Discover Montpelier - Vermont's Quaint Capital Charm

Day 1: Capitol Grandeur & Downtown Delights

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Begin your Montpelier exploration with a leisurely breakfast at Capitol Grounds Cafe (1D State St). Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in a cozy atmosphere (expect to spend $15-20 for two). After breakfast, it’s a short 2-minute walk (0.1 miles) to the iconic Vermont State House. Take a self-guided tour (free, approximately 1-1.5 hours) to admire its stunning architecture and learn about Vermont’s history and government. Don’t forget to stroll the grounds and see the statue of Ethan Allen.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) For lunch, walk a pleasant 5 minutes (0.2 miles) to Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup (120 Main St), a beloved local deli known for its fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads (budget $25-35 for two). Afterward, immerse yourselves in Vermont’s rich heritage at the Vermont History Museum (109 State St, located in the Pavilion Building), just a 5-minute walk from Stone Soup. Allow 1.5-2 hours to explore the exhibits (admission $7 per adult, so $14 for two). Conclude your afternoon by browsing the unique shops along Main Street, such as Bear Pond Books or Onion River Sports, picking up any desired souvenirs (allow $20-30 for small purchases). Grab an afternoon coffee or local snack at Uncommon Market (17 State St), a community market with local goods ($10-15 for two).
• Evening For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere and excellent gastropub fare at Three Penny Taproom (108 Main St). Known for its extensive craft beer selection and elevated pub food, it’s a popular local spot (expect to spend $60-80 for two, including drinks). After dinner, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Winooski River Walkway, easily accessible from downtown, offering serene views.

Day 2: Scenic Views & Culinary Exploration

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Capitol Kitchen (122 Main St), offering classic breakfast dishes in a casual setting (budget $25-35 for two). Next, embrace Montpelier’s natural beauty with a visit to Hubbard Park. It’s about a 15-20 minute uphill walk (0.8 miles) from downtown, or a short 5-minute drive. Spend 1.5-2 hours hiking to the iconic Stone Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Montpelier and the surrounding Green Mountains. The park offers various trails for different activity levels; accessing the park and trails is free.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) After your hike, head back downtown for a casual and delicious lunch at Taco Gordo (188 Main St), a lively spot serving up creative and authentic tacos (budget $25-35 for two). Spend your afternoon exploring more of Montpelier’s independent spirit. You could browse the eclectic collection at Buch Spieler Music (151 Main St) for vinyl records or discover local artistry at one of the small galleries. Alternatively, revisit a favorite shop from Day 1 or simply relax with a coffee or tea at a cafe like Rivendell Books & Baubles (27 State St) ($10-15).
• Evening Conclude your “Montpelier Essentials” trip with a delightful Italian dinner at Sarducci’s (3 Main St), a well-loved Montpelier institution known for its classic dishes and bustling atmosphere. Expect generous portions and a lively dining experience (budget $60-90 for two, including drinks). After dinner, take a final evening stroll through the charming streets of downtown Montpelier, soaking in the small-city ambiance.

Day 1: Capital Chronicles & Culinary Delights

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your Montpelier journey with a deep dive into Vermont’s governance and history. Start at the Vermont State House (115 State St), a stunning golden-domed building. Take a free guided tour (approximately 45-60 minutes), available when the legislature is not in session. Afterward, walk approximately 0.1 miles (2-minute walk) to the Vermont Historical Society Museum (109 State St, Pavilion Building). Explore exhibits detailing Vermont’s past, from Indigenous history to modern-day challenges. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
  • Practical Tip: Check State House tour availability online in advance. Museum admission is approximately $7 per adult.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) For lunch, enjoy fresh, local fare at Capitol City Bakery (150 Main St), approximately 0.2 miles (4-minute walk) from the museum. They offer delicious sandwiches, soups, and pastries. Budget around $30 for two. After lunch, embark on a scenic walk or short drive (approximately 1.5 miles, 5-minute drive) up to Hubbard Park (400 Hubbard Park Rd). Hike up to the stone observation tower for panoramic views of Montpelier and the surrounding countryside. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the hike and views. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Montpelier’s charming downtown shops and galleries, such as Bear Pond Books (77 Main St) or The Cheshire Cat (174 River St).
  • Practical Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for Hubbard Park; the trail to the tower is uphill.
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) Indulge in an authentic Italian dinner at Sarducci’s Restaurant (3 Main St), known for its wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. It’s a popular spot, so reservations are recommended. Expect to spend around $70-$90 for two, including drinks. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Winooski Riverwalk or perhaps grab a craft beer at Three Penny Taproom (108 Main St) for a taste of Vermont’s renowned craft beer scene (budget $20-$30 for a couple of drinks).

