The Valley Book 2011 :: Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Canton, Granby CT restaurants, community listings, arts & business directory

BROWSE OUR DEPARTMENTS WITH JUST A CLICK

Enjoying the best restaurants in the Farmington Valley means sampling the wide array of top dining options spread across the Valley in Farmington, Canton, Avon, Simbury and Granby as well as New Hartford, Burlington and East Hartland. Farmington Valley towns feature top choices in every category: Asian Fusion, Japanese, fine dining, casual meals, pub grub, upscale Italian, pizza, grinders, take-out, breakfasts you can't beat and good ol' new American dinners. By far the best guide to restaurants is this section of The Valley Book where Our Picks and Our finds offer short reviews of our recommendations for Farmington Valley restaurants.

You've planned the menu and done the basic supermarket shopping. Now you're looking for a wine store, bakery, specialty food store, for that vintage wine, fresh-baked artisan bread, just-picked veggies locally made ice cream, or uncommon spices that make a meal memorable! Take a few minutes here to find out more about specialty food places and farm stands in Farmington, Avon, Canton, Simsbury and Granby or that will pique your taste buds. As usual, thevalleybook.com has more to digest.

Hotels, B & Bs, museums, concerts and galleries; whether you're a newcomer, old-timer or just passing through, here's where it's all happening. For help planning the weekend, visit our on-line calendar. at thevalleybook.com or choose a day-trip destination from the Area Attractions at the end of this department.

Here you are debating with yourself whether what you need is a luscious leather chair on RT 44 in Avon to sink down in, the right antique or piece of original artwork In Canton to make you feel priceless, a good cigar to puff in peace in Simsbury, a new dress to make you believe in God again at Riverdale Farms or The Shoppes at Farmington Valley in Canton, a day at the Mall in Farmington or West Hartford or a Shopping Plaza (depending on the depth of the pain) or some new glasses at Simsbury Commons to change your outlook. This department will help you make a decision!

You're feeling awful. Joan Crawford in the late 40's. Mickey Rourke needing a haircut. You're Maya Moore needing a manicure, Micky Ward needing a facial. You're Hillary Clinton. Or you're just yourself. Whether you're from Granby, Simsbury, Canton, Avon or Farmington or beyond the Farmington Valley, this is where you can find relief from your grief. The book for your looks!

Nobody in your family can do sewing. Why get somebody to fix your computer when you can buy a new one? Why bury yourself in shame when all you need is self-storage? Does framing yourself (when it's freezing) make more sense than calling a locksmith? Should you call pest control to eliminate pesky laggards after the holiday? Or call a taxi? Here you go for the most reliable everyday services in the Farmington Valley.

Keeping your professional and financial life on course is made easy with the banks, insurance agents, attorneys and accountants available in the Farmington Valley and the surrounding area — and you'll find them here.

This is where you can find the best for your children in the Farmington Valley, whether you're looking in Avon, Canton, Simsbury or Farmington. See also Recreation Sunday Drives, Education Pediatrics or Pizza.

Seniors often have special healthcare needs. Whether you're looking for assisted living, a day or respite center, in-home care, a hearing specialist, medical equipment or home delivery for your prescriptions — look no further, they're all here.

The approach to retirement is changing! Today's seniors are on the go, looking for new challenges and adventures. Find your lifestyle options right here.

You can find the best ways and vendors in the Farmington Valley to avoid the fate of Ben Stiller and the Fockers right here. Excellent caterers, event venues, cakes, attire, spas, salons, photos djs, florists, limos and tents are available in all the towns including Canton and Avon, Farmington Simsbury of Granby. Check out you options in this Department and have a good time!

All of the Farmington Valley towns are acclaimed for their excellent public school systems, and the area's private independent schools, colleges and universities are among the best in the nation. Here too, is where you'll find music, driving, dance and even quilting classes.

Puppies and kittens, even fish and tiny white mice, wiggle their way into our hearts and become a part of the family. Keeping them — and the horse, llama and little goats — happy, healthy and well fed is what this department's all about. Simsbury and Granby even have dog-walking parks where they can make their own friends!

This is the whole-family resource for the excellent health care available in the Greater Hartford Area. Hospitals, physicians, specialists, rehab centers, labs and imaging facilities — at your fingertips.

Any season of the year there's something to do in the Valley. Swimming or a workout at the "Y," or hiking McLean's trails in Granby, skiing at Sundown in New Hartford, a round of golf on one of many great courses, tubing on the Farmington, tennis at Hop Meadow in Simsbury. The Rails to Trails bike paths are flat and offer everybody a chance to peddle through all the towns.

Inside or out, your home seems to need constant pampering or mundane repairs. Whether you head for the huge home improvement store, the corner hardware store or decide that this project needs a professional — here's where you sort out your options.

In today's real estate market you'll want to get a look at the variety of homes on the market including those in the larger towns like Farmington or Simsbury or those that have a small town feel like Canton or Granby. And, you want the best folks working for you. The Valley's real estate sales professionals, appraisers, inspectors, relocation specialists and mortgage companies are featured here.

Cruise this section when your car or truck needs a tune-up, tires or a mechanic or your cracked up car or windshield needs to be put together again. Click here for handy information and Web links to make your commute easier, plus bus, train and ferry information too.