If you’re looking for a proper Cinco de Mayo move, I’m skipping the chains and going straight to two spots I keep coming back to. El Sarape Restaurant is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it places that quietly serves some of the most legit Puebla and Oaxaca-style food in the city - no frills, just really, really good. Then you’ve got Monte Alban, an old-school Hartford staple that’s been doing its thing forever and never misses.

If you go, I’m ordering tacos or a torta at Sarape, and something smothered in sauce at Monte Alban; enchiladas if you want to play it safe. Not flashy, not trendy… just two spots that remind you what Cinco de Mayo should actually taste like.

Mother’s Day is coming in hot, which means it’s almost time to stop pretending “I’ll figure it out later” is a plan. Here are a few Hartford County spots where you can find something local, thoughtful, and way better than panic-buying flowers next to the checkout line.

Hartford Prints! | Hartford: For the mom who has big Connecticut energy, strong town opinions, and deserves a gift that says “I know you” better than a grocery store bouquet.

Old Wethersfield Country Store | Wethersfield: This is the spot for candy, baskets, local goodies, and the kind of cute little gift mom pretends she didn’t want but immediately shows everyone.

The Bristol Bazaar | Bristol: A one-stop “shop small” wonderland packed with local makers, artisan gifts, and enough options to make you look wildly more thoughtful than you are.

A Moment Away Spa | Southington: Because sometimes the best Mother’s Day gift is an hour where nobody asks her what’s for dinner, where the scissors are, or why the WiFi is slow.

My Secret Garden | Avon: A sweet little gift stop for cards, pretty things, puzzles, games, and the kind of small luxuries that make mom feel properly spoiled.

Vivid Hue Home + Gifts | Farmington: For the mom whose house somehow always smells better than yours and who can turn a candle, tray, or colorful little accent into a whole vibe.

TCG Candles and Gifts | Plainville: A mother-daughter candle shop where you can grab handmade candles, wax melts, soaps, and gifts that say “relax” without sounding like a threat.

Bridgewater Chocolate | West Hartford: For the mom who doesn’t need another thing for the house, but will absolutely accept fancy chocolate tied up with a bow.

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Every week, thousands of HartCo Buzz readers open this thing looking for their next meal, weekend plan, hidden gem or a trusted local service they can actually rely on. Get your business in front of a highly engaged audience that’s already paying attention and ready to take action.

Congrats to Cathy L., our random winner from last week’s 100-year-old crossword puzzle who won a local custom hometown map. 15 people completed the challenge with over 100 attempting it. So, judging by the response, you weirdos like games as much as I do, so I’ll be mixing more of them into the newsletter for your brain-bending enjoyment.

If you missed it last week you can test yourself here.

Or you can try your wits with a new local flora & fauna crossword.

The next Connecticut Buzz Dinner Club hits Manchester on May 21 at 6:30pm, which means it’s time to get out of the group chat and into an actual restaurant with actual humans.

You take a quick quiz, we match you with five other readers, and then you show up for dinner, drinks, and the kind of slightly chaotic local night that beats scrolling your couch into oblivion.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Lyka, a goofy, adventurous Siberian Husky who’s looking for a fenced-in yard, a forever family, and probably someone willing to accept that she’s now the activities director of the house.

🏡House of the week: This 1916 farmhouse sits on 3.57 acres at the end of a long driveway, backing up to 10,000+ acres of protected state forest. It comes with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a pond view, brook, stone walls, and a guest cottage tucked into the property. Check it out!

🥾Trail of the week: Sessions Woods in Burlington - The Beaver Pond Loop is a 2.6-mile, mostly flat gravel doubletrack that handles strollers and dogs no problem, but the real win is the side quests off the main path: a 30-foot observation tower with views all the way out to Lamentation Mountain, a small waterfall on the brook, and a wildlife-viewing blind over a 38-acre beaver marsh. Park at the DEEP lot at 341 Milford St (Route 69) - there's a nature center too. Free, year-round, leashed pups welcome.

🔭Sky report: This week’s sky has a little Halley’s Comet confetti, with the Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaking before dawn May 5-6, though the bright moon may steal some of the show. Later in the week, darker evening skies make it a nice time to look for spring constellations like Leo and Boötes, or just stand in the yard and pretend you totally know which one is Arcturus.

The excitement of receiving your keys can quickly fade if unexpected expenses catch you off guard. To move from "accepted offer" to "settled in" with confidence, you must look beyond the sticker price and down payment.

The "Hidden" Reality: True homeownership readiness involves budgeting for critical, yet frequently overlooked, financial obligations:

By accounting for these factors early, you ensure your first home remains a dream investment rather than a source of stress.

