Photo credit: Suzy Allman / The New York Times / Redux
The rest of the world can take pride in their swimming pools. Here in America, we take pride in our swimmin' holes. And one of the most quintessential is the Dorset Quarry. The area just off Route 30 was first mined in 1785 by Isaac Underhill, making it the country's oldest quarry. Today it's abandoned and full of nothing but cool mountain water. On hot summer days, locals gather to sun on the rocks, take a lazy dip or do flips off the rocky cliffsides — some of which rise to more than 40 ft. Flinging yourself off one is nerve-racking, but at least you won't have to worry about sharks once in the water. We don't think, anyway. Admission: free