Thanks to the local artists who replied last week, the talent is legit. Painters, printmakers, designers…

Here’s a cozy Cape tip for the week: fall’s creeping in, and I just got back from Cape Cod, so the cranberries were calling. Meet the Cranberry Bog Hot Toddy, two ways: classic and zero-proof. Simple, warm, and very New England.

Alcoholic

Non-Alcoholic

Quick spiced syrup (if you need it): simmer equal parts sugar + water with a few whole cloves and a pinch of ground allspice for 2 minutes; cool and strain.

🎉 Downtown Storrs is buzzing, three new openings on deck. Cut to the Chase just snipped the ribbon on a fresh space (they’ve been a downtown staple since 2010), and next up we’re celebrating Nikki’s Dog House (new spot, sister to the Putnam original) and Ledgebrook Massage Center, moving in from Mansfield to the heart of it all. Local glow-up, incoming.

Building off of last week’s Brief Bites, Rockville was crowned a Connecticut State Cultural District (the first in Tolland County) and it fits like a glove. The Rockville Historic District is already National Register-listed, stretching over ~550 acres with 842 contributing buildings, a dense walk of mill-era brick, Victorian porches, and civic showpieces. You’ll spot styles from Greek Revival to Late Victorian and Classical Revival, all tied to the boom that spun along the Hockanum River.

Highlights? Start at the Memorial Building/Town Hall (1890) - home to the New England Civil War Museum and the state’s oldest, continuously used GAR Hall, recognized for its intact veterans’ space and civic symbolism. Then trace the river to the big mill complexes: Amerbelle (with Belding Brothers, Fitch Mill, and the Stone Mill) dominating the skyline; the thundering falls by the Hockanum Mill site; and the ongoing preservation push at Daniel’s Mill. These are all celebrated as industrial heavyweights that shaped Rockville’s economy and architecture. Cap it with the Rockville Public Library (founded on an 1893 bequest) anchoring downtown culture. That mix, civic landmarks + mill heritage + intact streetscapes, is exactly why the district gets recognition and why the new Cultural District badge should bring even more eyes (and foot traffic) to Main Street.

Rockville | Protecting Our Pollinators | 6pm - Learn all about the wonderful pollinators that help keep food production going at Rockville Public Library (52 Union St). Register

Vernon | Gravel Ride | 5-7pm - Loom City Cycles (520 Hartford Tpke) is continuing their gravel rides into the fall. Make sure to bring a light!

Andover | Local Author Meeting | 6:30pm - Come meet local author Caitlyn Grabenstein and hear about her recently published book One Red Arrow. It’s not necessary, but it is helpful if you give Andover Public Library (355 Rt 6) a heads up if you’re going to go at (860) 742-7428.

Hebron | Pottery Painting | 6-7:30pm $ - Paint an adorable oak leaf luminary piece at The Flour Girl (14 Main St). Tix

Stafford Springs | Drum Circle | 5-7pm - Make some noise and feel the rhythm with a free drum circle at Haymarket Common Amphitheater (48 Main St). In case of bad weather, it will be held at Let’s Get Wired instead. Bring a drum or some sort of noise maker, and groove hard.

Vernon | Craft Night | 6:30pm - The First Congregational Church of Vernon (695 Hartford Tpke) is inviting everyone, skilled or not, to come try their hand at crafting.

Bolton | Sunset Paddle | 5:30-7:30pm - Take a nice leisurely paddle around Indian Notch. Flotation device is a must, and let Bolton Rec know if you need a kayak to borrow. Sign Up

Coventry | The Work of an 18th-Century Midwife | 6:30pm $ - Learn all about how midwives were much more than just baby deliverers at the Nathan Hale Homestead (2299 South St). Tix

Coventry | Cruise Night | 5-8pm - Groove to some music, grab a hot dog or two, and check out some great cars at the CLCC Farmstand (2645 Boston Tpke).

Somers | Bouquet Making Workshop | 5-8pm $ - Learn how to make a beautiful bouquet, that doesn’t look like you haphazardly threw flowers in a jar, at Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain Rd). Price of the class includes one glass of wine! Tix

Stafford Springs | Pottery Painting | 6-7:30pm $ - Enjoy a hard cider (or another beverage, but the ciders are fantastic - first drink is included in the price) and paint a beautiful piece of pottery at Stafford Cidery (69 Main St). More info

Storrs | Remembrance Ceremony | 8:40am - The town of Mansfield is holding a remembrance ceremony at Mansfield Town Hall (4 S Eagleville Rd).

Tolland | Chili Cookoff | 2-8pm - Lemek’s Farm (351 Goose Ln) is holding their 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off! Entering and tasting is free (doesn’t get better than that), and it should be a day of great vibes and food. If you want to compete, email [email protected].

