When I was in high school, I got my first job working at a small, local pharmacy. The owners — a couple of elderly pharmacists — seemed to try everything to compete. There was a video rental section I never quite understood, but the good people of my hometown certainly seemed to find it useful. In college, I worked at a dentist’s office, and when I graduated I got a job at a family-owned newspaper. In fact, of the many jobs I’ve had, only one of them has been for a large corporation. It had its benefits but I only spent two years there before finding a job at a much smaller, family-owned company. I think it’s safe to say I have fully embraced small businesses in my professional life, but we also think it’s important to spend money at mom-and-pop shops whenever possible. So here is a list of the places we love!

Sweet Evalina’s — Woodstock, CT

Places to eat in Woodstock are few and far between, but Sweet Evalina’s is always hopping. Situated on Route 169, on the edge of a pond, Sweet Ev’s is one of those places that pops up on “best-kept secret” lists on every click-bait and tourism website. But I’m here to tell you the hype is real. In fact, whenever we’re having friends over and don’t feel like spending a bunch of time cooking, we order Sweet Ev’s. Mostly known for its pizza, you can also get a good sandwich, or an ice cream cone (or milkshake). On a beautiful summer day, the joy-riding motorcyclists spill over into the post office parking lot across the road, and the outdoor dining is packed with families, dogs, and people from all over. Stop by the next time you decide to take to the roads and visit our quiet corner. 

Pizzeria Marzano — Torrington, CT

Pizzeria Marzano is Torrington’s best kept secret. The Eucalitto family were trained by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association (VPN) to cook authentic Neapolitan pizza and the result is a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pie just like you get in Naples. You can’t go wrong with any of their wood-fired pizzas, but they also serve stand-out salads (the Kale Caesar with pomegranate and crispy prosciutto is to die for), paninis, and a range of decadent apps. Don’t forget to save room for a scoop of gelato or fresh cannoli for dessert! 

Hickory Ledges Farm Moonshine Distillery — Canton, CT

Hickory Ledges Farm has been a Canton fixture since before prohibition, and today Bill and Lynne Olson carry on their family tradition by distilling top-shelf moonshine. The four varieties of “Full Moonshine” are derived from fresh, locally grown Ingredients – like apple cider, maple syrup, and Connecticut cranberries –  and can be mixed to make a bevy of cocktails, or enjoyed on their own. Full Moonshine is available to purchase from most local liquor stores but you can also visit the Tasting Room at Hickory Ledges Farm on Sundays to sample their products and walk around the ancestral farm. 

East Granby Motors — East Granby, CT

As long as we’re on the topic of cars, I might as well tell you about my new favorite place to buy cars. My partner and I recently found ourselves unexpectedly having to buy a new car. We went back and forth on our options but ultimately landed on an older car from East Granby Motors, which specializes in high-mileage Subarus (our AWD car of choice out here in the woods). At EGM, they get trade-ins from local dealers who don’t want to put in the work and then start by replacing the head gaskets, water pumps, and timing belts. The cars are then warrantied bumper to bumper for six months, and the engine is warrantied for a year. It takes some of the worry out of buying an older car and supporting a local business always feels better than throwing money at a giant dealership.

The Woodstock Creamery — Woodstock, CT

We love farmers around here — literally, Rebecca and I have both, somehow, ended up sharing our lives with vegetable growing guys — but let’s be honest, if you’re going to farm, cheese is where it’s at! If you want a truly local experience, head to The Woodstock Creamery, which has been around in many forms for generations but is now part of Valleyside Farm. Here is the real kicker, though: You can buy “cream line” milk, which is basically non-homogenized milk. It’s not for everyone, but worth a try!