Characterized by stately clapboard homes perched atop verdant lawns and along placid waterways, Dorset epitomizes classic New England style. Scenic in every season, this small town is especially stunning in the resplendent colors of autumn. Dorset is the perfect place to reconnect with Mother Nature. There's nothing quite as refreshing as a breath of fresh Green Mountain air, as soothing as a spring breeze rustling through the grass, or as sweet as traditional Vermont maple sugar candy. Even a quick stay at one of our Dorset vacation rentals will leave you feeling invigorated, relaxed, and eager to return.
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Yes. 53 of our Dorset vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Dorset team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Amateur photographers will take delight in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife, while zen benders and soul searchers will surely find their bliss in Dorset's tranquil hills. Winding roads make perfect walking and biking routes, so getting outside to enjoy the picturesque surroundings is easy. In the summer, essential activities include walking to the Pinnacle (a stone tower erected in 1910 with phenomenal views), taking a dip in the Norcross-West quarry, and perusing the farmer's market for local fruits and veggies on Sundays. Bring your binoculars along for impromptu bird-watching along the way.
Dorset boasts a rich history of visual and performing arts. The Dorset Theater Festival presents a series of professional theatrical productions during the summer and has garnered national recognition for its performances. The Southern Vermont Artists, originally titled the "Dorset artists" curate the lovely Yesterhouse Galleries. Visit the Congregational Church in town to admire the scintillating jewel-toned light refracting through ethereally beautiful stained glass windows. For a true taste of local artistry, hop from studio to studio of area painters, potters, stencilers, and cabinet-makers.
Enthusiastic visitors seeking a unique Dorset adventure will love the challenge of embarking on and completing the Dorset scavenger hunt. Even if you don't feel like formally competing, using the list as a guide for a self-lead tour is a great way to see the best of this town.
When the flakes fly and Dorset turns into an ice-glazed winter wonderland, snow bunnies flock to nearby Bromley (12 miles away) and Stratton (22 miles away) Mountains. Hit the trails at Merck Forest and Emerald Lake State Park for some quality snow shoeing, or lace up your skates for a leisurely glide across Prentiss Pond in downtown Dorset.
While staying at a Dorset vacation rental, you'll feel lured by the many surrounding New England adventures. Gather your friends and pack the van for a VT roadie. Farthest north, about 93 miles, is eclectic and scenic Burlington on the glittering Lake Champlain. Laid-back and lovely Woodstock awaits with fresh powder on the slopes of the Suicide Six ski resort about 63 miles northeast. Killington boasts world-class skiing , kid-friendly outdoor activities, and the American classic that is the Norman Rockwell Museum.
The alluring beauty of Dorset is undeniably irresistible in all seasons. Whether you choose to enjoy it on skis, snowshoes, on bike, or through the lens of a camera, we're sure you'll find inspiration and rejuvenation in the idyllic, maple covered hills of this charming town when you book a stay in one of our lovely Vermont vacation rentals!
Photo credit: Lynne Albright via Shutterstock