Time Capsule Edition

What’s good Hartford County!? Today is Tuesday, March 25th, which means it’s National Medal of Honor Day. This day is dedicated to recognizing the courageous individuals who have served our country.

Fun Fact: Since its inception in 1861, 3,468 Medals of Honor have been awarded to military personal.

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

• Giovanni’s Pizza

• Museum After Dark: 90’s Y2K Nostalgia Night

• 40+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Road Work - The Connecticut Department of Transportation has commenced an extensive rehabilitation of the 61-year-old Dutch Point Viaduct on I-91 southbound in Hartford. This 18-month, $91.85 million project aims to modernize the bridge's structural elements, including replacing the bridge deck and drainage system, to enhance safety and extend its service life. Motorists should anticipate traffic disruptions during this period

• Ban? - Gas-powered leaf blowers—the noisy, smelly springtime staple—might soon be silenced in Connecticut, as lawmakers debate a statewide ban for state or municipal agencies starting in 2029. Doctors and environmental advocates say it's time for cleaner air, but landscapers and some residents argue the costs are too steep. With passionate testimony on both sides, this debate is anything but quiet.

• Hotel - Hartford's long-vacant eyesore at Constitution Plaza might soon become a vibrant new hotel, breathing fresh life into a prominent city gateway. Mayor Arunan Arulampalam confirmed early-stage talks, highlighting the critical need for more hotel space to support major events like the Travelers Championship. The proposed development could finally turn the empty lot into an economic win for downtown Hartford.

• New Owners - Lake Compounce and 18 other parks nationwide will soon have a new owner, as Herschend Family Entertainment—the company behind Dollywood—acquires Palace Entertainment.

• Award - Bristol-based Bauer Inc., a Connecticut aerospace manufacturer with more than 100 years of history, just earned national recognition as the SBA's 2025 National Exporter of the Year. CEO Louis Auletta and Senior VP Michael Auletta accepted the honors, celebrating the company's global impact providing test equipment to commercial and military customers worldwide.

• Bakeries - An 11-mile stretch in Central Connecticut has been crowned the state's "Bakery Capital," boasting a delightful array of bakeries that are a must-visit for pastry enthusiasts. Learn more.

THE HIVE’S PICK

I stumbled across Giovanni’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (113 Hebron Ave) purely by chance about 15 years ago after a chiropractor appointment in Glastonbury. If you’re rushed for time like I was that day you can choose from a multitude of single slice options. I ordered a slice of the Sicilian and the thin crust and was impressed with both slices.

If you have the time sit down with family or friends and enjoy a delicious fresh pie that would impress Dave Portnoy, the undercarriage is a crisp perfection and the sauce and cheese are on point. What’s nice is that they offer both New York-style thin crust and Chicago-style deep dish pizzas.

When you walk in the door it feels like you stepped into a NY pizzeria which provides a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for gatherings. Additionally, Giovanni's features an outdoor bar area. Adding to the ambiance, every other Thursday there is live music from 7-10PM.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Get ready to step back in time at the New Britain Museum of American Art on Friday (3/28) from 8-11pm to relive the best of the 90’s and Y2K with Nostalgia Night. Call up your besties, dig out your favorite throwback outfits, for an evening filled with all the iconic vibes from the era of dial-up internet, boy bands, brick cell phones and butterfly clips. Your event pass includes access to a night of nonstop fun- bottomless beer and wine, plus a cash bar which will be serving up specialty cocktails.

A nostalgia candy table packed with all your childhood favorites, a dance floor to bust a move with your 90’s and 2000’s dance style, a photo booth to capture all the memories. Plus, food from local food vendors. Throw on your JNCO or Abercrombie jeans and get ready to party like it’s 1999, again! VIP packages also available, Secure Access.

RESTAURANT OPENINGS

🐔Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its second Connecticut location, at 3384 Berlin Tpke.

🍚Hibachi Buffet opened at 99 Farmington Ave. in Bristol.

🥞The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) opened its doors in Enfield at 54 Hazard Avenue.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Manchester | Sea Glass Wire Wrapping & Sip | 6:30-8:30PM - This in-person event is perfect for crafty or non crafty individuals looking to unwind and socialize. Take home 2 necklaces.(165 Adams St) The deet’s

Marlborough | Mastering Motherhood | 9:30-11:30AM - No matter what age or stage of motherhood you are in, there is a place for you. Register

West Hartford | Poker | 7:30-11:45PM - Mixed cash games, contact Jenny. More info & secure your seat

LIVE MUSIC

Southington | Country Concert for Kids | 7PM $- Tix

TRIVIA

Hartford | Parkville Market  | 7-9

Berlin | Brews & Books | 6PM - Coles Road Brewing hosting a discussion The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Lara Love Hardin. (817 Farmington Ave)

Windsor Locks | Bocci Night | 4-9PM - The Indoor Bocce court is set up on Wednesdays at Luppoleto Brewing. Enjoy open play from 4-6 pm and then watch the ELITE Bocce League competition from 6-9. (29 Main St)

LIVE MUSIC

⬢Arch Street Tavern | Hartford | Allman Brothers Cover Band | 9PM Cover Charge

TRIVIA

Manchester | Audacity British Style Pub | 7-9PM - Prizes for the winners.