Rising Pint BrewFest is back for its 15th annual party on Saturday, May 9 from 1-5PM at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane in East Hartford. Your ticket gets you continual sampling, a commemorative tasting cup, live music, access to food vendors, free parking, games, and more. We’re talking 70+ craft breweries, food from Greater Hartford restaurants and food trucks, and a covered concourse, so the event is rain or shine. Basically, it’s your chance to wander around Rentschler Field with a tasting cup and call it “supporting local.” Proceeds support The REACH Foundation, which helps children with physical, financial, and social needs.

From Hartford to Wilmington, N. Carolina for 78 bucks* non-stop roundtrip, end of August for a week stay. Pack Your Bags!

From Hartford to Key West, Florida for 159 bucks* non-stop roundtrip, end of August for a week stay. Pack Your Bags!

*Prices at the time of writing subject to change

🏀The Gampel Collection is officially opened at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor featuring memorabilia straight from the arena and plenty of Husky pride.

🍽️ El Campo Restaurant is open at the Parkade in Manchester, serving up Latin favorites like mofongo, empanadas, and fresh juices.

Cinco de Mayo lands on a Tuesday this year, which feels like the calendar personally wanted us to order tacos. CTBites put together a big roundup of Cinco deals around Hartford and across Connecticut, so if your evening needs queso, margaritas, or a very strategic plate of nachos, start here.

Hartford | & Juliet | 7:30PM | ($) - Hit Broadway musical reimagining Shakespeare's tragic ending at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave, Hartford). Watch! (daily 5/5-5/10)

New Britain | Cinco de Mayo Salsa Night | 3 PM - Free salsa dancing with DJ Marvin to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (22 E St).

Southington | Bar-Rated Trivia at Witch Doctor Brewing | 7PM - Weekly trivia night with prizes at Witch Doctor Brewing (168 Center St).

Windsor | Music Bingo at Bart's Beer Garden | 7PM - Test your music knowledge with prizes at Beer Garden at Bart's (55 Palisado Ave).

Berlin | Spring Cookie Decorating Class | 6:30 PM | ($) - Decorate beautiful spring cookies at Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave). Yum

Hartford | Jazz Wednesdays at Black-eyed Sally's | 7-10PM - Live local jazz takes over the room at Black-eyed Sally's (350 Asylum St,).

Newington | Acoustic Wednesdays at The Flying Monkey | 6:30PM - Live acoustic music at this neighborhood bar & grill (2095 Berlin Tpke).

Newington | Stained Glass Dog Paw Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Create a stained glass paw print at Hound and Home. Get Crafty

West Hartford | Star Wars Trivia | 7 PM - Test your galaxy brain knowledge on May the 4th week at WOB Bar & Kitchen.

West Hartford | Open Mic Night | 6 PM | ($) - First Wednesday open mic at New Park Brewing.

Windsor | Car Show at Bart's Beer Garden | 4-8 PM - Classic cars and craft beers at Bart's.

Bristol | Plant Bingo at Pinehurst | 6 PM | ($) - Win plants in this fun garden-themed bingo night a Pinehurst. Game On

Hartford | Bar-Rated Trivia at Dead Language Beer Project | 6:30PM - Weekly bar-rated trivia at the Parkville taproom.

Hartford | Bushnell Park Free Arch Tour | 12-1:30PM - Season-opening guided tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch (Jewell St entrance, Hartford); free every Thursday May-October. Walk it with a guide!

Hartford | Wadsworth First Thursday | 5-8PM - Free admission and after-hours programming at the Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main St). Explore!

Manchester | Craig Robinson Live | 7PM | ($) - Stand-up from the actor and comedian at the Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Laugh! (daily 5/7-5/9)

South Windsor | Evergreen in Bloom: Women's Wellness Event | 4-7 PM - A wellness experience for women at The Shops at Evergreen Walk.

Berlin | East Coast Combs: Luke Combs Tribute | 6 PM | ($) - Country tribute band at The Truck Bar.

Berlin | Mother's Day Sound Bath & Flower Bar | 6 PM | ($) - Relaxing sound bath plus make your own flower arrangement at JMAIIA Center. Find Balance

Broad Brook | Last Exit: Pearl Jam Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Grunge night at Broad Brook Opera House. Listen Up

Enfield | Sea Glass Windows | 6 PM | ($) - Create sea glass art at Powder Hollow Brewery. Sweet

Hartford | A Night at The Bushnell: Sunshine Kids Benefit | 5:30 PM | ($) - Benefit event at The Bushnell (Hartford). Give Back

Rocky Hill | Rob Glassman Band with Beau Sasser | 8 PM - Live music at Arch 2 Sports Bar and Grill.

Simsbury | Blondie & Beyond | 8 PM - 80s tribute at Talcott Mountain Collective.

