What’s In My Bag

Nestled in the Green Mountains, just north of Manchester, is the small town of Dorset VT. Lined with white marble sidewalks that have been drawn from the Dorset Query, Dorset VT has to be one of the cutest towns in New England.

Stealing the show for center stage, the Dorset Green is lined with white clapboard houses with porches exhibiting remarkable seasonal displays. If New England towns had superlatives then Dorset Vermont would definitely win best porch design! In fact, Dorset is so picturesque that I couldn’t help to pull up Zillow to explore realty options

During my stay in Dorset VT, I settled in to the cheerful Barrows House Inn , not even a block away from the Dorset green. Originally belonging to a Reverend, it has multiple buildings on the property; including a stable, a chicken coop that have been turned into guest rooms. along with a couple of other buildings outside the main house that have all been renovated and updated for a charming New England stay. I stayed in the Finch’s Folly, which is a great spacious room with a luxuriously comfortable bed, and a double sided gas fireplace allowing you to peer into the sitting area. The bathroom had been updated with a black and white Victorian style floor beautifully matching the marble sink and huge walk-in shower.

It was so darling – I just wanted to curl up in edit photos in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine.

The first day I walked down to the Dorset Inn, the Barrrow’s House sister property, to enjoy dinner.

The Dorset Inn is a more traditional New England property featuring late 18th century style furniture, plaid wallpapers, tartan pillows, leather textures, and everything that makes New England reminiscent of the United Kingdom.

I started my meal with the mussels and moved on to the scallops which were done in a Portuguese style, with a side of fresh winter vegetables that were just delicious! I had spaghetti squash with a maple syrup glaze that was heavenly.

Upon arriving back to my room I threw on my plaid L.L. Bean flannel pajamas turned on the fireplace and settled in for an early evening.

Next morning, I found myself back at the doorstep of the Dorset Inn, where Barrow’s House guests are treated to a warm home cooked breakfast in a brightly lit garden room. Here I enjoyed sipping on coffee while dining on fresh Apple Cinnamon pancakes and planning out my day.

Dorset, Vermont Video

Since rain was coming, I decided to get out and do a couple of drives before I was trapped inside. My adventure started with the Dorset Hollow road loop (Upper Hollow Road and Lower Hollow Road) which I have decided is my new dream home area. This road showcases the scenes Vermont is so well known for – sweeping views, fall foliage, stunning New England architecture, and wide open farm fields.

After finishing up there, I drove down to the Dorset query. This is America’s oldest marble query and has become a popular swimming hole in the area, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by granite and marble. It’s easy to jump into the deep waters to cool off in the summer heat. The large rock ledges pose a great juxtaposition to the fall color behind it

I made my way to lunch at Dorset Rising – which is a phenomenal cafe. They serve breakfast and lunch, while having the most delicious apple cider donuts I’ve tried in Vermont (trust me I’ve tried quite a few! And yeah,
if you’re a coffee nerd – their coffee is spectacular.

Finishing up I headed out to Darby Mountain Road. Which is another drive not too far away, from Barrow’s House Inn with dramatic views of New England countryside. On this road you’ll find lots of fall color with horses meandering through lush green fields. If you’re lucky, you might even come across a few apple trees with fresh apples.

I finished off the day back at the Barrow’s House Inn in front of the warm fire with a cup of hot tea before enjoying a delightful meal at the Barrow’s House Restaurant, where the chef has created a menu full of delectable Vermont seasonal flavors along with a modern flare.

I began with the tuna poke appetizer and WOW. Fresh tuna, paired with avocado mousse, sticky rice, seaweed salad, wasabi and wonton chips with ginger and ponzu sauce – my mouth is watering just writing about it!

As I waited on my dinner I enjoyed a glass of wine while listening to live music – a fantastic banjo player sat in the corner of the tap room playing the most beautiful songs. I wasn’t quite sure what to order I asked the chef to pick my dinner. I was presented with the seafood gumbo which had lobster added in for a classic New England flavor. It was the perfect pairing with my pinot noir and the cold fall night!

The bartender talked me into dessert – a fresh apple cinnamon crepe with homemade whipped cream that made every bite melt in your mouth.

I ordered a glass to go and headed up to Finch’s Folly full and happy. I was already dreaming of the perfect cup of fresh roasted coffee I’d enjoy at Dorset Rising in the morning before heading on to Burlington, Vermont.

Although small, Dorset VT is big on beauty, mountain views and delicious fresh Vermont farm to table food, quickly asserting itself is one of my favorite New England towns.

If you have extra time I highly recommend going into Manchester. You can read more about that town here – A New England Guide: Manchester VT Fall Foliage Tour.

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This Dorset VT trip was in partnership with the Barrow’s House Inn.  I’m so thankful to them for welcoming me as their guest.  as always, all opinions are my own.