There's something you can see in every state capital except one, and for those who don't appreciate fast food, that might be a blessing. According to Reader's Digest, Montpelier, Vermont, is the one capital in America without a McDonald's. Of course, Montpelier is also the smallest capital in terms of population, with less than 8,000 people, and you can fill up on a Big Mac and fries in the neighboring city of Barre.
Still, Montpelier prides itself on catering to home-grown businesses -- you won't find a Burger King or Taco Bell there, either -- and according to the website Montpelier Alive, focusing on local businesses makes the city unique.
"Montpelier has more than 40 independently-owned businesses, where you can actually enjoy shopping again," the site says. For the record, an analysis by Stephen Von Worley found that there is no location in the continental United States that is more than 115 miles (185 km) from a McDonald's.
More about Montpelier:
- Despite its small permanent population, Montpelier grows to about 21,000 people during work hours, as commuters come to jobs in town.
- As a way to thank the French for assistance during the American Revolution, Col. Jacob Davis named Montpelier after the French city of Montpellier.
- Men looking for a lady to date in Montpelier are in luck: The city has about 10 percent more women than men.
