Dorset, Minnesota: The Restaurant Capital of the World

Nestled in the beautiful northern lakes region of Minnesota, 40 miles south of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, is a town like no other-- It is, "The Restaurant Capital of the World." -- and you could become mayor. Though Dorset has an official population of 12, or thereabouts, thousands of tourists and area residents alike travel there during the late spring and summer months to enjoy the food, read the "city newspaper," visit the shops, and, of course, cast their vote for mayor.

What is so great about Dorset, Minnesota?

The Newspaper
When making my annual trip to Dorset, I always have to find a copy of The Dorset Daily Bugle. Though the "newspaper" is put out only once a season, it is loaded with humorous, ostentatious articles, such as, "Dorset City Officials Turn Down Offer to Host 2010 Olympics," or, "City's 15th Shopping Mall to Open on South Side." Articles are written by locals as well as shop and restaurant owners and are always fun to read.

The Food
Yes, Dorset, Minnesota, is known as "The Restaurant Capital of the World" in the north woods of Minnesota. Why? Because in the two blocks which make up the town, there are 4 excellent restaurants that boast variety, ambiance, great food and affordability.

First of all there is Companeros, a Mexican restaurant complete with waitresses in traditional Mexican dresses, a sombrero and a song sung by the staff for anyone having a birthday, free chips and salsa until your heart's content, and let's not forget the fried ice cream and Mexican mud-balls for dessert.

Dorset House is located on the "boardwalk" in downtown Dorset. Known especially for it's old fashioned soda fountain, it also has a tasty buffet and the best pizza around.

La Pasta is for Italian lovers, like me. Reminiscent of The Olive Garden, but on a smaller, quainter scale, it has the warm bread sticks you crave, along with seafood, pastas, salads and wines.

Finally, the Dorset Cafe gives you the typical down home restaurant atmosphere found in every small town across the Midwest. There is a bar, a small game room, and the menu includes chicken, burgers, cheese balls, jojo's, etc.

The Shopping
Dorset offers all of the shopping a tourist with money could want. There is a book store with espresso bar, a furniture and trinket store supplied by local craftsmen and craft women, an Old Time Photo Shop, complete with old west costumes, and numerous other places where you can exchange your tourist dollars for a unique, high-quality piece of memorabilia.

The Accommodations
Though Dorset has a beautiful bed and breakfast, most people chose to stay several miles from the town--on one of the scores of surrounding lakes. There are hundreds of resorts, cabins, and campgrounds for you to choose from, and almost all of them offer jet-skiing, swimming, fishing, canoing and more. The Heartland Trail also runs through Dorset, providing 30+ paved miles for roller bladers, bikers, runners and walkers.

The Politics
Yes, you could be the next mayor of Dorset, Minnesota. In each Establishment in the town you will find a box with a sign that reads, "Vote for Mayor." By paying $1, you can cast a vote for yourself, or for someone else you wish to nominate. You may buy as many tickets as you want and there are no restrictions, as long the thing you are voting for is a breathing being. Recent mayors include an 8-year-old girl and a dog. The mayor is also presented with a "Key to the City."

If your summer plans include a trip to Minnesota, it is worth taking a jaunt to Dorset, Minnesota, located 180 miles north of the Twin Cities.

Visit www.dorsetmn.com for more details.