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Rough Cut Cider House - Tolland | Jeremy Haddad | 4:30-7:30pm

TRIVIA

Cassidy Hill - Coventry | 6:30pm
Rocking Horse - Vernon | 7-9pm

Stafford Springs | Arts on Main | 6-8pm - Take a drive up to Main St and take a stroll around to see what all the local businesses have going on. This is a great way to experience this vibrant little community! You might even find some hidden treats in your travels.

Union | Fury of the Deeps | 4pm $ - In case you didn’t know, there is an avid LARP-ing community at Taber Creek (1174 Buckley Hwy). This week’s event is a Fantasy/Cosmic Horror themed event. More info

Vernon | Teacher Appreciation Night | 4-7pm - Spare Time (350 Talcottville Rd) is calling all educators and school staff, for a night of free bowling & shoe rental. Spots are limited though, so register if you plan on going.

Vernon | Zentangle II | 6-7:30pm $ - Learn about the relaxing world of building Zentangles at Arts Center East (709 Hartford Tpke). More info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Andover Community Center - Andover | Forever December | 7-9pm
⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Spirit Shaker | 7pm
⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Nothingman | 9pm $10
⬢ Four Seasons By The Lake - Stafford Springs | Vibe Atlantic | 7-10pm

Bolton | Fall Houseplant Swap | 11am-2pm - If you’re looking to add to your houseplant collection, take some cuttings of what you already have, and get ready to trade around at Cropley’s Garden Center. Indoor plants only, must be pest/disease-free! Questions? Email Lauren at [email protected]

Coventry | Craft and Vendor Fair | 11am-3pm - Browse through over 20 vendors at the CLCC Farmstand (2645 Boston Tpke). Grab some grub from The Rescue Dog Food Truck and meet some alpacas!

Coventry | Saturday Wood Bar Sessions | 2-3:30pm $ - Make a trip to Wood & Word Blooms (21 Bread & Milk St) to create a lasting arrangement. And if having flowers that won’t wilt isn’t good enough for you, how about the fact that you’ll get $5 off if you use code TCBUZZ5 up until Sept 30th!

Ellington | Harvest Health Fair | 9am-12pm - The Ellington Farmers Market (72 Maple St) is featuring local health and wellness organizations this weekend. All your other favorites will be there too, just with this added sprinkle of good things.

Rockville | Dinos to You | 10-11:30am - Give you little ones a chance to touch and learn about real dinosaur fossils! No registration required, just show up at Rockville Public Library (52 Union St).

Somers | Owl Pencil Holder | 9-11:30am $ - Bring the kids to make an adorable owl pencil holder at The Story Barn (952 Main St). $10 each, free story times at 9:30 & 11, free snacks, and a free outdoor scavenger hunt.

Somers | Wine Workout | 11am-12pm $ - Ok, so they’re separate things, but I bet I got your attention. Get a toning and sculpting workout in at Worthington Vineyard (359 Mountain Rd) and follow it up with a glass of wine (included in the price). Tix

Stafford Springs | Farmers Market | 10am-12pm - Listen to some live music and get your local shopping done at the Stafford Farmers Market (51 Old Springfield Rd).

Storrs | Farmers Market | 3-5pm - Time is starting to wind down on farmer’s markets for the year, so take advantage of the Storrs Farmers Market (4 S Eagleville Rd) while you can.

Tolland | Kick-Boxing Fitness | 10:15-11:15am $ - If you’re looking for a fun way to exercise, you can check out FitMitt’s at Secret Pages BJJ (97 Gerber Dr), a non-contact kickboxing class that will get you working up a sweat in no time. The first class is free! Shoot them a message to inquire.

Tolland | Tolland Classic CrossFit | 7:30am $ - If you think you have what it takes, Tolland CrossFit (60 Industrial Park W) is holding an all-day competition. More info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Trailer Trash | 9pm

TRIVIA

Stafford Cidery - Stafford Springs | 6:30pm

Andover | Chili Cook-Off | 12-2:30pm $ - Let’s see if you can back up your claim that you have the best chili recipe with a cook-off at Andover Community Center (25 School Rd). Contestant fee is $15, to taste is $10. Proceeds will go to the Andover Food Pantry.

Columbia | Jewish History in the Area | 1-3pm - Learn all about the Jewish families that settled in Eastern CT, starting with a showing of Harvesting Stones at Saxton B. Little Library (319 Rt 87), followed by trips to synagogues in town, as well as Hebron.

Coventry | Farmers Market | 10am-1pm - This week’s Coventry Farmers Market (2299 South St) theme is Going Green. Chat it up with Coventry’s Energy Committee while you’re there.

Mansfield | Grist Mill Music | 1-5pm - Join Joshua’s Trust at the Gurleyville Grist Mill (286 Stone Rd) for guided tours and live music from Fiddles and Friends!

Tolland | Car Show | 1-3pm - Head to The Spot (200 Merrow Rd) to check out some great classic cars. Because, why not?

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Mill Pond Country Store - Stafford Springs | Second Helping | 2-4pm

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