Day 2: Flavors of Vermont Countryside

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Today, venture into the famous Vermont countryside. Drive approximately 20-25 minutes (15 miles) west to Waterbury. Your first stop is the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd). Take the approximately 30-minute tour to learn about their history, see how the ice cream is made, and enjoy a sample! Tour tickets are about $6 per person. Afterward, drive approximately 2.5 miles (5 minutes) to Cold Hollow Cider Mill (3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd). Watch fresh apple cider being pressed, sample various ciders, and browse their extensive selection of Vermont products. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
  • Practical Tip: Ben & Jerry’s tours can sell out quickly, especially on weekends; consider booking online in advance.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a hearty lunch at Cold Hollow Cider Mill’s deli, or head back towards Waterbury village (5 minutes drive) for a delicious meal at Prohibition Pig (23 S Main St, Waterbury), known for its BBQ and craft brews. Budget $40-$60 for lunch. Next, embark on a scenic drive northeast, approximately 45-50 minutes (30 miles) to Cabot Creamery Co-operative (2150 Main St, Cabot/Walden). Take a tour of their visitor center (note: cheese production is in another location) and enjoy generous samples of their award-winning cheeses. Admission is approximately $5 per person. Allow 1 hour.
  • Practical Tip: The drive to Cabot offers beautiful rural landscapes, so take your time and enjoy the views.
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) Drive back to Montpelier (approximately 45-50 minutes). For dinner, experience the exquisite farm-to-table cuisine at Kismet (29 Elm St). Known for its creative menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, this is a perfect spot for a special evening. Expect to spend $100-$130 for two for dinner. After dinner, perhaps enjoy a final nightcap at a quiet spot or reflect on the day’s delicious journey.

Day 3: Maple, Markets & Montpelier Charm

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your day exploring Montpelier’s unique local offerings. If your visit falls on a Saturday (May-October), immerse yourselves in the vibrant Capital City Farmers Market (60 State St). Browse local produce, crafts, and grab a delicious breakfast bite from one of the vendors. Allow 1-1.5 hours. If not market day, visit Capital Kitchen (38 State St) for a gourmet coffee and local provisions or explore other downtown specialty shops. Alternatively, for a different “countryside” experience, drive approximately 15 minutes north to North Branch Vineyards (82 Searles Rd, Montpelier) for a wine tasting. A tasting fee is typically $10-$15 per person.
  • Practical Tip: Check the Capital City Farmers Market schedule online before you go.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM) For a classic Vermont diner experience, head to The Wayside Restaurant (1873 US-302, Montpelier), a local institution serving comfort food since 1918. It’s a short 5-minute drive from downtown Montpelier. Budget around $35-$45 for two. After lunch, continue your rural exploration with a visit to Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop (1005 VT-14, East Montpelier), approximately a 10-minute drive (5 miles) from The Wayside. Learn about maple sugaring, sample pure maple syrup, browse their expansive gift shop, and maybe even visit the farm animals (seasonal). Allow 1-1.5 hours.
  • Practical Tip: Maple creemees (soft serve ice cream) are a must-try at Bragg Farm!
• Evening (Departure or Leisure) Depending on your departure schedule, you can either enjoy a final casual dinner in Montpelier – perhaps grab some delicious takeout from a local spot like Woodbelly Pizza (118 Main St) to enjoy by the river – or begin your journey home. This itinerary leaves ample time for a late afternoon departure from the Montpelier area.
  • Budget Note: The total estimated cost for activities and meals (excluding accommodation and primary transportation/gas) for two people over three days is approximately $350-$500, leaving a generous portion of the $1000 budget for accommodation, souvenirs, and gas.