Egg-cellent Easter Activities

What’s good Hartford County?! It’s April 15th - aka, the finish line for forms, receipts, and number crunching. Whether you filed early or hit “submit” at the buzzer, you did it. That’s peak adulting. So pour a drink, take a nap, or eat dessert first tonight - you’ve earned it (and hey, some of those taxes help keep our parks pretty and roads less pothole-y).

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

• J. Gilberts

• New Businesses

• 60+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Pretty - Wethersfield is named as one of the nine prettiest small towns in CT according to WorldAtlas. Check out the full list here.

• Revitalize - West Hartford Center’s $10 million makeover is officially underway, with wider sidewalks, new street trees, and traffic-calming upgrades on the way. Construction on LaSalle Road has started and is expected to wrap up next year.

• Library - Manchester just broke ground on a brand-new, eco-friendly library on Main Street, right where the old Webster Bank used to be. The state-of-the-art space will feature geothermal heating, solar panels, a teen zone, a makerspace, and way more room for books (finally no more hidden basement shelves!). If all goes to plan, it’ll be open by next summer.

• Cemeteries - Berlin and Newington have secured $8,000 state grants to restore and preserve their historic cemeteries, ensuring these sacred spaces are maintained for future generations. The funding will support cleanup efforts, landscaping, and the repair of aging headstones and monuments.

THE HIVE’S PICK

Alright, if you’re into places that feel fancy without being pretentious, J. Gilbert’s(185 Glastonbury Blvd) in Glastonbury is it. This spot somehow nails that sweet spot between steakhouse sophistication and “let’s chill by the fire” vibes. I hit it up recently, ordered the filet mignon and crab cakes, and no exaggeration, I left borderline emotional. The filet was buttery, perfectly medium, and didn’t even need a steak knife. The crab cakes? All killer, no filler. Real crab, light breading, and full of flavor. A+.

The space itself is warm wood tones, fireside lighting; it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you're about to close a deal or fall in love. Service is on point, the bread’s warm (big win), and they let you enjoy your night without hovering. Whether you're trying to impress a date or just reward yourself for surviving the week, this place delivers.

NEW OPENINGS

☕Caffè Aronne just opened its first Connecticut location at Westfarms in the former Starbucks.

🌿🚬Fine Fettle’s ninth CT dispensary opens April 18 in West Hartford at 1232 Farmington Ave.

☕Aroma Joe’s opens April 14 on the Berlin Turnpike, bringing drive-thru coffee, energy drinks, and all-day bites to 458 Berlin Turnpike.

☕The B. Hive is now open at 221B Spielman Highway in Burlington, serving as a cozy coffeehouse, roastery, and specialty shop all in one

BEE LINE EVENTS

Bristol | Game Night | 5-9PM - The New Cambridge Project(21 Richmond Pl) hosts game night with Cards Games, Board Games, Chess, checkers and TTRPG.

Bristol | Picnic Capers | 4:30-5:30PM - Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to Manross Memorial Library(260 Central St) to solve a murder mystery by analyzing evidence and solving the mystery. Free registration

Hartford | Trivia Night | 7-9PM - Get ready to flex your smarts and put those random facts in your brain to good use at Parkville Market.(1400 Park St)

Manchester | Music Bingo | 6:30-8PM - If you like Music & Bingo then Stop by Elicit Brewing Co.(165 Adams St)

Southington | Jurassic Classroom | 4:30-6:30PM - Children ages 4+ and their favorite adult are invited to the Southington Kids’ Place(255 Main st) to experience real dinosaur fossils: teeth, bones, claws, and more.

Southington | Wine Tasting | 6-7:15PM - An in depth tasting of the current releases of Felsina wines at Worldwide Wine & Spirits.(480 Queen St)

West Hartford | Karaoke Night | 8-11PM - Take the stage with thousands of songs to choose from and a top-notch sound system to back you up at WOB Kitchen & Bar.73 Isham Rd #B-30)

Berlin | Family Jammie Time | 6-6:30AM - It’s a Family Jammie Storytime at the Berlin-Peck Memorial library(234 Kensington Rd) Come dressed in your favorite jammies (and slippers) for sleepy songs and stories!

