🏅 Connecticut just snagged the #5 slot for quality of life in CNBC’s 2025 state rankings - apparently good pizza, clean air, and low crime do wonders for your vibe.

🌳 Gov. Lamont just green‑lit $14.3 M to lock 2,270 acres of Connecticut land into forever‑wild status and seed six brand‑new community parks. Check out the full list of properties!

This week, my Hive Pick is the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (75 N Eagleville Rd, Storrs). How many of you knew this museum was tucked away up at UConn? This weekend on Saturday 7/26 from 1-5pm they’re having their fantastic Mega Mammal Day.

Exhibits of skulls, taxidermy (well done stuff, not like the Lion of Gripsholm Castle - look it up and have a little chuckle), other specimens, scavenger hunts, crafts, and games for young to old. The best part? It’s absolutely free! Bring the family for some edutainment, and grab some lunch or dinner at one the many restaurants in the area.

This week marks the return of Vernon’s Annual “Summer Days” Carnival at Rockville High School (70 Loveland Hill Rd). From Wednesday 7/23 to Saturday 7/26, you can get in on all the rides, food, and fun you can handle.

Parking and admission are free, but if you want to get on the rides, you’ll have to pony up some money. No pets allowed. Let’s be honest, you probably don’t have anything else going on, so why not enjoy an evening at the carnival? Hours are from 6-10pm Wed-Fri and 5-10pm Sat.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Harmony, a 3‑month‑old Husky mix, 12 lbs of future adventure buddy who’s already social, shot‑up‑to‑date, and primed to howl at the moon with you first.

🏡House of the week: Contemporary ranch in Ellington flaunts a three‑sided glass atrium, wrap‑around deck, two fireplaces, and sunset‑soaked views on a private acre—mid‑century swagger meets zen garden vibes. Check it out!

🥾Trail of the week: Need a mellow mile (well, 1.8mi each way) where grandma, toddlers, and the dog can all cruise together? Follow this flat former trolley bed along Shenipsit Lake for leafy shade, a couple of cute brook bridges, and one short side‑spur that lets you dip a hand in the water. No big climbs, just lake glimpses and birdsong the whole way—perfect “let’s‑walk‑and‑catch‑up” territory. Park on the shoulder near Tolland Stage Road, saunter out‑and‑back, then reward yourself with ice cream at nearby Kloter Farms.

🔭Sky report: July 24‑29, after midnight, the Delta Aquariids crank up their cosmic confetti cannon—expect 10‑20 zippy sky‑streaks an hour while the Moon stays on mute.

Coventry | Adult Learn To Row | 6-7:30pm $ - If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to row out on the water, you just need $20 and to show up to Coventry Lake Patriots Park (124 Lake St).

Somers | Classic’s Cruise Night | 4:30-7:30pm - Head down to the weekly car show at Joanna’s (145 Main St). Door prizes, music, and other surprises until dark.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | Karaoke | 7-10pm

Bolton | Summer XC Series | 6-7:30pm - Join in on the racing fun for the whole family at Bolton Heritage Farm (258 Bolton Center Rd). More info

Ellington | Family Fun Series | 10-11am $ - Ellington Youth Services (31 Arbor Way) is holding a generational game show for some family fun. Register

Somers | DIY Healing Jewelry Workshop | 6:30pm $ - Make your own healing jewelry at An Angel’s Window (24 Battle St) with a selection of stones and crystals. Sign Up

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Town Green - Bolton | The Rolangs | 6:30pm
⬢ River Road Athletic Complex - Willington | Val Rogers & Red Satin Band | 6:30-8:30pm

TRIVIA

Bond 124 - Somers | 7-8:30pm

Hebron | Pinkalicious Party | 4pm $ - Yep, that Pinkalicious. Wear a pink outfit, enjoy pink treats, and have a great pink time at The Flour Girl (14 Main St). Tix

Rockville | Protecting Our Pollinators | 6pm - Learn all about the importance of saving our pollinators at Rockville Public Library (52 Union St). Registration is required.

Somers | Yappy Hour | 5:30-7:30pm - Help support Paws CT - a very worthwhile animal shelter, at Bond 124 (124 Main St). Bring your pups!

Somers | Summer 5K Series | 5:30-7pm - Sign up for a 5K through the scenic Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain St). Register

Storrs | Mixed Media Puppet Show | 6:45pm - Enjoy a show put on by a UConn MFA candidate Harley Brooke Walker at the Ballard Institute (1 Royce Cir) featuring shadow, sound, and paper mâché. No reservation required.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Concerts on The Square - Storrs | Kimaya Diggs | 6:30-8pm
⬢ Sonny’s Place - Somers | Tyler Pettibone | 7-10pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | Preacher Dogs | 6pm
⬢ Somers Town Green - Somers | The Score | 6pm
⬢ Bond 124 - Somers | Raya | 7:30-10:30pm

TRIVIA

Rocking Horse - Vernon | 7-9pm

Andover | Cribbage & Street Corn | 1-3pm - Seniors are invited for a session of cribbage accompanied with Mexican street corn at the Andover Community & Senior Center (25 School St).

Stafford Springs | Spirit Gallery Readings | 6:30-8:30pm $ - Get messages from the afterlife with Naomi Kimbrough at Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St). Tix

Stafford Springs | Sound Healing Journey | 6:15pm $ - Take a sonic healing journey at Middle River Yoga (2 River Rd). To reserve a spot, Venmo @yogashelly $30.

Somers | A Century of Whirls | 4-8pm - Celebrate 100 years of the carousel at Sonny’s Place (349 Main St) with free rides, history talks, and a bunch of other family fun.

Somers | Cruise Night | 4pm - Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain St) is hosting a classic car night. Swing by for some fine wine and fine rides.

Vernon | Backyard BBQ | 5pm $ - