One look at the capital city of the Green Mountain State, and you’ll be saying, “Meet me in Montpelier” to your special someone. It’s closer to Boston than you think, and once you’re there, you’ll discover why it’s routinely called one of the country’s prettiest and most walkable capitals (it’s also the smallest). With bars and bakeries located downtown, artisanal farmers’ markets, hiking trails within city limits, and cozy, farm-to-table restaurants, it really is the perfect couples’ retreat.

So when noon hits on Friday, call it quits. Hit the open road for a three-hour drive from Boston to Montpelier. Once you reach Interstate 89, the road opens up, growing greener as you head farther north. Anticipate the two-miles-to-Montpelier mark to appreciate what’s up ahead — and what you’ve left behind. You’ll see the broccoli-bed Green Mountains rising before you with blue-hued peaks behind. Stop. Enjoy the sweeping views together — you’ve arrived.

Now let’s explore.

For more on what to do in Montpelier, visit www.montpelieralive.com.