When individuals take into consideration Vermont, minds usually go straight to Burlington. And Bernie Sanders. In the meantime Montpelier sits quietly cool close by, with its indie bookstores, cafes, thrift retailers, boutiques with hand-made soaps and cabinets of maple syrup, and eating places starting from microbrewery taverns to Nepalese joints. Maybe missed as a result of it is the state’s capital, town and its gold dome-topped statehouse are the right mixture of charming and funky. You will not discover massive chain shops right here. Actually, Montpelier is each the smallest capital within the US and the one state capital with out a McDonald’s.
Town additionally appears to have been constructed with aesthetics and the encompassing surroundings in thoughts. Montpelier’s brick buildings are rimmed by a small river babbling its manner by means of city, surrounded by hills and timber which might be making fairly the colourful show this time of yr. And because it’s north sufficient to nearly be a part of the Northeast Kingdom (our favourite of kingdoms), peak foliage is a assure round and all through town. Every October, the hills right here flip so vibrantly pink, the state ought to actually think about quickly altering its title from Ver-mont to Rouge-mont. We’ll think about this a petition to Bernie. Here is what to do within the state’s abundantly cute capital.
Inexperienced Mountain Drone/Shutterstock
Hike to the very best view of essentially the most foliage
Pulling as much as any full-parking-lot trailhead in Vermont, you are prone to hear an area chipperly asserting how a lot it is an amazing day for a hike, irrespective of the time of yr. Mountain climbing (and snowboarding) is what Vermonters do. Because the capital, Montpelier embraces this fame because it absolutely should. Town has numerous mountain climbing trails and scenic walkways, in addition to numerous idyllic bike paths.
The Siboinebi Path runs alongside the Winooski River and is ideal for rambling. The trail passess by means of Peace Park about halfway, if you happen to’re in search of a picnic spot. Extra towards the middle of city, you’ll discover Hubbard Park, a 200 acre expanse that is among the metropolis’s hottest outside locales. There are seven miles of trails right here, together with one as much as the Hubbard Park Tower, which sits on the highest level within the park. Climb as much as the highest for a view over all of Montpelier—a vista that’s much more beautiful in the course of the fall.
Should you’re in search of an even bigger hike with all of the peaks and foliage views, Montpelier is the right epicenter to many choices. Simply half an hour east, Groton State Forest presents many straightforward jaunts up hills wanting down on lakes, like the favored Owl’s Head Mountain Path. Within the different route, you may have Mount Mansfield, which is the very best mountain in Vermont. The Sundown Ridge Path will get you up 2,600 ft over three miles, so plan just a few hours for among the most actually breathtaking views in Vermont. Should you’re prepared to drive a little bit additional, Willoughby State Forest has among the most dramatic cliff-against-lake views within the state and is often the primary space to hit prime foliage. Whereas south, you’ll discover waterfalls like Warren and Moss Glen, in addition to tons of different inexperienced mountains to scale.
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Flickr/Bob P. B.
Stroll the various retailers downtown
Among the finest issues about Montpelier is its walkability. All of downtown appears to level on the Vermont Statehouse, with its gleaming gold dome. Begin your strolling tour there, and ensure to really go inside, as a result of at about 160 years outdated, it’s one of many oldest and greatest preserved capital buildings within the nation.
From there, it’s a straightforward stroll to many cute retailers. Bear Pond and The E book Backyard are two cozy bookstores, Buch Spieler Information is a small vinyl store, or attempt thrifting at The Getup Classic or Altheas Attic Boutique. There’s additionally a sweet store known as Delish and even a stationary retailer that’s been open and thriving since 1950. Should you’ve obtained youngsters, ensure that to cease at Cool Jewels, a bead and jewellery spot the place little ones can dig round in a bin of discount gems in search of some treasure to take residence.
Oakes & Evelyn
Eat the place farms and artisans collide
Although Montpelier is small, its eating scene is mighty. The Three Penny Taproom has not simply an in depth taplist, but in addition a powerful menu that includes domestically sourced merchandise. Locals rave in regards to the burger, which you’ll be able to order “TPT fashion,” which means it comes slathered in peanut butter and scorching peppers.
Different choices embody Constructive Pie, a pizza joint that guarantees “Italian flavors… with a Vermont Sensibility” and The North Department cafe, a espresso and tea store with a surprisingly sturdy menu. Should you’re in search of one thing a little bit extra upscale, attempt Hugo’s or Oakes & Evelyn, the latter of which is a contemporary farm-to-table spot with a staggeringly scrumptious menu.
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For one thing candy, ensure that to cease for a CreeMee, or what’s primarily the Vermont model of soppy serve. Whereas most retailers supply conventional chocolate and vanilla, many additionally supply Vermont maple, which is a must-try for anybody new to the world. There are a selection of CreeMee spots in Montpelier, together with Bragg Farm, Dairy Creme, and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks.
Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits
Drink candy nectar from the bees
Proper alongside the Siboinebi Path, you’ll discover Barr Hill, a gin distillery with a penchant for honeybees. The corporate was co-founded by a beekeeper and a distiller, and nearly since its inception, Barr Hill’s spirits have been profitable awards. You’ll discover each a restaurant and a bar the place, amongst different stellar drinks, you may attempt a Bee’s Knees. This prohibition-era cocktail combines gin, honey, and lemon, for a vivid and frivolously candy drink.
One might spend a whole afternoon at Barr Hill. There are yard video games aplenty, in addition to frequent cocktail courses, gin tastings, and behind-the-scenes excursions.
Burtt’s Apple Orchard
Go pumpkin choosing or cider ingesting
Whereas Bragg Farm and Morse Farm are identified for his or her CreeMees, they’re additionally an amazing place to buy maple syrup and seasonal produce, which within the fall consists of apples and pumpkins. Should you’re in search of a extra traditional orchard expertise, head out of city only a bit to Burtt’s Apple Orchard. There, you’ll discover numerous pickable varieties, from outdated requirements like Gala and Macintosh to extra area of interest cider apples like Cox’s Orange and Pomme Gris. Burtt’s additionally has glorious apple cider donuts, plus an precise apple slingshot.
Peck Farm is one other good fall cease, and has been owned by the identical household of farmers for over eight generations. There’s a corn maze on website, in addition to a cider press, a sugar shack, and a reasonably substantial apple orchard.
If for some purpose you may’t make it out to an precise farm, Montpelier’s weekly farmers market is a veritable treasure trove of native produce and tradition. Held each Saturday, the Capital Metropolis Farmers Market hosts distributors promoting all the pieces from tea and ceramics to tamales.
North Department Nature Middle
Interact together with your environment
The Vermont Historic Society Museum is way extra attention-grabbing than its title may recommend. Spend a while right here and also you’ll end up intrigued by goddesses, wigwams, and crackers. The T.W. Wooden Artwork Gallery is one other fascinating cease, housing items from each the Works Progress Administration and Montpelier’s Thomas Waterman Wooden. Whereas a lot of Wooden’s works hold within the gallery that bears his title, the area additionally holds extra modern exhibitions.
For individuals who are extra enthusiastic about getting some steering on their excursions, the North Department Nature Middle is a 28-acre protect that provides occasions within the park. There are quite a few classes for youths at any given time, however there are additionally occasions for adults, together with outings, displays, and courses about birdwatching, biodiversity, and amphibian conservation. Check out their calendar earlier than you go to city, and also you’re positive to discover a good dinner, drawing class, or owl recognizing tour.
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Marah Eakin has labored in leisure media for over 12 years, together with a decade-long stint as an editor at The A.V. Membership. She’s since written for publications like Vulture, The Ringer, The Strategist, Wired, Enter, Uproxx, Byrdie, Mother and father, and Tudum. She lives in Pasadena, California, together with her husband and rowdy twin toddlers, and may be discovered on all social media platforms below the deal with @marahe.
All aboard! Families hop on the Okemo Valley Holiday Express at Chester Depot for an hourlong adventure through bucolic landscapes. As winter wonderland scenes zip by, passengers enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, caroling, coloring — and maybe evena visit from that certain special someone with a big, white beard.
Lilies of the Valley
Friday 20
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Brattleboro roots band Low Lily bring their winter solstice concert to Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater for a warm, joyful ushering in of the year’s shortest day. The performance showcases the trio’s talents in mandolin, guitar, fiddle and banjo, as well as its infectious, high-energy stage presence — sure to brighten up even the darkest of December nights.
Spinning Yarns
Thursday 19
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Courtesy of Samara Anderson
Vermont Library Storytelling: Best of 2024
Local “social entrepreneur” Samara Anderson hosts Vermont Library Storytelling: Best of 2024 at the South Burlington Public Library auditorium — where neighbors step into the spotlight à la “The Moth” to share true, vulnerable narratives. The event is part of Anderson’s much larger statewide effort to bring a community storytelling platform to all 185 public libraries.
Pride and Presents
Through Sunday 22
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Courtesy of Caitlin Gomes Photography
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
Shaker Bridge Theatre’s charming production of The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, at Briggs Opera House in White River Junction, is a yuletide sequel to Jane Austen’s novel of manners Pride and Prejudice. Audiences can expect to encounter Mr. and Mrs. Darcy — as well as fresh faces such as Cassie, the eager maid, and Brian, the lovesick footman.
Horsing Around
Friday 20
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Courtesy of Kvibe Studio | Horacio Martinez
Eliana Ghen and Armando Gutierrez
The Opera House at Enosburg Falls rolls out the red carpet for an exclusive screening of Khoa Le’s freshly released romance dramedy, Christmas Cowboy. The movie’s cast and crew sit side by side with excited locals to take in the Hallmarkesque flick that was filmed right here in Vermont — including a few scenes shot at the historic opera house itself.
