The Valentines Phantom

By Nicholas Ward

Photo by Nicholas Ward 2020

If you find yourself in beautiful city of Montpelier, Vermont around February 14th you might

encounter the mysterious Montpelier Valentine’s Day Phantom.

Just two hours south of Montreal Montpelier makes for a picturesque and relaxing Valentines

getaway.

Once a year the (presumably) masked vigilante stalks the streets of Montpelier, plastering red love

hearts wherever they go. No one knows for certain who they are. Though the local book sellers have

some theories but they like most locals are keeping their mouths shut.

Everyone in Montpelier loves this little outpouring of love.

"Every so often you get someone complain but everyone ignores them! The last complaint was

about recycling. Of course, it'd be about recycling in Vermont" said the local bookstore owner.

The phantom has gotten more brazen in recent years as hearts have appeared everywhere from the

spires of churches to firehouses to the roof of Vermont’s state house.

Montpelier is the smallest state capital in America with just under 10’000 residents. The city is tucked

in the picturesque rolling hills of Vermont home state of the enigmatic Bernie Sanders.

The tiny city with its beautiful turn of the century architecture, and little lanes filled with independent

stores and cafes makes for an idyllic and romantic getaway from the bustle of Montreal.

The hearts persist well into March, though the school children make short work of them after spring

break.

This quirky take on Valentine’s day has been going since 2002. However, some people claim it

started in the 1990’s. And many suspect the original phantom has passed their mantle (or mantles)

on.