72 Hours in Vermont’s Capital Region

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From State House Steps to Mountain Peaks

Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier, packs a lot into a small city footprint — think family-run shops, a vibrant arts scene, and historic landmarks. That said, the well-balanced city is just one destination in Vermont’s wide-ranging and wonderful Capital Region, which lays claim to both the state’s capital and the world’s granite capital. The latter title belongs to Barre, Montpelier’s neighbor, separated by mere miles and the Winooski River.

Outside of these two cities, you’ll encounter unique villages and fascinating stops in unexpected places. Think of your 72 hours here like a road trip where each turn reveals something new, from scenic skylines and welcoming downtowns to abundant trails and swaths of open land ripe with farmstand produce. Altogether, this route showcases the Capital Region as a Vermont district with endless potential and more than a few surprises in store.

An aerial view of a tall, historic stone tower surrounded by a dense green forest, with rolling hills and mountains stretching into the distance under a hazy blue sky.

DAY ONE

Montpelier and East Montpelier

Begin your trip to Vermont’s Capital Region with breakfast at The Skinny Pancake, Capitol Grounds, Bohemian Bakery, or Red Hen Baking in Montpelier. Then, check out the capital city’s distinct landmarks. Marvel at the iconic facade of the Vermont State House and, depending on the season, ice skate on the lawn or climb the stone observation tower at Hubbard Park. To further brush up on the area’s culture, visit the Vermont History Center and Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, then wander through Green Mount Cemetery’s 35 beautifully landscaped acres and glimpse its intricately crafted memorials.

Aerial drone view of downtown Montpelier, Vermont at dusk, showing illuminated bridges crossing the river and warm lights across the city.

Afterward, check out the seven bridges that have earned Montpelier its title as “City of Bridges.” Should you return at dusk, twinkly lights will illuminate these structures — a magical effect that’s extra pretty in winter’s snowfall. Nearby, East Montpelier’s Coburn Covered Bridge, a historic landmark (built in 1851) spans 70 feet in length and makes for a beautiful view.

Exterior view of Walaiwan's restaurant in downtown Montpelier, Vermont, highlighting the entrance and storefront.

Depending on how much time you spent exploring this morning, you’ve got options for lunch, too — try Wayside Restaurant Bakery & Creamery for all-day diner fare and homestyle baked goods or Thai restaurant Wilaiwan’s Kitchen, whose curated menu only serves lunch, albeit an exceptional one, inspired by the bites you might get if you were traveling through Bangkok. Café Noa is another option if you’re looking to grab a sandwich, be it melt-in-your-mouth brisket or a delicious bánh mì.

Two people stand outside a rustic, dark wood farm stand window with a sign overhead that reads

As an all-season destination, Vermont’s Capital Region shines in any weather. Maple sugaring, for instance, occurs in the spring, but you can visit East Montpelier’s Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop for year-round maple products, sugarhouse tours, and tastings. Montpelier’s Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks likewise invites tourists daily throughout the year for creemees and maple education. The Capital City Farmers Market runs outdoors between May and October and indoors between December and April, showcasing 50-plus vendors each week.

A biker climbs a forest mountain biking trail at Montpelier's North Branch Trails.

Once you’ve scooped up a snack or two, stop by the North Branch Nature Center, whose trail network winds through 28 acres of forested and open space. The educational preserve has classes on foraging and the kid-friendly Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup. Weather permitting, swim, paddle, or birdwatch afterward at nearby Berlin Pond.

People sit at an indoor bar having drinks.

Come dinnertime, return to Montpelier for your pick of cuisines. You’ll find elevated farm-to-table fare at Oakes & Evelyn and pizza and Italian fare on the river at Sarducci’s. Pho Capital specializes in authentic Vietnamese food, Ondis has shareable plates covered, and Barr Hill makes and serves America’s most awarded gin.

An interior view of a historic legislative chamber, featuring rows of ornate red chairs, heavy red curtains, and a large central chandelier, with an audience seated in the foreground listening to a person playing an instrument at a podium.

Many venues also host live performances, so depending on your timing, you may catch the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra at Lost Nation Theater or, from January to April, the Farmers’ Night Concert Series at the Vermont State House. Or, you can always unwind with a movie at The Savoy or Capitol Theatre, rounding off an exciting day in and around Vermont’s capital city.

