Carolyn & Hugh
Things To Do
Dorset Marble Quarry
Don't miss taking a dip in the famous Dorset Marble Quarry, which holds the distinction of being the oldest marble quarry in America. It was established in 1785 to provide the Northeastern United States with stone for libraries, mansions, and other buildings. Hugh loves taking a plunge here after a long bike ride with his friends.
Haystack Mountain
Take in a jaw-dropping, 360-degree view of Mettowee Valley with this 3.1-mile out-and-back trail in Pawlet, Vermont. This is a beginner/moderate hike. Hugh and Carolyn did this hike on the day that Hugh proposed!
Mettowee Mint
Wander among hundreds of plants, sip a latte, and browse gardening gifts at Dorset's beautiful plant nursery and cafe. Fun fact: this shop is named after the Mettowee Valley region in which it resides. Almost 5,000 acres of this part of the state has been conserved in partnership with the Vermont Land Trust, for which Carolyn serves as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Gilbert Lookout
Hiking and Gilberts go together like peanut butter and jelly, as evidenced by this lovely lookout named after Carolyn's great great grandfather. This is an advanced 4 mile hike with a great view at the end. Bring water and allow 4 hours. Only have an hour? Go part way up to Gettysburg Quarry, which provided marble for the Battle's fallen soldiers' graves in the late 1860s. Don't miss the viewpoint there and Art's Bench, named in honor of Dorset conservationist, geologist, and hiker Art Gilbert, who is Carolyn's great uncle and who you'll see on the dance floor this weekend!
H. N. Williams Store
Milka highly recommends this general store for buying all your bones and treats. Family-owned and operated since 1840, if this store doesn't have it, you don't need it. It's the perfect place to buy everything from Vermont souvenirs and cold beer to horsefeed and a new chain for your chain saw.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home- Welcome Center
The home of Robert and Mary Lincoln. A museum with Instagramable gardens, a farm, beautiful views, and trail system. Carolyn's late grandmother Peggy volunteered here for many years.
Food and Drinks
The Dorset-Manchester area offers many great places to eat and drink! Some of Carolyn and Hugh's favorite spots include: -The Crooked Ram, an upscale cafe and restaurant where they've enjoyed the last 3 of Carolyn's birthday meals. Amazing pastries. Reservations required for dinner. -Gringo Jack's, awesome Southwestern drinks and food owned by Carolyn's Uncle Jack -RoadRunner, laid back fried chicken sandwich shop -Ponce, a homey restaurant and BYOB -Willoughby's, BEST donut shop around -The Maple Reserve, fancy lattes and creative waffle treats -Mach's, an upscale general store in Pawlet has great sandwiches and deli foods - a beautiful drive to get there! -The Restaurant At Hill Farm, a dreamy, farm-to-table restaurant in Sunderland -Zoey's Double Hex, country kitchen with big portions and good prices; Hugh and Carolyn like to grab dinners here after a big day of skiing -Stewart's and Ben and Jerry's, we'd be remiss not to mention our favorite ice cream spots