Berlin | Easter Bouquet Workshop | 6PM $ - Create the perfect Easter centerpiece using fresh tulips, hydrangeas and seasonal flowers at The Garden at Pinehurst Farm.(50 Pinehurst Rd) Register

Farmington | Speed Puzzling | 2:30-4:30PM - Try out speed puzzling at the Barney Library.(71 Main St) Try it solo, in pairs or as a team.

Hartford | Sip & Paint | 6-9PM $ - At Bear’s Smokehouse(25 Front St) sip on your favorite drink while you unleash your inner artist by hand-painting your own beautiful wine glass. Register

Manchester | Open Deck/ Open Mic Night | 9PM-12AM - Sign up for a 30-minute set when you arrive- first come, first serve at Ganymead.(360 Middle Tpke W)

South Windsor | Restoration & Preservation of Photo’s & Documents | 6PM - Join Fred Bird Photography at the South Windsor Public library.(1550 Sullivan Ave) Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - The Arch St Tavern | Booyah Plays Motown | 9PM $ - Tix

Bristol | Murder & Mayhem in the Museum | 6-7PM - Uncover true crime stories from Connecticut’s past with a night of suspense and dark secrets of the museum. Held at the Manross Memorial library.(260 Central St) Register

East Granby | Trivia Night | 6PM - Gather your team and show up for Trivia at Almost Famous Brewing Company.(17 Kripes Rd)

East Windsor | Snarky Gnome Sign Workshop | 6-8:30PM $ -Make snarky gnome with interchangeable sign at G.W. Boutique & Craft Studio.(35 S. Main St) More Info & Register

Hartford | Creative Cocktail Hour | 6-9PM - Real Art Ways(56 Arbor St) hosts a spectrum of art exhibitions, live music and a hands on art-making activity. Register

Hartford | Pub Trivia Murder Mystery Challenge | 6-9PM $ - Join Thomas Hooker Brewery(1 Sequassen St) for a murder mystery. Each round, you will answer trivia questions, and ultimately answer the greatest question of them all: Whodunnit? Tix

Manchester | Listening Room/ Open Mic | 6:15-9PM - The perfect opportunity to showcase your talent or simply enjoy the performances of local artists at Work Space.(901 Main St)

North Granby | Indoor Farmers Market | 4-7PM - Stock up on locally produced goods at Lost Acres Vineyard(80 Lost Acres Rd) like wine, veggies, meat, cheese, eggs, flowers, baked goods, syrup and honey.

Southington | Chocolate Taste Test | 12:30-1:30PM - Children ages 6-12 are invited to Southington Kids’ Place(255 Main St) to taste test different kinds of chocolate. Registration

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Steve Walason | 4:30-7:30PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Bar Hollow | Mass- Conn-Fusion Duo | 6-9PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Clubhouse on Main | Tino & Malone | 7-10PM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Buckethead | 8PM $ - Secure your spot
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Haneef Nelson & Band | 9PM $ - Tix

Bristol | Comic, Toy and Collectible Show | 7PM -Cliff’s Comic and Collectible Cons Hosts this show at the DoubleTree by Hilton.(42 Century Dr)

East Windsor | Easter EGGspress Trolley | 10AM-4PM $ - Easter bunny pics. Trolley rides and crafts at The Trolley Museum.(58 North Rd) More info

Farmington | 3rd Fridays Drum Circle | 7-8:30PM $ - Drummers & dancers of all ages, genders, and abilities are always welcome at Bridge Healing Arts Center.(304 Main St)

Hartford | Beats & Brews | 4PM - 90’s Hip-hop classics bumping at the Dead Language Beer Project.(1429 Park St)

Hartford | Yard Goats Game | 7:10PM $ - Hosting the Red Sox affiliate Portland Sea Dogs for CT day & Irish night at Dunkin’ Stadium.(1214 Main St) Tix

Hartford | Wolf Pack Game | 7PM $ - Swing by the XL Center(1 Civic Center Plaza) for the Wolf Pack's 2024-25 Fan Appreciation Night where they take on the Bridgeport Islanders. Tix

Manchester | 9-5 The Musical | 7:30-10PM $ - Based on the 80’s comedy classic. Secure seat

Manchester | Magic for Adults | 7PM $ - Eric Eaton appears at the Funny Bone.(194 Buckland Hills Dr) Passes