Flurry of Fun
Friday 20
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Courtesy of Alex Montaño
“Winter Carols”
BarnArts’ original concert “Winter Carols” at First Universalist Church and Society in Barnard summons magic and wonder through music. In keeping with the org’s mission to enrich rural communities through participatory arts, Michael Zsoldos directs local talent of all ages in works centered on the season of solstice — including some festive audience sing-alongs.
Gifts From the Art
Ongoing
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Courtesy
“Small and Large Works”
The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery’s annual “Small and Large Works” exhibition in Burlington boosts the holiday shopping experience by showcasing gift-size artworks by 130 local artisans. All pieces are either smaller than 12 inches or larger than 24 inches and come ready to wrap — with prices to suit all budgets.
Donna Murphy and Nancy Dutil, right, navigate the mud in front of Dutil’s home on Second Street in Barre on Thursday, July 11, after overnight flooding. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
Last Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch that set off a cascade of preparations across Vermont.
On that same day, Vermont Department of Mental Health announced that it had received an extension of funding for its Starting Over Strong program to support the mental health of flood-affected Vermonters.
Two days later, reports revealed that the rain and snowmelt had caused little damage to Vermont homes and infrastructure. But the mental health department’s deputy commissioner, Samantha Sweet, said it is exactly these repeat flooding events that could cause continuing struggles for Vermonters who have been hit hard by previous storms.
“The rain hitting their roof in years past used to be soothing and comforting to people, and they enjoyed hearing (the) sound, and now it causes them incredible anxiety,” Sweet said.
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The state’s repeat flooding disasters was also part of the reason the program has been extended. The department initially received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration after the July 2023 flood to operate the program through October 2024. But after the July 2024 flood, the program’s funding was extended through July 2025.
The core purpose of the program is to provide outreach and connect flood-affected Vermonters to a variety of mental health services from regional providers. The program operates a hotline at 802-651-1767 and has reached out to Vermonters in a variety of other ways — from door-to-door knocking to booths at local farmers markets, Sweet said.
The program has interacted with 14,000 Vermonters so far. That includes Vermonters who have reached out on behalf of a loved one or friend, Sweet said.
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byEmma Malinak
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“As these services are going door to door and just telling people about the service, they’re hearing a lot, ‘well, I’m okay, but my neighbor three doors down is really struggling,’” she said. “It’s truly a Vermont way.”
Sweet added via email that of those 14,000 Vermonters, about 1,150 have had more in-depth visits from the program and 1,000 have attended support groups run by some regional providers.
Program staffers can also connect Vermonters to more long-term mental health support and other community resources like their local food shelf, Sweet said.
However, the program does not provide mental health crisis support. Sweet urged Vermonters in crisis to call the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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The program is completely free, Sweet said. The sole eligibility criteria is location: You must be in one of the counties that had a declared disaster, which includes Chittenden, Washington, Addison, Lamoille, Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties.
The level of support someone receives from the program is up to them, she said.
“It can be just touching base with someone and connecting and sharing their story and having someone listen to how things have been for them,” she said. “All the way up to, visiting with them three or four (times), and they’re having that short term support to kind of get their story out and and receive the support that they need.”
The University of Vermont earned its first-ever NCAA Division I national championship in a team sport in dramatic fashion on Monday.
The unseeded Catamounts upset No. 13 Marshall University 2-1 in overtime in men’s soccer at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
Vermont was down 1-0 after Marshall senior forward Tarik Pannholzer scored in the 67th minute. But the Catamounts showed their fighting spirit.
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Forward Marcell Papp drew the game level for the underdogs in the 81st minute as the match would eventually go into overtime. In the extra period, Vermont forward Maximilian Kissel got free on a long ball and scored the game-winner.
“This is the place that I wanted to be. This is the place to win the national championship. This is best team in this country. I’m just happy that we could prove it,” Kissel said after the game. “This is no Cinderella. This is no underdog. This is not luck. It’s will. It’s skill and … talent.”
Both the Thundering Herdand Catamounts knocked out two of the tournament favorites in the semifinals to reach the Cup final.
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Marshall blanked No. 1 Ohio State 1-0 while Vermont came from behind to down No. 3 Denver in penalties.
Vermont also defeated No. 2 Pittsburgh 2-0 in the quarterfinals and is the third team to oust two top-four seeds in the same tournament in the last decade.
“We’re the toughest team,” Vermont head coach Rob Dow said. “To rally back again, the cardiac cats, we did it. … It’s been really hard for everyone but the best things in life are also the hardest things.”
Vermont, who was appearing in its first-ever team sport national championship game, has won individual national titles in men’s and women’s skiing.
The Thundering Herd were seeking their second title in the last five years.
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