Mothers Day Mania

🚨UPDATES📢

Content: Last week I asked if I should keep some small positive local news, drop it to add new content or do both. You overwhelmingly voted to do both so this week you see a new content section Hart Co Trivia which will be local trivia questions that you can test your knowledge against. Good luck! I’ll be mixing in local history tidbits, word scrambles and more so keep an eye out for upcoming changes.

IRL Meet Up: I recently spoke to a local business that offers kayak/canoe trips on the Farmington River and local lakes. I’m wondering if you would be interested in joining a meet up, I’ll try to score us a sweet discount.

BRIEF BITES

• 🛍️Shopping - Burlington is bringing its signature savings to Manchester this spring, opening a new 30,000-square-foot store at The Plaza at Buckland Hills.

• 🏗️Acquisition - Amazon has acquired approximately 200 acres in Enfield, CT, for $20 million, with plans to develop an 819,000-square-foot warehouse, signaling a significant investment in the region's economic growth.

• 🍖Food Battle - Simsbury’s own Tyler Anderson, chef-owner of Millwright’s, is firing up the competition on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl - catch him June 1 at 9 p.m. as he brings his culinary chops to the grill alongside Bobby Flay.

• ✈️Flight - JetBlue's new daily nonstop flight from Bradley International Airport to JFK Airport launched May 1, offering Connecticut travelers faster access to New York City and seamless connections to JetBlue’s global network.

• 🎖️Dedication - Avon honors its only Black Civil War soldier, Pvt. Leverett Holden, with a Connecticut Freedom Trail dedication on June 2 at East Avon Cemetery.

THE HIVE’S PICK

Walked into Dom’s Coffee and Cheese (20 W. Main St) on a whim. Walked out a believer. If a cozy Euro-style café and your dream cheese counter had a baby, it’d be this place. Here’s the deal: the coffee? Strong. Not burn-your-tongue strong, but purposefully strong. The kind that says, “you’ve got things to do, let’s go.” The cheese? Let’s just say if you’re still buying shrink-wrapped cheddar from the grocery store, Dom’s will hurt your feelings (in a good way). They’ve got the funky, the creamy, the crumbly, and the kinds of wheels that make you ask existential questions about dairy.

It’s not pretentious. It’s curated. There’s a difference. The atmosphere? Chill, with intent. You’ll see a laptop crowd. You’ll see a “one cappuccino and four hours of gossip” crowd. You’ll see cheese nerds talking rind. And nobody’s judging anyone for it. Need a power move for date night? Grab a wedge of truffle gouda and a bottle of something bold from the shelves. Hosting brunch? Their pastries are borderline unfair. Just want a quiet spot to caffeinate and get some life admin done? Boom - corner table, natural light, zero pressure. They also offer delicious options for breakfast and lunch.

Dom’s isn’t just a shop. It’s a strategy.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITIES🐝

Look, I’m not saying I forgot about Mother’s Day… but I’m definitely leaning on this weekend’s pop-up markets to make me look way more thoughtful than I am. There are a bunch of killer markets happening, and I’m planning to hit at least a few.

• Glastonbury’s setting up at Killam & Bassette Farmstead with handmade treats and one-of-a-kind gifts, aka the kind of stuff moms actually want.

• Granby’s got a Spring Marketplace at Holcomb Farm that promises local makers, and fresh baked goods.

• Hartford’s hosting a downtown bash at 57 Pratt St with help from Hartford Prints! and Gentle Bull Shop - florals, sweets, and last-minute lifesavers for the forgetful among us.

• Southington’s Traveling Bazaar is bringing the vintage vibes to Longview Ciderhouse (wine moms, unite).

• Windsor’s throwing a full-on SpringFest at Brown’s Harvest with food trucks, vendors, and kid-friendly chaos feels like summer’s first warm-up lap.

Might I go overboard and buy three different gifts? Possibly. But at least I won’t be panic-wrapping a mug from CVS this year.

NEW OPENINGS

🎂 CakeGypsy is back in Canton, baking up cupcakes, cookies, and sweet magic at 250 Albany Turnpike open Wed-Sat from 10am to 6pm.

🌮 No Mames Mexican Cantina opened on April 30th in Wethersfield - swing by 1140 Silas Deane Hwy for tacos, cocktails, and serious flavor vibes!

🥪Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is now open in Enfield - slinging hot & cold subs daily (10AM–9PM) including The Bobbie, a Thanksgiving feast on a roll!

🍞The Friendly Toast is now open in West Hartford - serving up all-day brunch, wild cocktails, and retro vibes at 36 LaSalle Rd. 🥞🍳 Come for the pancakes, stay for the mimosa flight!

