With a population of approximately 8,000, Montpelier is the nation's smallest capital city—in fact, it's not even large in comparison with other Vermont cities. But the Montpelier Historic District includes some of the best-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture in New England. You'll also want to see the Vermont Capitol Building, constructed of locally quarried granite (look for the brass cannon in the portico), and the Vermont Historical Museum, which offers a comprehensive introduction to the state's history.
About 10 mi/16 km south of Montpelier is Northfield, where quilters from around the world display their work each July at the annual Vermont Quilt Festival. If you haven't had your fill of maple syrup yet, go just a little north of town to the Morse Farm, where you can watch maple syrup being made (in March and April) and sample a bit of Vermont's amber gold. Dairy-product aficionados can tour the creamery at the Cabot Factory, 20 mi/36 km northeast in Cabot, where you can sample some of the best cheddar cheese made in Vermont. Montpelier is 30 mi/50 km southeast of Burlington.
