* With a mere population of just over 8,000, Vermont's capital city is surprisingly metropolitan, highlighting its residents' desire to balance thriving commerce with varietal culture.
Montpelier, a compact city surrounded by several quaint bedroom communities, is located off Interstate 89 (Exit 8). It is firmly planted in the heart of central Vermont, offering spectacular views of Camel's Hump, the Worcester Range and myriad of lesser known hills that surround the small city.
Named after a small city in France known for its wine and brandy,
Montpelier was chosen in 1805 as the site for Vermont's statehouse and has
developed to serve well its stately responsibilities. The actual statehouse
building, seated about a quarter-mile from the city's immediate downtown
shopping district, was modeled in 1837 after a granite Grecian temple by
Federal-era architect Ammi Young and rebuilt and enlarged in 1857 after
being destroyed by fire. As the central figure in a host of state buildings
of equal architectural grandeur, it is situated on a lush lawn frequently
visited and photographed by tourists as well as used by locals as a common
park for picnics, outdoor activities and community events. The site is
particularly active during the summer months when it plays host to a Victorian
ice cream social and croquet tournament, arts presentations as part of the
Midsummer Festival of the Arts and weekly concerts performed by the Montpelier
City Band, to name a few activities.
A short walk from the State House, Montpelier's business district is alive with shops and restaurants of both country charm and city savvy. Gift shops featuring the works of Vermont artisans share the same sidewalk with award-winning photography stores; funky businesses marketing the frivolous balance with the functional services provided by a national pharmaceutical chain. Tourists and locals alike recognize the famous name on the ice cream scoop shop, Ben & Jerry's, but what about Horn of the Moon Cafe, New England's oldest vegetarian restaurant, or the nationally-acclaimed eateries of the Montpelier-based New England Culinary Institute?
Adding to subtle urban influences, several of Montpelier's downtown
businesses and restaurants offer space to local artists to display their
works. Along with established art venues, these makeshift exhibits collectively
transform the business district into a walking gallery that's more bohemian
than bumpkin. Adding to the cultural atmosphere, Montpelier also boasts
its own award-winning, professional theater company, Lost Nation Theater.
Based in the newly renovated City Hall Arts Center, located in the heart
of the downtown area, Lost Nation Theater attracts reputable actors from
New York City as well as local thespians for quality performances throughout
the year.
"This is an active community. People have a lot of pride living here," said William Fraser, Montpelier's City Manager for the last three years. "They demand, in a good way, a high quality of life and their efforts are making great things happen."
The city recently broke ground for the construction of the Central Vermont Civic Center, located in Montpelier, which when completed will house a hockey rink and be used for indoor arts and sports events. Additionally, this fall will see the completion of extensive renovations to Montpelier High School, which included the construction of a new library, science wing, media center and computer room.
A strong attraction for families are Montpelier's quiet, tree-lined
neighborhoods with an average home sale price listed at just over $105,000.
The local public elementary and middle schools are within a stone's throw
from each other and are easy walking distances from many of these cozy domestic
networks.
"There is so much here for families, I just can't say enough about it," said Fraser, who moved here from the Boston area with his wife and three children. "There are play groups, story time at the libraries, and the schools are supportive. Add that to the safety factor - low crime - and general neighborliness from long-term Vermonters and transplants like us and you have a great community with a nice blend of interests and backgrounds."
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Montpelier recently joined forces with the Woodstock-based Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and established the VINS North Branch Nature Center about a half-mile outside of Montpeliers's downtown area. Situated nearby the nature center, which hosts workshops and environment-focused activities, is the municipal recreation area that features a swimming pool, tennis courts and baseball fields.
Hubbard Park, located just outside downtown Montpelier, features a network of trails for cross-country skiers in the winter, hikers and mountain bikers in the summer. Also within the park, sheltered tables and public grilling facilities situated in peaceful, tree-enshrouded cul-de-sacs make for perfect family picnicking as well as a quick lunch hour secluded from the daily hustle, due to the park's close proximity to the downtown area and offices.
To the unknowing, it is impossible to detect the damage caused in 1992 when massive flooding submerged Montpelier's downtown district under the waters of the Winooski and North Branch Rivers. Instead of folding under weighty financial and reconstruction burdens, the community members quickly rallied their city back into shape and continue today to improve both the essential infrastructure and aesthetically-pleasing aspects of Montpelier.
The recent formation of the Montpelier Downtown Revitalization Committee will ensure progress on improving Vermont's capital city. The committee, a group of between 20 and 30 active members, is a collection of representatives from the retail, business, art, religious, government and residential populations that make up Montpelier. Their main goal is to ensure the beauty and vitality of Montpelier in the future.
"The combination of all the great businesses downtown, the citizen involvement and their sense of commitment to the community is astounding," Fraser said. "They're making it happen now and I'm sure they'll make it happen in the future."
Boasting 598 city employers, Montpelier serves as the base for National Life Insurance of Vermont, Vermont Mutual Insurance Company, Vermont College, Capital City Press, Washington County Mental Health, Community College of Vermont as well as the aforementioned New England Culinary Institute.
With several major routes, such as Route 2 and 12, also leading
to and from the state's capital, Montpelier residents can easily access
Burlington within a 40 minute drive, the Mad River Valley and the state's
best ski resorts within a 30 minute drive, and the historical beauty of
the Northeast Kingdom, also within 30 minutes. Though accessibility to
other parts of the state is a benefit, Montpelier holds much community activity
of its own that entices residents to stay in town as well as draws tourists
from all over the world to experience its eclectic style.