This Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, and we’re officially in the thick of summer, so I put together a Hartford County Ice Cream Field Guide with 35 local spots worth checking out. Take a look, pick your next stop, and reply if I missed any hidden gems.

I’ve been thinking about adding occasional Community Spotlights featuring the locals doing good things around Hartford County. Think nonprofit leaders, artists, chefs, musicians, educators and other people making the community a little more interesting.

Connecticut Buzz Dinner Club #7 is coming to West Hartford on July 23rd.

Here’s what people have said after sitting down for dinner with 5 friendly strangers…

“So much fun! Such easy conversation. We were joking about the “algorithm” that put us at a table together - so many connections and coincidences!”

“This was my first time, and it will not be last. I had a great time and met wonderful people. Look forward to next one.”

Almost 200 of you have joined with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars!

Come hungry because Hartbeats & Eats takes over Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, from Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Expect 30+ food trucks, live music on two stages, cold beer and lawn games, which sounds like a pretty solid excuse to skip cooking for a night.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Buttercream, a cheerful 10-month-old Retriever mix who loves dogs, does great with kids and is ready to bring a whole lot of sunshine to her forever home.

🏡House of the week: This 2,405-square-foot home feels like a private retreat, with floor-to-ceiling windows, soaring wood ceilings, and a dramatic two-story stone fireplace. Multiple decks overlook nearly 2 acres along the Blackledge River, while the finished walkout level and private primary suite with its own balcony give the home plenty of flexible space. Check it out!

👀Sighting of the week: Wild Bergamot | (Monarda fistulosa)

🔭Sky report: Tonight (7/14), brings some of the darkest skies of the month, making it a great time to hunt for the Milky Way away from city lights. Look west after sunset Thursday, July 16, for a thin crescent Moon near Regulus, then again Friday, July 17, as it slides close to blazing Venus, no telescope needed, just a clear horizon and some bug spray.

Avon | The Substitutes Summer Concert | 6 PM - High-energy dance covers take over Avon's summer concert series (60 W Main St).

Bristol | Rockin Out at Rockwell: The E' Band | 6:30 PM - R&B and pop hits light up Rockwell Park's summer series (63 Dutton Ave).

Enfield | Six-Pack of Blues | 7 PM - Blues grooves on the Town Green as the summer concert series rolls on (71 N Main St).

Farmington | Sub Edge Farm Bastille Day Festival | 4 PM | ($) - French-inspired celebration with farm-to-table food and festivities (199 Town Farm Rd). Celebrate

Manchester | Piano Man Meets Rocket Man | 6:30 PM - Billy Joel and Elton John tributes collide at MARC's summer concert (151 Sheldon Rd).

Milldale | Red, White & Brew: Kinsmen Cars American Edition | 5 PM - American muscle and classic cars gather at Kinsmen Brewing (409 Canal St).

West Hartford | Rose Garden Tour | 10 AM - Free stroll through Elizabeth Park's legendary rose gardens with expert guides.

Wethersfield | Keeney Koolers Concert: Number 9 | 6:30 PM - Beatles tribute band brings the Fab Four to life on the green (200 Main St).

Plan your local farmers markets visits for the week

Avon | Author Event: Kemper Donovan | 6:30 PM - Mystery author discusses "Sweet Spot" at Avon Free Public Library (281 Country Club Rd).

Berlin | Jean Embroidery Class | 5 PM - Upcycle your denim with custom embroidery at Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave).

Bristol | Beaded Tree of Life Workshop | 5:30 PM | ($) - Craft a beautiful wire and bead tree at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race St). Create Away

East Hartford | Sea Glass Windows Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Transform sea glass into stunning window art at French Social Circle (373 Main St). Make It

Enfield | Bring Gnome Some Daisies Paint Party | 6 PM | ($) - Paint a whimsical gnome garden scene at Tipsy Paint Brush (610 Enfield St). Get Crafty

Glastonbury | Legend: Journey Tribute | 6:30 PM - Don't stop believin' at Riverfront Park's summer concert (300 Welles St).

Southington | Music Bingo at Witchdoctor Brewing | 7 PM - Test your music knowledge while sipping craft brews (168 Center St).

West Hartford | The Loyales Summer Concert | 6:30 PM - Soulful sounds fill Elizabeth Park's summer concert series.

Canton | Mass-Conn-Fusion Concert | 6:30 PM - Funk, soul, and R&B grooves poolside at Mills Pond (10 E Hill Rd).

Hartford | Thomas Rhett: Soundtrack to Life Tour | 7:30 PM | ($) - Country superstar brings his hits to The Meadows (61 Savitt Way). Catch the Show

Manchester | Free Concert: CT Groove | 6 PM - Funk and soul grooves take over Center Memorial Park (660 Main St).

New Britain | Candle Making at Alvarium Beer Co | 6 PM | ($) - Pour your own custom candles at this craft brewery workshop. Get Crafty

Plainville | Summer Concert: Southern Voice | 6:30 PM - Country and classic rock at Norton Park's summer series.

Suffield | Seaside Beach Paint'N'Sip | 6 PM | ($) - Paint a coastal scene while sipping at Broad Brook Brewing (823 South St). Create Away

Bristol | Core: 90s/2000s Alternative Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Grunge and alt-rock anthems take over Bleachers Bar.

