing guitars in the streets, subways, and other urban
elements. Montpelier feels more like a small town. Scenically
located on the Winooski River in central Vermont, Montpelier's most
striking attraction is the Vermont State House, dating back to 1859 and
featuring striking Renaissance Revival architecture with a gold leaf
dome including real gold! Hubbard Park resides in the background of the
State House and features 185 acres of land including a 54-acre
observation tower with nice views of the city, recreational fields,
adjoining hiking and skiing trails and picnic areas. Adding to the
quaint downtown is the 1895 Kellogg-Hubbard Library with its Classical
Revival look and the Vermont Historical Society Museum (dedicated to
the preservation and interpretation of Vermont history).
You'll find clothing, jewelry, book and arts and craft stores downtown,
as well as many dining choices and the elegant Inn at Montpelier -- two
historic buildings built in the 1850s with a Federal architectural
style.
The greatest aspect about Montpelier, however, is that it can stand on
its own as a travel destination with close proximity to the many ski,
swimming and hiking opportunities of central Vermont. Or, you can do
what we have, staying in an equally great region like Stowe/Jeffersonville and making Montpelier a
pleasant stop or a complete day trip. It's particularly nice in the
fall with all the foliage colors. We highly recommend going on Route 12
north to Morrisville or south to Woodstock, enjoying the splendor of
the scenery and the classic, small Vermont towns and villages along the
way (although there's not much civilization going north until reaching
Morrisville). Either way, don't miss out on this special small city
destination that embodies the classic feel of Vermont, while also
serving as the state capitol. We haven't been in quite some time, but
when considering a fall destination, this region, coupled with Stowe
and Jeffersonville and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, came up at the
top of our fall foliage travel wish list!
Book a hotel room in
Montpelier through Booking.com and get a great rate
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