Vermont’s Year-Round Getaway: A Town Full of Cozy New England Charm and a Charming Swimming Hole

Quaint New England towns tend to get all the attention during the fall season, when the colorful foliage is in full bloom and pumpkin spice lattes are on the menu. But if you’re craving those cozy vibes at any other time of the year, look no further than the tiny town of Dorset, Vermont. Chartered in 1761 — 30 years before Vermont became the union’s 14th state — Dorset is brimming with history, charm, and plenty of things to do.

Thanks to its scenic mountain views, stretching farmlands, and stunning valleys, it’s a beautiful place to visit regardless of what season finds you in the southern Vermont burg. Those vacationing in the summer months, however, will have the opportunity to appreciate some of Dorset’s more famous destinations and attractions, from a unique swimming hole with a fascinating history to a revered performing arts festival.

Tucked into the state’s breathtaking Green Mountain and Finger Lakes region, Dorset sits about an hour east of Saratoga Springs, New York. As such, the Albany International Airport is your best bet if flying in from outside New England. The other major, albeit much smaller, option is the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, just 20 miles from the town. If you’re an out-of-towner looking to tack Dorset onto a larger Boston trip, a flight from Logan International Airport to Rutland will do the trick, putting you in the air for just over an hour.

If you’re planning a trip to southern Vermont, you’ll definitely want to carve out some time to visit the Dorset Marble Quarry. Doubling as one of the country’s best swimming holes and a fascinating historical site, the quarry is a must-see — and must-swim — if you’re in Dorset during May through September. Established in 1785, the commercial quarry was the country’s first, providing materials to the likes of the New York Public Library and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. At 120 yards long, 30 yards wide, and up to 60 feet deep, the watering hole is a paradise for swimmers, sunbathers, and those just looking for the perfect picnicking spot.

Even if you’re not looking to cool off in the chilly water — which only reaches about 50 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day — the quarry is a sightseeing destination you won’t want to miss. Sporting beautiful blue-green water, breathtaking ledges and walls made of marble, and an intoxicating peek at a manmade structure reclaimed by nature, the favorite local spot is massive, majestic, and best appreciated in person. It’s typically open during the summer months, from 9 a.m. till dusk, but if you’re looking for the most up-to-date info, the quarry also maintains a Facebook page with hours, updates, events, and more.