Top Things to Do in Montpelier Vermont
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there are plenty of reasons to visit Montpelier, Vermont. From museums to historic sites, shopping to dining, this historic town is full of things to do.
Historic district
Known for its rich architectural treasures, the Montpelier Historic District is a collection of buildings that reflect the city’s prosperous past. The district includes a mixture of institutional and commercial buildings.
The state house is the focal point of the district. It is one of the oldest structures in the state. It features Greek Revival design elements, a gold dome topping and an Aesthetic Movement decor style. The house is open for guided tours, and has been restored to its historic condition in the 1980s.
Other buildings in the Montpelier Historic District include the 1880 Montpelier and Wells River Railroad depot, which is now a bank, and the 1820 Federal style Vogue Shop. The Thrush Tavern was a popular watering hole for legislators and journalists.
Farmer’s market
Buying fresh local produce is a great way to support your local community and the local economy. Not only is it better for you, it helps keep your local farmland and water sources clean.
The Capital City Farmers Market, located at 133 State Street in Montpelier, VT, has been around since 1977. It features an outdoor and indoor market that offers a variety of Vermont products and ready to eat foods. They also foster partnerships with the Montpelier Food Shelf and other community organizations.
They also host several events during the year. One of them is their annual Thanksgiving holiday market. Another event is their outdoor summer market.
Wayside Restaurant, Bakery, and Creamery
Whether you are a local or a visitor to the state of Vermont, you should definitely take the time to visit the Wayside Restaurant, Bakery and Creamery in Montpelier. For nearly a century, this mom and pop establishment has been serving up old fashioned Yankee fare, and it’s no wonder why.
While the Wayside’s ice cream parlor may not be open to the public, its quaint interior offers a taste of Vermont’s finest. From the eponymous “Wayside sock” to the sexiest steak and rice, Wayside’s menu is full of old fashioned goodness. You’ll also find a number of aprons worn by previous waitresses.
The Wayside’s menu isn’t overly complex, and the aforementioned steak and rice accompanied by a side of fries or potato salad is a steal. The restaurant also has a full-service bar with a decent selection of beers and a small wine list.
North Branch Vineyards
Located beside the North Branch of the Winooski River, North Branch Vineyards produces a slew of award-winning wines. The granddddoos is a tad overpriced, but the quality is par for the course. A wine tasting event is held every first Saturday of the month in Montpelier. The best of the crop includes some of the best wines to be found in the state of Vermont. Unlike most Vermont wineries, North Branch Vineyards is open to the public throughout the year. This is a pleasant change for wine lovers. The wine tasting experience is also a great opportunity to sample local artisans in the biz.
The North Branch also happens to be in the heart of the Vermont capital and the surrounding communities. With over five hundred acres of ripe grapes to choose from, the wine tasting experience is a cinch. Aside from the tasting experience, the surrounding communities are abuzz with wine aficionados.
Coburn Covered Bridge
Located in East Montpelier, Vermont, the Coburn Covered Bridge is the only remaining 19th-century covered bridge in the town. The structure was built in 1851 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The bridge carries Coburn Road over the Winooski River in the far eastern part of the town. It is a single-span queenpost truss structure, with a roadway width of 13.5 feet. It features vertical siding to seven feet and concrete abutments.
In the 1970s, the bridge was restored to its original condition. The deck was replaced with a self-supporting concrete slab, which helped correct sagging caused by rotting timbers.
Among the many covered bridges in Vermont, the Coburn Covered Bridge contributes to the unique historic environment of East Montpelier. It is one of only a few remaining covered bridges from the 19th century. The town road runs over the bridge, paralleling the south-flowing Winooski River.
Colleges and universities
Whether you are looking for a 4-year university or a 2-year school, there are a few options in Montpelier Vermont. There are also several public and private colleges and universities.
The University of Vermont is a public, small research university located in scenic college town of Burlington. Students have access to a wide range of outdoor activities in the Green Mountains. Moreover, UVM students have a variety of organizations and clubs to choose from.
The University of Vermont is a member of the NCAA Division I athletic organization. It has a competitive athletic team that competes in the NCAA Division I America East Conference.
The UVM Guaranteed Admission Program gives recent high school graduates the opportunity to demonstrate academic readiness and earn college credit. In addition, UVM offers a nursing program at 10 locations across the state.
