The smallest state capital in the nation, Montpelier boasts the state’s largest National Register of Historic Places district, locally owned stores, eateries and other one-of-a-kind destinations. The name of Vermont’s capital is nearly identical to that of a famous French city, but here we pronounce it Mont-PEEL-ier. With that important detail out of the way, welcome to the smallest state capital in the nation, boasting one of the oldest and best preserved capitol buildings, dating back to 1859. The walkable, quaint metropolis borders the Winooski River and contains the state’s largest National Register of Historic Places district. It is famously the only U.S. capital without a McDonald’s, but what really draws visitors is the array of locally owned stores, eateries and other one-of-a-kind destinations. If you want to visit Montpelier, Vermont, here’s a suggested itinerary. Note: Check websites to confirm business hours for the day you visit. Family-Friendly Activities Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks Just a short drive from the city center, Morse Farm fills cones year-round with its own pure maple syrup-flavored creemees, the Vermont name for soft-serve. The eighth-generation operation offers sugarhouse tours and tastings, a walkable “maple trail” in the fall, and visits with the resident goats. Come during sugaring season in March and try local delicacy “sugar on snow” — hot maple syrup that turns to taffy when it’s poured over a bowl of shaved ice, served with a doughnut. 1168 County Rd., Montpelier Vermont Statehouse Visitors can tour the country’s oldest legislative chambers in their original condition from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure to step back and gaze at the 15-foot statue of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, on top of the capitol’s golden dome. 115 State St., Montpelier Vermont History Museum Learn more about the Green Mountain State, from the Abenaki to Vermont’s first (and, so far, only) female governor through an assemblage of permanent and rotating exhibits. 109 State St., Montpelier North Branch Nature Center This 28-acre preserve of forest and fields hugs the North Branch of the Winooski River and offers a quiet place to explore. Connect with nature year-round on walking and skiing trails and through education programs and workshops. 713 Elm St., Montpelier Shop Hop With a number of long-standing, homegrown shops, Montpelier offers bountiful browsing. Don’t miss independent bookstore Bear Pond Books (77 Main St.) and indie record shop Buch Spieler Records (27 Langdon St.) — both downtown fixtures since 1973. Continue on to Onion River Outdoors (89 Main St.) for all things sporty, Artisans Hand (89…