USA Today has named Montpelier the second best small town for shopping in the United States. Montpelier was one of only 20 towns across the country, and the only town in Vermont, to be nominated by a panel of experts for this award. This is the second consecutive year that Montpelier has been selected in the top ten. 

 According to USA Today 10Best, editors were looking for towns with a population under 25,000 that had a combination of eclectic boutiques, art galleries, antique stores and farmers markets that were perfect destinations for retail therapy. The 20 nominees, selected by an expert panel, were featured on the USA Today 10Best website and readers were invited to vote for their favorite town. After four weeks of voting, Montpelier found itself in the second spot. 

“I am so proud of the business owners of Montpelier for receiving this recognition,“ said Dan Groberg, Executive Director of Montpelier Alive. “Their response to the COVID-19 crisis has been inspiring and this award honors their hard work and sacrifice. Over 40 independently-owned boutiques in Montpelier provide unparalleled customer service and a wonderful selection of unique items. Now people across the country will learn what locals have always known: that Montpelier offers a tremendous shopping experience.” 

Nominees were chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The award will be promoted on 10Best.com, a travel media site, USA Today’s digital and mobile products and social media, and through Gannett media outlets.

Montpelier Alive celebrates the City of Montpelier. We work with partners to sustain and build upon Montpelier’s vibrant downtown community by offering and supporting special events and activities and by promoting City businesses. We work to ensure a thriving local economy for Montpelier and to preserve the City’s historic character and unique sense of place.