Best of the Connecticut Northwest Hills | Editors’ Choice Awards

From a scenic day hike to the best cinnamon sugar muffins, here’s a look at our picks for some of the best things to do, plus where to eat, shop, and stay in the Connecticut Northwest Hills.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE CONNECTICUT NORTHWEST HILLS

Best Car Experience: Lime Rock Park, Lakeville “Road to 60” improvement projects underway since 2014 are nearly complete, as racing legend Skip Barber’s historic auto track zooms toward its 60th anniversary in 2017. This summer, there are four major close-to-the-action spectator events, including the Ferrari Challenge, plus near-daily on-track activities for visitors to observe, Fourth of July fireworks, and driving experiences such as Autocross, open to anyone in any car—even your family-mobile. 60 White Hollow Road. 860-435-5000; limerock.com Best Short Hike: Haystack Mountain State Park, Norfolk The 360-degree view from the Rapunzel-esque stone tower atop Haystack Mountain is worth the half-hour or so of exertion it takes to scramble to the summit. From the parking area, the short, steep, uphill hike is doable for most abilities. At 1,716 feet above sea level, the landscape seems to gleam and glow. Write a fairytale ending by packing a picnic or plotting a proposal. Route 272. 860-482-1817; www.ct.gov/deep/HaystackMountain Best Artists’ Community: Whiting Mills, Winsted A dozen years after Jean Paul and Eva Blachere began repurposing a 19th-century brick sock factory, its wood floors gleam, sunlight spills through 6-over-6 windows, and a critical mass of artists, craftspeople, and creative entrepreneurs makes this a one-of-a-kind shopping destination. The 52 studios’ hours vary; time your visit for “Third Sundays” to view demonstrations and meet most on-site artisans, like gourd carver Jeanne Morningstar Kent. 100 Whiting St. 860-738-2240; whitingmills.com

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CONNECTICUT NORTHWEST HILLS

Best Country Inn: The White Hart, Salisbury Even the GM wears jeans. But there’s nothing bumpkin about this 16-room 1806 landmark on the green, resuscitated following a four-year closure by a Who’s Who group of investors with ties to the region. Among them is British chef Annie Wayte, whose masterly, experimental way with local ingredients makes Friday and Saturday dinners worthy of a trek. She oversees weekday offerings, too, in the tap room, which—to locals’ glee—remains unchanged. Rates: from $225. 15 Undermountain Road. 860-435-0030; whitehartinn.com Best Resort: Interlaken Inn, Lakeville Situated between two lakes with access to superb freshwater fishing, paddling, and swimming, Interlaken’s been a destination for 125 years, yet is remarkably up to date. In addition to 40 spacious main inn rooms, guests can claim pet-friendly, motel-style accommodations; antique-filled chambers in a turreted Victorian; stylish two-story townhouses; a lakeside cottage; the romantic Penthouse with rooftop hot tub; or the Euro-chic new Basha Cottage. Rates: from $239. 74 Interlaken Road. 860-435-9878; interlakeninn.com Best Fishing Lodge: Legends on the Farmington, Barkhamsted The lodge that Sal Tartaglione hand-built, utilizing reclaimed and custom-milled wood, looks as though it leapt from an Orvis catalogue onto the banks of the trout-filled Farmington River. Seven B&B rooms are steps from this stretch’s “best dry-fly hole,” fishing guides are available, and with a plethora of other outdoor pursuits nearby, guests are lured by the cozy vibe even if they never intend to cast a line. Rates: from $99. 20 River Road. 203-650-8767; legendsbnb.com

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE CONNECTICUT NORTHWEST HILLS

Best Muffins: Bantam Bread, Bantam Don’t be afraid to bite into a “Dirt Bomb.” These deceptively simple nutmeg muffins—dipped in clarified butter and rolled in cinna­mon sugar—are dangerous only because they’re addictive. Gently spiced, melty, crisp, and rich, they’re Nutmeggers’ favorite excuse for a road trip. Muffins: from $1.75. 853 Bantam Road. 860-567-2737; bantambread.com Best Local Favorite: The Woodland, Lakeville Diners never tire of the menu at this country pub that oozes cool. The kitchen’s adept at cuisine that spans the map: sushi and wiener schnitzel, veal parmigiana and chicken enchiladas. The wine list’s equally worldly, and the tables are a mix of high-tops for twosomes and wood-carved and marble-topped antiques for groups. The bar’s a mashup of art gallery and greenhouse, where Humphrey Bogart would look at home. Entrées: from $19. 192 Sharon Road. 860-435-0578; thewoodlandrestaurant.com Best Nostalgia Restaurant: O’Hara’s Landing Restaurant, Salisbury What was it like to savor breakfast or lunch lakeside in the ’50s? Don’t wonder. Wend your way along back roads to this seasonal marina restaurant. The lost art of conversation roars back to life around retro kitchenettes. It’s not the vinyl chairs or even the pancakes, eggs, or burgers with seasoned fries, all home-cooked with loving care. It’s the view of rippling water and mountain silhouettes. And knowing you can rent a boat and stay all day, if you want to. Breakfast or lunch: from $4.25. 254 Twin Lakes Road. 860-824-7583; oharaslanding.com/restaurant Have you ever visited the Connecticut Northwest Hills? Share your favorite things to do, places to stay, and places to eat in the comments!