TUESDAY (5/6)

Hartford | Speed Dating | 7PM $ - Fast talk, flirty vibes, and maybe your next “we met at a bar” story. Sunberry (65 Pratt St) is hosting singles night. Ages 29-37. Lock in your spot

Hartford | Trivia Night | 7PM - Flex those random facts and useless knowledge at Parkville Market (1400 Park St). Free to play, fierce competition, prizes if you're smart (or lucky).

Manchester | Music Bingo | 6:30PM - It’s bingo, but cooler. Elicit Brewing (165 Adams St) turns music hits into game cards. Cold beer, warm crowd, and bragging rights up for grabs.

Suffield | Shift Happens Meditation | 6:30-8:30PM $ - Unwind, unplug, and maybe unearth your inner peace. Unicorn Meadow Farm Wellness Center (1349 Sprucs St) hosts a mellow Monday with meditation and sound healing. BYO mat. Donation-based.

Weatogue | Open Mic | 6:30-9PM - Gutsy poets, rogue guitarists, and future stars take the mic at Talcott Mountain Collective (140 Nod Rd). Clap loud.

WEDNESDAY (5/7)

Bristol | Mom’s Night Out: Free Bowling | 7-9PM - Moms, it’s your night. No kids, no chaos, just strikes and snacks at Spare Time Bristol (177 Farmington Ave).

East Granby | Open Mic | 6-9PM - Your moment in the spotlight (or someone else’s). Almost Famous Brewing (17 School St) hands the mic to musicians, comics, and brave souls. No cover.

Plantsville | Brain Foods for Children | 5:30-7:30PM - Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington presents a free workshop at Livewell (1261 S. Main St) teaching parents how to fuel their kid’s mind without a sugar crash. Free Registration

Simsbury | After School Art Club | 4PM $ - Kids (Gr. 1-5) can get messy (in a good way) at Gather on Hopmeadow (961 Hopmeadow St). Paint, draw, create. Register here

Wethersfield | Guided Meditation & Sound Healing | 6:30-8PM $ - Ditch the stress. The Blackbird House (137 Main St) hosts a midweek reset with singing bowls and deep breath work. BYO mat + water. RSVP

Windsor | Classic Car Show | 4-8PM - Chrome, curves, and cruise-worthy rides take over Beer Garden at Bart’s (55 Palisado Ave). Free to stroll, snacks on deck.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Daft Punk Tribute | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Black-Eyed Sally’s | New London Big Band | 7PM
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Grill Bar | Abreu Latin Jazz | 6PM

THURSDAY (5/8)

Bristol | The Carousel Museum: Street Carousel | 6-8PM - Take a spin through history. The Carousel Museum (95 Riverside Ave) unveils a street carousel pop-up. Whimsical vibes and photo ops for days. Tix

Hartford | Off Flavor Sensory Panel | 6:30PM $ - Beer nerds, this one’s for you. Learn how to taste the wrong stuff (on purpose) at Dead Language Beer Project (1409 Park St). Funky sips, big knowledge.

New Britain | Toddler Thursday | 10:00AM-3:00PM $ - Fun City Trampoline Park (50 E. Main St) invites toddlers under 42 inches for a jumping goodtime.

Simsbury | Sip & Paint | 6-8PM $ - Canvas meets cabernet at ISCC Fitness Center (1375 Hopmeadow St). All supplies included. Artistic talent optional. Reserve your spot

Simsbury | Spielberg Movie Trivia | 7PM - How well do you really know the guy behind Jaws and E.T.? Red Stone Pub (10 Jim Gallagher Way ) is rolling out a trivia night for cinephiles. Free to play.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Seth Adam | 4:30-7:30PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | Mike Powell & The Echosound ft. John Spignesi Band | 8PM $
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Maddison Blues Live | 6PM
⬢ West Hartford - Blueback Square(65 Memorial Rd) | Jazz in the Square | 12-1PM

FRIDAY (5/9)

East Granby | Collector Car Show | 5PM - Chrome, classics, and casual flexing. Stop by Almost Famous Brewing (17 Kripes St) to stroll through dream rides while sipping a cold one. Free.

Enfield | Anastasia Live | 8PM $ - Opera House Players invites you to follow the lost princess on stage at the Enfield Annex Theater (124 North Maple St). Family-friendly, Broadway-worthy. Tix

Glastonbury | Comedy Night | 7PM $ - Stand-up, strong drinks, and zero awkward silences. Catch the funny at Crystal Ridge Winery (257 Belltown Rd). Secure your seat

Glastonbury | Trivia Night | 6PM - BYO brain trust. Hops on The Hill (275 Dug Rd) is hosting trivia with prizes, snacks, and low-stakes rivalries.