Settle into The Inn at Montpelier for a cozy boutique stay, opt for the Victorian-style High Hill Inn, or check into Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

The exterior storefront of a rustic, multi-story country store with a sign that reads

DAY 2

Cabot, Calais, Worcester, and Middlesex

Start your day strong — and sharp — in Cabot, home of the famous Cabot Creamery. (Note that while the main plant isn’t open for public tours, you can stock up on Cabot’s award-winning cheeses at retail stores in Waterbury or Hardwick, as well as countless shops across Vermont.) While in town, grab breakfast sandwiches from the Cabot Village Store or head to Harry’s Hardware & The Den for a loaded hot dog, empanada, flatbread, some Cabot cheese, or maybe even a beer inside of New England’s only hardware store that also has a bar.

A couple walks away down a grassy path through an apple orchard, with one person pulling a small red wagon, flanked by rows of apple trees under a dense backdrop of green evergreen trees.

Then, head to Burtt’s Apple Orchard, whose season begins as early as August. If you’re not traveling during the apple harvest, your getaway may instead align with strawberry picking at Cabot Smith Farm or maple season at Goodrich Maple Farm. If you’re around in September, you may also be able to catch — or participate in — the Cabot Ride the Ridges bicycle tour.

A serene lakeside scene with grassy banks, a few people swimming, and others relaxing on a sandy beach under clear skies and surrounded by lush green trees.

Next up is Worcester, where you’ll encounter ample hiking, picnicking, and swimming spots. Summit Worcester Mountain, the star of the eponymous mountain range, and pair your hike with a trip to Wrightsville Beach Recreation Area, the ideal spot to picnic with findings from Cabot or East Calais General Store.

For a heartier meal, grab dinner at Calais’ Maple Corner Community Store & Whammy Bar, which hosts live performers on select nights. Then, if you’re feeling up for an immersive nature experience, stake your tent at a scenic site at Woodbury Meadows for an evening of camping.

A child walks away from the camera on a carved granite zipper.

Day 3

Barre, Northfield, and Roxbury

For your last day in the Capital Region, lean into the city’s granite reputation by exploring downtown Barre. Start with a maple latte from Espresso Bueno before visiting Hope Cemetery, the Vermont Granite Museum, and the mesmerizing granite sculptures throughout Barre’s streets. The most impressive of the bunch? The 74-foot-long “America’s Largest Zipper,” which presents the perfect photo opportunity. Or make your way over to Millstone Trails where you can play a few rounds of disc golf or go for a hike through the relics of this abandoned quarry.

A waiter wearing a tan cap and a dark apron smiles as they serve plates of fresh salad and cooked dishes to guests seated at a rustic wooden picnic table during an outdoor dining event.

For food, you can grab lunch in town — try Pearl Street Pizza, The Meltdown Grilled Cheese and Tap Room, or Arandas Mexican Cuisine — or drive out to Northfield’s Good Measure Pub & Brewery, open for lunch and dinner. Need a midday pick-me-up? Grab a coffee from Carrier Roasting Co. or Butterfly Bakery cookies and fresh produce from Green Mountain Girls Farm.

A regenerative farm in Northfield, Green Mountain Girls not only operates a farmstand but also hosts experiences like tours, locavore lunches, and cooking classes — and even invites overnight guests to spend the night during a one-of-a-kind farm stay. Make your next stop the Sullivan Museum and History Center on the campus of Norwich University. After touring, take some time to wander around the landscaped campus green before visiting the town’s five covered bridges, four of which are in Northfield Falls.

A high-angle view of race cars speeding around a curved asphalt track illuminated by stadium lights at dusk, with packed grandstands and dark green trees lining the outer edge under a fading twilight sky.

Come nightfall, circle back to Barre to embrace the competitive spirit by catching a summertime stock car race at Thunder Road Speedbowl or listen to the Vermont Philharmonic at the Barre Opera House and absorb the multi-sensory energy of this sensational area. For accommodations, find hospitality at The Reynolds House and Maplecroft B&Bs in Barre. For campers, Plainfield’s Onion River Campground offers a different way to immerse yourself in the scenery of Vermont’s Capital Region.