In a scant 18 months, 100 Main has quite literally put Falls Village on the proverbial map: the shop was voted one of the Best Home Stores in America by House Beautiful as well as New England Home’s Design Destination. “It's always been our mission to provide something for everyone,” says van Hengel.

What makes Mizza’s so great? It’s not the décor, which is pretty basic. But don’t get thrown by that. The reason to come is for the food.

Imagine lounging by an exquisite swimming pool perfectly blended into the natural world surrounding it. Envision feeling deeply relaxed and restored within the bucolic Litchfield Hills. For the past 52 years, Dobson Pools has infused life into such dreams by creating more than 2,500 breathtaking backyard oases—pools that are not just refreshing centerpieces, but artistic components of properties throughout Connecticut and beyond.

Meg Harpin purchased The Spa at Litchfield Hills 15 years ago as a 19-year-old aspiring entrepreneur. Having grown up in Litchfield, she was studying in Boston when the opportunity to run a small day spa in her hometown presented itself. Starting with just ten employees, she has since doubled her floor plan, grown the team to almost 40, and has expanded the offerings.

Susan Lerner has been a resident of Litchfield County since 1997 when she and her husband bought a home in New Preston as a weekend retreat from city living. After 18 years of working as a flavor chemist, and an equal amount of time raising her two daughters, she decided to experiment with analog collage.

Throughout the span of more than three decades in the beauty industry, Linda Temkin has mastered many aspects, ranging from hair, massages, and lash extensions, to facials and make-up, but one passion has emerged above the rest: individualized skin care, specifically custom blend liquid foundation.

Under the glow of a chandelier that adds to the quaint, artistic feel of Byrde + the b—an award-winning, full-service luxury salon in Washington Depot, Dorfman beautifies hands and feet while nourishing skin and nails.

Paul Marcarelli, an actor and independent filmmaker, shares some of his favorite things about living in Litchfield County.

The white clapboard structure with the white picket fence suggests a typical New England house. In truth it is a historical building, which has been in existence since the 1900s, and for a time operated as a pharmacy and small grocery.

In an area rife with outstanding restaurants, choosing the best of the best was challenging to say the least.

Here in Litchfield County we are fortunate to have two extraordinary independent bookstores—Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot and House of Books in Kent—both voted favorites in our recent Readers Choice survey.

Today, Steep Rock Preserve boasts 998 acres and miles of hiking trails that follow the undulating river banks and provide access to the towering hills above. Lovers of rich history will be drawn to remnants of the Holiday House Hotel—a vacation retreat for working-class women from New York City—and the 235-foot abandoned railroad tunnel, constructed by hand in the 1870s as part of the Shepaug Valley Railroad.