Bristol | Self Exploration In The Museum | 10AM-12PM $ - This program includes self exploration on the second and third floor of the museum as well as a science lesson.(1 Pleasent St) More info & Passes

Canton | Brews & Bites | 6-8PM $ - Four-course beer pairing dinner featuring local brewery B Sharp(220 Albany Tpke) Reservations

Glastonbury | Wine Tasting | 6-7PM - Try out several select wines at The Best Wine Shop In Town that will be just what you need to discover your new favorite for the start of the spring season.(2283 Main St)

Hartford | Boozy Brews | 6-7:30 $- Evening will include a scavenger hunt through the exhibition, "Coffee: A Connecticut Story," then enjoy a coffee cocktail and coffee liqueur tasting with Saxtons River Distillery at The CT Museum of Culture and History. ( 1 Elizabeth St) More info & Passes

Rocky Hill | Boy Band SingO | 7PM - Test your knowledge of 90’s boy band music at Still Hill Brewery. (1275 Cromwell Ave)

West Hartford | Art After Dark | 6-9PM $ - Immersive Paint night experience. Wear your whites or brightest attire and become part of the canvas as Posh Paint guides us through a black light paint and sip experience while enjoying the infectious beats of DJ Q-Boogie. More info & Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Black Eyed Sally’s - Hartford | Uconn Jazz Faculty Group | 8-10PM
⬢ State House Food Court - Hartford | Still Rivers | 12-1PM

East Windsor | Bonsai Beginner Workshop | 6:30-8:30PM $ - Learn and experience core concepts as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree at Problem Solved Brewing!(2 North Rd) Reserve a spot

New Britain | Museum After Dark Party | 8-11PM $ - A night of 90s & Y2K nostalgia with alcohol and food at the New Britain of American Art.(50 Lexington St) Deets & Passes

Windsor | Lounge Noir: Speakeasy | 7PM - Step back in time for a night of glitz, glamour, and giving at our exclusive Lounge Noir fundraising event.(25 Central St) Tix

Wethersfield | Comedy Night | 8-10PM $ - Brew Ha Ha presents Shafi Hossain (100 Great Meadow Rd) Event Key$

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Infinity Music Hall- Hartford | Lefty & The Shaboo Allstars | 7PM Reserve your spot
⬢ Little Theatre of Manchester | Tribute to the Cars | 7-9:30PM Tix
⬢ Trinity On Main | New Britain | Led Zeppelin Cover Band | 7PM Passes

Baltic | Bourbon Tasting | 6PM $ - Bourbon tasting and Bourbon-inspired dishes ranging from classic American to Polish-American Bourbon Fusion at The Baltic Restaurant.(237 New Britain Rd) Info & Access Pass

Bristol | Barrels, Brews & Bites | 4PM $ - A unique trasting event featuring over 225 samples of beers, wines and spirits, sweet and savory bites. (42 Century Dr) Info & Admission

Enfield | Fight For Life Pro Wrestling | 3PM $ - FIGHT LIFE debuts at Thompson Hall for a mid-day show!(16 Alsen Ave) More Deet’s & Event Access

Glastonbury | Comedy Night | 7PM $- Hops On The Hill Brewery will close at 6pm to the public for comedy night. Check in and seating will begin at 630pm.(280 Dug Rd) More info & Access 

Hartford | Comedy Murder Mystery Show | 9PM $ - A detective-led mystery à la Agatha Christie & Knives Out! Only the randomly-selected murderer themselves knows who done it 'til the very end!(15 Asylum St) More info & Tickets

South Windsor | Family Fun Fair | 10AM-3PM - Bounce Houses, Food trucks, Vendors, Parachute fun, Slime and crafts, Face painting and Magic.(South Windsor High School Rotary Pavilion) More Info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ 321 Sports & Bar - Hartford | Yalin La Mas Viral | 9PM $ - Get Passes
⬢ Black Eyed Sally’s - Hartford | Franklin Brothers | 8PM
⬢ Bushnell Theatre - Hartford | Hartford Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 | 1PM & 7PM Admits
⬢ Infinity Music Hall- Hartford | Tribute to Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” | 8PM Tix
⬢ Polish American Club - Windsor Locks | Mystic Dead ft. King Saison | 5PM Entry Passes

Bristol | Candle Making Class | 11AM $ - Family candle making class at The Bristol Bazaar. (73 Race St) Deet’s & Entry

Hartford | Improv Family Show | 2PM $ - A comedy show at Sea Tea Theatre is for everyone, kids and adults will have a lot to laugh about.(23 Asylum St) Reserve your spot

Hartford | Monster Jam | 1PM $ - Monster trucks are back at the XL Center. (1 Civic Center Plaza) Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Shamrock Cafe - Suffield | The Storytellers | 2-5PM

Hartford | Mixer & Mini-date (Age 30-40) | 7-8PM $ - Meet local singles in person for speed dating at Bears Smokehouse.(20 Front St) Details & Entry Access

Southington | Music Bingo | 7PM - Music Bingo at Smoke & Muddle. Instead of calling numbers, they play clips of songs. Prizes for the winners.(13 N Liberty St).

That’s a wrap for this week’s Hart Co Buzz. If you enjoyed Hart Co Buzz then please share with friends and family who will also benefit from staying in the loop with local happenings. See you next week!

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