Location: Dorset
Top Things to do in Dorset
Top 10 Things to do in Dorset, United States
Dorset is a town in Bennington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 2,031 at the 2010 census. Dorset is famous for being the location of Cephas Kent's Inn, where four meetings of the Convention that signed the Dorset Accords led to the independent Vermont Republic and future statehood. Dorset is home to America's oldest marble quarry and is the birthplace of Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. East Dorset is the site of the Wilson House and the Griffith Library.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Historic home of Robert Lincoln, only child of President and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. The estate has beautiful gardens, restored 1903 wooden Pullman palace car, goat farm and cheesemaking facility, 12+ miles of walking trails, teaching greenhouse and cross-country skiing in winter.
Reviewed By ChinadollRVC - New York City, New York
My husband just happened on Hildene while poking around online. Our interest in American history has piqued (thanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda!) and as a result we’ve started visiting many points of interest in the Northeast, not all relating to the Revolutionary War. We’ve been to Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Gettysburg, FDR’s home and museum in Hyde Park, NY and Roosevelt Island in NYC.
When we found out that President Lincoln’s son, Robert, his only son to live to adulthood, we knew we had to visit. Hildene is just a few miles from the Equinox Resort on Main Street, our Manchester address. It’s set on 500 acres, and in addition to the home and gardens, there’s also a visitor’s center and gift shop, and a gloriously restored Pullman railroad car because Robert Lincoln was the company’s president for a time.
The home was built in the early 1900s as a family home. We were fortunate to visit at a time of year where visitors were scant, and practically had a private tour. The second floor of the home also has a small museum dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, including his top hat and dressing room mirror, which it is thought, is the last looking glass in which Lincoln looked at his reflection before heading to Ford’s Theater.
Unfortunately, the gardens are rather bare in February, and there’s a working farm with small farm animals, but Spring and Summer are better viewing times for those highlights.
2. Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Merck Forest and Farmland Center is a non-profit educational institution with a mission to teach and to demonstrate the benefits of innovative sustainable management of forest and farmland. We offer a variety of seasonal recreational opportunities including rustic backcountry cabins and campsites for rent and over 30 miles of forest trails for recreational hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. We produce farm and forest products for sale and Vermont-Certified-Organic maple syrup. We conduct educational programs specializing in environmental sciences, sustainable agriculture and silviculture for students, adults and apprentices. Through education we seek to encourage our visitors to engage in the activities of a working landscape, and to become good stewards of the land.
Reviewed By Joseph B - Boston, Massachusetts
We went camping here in one of their cabins for a long weekend. This place was awesome, the cabins are well maintain and have plenty of sleeping space and a wood stove to heat the cabins during the winter. We loved the place. The view...MoreThank you for your positive review. We hope that you'll be back soon! You might try a cabin stay in the wintertime -- there's nothing like the peace and quiet of a mountain cabin in the winter.
3. Bromley Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Winter is for skiers and boarders; summer is for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of activities including golf and America's longest "Alpine Slide", at this mountain, a favorite with the locals.
Reviewed By Mikeb1Falmouth_MA - Falmouth, MA
As seniors, my wife and I were content to watch our 12 year old twins enjoy the Bromley experience. They especially enjoyed the alpine slide and the water slide.
4. Mount Equinox
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Drive this scenic mountain which is also used as a outdoor classroom for the study of various species of plants and animals. At 5.2 miles, the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is the longest privately owned paved toll road in the U.S. Those who prefer to hike can pick up a trail map at the Toll House. At the top of the mountain is our new Saint Bruno Scenic Viewing Center packed with info about Equinox Mountain and the Carthusian Monks. The private property which is 7,000 acres is owned by the Carthusain monks. A cloistered order of Catholic monks. There is the Catholic gift shop at the bottom of the mountain and also souvenirs from your trip.
Reviewed By LiketoeatCincinnati - Cincinnati
Must take this road. It is not too difficult as it is well maintained and all paved; just go down in low gear. The views are great and it is worth an hour or so. The admission fee goes to the monks.
5. Emerald Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Matt M - Glen Rock, Pennsylvania
Came across this little gem on our recent trip through New England. Nothing fancy, but very enjoyable. More than reasonable rates, nice and quiet. Yes, Rt. 7 runs nearby and you can hear it...but it is situated away from most other built up areas. The town of Manchester isn't far, and offers some great restaurant choices if you want a break from campfire meals. The lake itself is simply outstanding...cool, clear, and not terribly crowded even on the weekend we were there. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The campsites are well maintained and surprisingly private for how close most are. I would highly recommend Emerald Lake SP!
6. Mad Tom Orchard
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Mike L
We have been here for apple season in the past as well as raspberries, and this year cherries. The apples were great tasting (try not to miss the honey crisps when they are in season) and we definitely enjoyed the cherries and raspberries. The location offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The owners love their orchard and are extremely friendly and helpful. They keep their website up to date with conditions so you know what fruit is available before you go.
7. Equinox Preservation Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, Massachusetts
This was beyond our wildest expectations. We were a bit hesitant before committing to the drive, but were blown away by it. On this crystal clear fall afternoon the view was breathtaking. There are several viewing stops on the way up which offer an ever increasingly awe inspiring vistas. It is also a good idea to rest your engine. The drive up requires a bit of skill and the ride down require steady nerves and even more skill. The advise given should be followed to the T. Regardless of the effort the reward for it is well worth it. Once at the top, the visitors center gives a comprehensive time line of the history of the center and the monks and monastery and the relation between them. There is a very small chapel which should be given a bit of time to.
It's worth every dime>
8. Dorset Theatre Festival
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Gyrfalcn - Boston
Our first visit to this delightful venue in beautiful Dorset was simply great. As devoted Sherlockians, we couldn't resist traveling to Vermont for this season's premier of "Baskerville". The performance was entertaining and wonderful. Dorset is a stunning northern New England village, and its delightful theater will be a reason for many return trips!
9. Wildwood Berry Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The Wildwood Berry Farm is a U-Pick Blueberry Farm in southwestern Vermont. Guests can spend as much time as they like picking blueberries in a scenic setting. Blueberries are priced per pound. Don't forget to try the homemade world famous fresh fruit popsicles. Families are welcome.
Reviewed By loonat64 - Arlington, Vermont
A bit off the beaten path (a bit down a dirt road) you'll find this lovely berry farm. Well maintained, mowed nicely, easy parking available close to the picking grounds, friendly owners, and bushes loaded with berries! I will definitely be back!
10. Lye Brook Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By James H - Opelika, Alabama
The path was a slight incline at the beginning but gradually turned into quite a workout. The scenery was beautiful and the path was well marked. The path gets very rocky at times and I highly recommend that you wear proper shoes. Trail shoes or hiking boots are a very good idea...I wore a casual sneaker...not a good choice. The falls at the end of the path was very nice...kinda trickling down this time of year...probably a lot more water in the springtime. The area around the falls also became very crowded...people and dogs. A few people hiked with children...saw one or two as young as 4 or 5. Overall, a great afternoon in the woods.
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