The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Vermont That Is Worth the Day Trip

Vermont might be a small state, but it still has many unique geographical locales. The city of Burlington is a great urban area, with tons of things to do and amazing places to eat. Then, around the rest of the state, you'll find a vast landscape filled with charming small towns and beautiful forests and mountains. Exploring that area can reap some amazing rewards—and if you make your way to West Dover, not far from the New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts borders, you'll be rewarded with a visit to a historic restaurant in Vermont that's been holding court for almost 200 years. The 1846 Inn & Tavern, located in the West Dover Inn, is one of our favorite restaurants in Vermont and has earned an excellent reputation for its rustic charm and its elevated American cuisine. When you dine here, you're not just enjoying a meal; you're dining with history.

South Vermont is an amazing place, but few people outside the Green Mountain State have explored it fully. If they've visited, it's probably to vacation at one of the state's acclaimed ski resorts. Those are well worth the visit—but make sure to venture out and explore some of the unique small towns around the area!

West Dover is one of my favorite spots in the state thanks to its rustic design and small-town charm. It happens to be home to the 1846 Inn & Tavern, a restaurant that was first opened as a tavern in... you guessed it, 1846! The building has been completely renovated since, and now operates as a small hotel with an acclaimed restaurant that hasn't lost its old-school charm.

The menu changes regularly, but you can expect a full menu of American classics given a little extra flair by the talented chefs. Fish and chips, honey-glazed salmon, and a pappardelle made with fresh pasta brought in from Durum in Boston are among the current highlights.

And of course, you can't end the meal without dessert! The offerings change regularly, just like the main menu, but the restaurant's offerings are always decadent and delicious. The restaurant also offers an extensive menu of craft beer and wine, making it the perfect place for a special night out or to catch up with friends. It's not often you find a restaurant of this quality in a small town, but Vermont is just built differently that way.

Have you visited the small town of West Dover to dine at the 1846 Inn & Tavern? If not, tell a friend about this article and visit this historic restaurant in Vermont for a memorable dinner! You can see the current menu on the 1846 Inn & Tavern website, and the 1846 Inn & Tavern Facebook page has some more incredible photos of the food! The restaurant is located in a working hotel, so go ahead and book a room on the West Dover Inn website if you want to spend the night. It makes a great home base if you want to pay a visit to Stratton Mountain, which is only half an hour away and one of the state's top recreation destinations.