Dorset, Vermont 05251 Town, Travel, Tourism, & Real Estate Information < Dorset weather. Vermont weather information.
Welcome to Dorset, Vermont. On August 20, 1761, Benning Wentworth, Governor of "The Province of New Hampshire," by royal grant created the township of "Dorsett" out of virgin forest. Under the terms of the grant, two yearly fairs could be held and a market could be established as soon as there were "50 families resident and settled thereon."
The Dorset Quarries
The Oldest Marble Quarry in the U.S.
- click photo to enlarge.
Six miles north of busy Manchester, nestled in a high valley made of marble, lies historic Dorset. Marble quarries at the edge of town are said to be the oldest in the nation. Once a major part of Dorset's economy, they are now a haven for swimmers. Marble from these quarries provided stone for the New York City Library and the town's sidewalks and churches.
Long a magnet for artists and sportsmen alike, the town continues to attract talent. The Dorset Playhouse is home to the Dorset Theater Festival (all summer long), and host to the Dorset Players (all year long). The Dorset Colony is housed in a turn-of-the-century mansion and provides novelists and poets a place to work. There are several wonderful inns and B&Bs in Dorset including the beautiful and historic Dorset Inn (see photo above) offers superb dining and inn accommodations. Sportsmen come to enjoy the incredible fishing on the Battenkill River. Orvis, the famous maker of fly-fishing equipment, apparel, and outerwear, is located just south of Dorset in Manchester. Peltier's General Store - located in the center of town, and the Dorset Inn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dorset VT Population: 2,025
County: Bennington county Vermont
Chartered: August 20, 1761
Area: 29,504 acres
The Dorset Inn, Serving traditional New England Hospitality for over 200 years with gracious lodging, gourmet dining, and exceptional American wines. Welcoming guests since 1796, the Dorset Inn is Vermont's oldest continuously operated inn. It has recently undergone extensive renovation and restoration resulting in a successful blending of existing colonial elements with just the right amount of modern conveniences. Befitting the 18th century atmosphere, an outstanding honest American Fare is offered featuring the talents of Chef/Owner Sissy Hicks (a Three-Star "Excellent" rated chef by Mobil Travel Guide). Visit www.dorsetinn.com or e-mail for more information.