Manchester | Comic - Dominique | 7PM & 9:30PM $ - Straight from Comedy Central to The Hartford Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr), Dominique brings the heat. Real talk, raw laughs. Info & Entry

Wethersfield | Brew-Ha-Ha: Carmen Lynch | 8PM $ - National headliner Carmen Lynch hits Wethersfield’s biggest laugh factory at River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar (100 Great Meadow Rd) . Craft beer + top-tier comedy = no-brainer. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Broad Brook - Broad Brook Opera House | Last Exit - Pearl Jam Tribute | 8PM $
⬢ East Hartford - Carmines | Addicted (Live Band) | 8PM
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Underground | Gilsons | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theater | The Warped Tour Band | 8PM $
⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | Just Garcia Band | 7PM
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | The 860 | 9PM
⬢ Milldale - Kinsman Brewing Co. | 2nd Nature | 8PM
⬢ South Windsor - Connecticut Valley Brewing Co. | Unleashed | 6:30PM

SATURDAY (5/10)

Berlin | Spring Edibles with Emily | 10-11AM $ - Learn what wild greens you can munch without ending up on WebMD. Hungerford Nature Center (191 Farmington Ave) hosts local forager Emily. Adult focused (Ages.16+) Bring a notebook, maybe gloves. Register

Enfield | Food Truck Fest | 11AM-7PM (5/10-5/11) - It’s basically cheat day x10. Held at Mt. Carmel Society (93 Park Ave). Come hungry, leave with sauce on your shirt.

Glastonbury | Mother’s Day Pop-up Market | 10AM-4PM - One-of-a-kind goods and handmade treats take over Killam & Bassette Farmstead (1098 Main St). Shop small, gift big.

Granby | Spring Marketplace | 10AM-4PM - Local makers, baked goods, and maybe a goat or two. Held at Holcomb Farm (113 Simsbury Rd) . Very family-photo-opp friendly.

Hartford | Mother’s Day Market | 10AM-4PM - Swing through (57 Pratt St) for last-minute gifts, florals, and something sweet for the mama in your life. Dozens of vendors and sponsored by Hartford Prints! & Gentle Bull Shop.

Manchester | Market at 1115 Main | 10AM-2PM - Pop-up vendors, handmade goods, and street eats. It’s like Etsy came to life. Free entry.

Simsbury | Rosé Tasting | 2PM $ - Sip your way through spring’s favorite wine at Wine ETC (926 Hopmeadow St). Light bites included. Classy but casual. Book here

South Windsor | Meet & Greet with the Wicked Witch | 10-11:30AM - Wonderland Parties (915 Sullivan Ave) is hosting a real-life hero and villain witch. Photo ops, themed treats, and kids welcome, as long as they don’t cry. Passes

Southington | The Traveling Bazaar | 12-6PM - Local vendors, vintage finds, handmade everything. Held at Longview Ciderhouse (36 Long Bottom St).

Windsor | SpringFest 5/10-5/11 | 10AM-4PM - Community celebration at Brown’s Harvest (1911 Poquonok Ave) with vendors, food, and kid-approved fun at Town Green. Basically: the kickoff to summer. Passes

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - Bleachers Bar | CT ROCKS Fest | 7PM $
⬢ Bristol - New Cambridge Project | LB4 Debuts | 6PM
⬢ Broad Brook - The Opera House | Completely Unchained- Van Halen Tribute | 8PM $
⬢ Collinsville - 41 Bridge St | Jeff Pitchell CD Release Party | 8PM
⬢ East Granby Almost Famous Brewing | Aquanett Live | 7PM $
⬢ Hartford Infinity Music Hall | Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds | 8PM $ -
⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | Sabotage - Black Sabbath Tribute | 8PM
⬢ Manchester - The Hungry Tiger | Not Sorry | 7PM
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Phlloyd is Dead | 9PM
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Bar | The KC Movement | 5-7:30PM & 8-10PM
⬢ Southington - Hawks Landing | Don’t Tell Lisa | 6PM
⬢ West Hartford - New Park Brewing | Garden Grove - Sublime Tribute | 8PM $

SUNDAY (5/11)

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Kevin Giarnella | 2PM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Al Stewart & Livingston Taylor | 8PM $
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Bar | Blues Monday - Stoltz & Co | 5:30-8PM
⬢ Windsor Locks - Luppoleto Brewing | Tenpenny Bounce | 3-5PM

MONDAY (5/12)

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