Barre is a hardworking town with an old-school working-class feel. It’s a union stronghold with an underlying foodie spirit.
After the War of 1812,the granite industry took off and helped shape the city. You can learn more about it at Hope Cemetery,where Giuliano finds magnificent examples of stone carvers’ work.
History
Barre VT has a long and rich history,with a strong granite industry,and access to the great outdoors. The state capital is located in the town,as are a number of historic downtown districts.
In 1900,Italian immigrants brought a radical,anarchist labor movement to the city,which was then known as “The Granite Center of the World.” The old Socialist Labor Party Hall still stands.
By the turn of the century,the city was noted as Vermont’s most diverse municipality. The granite industry was booming,and the Barre Opera House was a cultural focal point,with appearances by Helen Keller,Annie Sullivan,socialist Eugene Debs and others.
Environment
Historically,the wind in Barre has blowed from the north at an average speed of 12.3 mph (20.4 kph). The month of July has the lowest average wind speed at 8.4 mph (13.5 km/h).
On average,it rains or snows in Barre 27% of the time. This is based on historical weather data from 4 nearby meteorological stations.
The growing season lasts for 4.6 months from around May 11 to October 4,with an average daytime shortwave solar energy per square meter above 5.6 kWh. Barre has two travel scores: the tourism score favors clear,rainless days,and the beach/pool score favors warm temperatures with perceived humidity below 80%.
Arts & Culture
Barre is a tight-knit town with a vibrant cultural scene. Residents of Barre are proud of their town’s rich history and appreciate its granite heritage. The Rock of Ages granite quarry and the Hope Cemetery – an outdoor art gallery featuring memorials and sculptures carved from local stone – showcase the city’s enduring heritage.
Sculptures crafted for the annual RockFire festival celebrate the arts,fire and Barre granite. Vermont History Center offers a look at the rich history of Vermont with its many collections. These include the documents that admitted the state to the Union,and an atlas of the Revolutionary War.
Food & Drink
Barre is more than just the “Granite Centre of the World.” Convenient downtown shopping,a variety of recreation opportunities,great schools and diverse housing options make it an ideal location to call home.
Situated on Depot Square in historic downtown Barre,Quarry Kitchen & Spirits offers appetizers,salads,dinner specials and more! In the dining room,or at the bar,you can enjoy local Vermont beer and wine.
Instacart’s same-day alcohol deliveries will deliver your favorite drinks to your hotel room,vacation rental,or Airbnb. See our alcohol delivery service page for more details.
Nightlife
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cocktail or a pint of beer with friends,Barre has plenty of options for you. Many bars also offer live music,karaoke and other activities. Some bars are great for families while others cater to adults.
Each March,families participate in Freezing Fun for Families a winter softball tournament at the regulation amateur softball field. The proceeds go to local families with children who have cancer.
Barre has a vibrant golfing community,which plays weekly leagues. Golf clubs in the area are a great place to practice your skills.
Education
Barre,with its close-knit communities and focus on education is a great place to raise your family. Barre has a robust public school system,which offers an excellent education to all students.
Last fall,the district superintendent proposed an increase in budget of 8.6%. However,the board has reduced it to a request for a 1.5% that will be put before voters at Town Meeting Day. Some residents think the increase is excessive,while others say that the district faces rising costs and staff shortages.
Housing
Across the state,hundreds of people have lost their homes to flooding this month. Social service providers are scrambling to find shelter options for those displaced.
Barre is home to a Public Housing Agency,which operates affordable housing programs with federal assistance. For information on openings,visit their page with waiting lists.
The median income in Barre is 3.4 times higher than the home prices. Zillow’s home trends and values can be explored to learn how they have changed over the years. You can also connect with a local agent to learn more about buying and selling power in the area.
