As a renowned still photographer, Laurie Simmons never photographed people. Her intricate tableaux included dolls and dollhouses, dummies and puppets, yet never a human being. Until 2005.

Kathryn Gallagher knew from an early age she wanted to be a singer-songwriter. “I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t want to be one,” she says. “When I was little we’d be driving somewhere and my mom would say ‘Okay Kathryn, write a song about a bus.’ And I would. I didn’t start writing songs with a guitar until I was in second grade.”

Nestled in the heart of New Preston—at the southern tip of majestic Lake Waramaug—stand a café and market offering a true farm-to-table experience. The Smithys—as they are affectionately called—reflect Steve Shabet’s vision of nourishing the community while showcasing its farmers, artisans, and culinary professionals.

Bunny Williams, author, entrepreneur, and one of the most talented names in design, shares some of her favorite things about Litchfield County. My upbringing in Charlottesville, Virginia was an idyllic one, filled with frequent adventures to beautiful gardens and historic homes.

There are collectors and then there are Tim Donoghue and Tom Fitzsimmons who give new meaning to the word. Their farmhouse in Roxbury is chock-a-block with every imaginable assemblage of objects, from books to teapots to white pottery to lighting fixtures to vintage detective magazines.

If you are not familiar with Erik’s art yet, take note. His photography has won notable awards and he’s a regular contributor to magazines like TIME, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. His Instagram feed features images of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Tony Bennett, Roger Federer, James Harden, Adele, and Joe Biden.

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.