The Dorset Inn Vermont

Back in late July when my parents and I spent a long weekend together in Vermont, my aunt suggested that I return in the Fall with my brother instead. Since I was a few glasses of wine into the evening, I thought this sounded like a wonderful suggestion. Within minutes I’d texted my brother and organized a brother/sister bonding weekend in Vermont. Even though this decision meant that I missed out on Fitbloggin’ this weekend and had to sell my ticket to the lovely Amanda, I couldn’t be happier with this late night decision.

The weekend is only half way done and already we’ve had just the weekend Ryan and I needed together. Since he lives down in Savannah still we don’t get to see much of each other and in typical boy fashion, he doesn’t love chatting on the phone. The amount we shared with each other and talked about in just the first hour of the weekend was more than we’d ever discuss on the phone.

After a work meeting in New Jersey on Thursday, I drove north through New York and into Vermont on my own. The drive was a little under four hours and even with some of the traffic I hit leaving New Jersey and going through Albany it was a really fun trip. I spent some time on the phone with a few of my girlfriends, rocked out to some Mumford and Sons and Dave Matthews Band, enjoyed the scenery and even pulled over for a few pictures. There was something serene and relaxing about the trip. Maybe it’s because Bo and I don’t have a car in the city but I really miss the act of driving. Not commuting, but just driving.

As soon as I pulled into the driveway we headed right back out for dinner at one of our local favorites, The Dorset Inn. Continually operated for more than 200 years, the inn offers comfort food, a wonderful wine selection, a small bar area, and comfortable rooms for guests and locals alike.

The Dorset Inn is a short drive away from Manchester and as soon as you walk through the doors of the Inn the stress melts away.  The one thing that always impresses me with the Inn is the level of service you receive regardless of the day or hour. We were one of the last patrons on Thursday night and they never ceased to amaze me with the service. We asked if the fireplace could be turned on since it was below 50 outside and would put us in the Autumn mood. Within minutes our wish was answered! We enjoyed a two hour dinner filled with non-stop chatter as we caught up over some delicious food and were warmed by the fireplace.

We dug into the warm sourdough bread almost immediately since we were all starving by 8pm.

Since I had a run the next day I passed on wine and instead focused my attention on eating. While Ryan and Rusty shared the Caesar salad and mussels, I enjoyed the heirloom tomato salad which was dressed with the richest balsamic syrup. So delicious! I also stole a sardine or two from their salad as this is always my favorite part of a Caesar salad!

It took me longer to decide on an entrée as their only pasta dish was a 3 cheese macaroni and cheese which I didn’t think would pair well with a long run the next morning. But, as soon as the waiter overheard us discussing my run, he offered to have the chef make an alternate pasta dish. I was elated and excited that I wouldn’t have to forego my normal pre-long run pasta. Ryan and Rusty on the other hand enjoyed divine dinners of scallops and steak. My mouth watered as they devoured the rich entrees. I was presented with a pasta and vegetable pasta dish including rabbit sausage as the protein. I appreciated the chef’s effort but quickly realized that unfortunately the pasta didn’t include a sauce. Instead it was dressed with a heavy hand pour of olive oil in which the pasta was floating.

The rich pesto, vegetables, pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes were delicious but the sausage wasn’t palatable. I guess rabbit just isn’t our thing because none of us cared for it. Before I made it halfway through the dish I realized that it was entirely too rich and was unfortunately already giving me a bit of a stomach ache. But, in the restaurant’s defense, they did their best to accommodate my needs and the other two entrees, especially the scallops, were fantastic!

I can’t wait to come back to Dorset Inn over Christmas when we’re up here. I’m sure sipping a hot toddy or glass of wine by the roaring fire while the snow is falling outside would be the perfect end to any evening.