Wethersfield | American Contemporary Dances | 7 PM | ($) - Dance performance at Webb Deane Stevens Museum. See the Show

Bristol | Lake Compounce Opening Day | 11AM | ($) - 180th season kickoff at America's oldest amusement park, with commemorative coins for the first 180 guests (185 Enterprise Dr). Celebrate! (opening weekend 5/9-5/10)

Bristol | Hey Nineteen: Steely Dan Tribute | 7 PM | ($) - Smooth jazz-rock tribute at at the Rockwell Theater. Listen Up

East Windsor | Slambovian Circus of Dreams | 8 PM | ($) - Alt-folk band at Broad Brook Opera House. Listen Up

Enfield | Mother's Day Madness Craft Festival | 9 AM-3 PM - Outdoor craft fair at St. Martha Parish (210 Brainard Rd). Shop Local

Farmington | Live Art Walk | 12-4 PM - Art walk with over 40 artists through downtown Farmington. Explore

Glastonbury | Friends of WTML Spring Book Sale | 9 AM-4 PM - Book lovers' paradise at Welles Turner Library.

Hartford | Mother's Day Market | 11 AM- 4 PM - Shop for Mom at this curated market on Pratt Street.

Hartford | Strange Machines at Arch Street Tavern | 8PM | ($) - Funk, jam, and groove rock at the downtown tavern (85 Arch St, Hartford). Listen!

Hartford | Hartford Athletic vs. Detroit City FC | 7PM | ($) - USL Championship soccer at Trinity Health Stadium. Goal!

Manchester | Cheesemaking 101: Ricotta & Mozzarella | 5 PM - Learn to make fresh cheese at the Hidden Kitchen. Dig In

New Britain | CT BHI's Race in the Park | 6:30 AM - 23rd annual race at Walnut Hill Park. Join the Fun

Newington | CTFlea Art & Craft Market | 11 AM-5 PM - Artisan market at Newington Center.

North Granby | Mother's Day Market at Lost Acres Vineyard | 12-5PM - Free outdoor market with vendors and wine tasting at Lost Acres Vineyard.

Suffield | Mother's Day Tea with Chef Reneé | 2 PM | ($) - Elegant tea at Phelps Hatheway House and Garden. Dig In

West Granby | Spring Marketplace | 10 AM-4 PM - Shop local at Holcomb Farm.

West Hartford | West Hartford Farmers Market | 9AM-1PM - Saturday morning market at the Town Hall lot (50 South Main St).

Windsor | Spring Arts & Crafts Fair | 10 AM-4 PM - Artisan fair at Windsor Town Green.

Hartford | The Wallflowers | 8 PM | ($) - Jakob Dylan's band at Infinity Hall. Listen Up

North Granby | Steve O'Brien Live Music | 1-4PM | ($) - Sunday afternoon set at Lost Acres Vineyard.

Plainville | RGB Acoustic Quartet at Transcend | 2 PM - Live acoustic music at Transcend Beer Crafters.

Southington | Mother's Day Book Fair | 12 PM - Browse books at Long View Ciderhouse (Southington). Browse Books

West Hartford | Mother's Day Brunch at Pond House Cafe | various seatings | ($) - Prix-fixe Mother's Day brunch overlooking the pond at Elizabeth Park. Brunch for Mom

Avon | The World of Peonies | 7 PM | ($) - Learn about growing peonies at Avon Library (Avon). Learn More

Manchester | Steve Hofstetter Live | 7PM | ($) - Stand-up at Hartford Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr, Manchester). Laugh!

Wethersfield | May Mondays in the Meadows | 5:30 PM - Outdoor gathering at Keeney Memorial Museum (Wethersfield). Join the Fun

5/6

South Windsor | Nevers Park Boundless Playground Grand Re-Opening | 5 PM - Celebrate the reopening of this inclusive playground-perfect for kids of all abilities.

5/8

New Britain | NBMAA Family Night | 4-8PM - Free interactive art activities for families at the New Britain Museum of American Art. Make art together

Simsbury | Mommy & Me Tea & Candle Experience | 5:30 PM | ($) - Tea party and candle-making for moms and kids at 961 Hopemeadow St . Get Crafty

5/9

Bristol | Opening Day at Lake Compounce | 11 AM | ($) - Season opener at New England's oldest amusement park - rides and fun for all ages. Join the Fun

Farmington | Mommy & Me Day | 11 AM-2 PM | ($) - Special day for moms and kids at Farmington Polo Club with pony rides and activities. Join the Fun

Glastonbury | Paws in the Square | 11 AM-1 PM - Dog-friendly family event in the town center (140 Glastonbury Blvd). . Bring Fido

Manchester | Butterfly Stroll | 10 AM-2 PM - The Butterfly Stroll is an annual spring community for fun, local art, live music and a vendor market. Explore

South Windsor | 41st Annual Fishing Derby | 9 AM-11 AM - Family fishing fun for kids at Pond at Barber Hill. Join the Fun

5/10

Burlington | Celebrate Mom at Tonn's Marketplace | 11 AM-7 PM - Live music, ice cream, lobster and giveaways for Mom.