CitiesGood to know

Montpelier

Vermont

America's smallest state capital and the only one without a McDonald's, with a gold-domed statehouse in a green valley.

Photo: Farragutful · CC BY-SA 4.0

It's a pretty small town of about 8,000 with independent shops, near Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury.

Best Time
Spring and fall
Time Needed
Half a day
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
About 3.5 hours from Boston, or an hour from Burlington's airport.

What to See

1 of 2 are free
Free1–2 hours

Vermont State House

A Greek Revival capitol with a gold dome.

1–2 hours

Ben & Jerry's Factory

Short tours and flavor graveyard in Waterbury, about 15 minutes away.

Know Before You Go

  • Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.

Where to Stay

Stay downtown.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.

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Go Next

Must-See
Festivals & Seasons · Fall

New England Fall Foliage

New England
Late September to late October, north to south

Whole hillsides of red and gold in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Drive the back roads and stay in a small-town inn.

Full Guide
Must-See
Cities · Revolutionary history

Boston

Massachusetts

Walkable, historic and full of firsts, from the Freedom Trail to Harvard.

Full Guide
If You're Nearby
Nature · Scenic Drives

Kancamagus Highway

New Hampshire

New England's best fall drive: 34 miles through New Hampshire's White Mountains, without a single gas station or hotel.

Full Guide

Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Northeast list.