Dorset Union Store: The heart of the hamlet
When we explore MoxieTowns, we always look for the heart of a town. The charming hamlet of Dorset is such a wonderful example of how a patch of green and a warm general store can be the arms that welcome visitors and locals alike. When we first visited Dorset, the general store was operating under the name of Peltier’s Market. Completely taken by the creaky wood floors, the fresh, local food, and the bell that rings as you enter and leave, we wanted to replicate this again and again. But, alas, an institution like this takes at least a lifetime!
The name has changed back to the original, the Dorset Union Store. We found a wonderful history on the Discover Dorset Vermont page and encourage you to read more about this wonderful store. Clearly, it is being loved into a new chapter by its current owners!
As of today, the Dorset Union Store is open and thriving, serving as a beloved hub for the Dorset community. The store is open for both in-store shopping and curbside pick-up from Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and on Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
The Dorset Union Store has managed to modernize its offerings while retaining its old Vermont country store charm. It offers a variety of Vermont-made products, homemade frozen dinners, a delectable coffee bar, fresh meat, a full-service deli, and more[3]. A bell still greets visitors when they walk through the door, and the weathered wood floors still crack and creak under your steps.
In July 2023, the store entered a new phase with the hiring of new general managers, Paul and Julia Van Der Wielen, who have a passion for food and have earned Le Grand Diplome de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu. They have plans to expand and revamp the wine room, increase the catering business, and upgrade the coffee area.. They have already guided the store to expand their product offerings, filling the shelves with new sauces, pastas, chips, salsas, and more.
The Dorset Union Store continues to be a central part of the Dorset community and, quite candidly, we cannot imagine Dorset without it.
