If you love charming small towns, great food, and beautiful views, then we have the day trip for you! Just one hour from Glens Falls sits the lovely town of Dorset, Vermont and it’s one of our favorite Sunday drives. Read on for some of our top picks while in town…
EAT + DRINK
Mach’s Market: The market of our dreams! You’ll run into Mach’s on your way to Dorset in Pawlet, Vermont. Filled to the brim with everything you could ever want - fresh baked goods, local meat and cheese, wine and craft beer, not to mention their delicious to-go menu! We always order a sandwich to take with us for a picnic at Merck Forest or to enjoy on one of the picnic tables on the Dorset Green. A must!
Dorset Inn + Barrows House: For a delicious meal, drink, or to stay the night, these restaurants / inns would be our top picks in Dorset. We love to drive out on a summer or fall afternoon for a drink on the porch at the Dorset Inn, overlooking the Green, or for a cocktail by the fire on the patio at Barrows House. Owned by the same group, the food is delicious at both restaurants (though we have a soft spot for the cozy atmosphere in the Tavern at the Dorset Inn).
Dorset Union Store: Another favorite, we never leave without one (okay, a couple) of their Ginger Molasses cookies. A quintessential general store, there’s a little bit of everything - an awesome deli in the back, baked goods in front, and all the kitchen essentials stacked neatly on the old wooden shelves. Grab a sandwich (or, ahem, a cookie) and enjoy it on the picnic tables on the Green just outside the door.
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SEE, DO + SHOP
3 Pears Gallery: Beautifully curated with fine art, we love strolling through the gallery to see what’s new - and we often recognize the names of some of our favorite Washington County artists while we’re there! The gallery rotates seasonally, so there’s always something new to see.
Merck Forest and Farmland Center: The view driving up the hill on the approach to the Visitor’s Center is almost worth the trip alone, and what’s waiting for you inside is even better. A quick walk down Old Town Road reveals the gorgeous farm, and more of the amazing view. Pack a picnic from Mach’s Market or the Dorset Union Store and grab a picnic table overlooking Harwood Barn (and the sheep and chickens below!), or explore some of the trails ranging from easy to difficult (maps here). If camping is your thing, they offer cabins, shelters, and dispersed camping, too!
The Kitchen Store at JK Adams: Well known for their beautiful cutting and serving boards (crafted right onsite!), they also curate and stock the very best products for cooking, baking, and home at their Kitchen Store. Always a favorite when we’re in town!
Dorset Farmers Market: We love to stop at local farmers markets when we’re on the road, and the Dorset Market is always a treat. From flowers to fresh produce and bread to local artisan goods, you’ll definitely end up bringing home an armful. Held at the HN Williams General Store during the warmer months, the market just moved indoors to the woodworking shop at JK Adams for the fall and winter season. Sundays from 10am-2pm!
Flower Brook Pottery: A working studio and a gift shop, they specialize in both pottery for daily use and for display (with a selection of the sweetest custom pieces, too!). Only open Tuesday - Thursday or by appointment, so plan ahead if you are visiting!
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Until next time, Dorset! If you have any area favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!
P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.
