Barre VT is much more than a granite quarries town. It also offers convenient downtown shopping, great schools and a diverse housing market.
Giuliano Corti has been a stonecutter in Barre for almost a century. He is one of the few Vermonters still working with the material that made Barre famous.
History
Barre’s rich history has made it a tight-knit community with a deep sense of pride in its heritage. With a population of nearly 60,000, it is the largest city in the Barre-Montpelier Micropolitan Area.
Barre was the original name of Wildersburgh. It changed to Barre in 1793 after Isaac Barre. The town was divided into several villages, including Thwingsville, Gospel Village, Factory Village and Jockey Hollow, until 1894 when the legislature set aside 4.0 square miles within the town for a separate city.
Granite, used in the Vermont State House as well as numerous public and commercial buildings, is responsible for the city’s wealth. A famous labor movement shaped the city as well. In 1912, local workers provided food and shelter to children of mill owners who went on strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts. When Sacco and Vanzetti, Italian immigrants and self-proclaimed anarchists, were prosecuted for committing murder and robbery, the community was shaken.
Local Attractions
Barre is a small town that offers many unique activities and locations. One of the most interesting is the Hope Cemetery, which is famous for its stone monuments and sculptures made from Barre Gray granite. The cemetery is also a National Historic Landmark.
Another great place to visit is the Barre Country Club, which offers a beautiful golf course and other amenities. The club is also home to a restaurant and bar, so you can relax and enjoy some refreshments.
Thunder Road Speedbowl is another exciting attraction in Barre. This quarter-mile racetrack hosts races all year long. This is a great place to catch a NASCAR race.
Restaurants
Barre has a wide range of restaurants, including popular chains and local spots. In the city, you can find many food trucks, bars and coffee shops.
US Route 302 connects Barre and Montpelier through Berlin. This collection contains historic black-and white photographs of the highway, along with postcards of businesses on the strip.
The Boil Water Notice impacting the City of Barre municipal water system has been lifted after samples showed no contaminants in drinking water. Customers may see discolored water when the city is flushing its water mains. Please do not park near hydrants to avoid any inconvenience.
Shopping
Whether you’re shopping for the latest trends or classic staples, T.J. Maxx Barre, VT offers top fashion brands at an affordable price. Discover women’s & men’s clothing that suit your personal style, then add the finishing touches with handbags & accessories. Browse furniture from top brands like Ashley for your home’s every room.
Novello Home Furnishings focuses its efforts on providing quality home furnishings to the Berlin, Barre, and Montpelier areas at a fair price. They are committed to being your trusted partner and style leader for all your home furnishing needs. Upgrade your living room with a new sofa and chair, add a fresh look to your master bedroom with a new storage bed and mattress, or refresh your dining room with a new pub table and stools.
Nightlife
Barre City has so much to offer. Granite Center of the World offers more than just industry. It has a variety of recreational options and convenient downtown shopping.
Volunteers groom trails for winter recreation in the Town Forest every year. Popular activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Hunters also harvest turkey and deer in the Town.
Barre’s Nightclub is a favorite in the area and features karaoke and live music, as well as pool tables. Pair a beer with a burger and tater tot nachos while enjoying the fun. The Country Club of Barre is a top rated course and men’s league play is offered each week. The club is located in a portion of the building that previously housed Aubuchon Hardware.