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.

Every town needs a place like The Owl. Somewhere people can grab a glass of wine, have a light bite, chat with friends, listen to some live music and—weather permitting—sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy all the above.

Now more than ever, the non-profits in Litchfield County need our help. The following list includes just a handful of organizations that are supporting people and animals every day.

The Blicks from Litchfield were quite taken with the sunburst patterns on a fallen tree due to Tropical storm Isaias. They researched and found woodturner extraordinaire Richard Heys to make something with it. Seeing the beauty that can come from nature lifted the Blick's spirits.

The holidays are a special time around the Litchfield Inn. The hotel is decked in its seasonal finery; a large Christmas tree sits in the lobby adorned with colorful lights and ornaments. It all conspires to create a warm glow for staff and guests. But the real glow is inside those that work at the Inn, including general manager Syed Bokhari.