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View ProfilesPublished February 10, 2024 at 4:02 p.m.
The name of Vermont’s capital is nearly identical to that of a famous French city, but here we pronounce it Mont-peel-ier. With that important detail out of the way, welcome to the smallest state capital in the nation, boasting one of the oldest and best preserved capitol buildings, dating back to 1859. The walkable, quaint metropolis borders the Winooski River and contains the state’s largest National Register of Historic Places district. It is famously the only U.S. capital without a McDonald’s, but what really draws visitors is the array of locally owned stores, eateries and other one-of-a-kind destinations. Here are some highlights.
Visit Montpelier Alive's website for the most up-to-date information about Montpelier Eclipse Weekend, including recommended viewing sites and a host of scheduled activities.
Note: Check websites to confirm business hours for the day you visit.
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
April is not quite ice cream season in Vermont, but, just a short drive from the city center, Morse Farm fills cones year-round with its own pure maple syrup-flavored creemees, the Vermont name for soft-serve. You might even catch the tail end of sugaring season at this eighth- generation operation, which offers a walkable “maple trail” and visits with the resident goats.
1168 County Rd., Montpelier
Vermont Statehouse
Visitors can tour the country’s oldest legislative chambers in their original condition from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure to step back and gaze at the 15-foot statue of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, on top of the capitol’s golden dome.
115 State St., Montpelier
Vermont History Museum
Learn more about the Green Mountain State, from the Abenaki to Vermont’s first (and, so far, only) female governor. The museum is normally closed on Mondays but will be open the afternoon of the eclipse with special activities and historic artifacts from the 1932 eclipse.
109 State St., Montpelier
North Branch Nature Center
This 28-acre preserve of forest and fields hugs the North Branch of the Winooski River and offers a quiet place to explore. Connect with nature on walking trails and through education programs and workshops.
713 Elm St., Montpelier
With a number of long-standing, homegrown shops, Montpelier offers bountiful browsing. Don’t miss independent bookstore Bear Pond Books (77 Main St.) and indie record shop Buch Spieler Records (27 Langdon St.) — both downtown fixtures since 1973. Continue on to Onion River Outdoors (89 Main St.) for all things sporty, Artisans Hand (89 Main St.) for handcrafted treasures and Vermont Dog Eats (5 E. State St.) for locally made treats for furry friends.
Café NOA
Tucked off the main drag, this airy café crafts excellent breakfast sammies piled with house- smoked brisket on house-baked English muffins — get a scratch-made cider doughnut while you’re at it. For lunch, try a barbecue tempeh bánh mì sandwich.
8 Putnam St., Montpelier
Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery
For more than a century, this diner-style eatery — located literally on the border between Montpelier and Berlin — has served up heaping plates of pancakes, Yankee pot roast and maple cream pie. Whatever you order, don’t miss the pillow-soft, fresh-baked dinner rolls.
1873 Route 302, Berlin
Wilaiwan’s Kitchen
Born out of a beloved Thai street cart, this small, chef-owned kitchen offers an ever-changing lunch menu. Dishes might include red and yellow coconut curry over rice noodles with braised chicken, or rice noodles with beef.
34 State St., Montpelier
Three Penny Taproom
The Montpelier equivalent of “Cheers” welcomes locals and visitors with open arms — along with great beer and food. The tap list always includes several choices from Vermont’s renowned Hill Farmstead Brewery, while the food menu ranges from dry-rubbed wings to pastrami-rubbed tuna.
108 Main St., Montpelier
Barr Hill Distillery and Cocktail Bar
The riverside party at this award-winning bar and distillery will start around noon on Monday, April 8, with food trucks and a live band. Expect eclipse-inspired cocktail creations and equally delicious zero-proof options.
116 Gin Lane, Montpelier
Tags: 2024 Solar Eclipse, 2024 Solar Eclipse, Vermont Statehouse, Vermont History Museum, North Branch Nature Center, Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Bear Pond Books (Montpelier), Buch Spieler Records, Onion River Outdoors, Artisans Hand Craft Gallery, Café NOA, Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery, Wilaiwan's Kitchen, Three Penny Taproom, Barr Hill, Web Only
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