Broad Brook | Satisfaction: Rolling Stones Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - International Stones tribute brings Mick's moves to Broad Brook Opera House (107 Main St). Catch the Show

East Granby | Sip & Suds Soap Making | 6 PM | ($) - Craft artisan soaps while sipping wine at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). Make It

Hartford | Pratt Street Night Market | 5 PM - Evening shopping with local vendors, food, and entertainment on Pratt Street.

Hartford | Shakedown | 8 PM | ($) - Grateful Dead-style jams fill the night at a downtown Hartford venue (85 Arch St). Tune In

New Britain | Main Street Salsa Series | 5:30 PM - Latin rhythms heat up downtown with dancing in the streets (230 Main St).

North Granby | Yoga at Lost Acres Vineyard | 5 PM | ($) - Flow among the vines at this scenic vineyard yoga session (80 Lost Acres Rd). Find Your Center

West Hartford | Dumb Love: Stone Temple Pilots Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - 90s grunge anthems come alive at New Park Brewing (485 New Park Ave).

Wethersfield | Freestyle Friday Dance Party | 7 PM | ($) - Summer dance party with 80s and 90s freestyle hits at Euphoria Loft. Hit the Floor

Berlin | Summer Book Fair | 12-6 PM - Browse stacks of books at this literary treasure hunt (817 Farmington Ave).

Berlin | Maxx Explosion | 8 PM - High-octane rock returns to The Truck Bar (151 Webster Square Rd).

Broad Brook | Shades of Blues: Jon Butcher & Diane Blue | 7 PM | ($) - Blues legends unite with special guest James Montgomery at Broad Brook Opera House (4 Depot St). Hear It Live

Burlington | Whigville Music Festival | 2-8 PM - All-day music celebration in historic Whigville (153 S Main St).

Canton | Little Lies: Fleetwood Mac Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Go your own way to Bridge Street Live for this beloved tribute (41 Bridge St). Catch the Show

East Hartford | Simon Brogie & the XLTs Bluegrass | 7 PM | ($) - Bluegrass pickin' and grinnin' at Mosaics Concerts (1301 Forbes St). Tune In

Enfield | Blondie & Beyond at Wood n Tap | 8 PM - New wave and 80s hits—no cover charge at Wood-n-Tap Enfield.

Hartford | ConnectiCon XXIII | All Day | ($) - Pop culture, anime, and gaming convention takes over the CT Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd). Game On

Hartford | Latino Fest USA | 12-7 PM - Celebrate Latin culture with music, food, and dancing at Dunkin' Donuts Park (1218 Main St).

Hartford | Science on Screen: Bringing Up Baby | 3 PM | ($) - Classic Katharine Hepburn comedy with science commentary at CT Science Center (242 Columbus Blvd). Screen It

Hartford | Water Lantern Festival | 6:30 PM | ($) - Launch glowing lanterns on the water as dusk settles over Hartford. Be There

Manchester | Floating Sound Bath | 6 PM | ($) - Meditative sound healing while floating in a salt water pool. Unwind

South Glastonbury | Artisan Market at Hops on the Hill | 1-5 PM - Local makers and craft beer at the brewery (275 Dug Rd).

Suffield | Outdoor Movies on the Green: Ghost Busters | 8:30 PM - Free movie night under the stars on Suffield Town Green (1 N Main St).

Windsor | Summer Open Studios & Makers' Market | 11 AM - 5 PM - Meet local artists and shop handmade goods (35 Central St).

Bristol | Christmas in July Ceramic Workshop | 1 PM | ($) - Paint holiday ceramics at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race St).

Marlborough | Jeff Pitchell at The Farm at Carter Hill | 2 PM - Blues guitar legend lights up the outdoor stage (86 East Hampton Rd).

Windsor | Stained Glass Dragonflies | 1 PM | ($) - Create a stained glass dragonfly in Bart's Beer Garden (55 Palisado Ave). Make It

Windsor Locks | 2nd Annual Summer Cookout | 3 PM - Grilled favorites and good times at Polish American Club. Dig In

7/15

Manchester | Fairy House Workshop | 1 PM - Kids create magical miniature fairy dwellings at Wickham Park (1329 Middle Tpke W). Make It

7/16

Manchester | Illusionist David Garrity | 11 AM - Mind-bending magic for kids at the Children's Performance Series (1329 Middle Tpke W). Watch Now

7/18

East Hartford | Bubble Run Hartford | 8 AM | ($) - Run through foam and bubbles at this colorful family 5K at Rentschler Field (615 Silver Ln). Lace Up

East Windsor | DINO Trolley Weekends | 9:30 AM | ($) - Ride a vintage trolley through dinosaur territory at CT Trolley Museum (58 North Rd). Hop Aboard

Rocky Hill | Community Carnival | 4-9 PM - Games, rides, and summer fun at Elm Ridge Park Amphitheater (376 Elm St). Join the Fun

7/19

Bloomfield | Family Fun: Blueberries at Auer Farm | 1-3 PM - Pick blueberries and explore the farm with the whole family (158 Auer Farm Rd). Join the Fun