Things to do around Dorset, Vermont
Below you’ll find recommendations of some of our favorite things to do in a place that is near and dear to our hearts. We hope you enjoy the beauty of the Green Mountain State!
Swimming Holes
Allie and Colin’s favorite thing about Vermont in the summer is the abundance of awesome swimming holes. Bring a few beverages and do as they do!
Dorset Quarry - Dorset, VT
The Dorset Quarry is the oldest commercial marble quarry in the U.S. and provided marble for major projects in New England and New York, including the New York Public Library and Brown University. The quarry is now a famed 60-foot-deep swimming hole with cliffs to jump off of. The Dorset Quarry holds many fond memories in Allie’s childhood.
Parking costs $15 to support keeping the quarry clean and open to the public, or get dropped off for free access. No alcohol is allowed, so please be discrete.
Silver Bridge, White Rocks - Mt. Tabor, VT
Tiered swimming holes in the Big Branch River. This is an awesome spot, but the water is cold!
Cutler Memorial Forest - Dorset, VT
For those staying in Dorset, this local’s swimming hole provides an easy place to cool off. Just a 2-minute walk from the parking lot, there are a few great holes in the stream. This spot is shaded and the water is very cold; not for the faint of heart but great to cure you’re Sunday morning blues.
Hiking & Walks
Little Rock Pond
This is Allie’s favorite hike in the area! Located on the Appalachian Trail, this 5.2 mile round-trip hike takes you to a gorgeous spring-fed pond which you can loop around. Head to the far side of the pond, towards the rock cliffs, to enjoy the views or go for a swim.
Dorset Hollow
A nice, country road walk or run in Dorset. This six-mile loop, formed by the Upper and Lower Hollow Roads, is a scenic (mostly) dirt road with little traffic, great views, and pretty real estate. Park at the lower intersection of the two roads.
Haystack - Pawlet, VT
Enjoy 630-degree views of Bald and Little Mountains, rolling hills, and the Mettowee Valley on this fairly quick, 3.5-mile out and back hike. The trailhead begins at the Waite Rd and Tunket Rd intersection; park along Waite Rd just past the intersection and then walk up Tunket Rd. There is not parking up Tunket Rd.
Equinox Pond - Manchester, VT
For an easy stroll in Manchester, park past Burr & Burton (Allie’s high school!) on West Union St. at the Equinox trailhead. This loop is around 2.4 miles with limited elevation gain. The Equinox trail system has many other trails if you want to take a bigger hike here. Adding Robin’s Lookout on to the loop was one of Allie’s favorites back in the day.
Restaurants
The Crooked Ram - Manchester, VT
Cafe, lunch, and dinner. The Crooked Ram offers fabulous, inspired food and drink. They have great coffee and pastries in the morning, but where they really shine is lunch and dinner in “The Yard.” Enjoy amazing pizzas, raw bar, salads, and drinks in their covered outdoor area. Reservations.
The Barrows House - Dorset, VT
For those staying in Dorset, the Barrows House offers a nice bar and dinner options.
Dorset Bakery - Dorset, VT
For those staying in Dorset, Dorset Bakery is a great option for morning coffee, pastries, and breakfast.
Other food & drink
Sunday Farmers Market - Dorset, VT
Enjoy our small-town farmers market across the street from H.N. Williams Store. Pop into H.N. Williams for a classic Vermont country store experience filled with Carharts, maple syrup, Vermont beers, and more.
Saturday Farmers Market - Londonderry, VT
About 25 min “up the hill” from Manchester, peruse the West River Farmers Market from 9am-1pm.
Vermont Beers
Wherever you end up for a drink, here are some of our favorite Vermont beers you can find:
Fiddlehead - Fiddlehead IPA
Hill Farmstead Brewery - Edward
Lawsons’ Brewing - Lil’ Sip
Long Trail Brewing - Long Trail Ale
Maple Creemees
A Vermont specialty… An extra creamy maple soft serve served at many places. Grab one at the Dorset Union Store, The Maple Reserve, or any side of the road creemee stand.
Greater Vermont
There is so much to do and see in Vermont in the summer. If you are travelling beyond the Dorset/Manchester area before or after the wedding, please let Colin and Allie know and they would love to provide more recommendations.