The Dorset Inn

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Living Piece of Vermont History

Established in 1796, The Dorset Inn holds the distinction of being Vermont's oldest continuously operating inn. Set on the village green in the postcard-perfect town of Dorset, the property has been welcoming guests for over two centuries — and the restaurant and tavern at its heart carry that same unhurried, deeply rooted character.

The Restaurant & Tavern

The on-site restaurant brings farm-to-table American cuisine to an elegant yet casual setting, drawing on the rhythms of Vermont's seasons and local producers. The tavern complements the dining room with craft cocktails and local brews, making it a natural gathering spot whether you're a guest of the inn or simply passing through the valley. Wine Spectator recognized the program with its Award of Excellence, a mark of a thoughtfully assembled cellar that matches the ambition of the kitchen.

Breakfast is woven into the fabric of a stay here — a full, hot meal is included with most room rates, served either at the inn itself or just down the road at The Dorset Bakery, depending on the day.

Setting and Atmosphere

The inn's guest rooms — many with fireplaces, jetted tubs, and four-poster beds — surround a dining experience that feels genuinely residential rather than performative. Common parlors with lending libraries, a firepit with complimentary s'mores kits, and lawn games on garden-like grounds set the tone: this is American hospitality at its most unpretentious and sincere. Outdoor seating, private dining spaces, and full catering round out the offering for events and gatherings.

Dorset itself sits in a mountain valley a short drive from ski resorts and hiking trails, giving the inn's table a strong sense of place — one that Wine Spectator's recognition only reinforces.