The 200-year-old Dorset Union Store stands proudly on the Dorset Village Green.
Photo: Paul Vanderwielen
This historic country store located on the charming Dorset Village Green exudes charm even before you enter. Welcoming touches include stylish green-striped awnings, vibrant seasonal décor, and a large, carved, handsome black bear that beckons you inside. Entering through the tall, dark green doors with large brass handles, it feels as though you have stepped back in time. Established more than 200 years ago in 1816, Dorset Union proudly holds the honor as one of the oldest stores in the country. Over the decades it has maintained its historic reverence and now offers an array of comfort food often combined with a trendy modern flair.
Somehow this store manages to incorporate a bakery, gourmet market, fine wine, deli, and prepared foods—offering homestyle cuisine to go or catered in the comfort of your home or backyard. Everywhere you turn, you are met with homemade, fresh fare whether it’s the scratch-baked cinnamon sugar donuts at the front counter alongside savory scones and croissants or the creative selection of hearty, made-to-order sandwiches and soups in the deli. As you meander through the center aisle past a coffee bar, there’s a lot more to explore on the shelves, including a host of specialty Vermont products, as you make your way to the deli counter that features a wide range of mouthwatering cuisine.
From signature sandwiches to fresh-from-the-oven chicken pot pie, it’s often hard to decide what to order. The Hathaway, named after a former owner, is one of the hot sandwich selections prepared each day. With beechwood-smoked ham, Brie, Granny Smith apples, baby spinach, Vermont cheddar, and whole grain honey mustard on panini grill–pressed ciabatta, the flavors blend perfectly when warmed.
Once you leave this store whether with an armful of deli items, a selection of curated wines, or a stack of sandwiches for a winter picnic, there are many reasons to return.
The flavorful variety of food prepared fresh is evidence that craftsmanship, creativity, and quality of ingredients are top priority. Guided by owners Cindy Loudenslager and Gretchen Schmidt in addition to general managers and chefs Julia and Paul VanDerWielen, you experience an elevated level of well-made food carefully prepared and executed by the 20-plus employees, exuding a family-oriented work environment that is key to their success.
Paul shares, “The store you experience today has evolved to become a lifestyle store for the community reaching far beyond its walls. With an emphasis on preparing elegant comfort food, our accomplished team offers a wide range of sophisticated catering services, from sophisticated dinner parties to backyard barbecues.” Folks often bring in their own serving dishes to be filled with their menu selections that will be delivered to their home complete with craft cocktail bars and service staff.
Once you leave this store whether with an armful of deli items, a selection of curated wines, or a stack of sandwiches for a winter picnic, there are many reasons to return. An everchanging selection of culinary delights hails from this gem located in the heart of the vibrant historic community of Dorset. This landmark country store is well worth the visit and appreciated by the community it serves and visitors alike. And, if you bring in your four-legged furry friend, a free sampling of turkey and crunchy biscuits awaits.
