There are a few businesses you can usually count on seeing in virtually every major American city: a CVS drugstore, a familiar gas station brand, and more often than not, a McDonald’s. But Montpelier, Vermont, isn’t like other American cities. The state capital is the only one in the U.S. without a McDonald’s within its city limits.

With a population of roughly 8,000, Montpelier is also the smallest state capital in the country, so its lack of big-name chains isn’t necessarily surprising. Still, it’s unusual to see a state capital without such a familiar fast-food giant. Here’s why Montpelier embraces local businesses and cozy neighborhood spots instead — and why it’s worth exploring on your next New England trip.

Where’s McDonald’s?

It’s worth noting that Vermont doesn’t have anything against McDonald’s. There are several locations around the state, including one in neighboring Berlin, just a few miles from downtown Montpelier. But past attempts to bring the fast-food chain to the state capital have been unsuccessful.

In the 1990s, a developer proposed converting a historic bank building in downtown Montpelier into a McDonald’s. The plan faced opposition from both residents and city officials, whose concerns included increased traffic and the impact the restaurant could have on the historic downtown area. The proposal was ultimately rejected, and the restaurant never opened. 

There are a few reasons why Montpelier has remained largely free of big national chains. The city has strict zoning and development regulations, in part designed to protect its historic buildings and character. It also has a relatively small commercial district, where locally owned restaurants, cafes, and independent businesses are prioritized — and the majority of residents are committed to keeping it that way. This translates into an authentic and truly local experience for visitors. 

There’s No Starbucks, Either

Interestingly, Montpelier doesn’t have a Starbucks, either, making it the only U.S. state capital without either of these two chains. But these aren’t the only big names missing from the city — you also won’t find a Burger King or Walmart here, which adds to Montpelier’s local feel.

That doesn’t mean you’ll have trouble finding a good cup of coffee. Montpelier has several beloved independent cafes downtown (more on that below). You can grab a coffee at one of these local spots and get a better sense of the city while you’re there.

Where To Eat and Drink Instead

The lack of chain restaurants and cafes generally isn’t seen as a problem for residents and visitors of Montpelier. The city boasts a small but vibrant food scene, and since Vermont is well known for its farms and small producers, you’ll find plenty of locally produced ingredients showing up on menus.

For a caffeine fix, Capitol Grounds, located downtown on State Street, is a longtime favorite for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels. Birchgrove Baking is another popular stop for pastries. This small cafe and bakery makes its menu items, including croissants, scones, and tarts, from scratch.

In terms of restaurants, Montpelier offers everything from Italian and Thai food to farm-to-table American fare and classic Vermont comfort food. 

Open for more than 20 years, Sarducci’s serves classic Italian dishes right along the Winooski River; if the weather is nice, try to grab a table with a view of the water. Wilaiwan’s Kitchen is a family-run Thai restaurant on State Street, with a fairly small menu that changes regularly. Pho Capital is another popular option known for its pho, noodle dishes, dumplings, and spring rolls. For a more upscale dinner, Oakes & Evelyn focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a menu of small plates and craft cocktails. 

A Small Capital With Plenty of Character

The lack of a McDonald’s is a fun fact about Montpelier, but what stands out more is its historic downtown and abundance of independent businesses for a city its size. You can spend a morning exploring the Vermont State House, grabbing a coffee and lunch, and browsing local shops — and still have plenty of time to get outside, which is perhaps Vermont’s biggest claim to fame. 

Montpelier is also a convenient base for exploring central Vermont. The nearby Green Mountains provide opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities in warmer months, while skiing is within driving distance in winter. Fall is a particularly popular time to visit, when the surrounding forests put on a colorful display of foliage. And if you’re really craving a Big Mac, the McDonald’s in nearby Berlin is only a short drive away.

Featured image credit: © Hrant Khachatryan/Unsplash.com