Montpelier, the capital of the small US state of Vermont, is a hidden gem. The city is home to a surprisingly vibrant arts and music scene, with a good number of independent galleries and performance venues. There’s also a thriving food culture, with a large number of quality restaurants serving everything from haute cuisine to simple comfort food. The city is surrounded by picturesque countryside, perfect for hiking and biking, and there are a number of lovely parks and gardens. Montpelier is also a great place to come in the winter, when the city is blanketed in snow and the skiing is good.