Vermont in the USA’s New England prefecture is best recognized as the hiking as well as skiing destination for the adventurers. Among the others, it is best known for its Green Mountains, maple syrup, cheese, and wonderful fall foliage. However, Vermont attractions are not confined to nature and adventure, they are also architectural and cultural. This is to ensure that there is something for everyone here. For the skiers, the best time to come here is winter. However, each season has its own magic here – summer being the most apt for exploring cultural as well as wild Vermont attractions and Autumn being the most spectacular on the planet with its foliage from mid-September to mid-October.
In this article, I will speak about my experience in Montpelier that is the smallest state capital in America. This is actually the cultural as well as the historical hub of Vermont. Montpelier is quite a small town due to which pedestrians will love vacationing here. Yes, walking is the best way to explore the Vermont attractions here right from the downtown to the State House after parking at downtown. In addition, one more best fact is that the drivers are very considerate about the strollers. So, amble freely!
One of the most visited highlights in the capital is the Vermont State House that refers to a golden-domed edifice serving as the meeting venue of the Vermont Legislature. Among the tourists, this is the most remarkable structure in the capital. I would recommend taking the guided tours that are available from July to mid-October daily from 11 am to 2:30 pm. On the State Street, the Vermont Historical Society Museum is also worth a watch because of its interesting collection that reveals much about the past here. One more great gallery is the T.W. Wood Gallery and Art Center on the College Street, which welcomes tourists from Tuesday to Sunday between 12 pm and 4 pm (Thursdays until 8 pm, Monday closed).
Want to taste the maple syrup? Well, do take the tour by Morse Farm Sugar Works nestled on the County Road for free. You will be taken to the sugar house where you can sample this syrup along with a few unique grades of syrup. This tour can be taken anytime in the year; however, it is better to take in March as the maple sap flows that time to make the syrup. Taste the maple sugar sprinkled over shinning ice.
There is one more benefit if you come to Vermont in March. This is to enjoy the Green Mountain Film Festival at the Savoy Theater on the Main Street. In this small theater of 130 seats, you can watch foreign and baby friendly films. The latter is one offer as the matinee show on Monday. Another worth visiting theater is the Lost Nation Theater that is within the City Hall on the same street. This is where you can watch a theater production or a specialty anytime in the year. Would you like to attend free Summer Evening Concerts? Well, they are held on the State House Lawn every summer with free entries on Wednesday nights.
If you are planning to come between May and October, do not forget to visit the Farmers Market on the State Street. Come here only on Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm where you can buy the fresh produce of the farms as well as organic gardens. Herbs, flowers, baked goods, and crafts are the top pick.
Looking for some adventure? Well, arrive at the Hubbard Park nestled off the route 12 and accessible via the Winter or Spring Street. Just climb to the top of this tall tower of 50 foot to be at the highest point in the city and enjoy a magnificent vista for free.
While you are in the capital, do lunch or dinner at the That’s Life Soup nestled on the Elm Street where the local ingredients make up for this tasty soup, sandwich, salad, and some best desserts of Vermont. It is opened from Wednesday to Saturday and yes, only cash is accepted. One more option is Sarducci’s on the Main Street serving real Italian flavors at lunch and dinner from an oven over wood.
Good accommodations for a budget traveler are Hilltop Inn from $60, High Hill Inn from $90, and Comfort Inn & Suites at Maplewood from $125.