Wethersfield | Comedy Night ft. Matt Fulchiron | 8-10PM $ - Stop by the Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club at River: A Riverfront Restaurant & Bar(100 Great Meadow Rd) for some laughs. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Reprise: Phish Tribute Band | 8PM $ - Reserve your spot
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Just Go With It | 7PM $
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Contrast: Drum & Bass | 10PM $ - Tix
⬢ Manchester - Murphy’s Pub | The Leftovers | 9PM
⬢ Manchester - Main Pub | The Screwdrivers ft. The Sparkle & Fade | 9PM
⬢ Tariffville - The Old Well Tavern | Diamondback & Broken Lonely | 7PM

Canton | Kids Fishing Derby | 10AM-2PM - Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department invites kids 15 and under for a fishing derby. Register to fish for free the day of the event at Memorial Field (91 Powder Mill Rd) More Info

Farmington | Easter Saturday Coffee & Donuts | 10AM-3PM - Dude's Donut Truck and Coffeology Coffee Truck will be at The Farm Truck at Hein Farm(303 Meadow Rd)

Glastonbury | Beer-ster Egg Hunt (Ages 21+) | 2PM - Hops on The Hill(275 Dug Rd) invites Adults only to participate in this one. Every egg contains a prize, including Annual Mug Club Memberships, gift cards, free merch, and more!

Glastonbury | Spring Foraging Class | 3PM $ - Learn how to identify and utilize edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms that can be found this time of year at Beckett Farms(1269 Main St)Email - [email protected] to register

North Granby | Easter Egg Hunt | 10AM - Valley Brook Community Church(160 Granville Rd) invites kids ages 1-10 for a free Egg hunt. Find the 18,000 candy-filled eggs "hiding" on the church grounds!

Hartford | High Jinx: Cannabis-Centered Comedy | 9PM $ - Sea Tea Comedy Theater(15 Asylum St) has a night of 420 funnies in store for you, grab your munchies ;) Secure Entry

Hartford | Spring Makers Market | 1PM - Visit Makers Market at Dead Language Beer Project(1409 Park St) to shop for handmade goods made by Connecticut Roller Derby league members.

Manchester | Cosplay Karaoke | 9PM-1AM $ - Visit Ganymead(360 Middle W. Tpke) and dress up as your favorite character to sing your favorite songs. Info & Passes

Plainville | Mario Kart 8 Tournament | 4PM $ - Grab your banana peels and blue shells and pop in at ESpot Gaming Center(17 Farmington Ave) for a Mario Kart tournament. More Info & Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - Polish American Citizen Club | Blue Mountain Haze | 8PM
⬢ Bristol - The Rockwell Theater | Marty O’Reilly & Sean Rowe | 7PM $ - Tix 
⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Kashmir- Led Zeppelin Tribute | 8PM $ - Info & Entry fee 
⬢ Enfield - Powder Hollow Brewery | Steven Harz | 6PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Rooftop 120 | Don’t Tell Lisa | 8PM
⬢ Hartford - Webster Underground | BabyJake | 8PM $ - Admits 
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Foreigner & Journey Tribute | 8PM $ - Access 
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | GRiZ Tribute | 9PM-12:30AM $ - Tix
⬢ Southington - Blackstone Irish Pub | Wrathchild | 9PM-12:30AM
⬢ Weatogue - Talcott Mountain Collective | King Saison | 7-10PM
⬢ West Hartford - New Park Brewing | U2 Tribute ft. The Teals | 7-10PM $ - Passes

Glastonbury | Easter Egg Hunt | 12:15PM -St James’ Episcopal Church(2584 Main St) is holding their annual Easter egg hunt. Grades 4 and under are welcome to participate.

New Britain | Car Show | 11AM-5PM - Season opening car show at Bees Stadium.(230 John Karbonic Way) More Info

New Britain | Easter Sunday Salsa | 5-9PM - Head to The Assembly Room (222 Main St) for an evening of exciting salsa, socializing, and maybe even a few Easter surprises!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Acoustic Valhalla | 2:30PM
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theater | Silverstein: 25 Years of Noise | 7PM $ - Tix 

Eat Windsor | Geek Trivia | 7-8:30PM - Hit up The Battle Standard(74 Bridge St) for geek trivia.

New Britain | Marvel Trivia Night | 7-10PM - Show out with your knowledge of the Marvel Universe at the Alvarium Beer Co.(365 John Downey Dr Suite B)

Southington | Music Bingo | 7PM - Instead of calling numbers, they play clips of songs for music bingo at Smoke & Muddle.(15 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!