State House Montpelier Vermont

We had some time to play with in Montpelier, and we really wanted to see the State House, so we made this a priority.

We parked pretty much right in front of the building.  Metered parking spaces are in demand, but they were readily available on the day we were there.

We walked up the front walkway to the glistening building and we walked right in.

I expected metal detectors or some sort of greeting by security.  Instead, a very pleasant lady asked if we would like a tour.  We said yes and we were off!

Tours seemed to be going out pretty regularly.  We had a very nice, small tour of me, my wife, and another couple.  We visited several rooms where Vermont politicians do their thing.  There is an overwhelming painting by Civil War veteran/artist Julian Scott that would have made the stop here worth it if we only got to see this painting.  More on this later.

Our tour was probably 45 minutes or so long, but we really enjoyed it.  After our tour, we talked to one of the tour guides about Vermont, and Montpelier specifically.  She made many recommendations for us, though you could tell she was a bit torn about places in town to visit.  Her indecisiveness was from a genuine love of everything in the area.  She ended up telling us about several businesses, and many places we should think about for lunch.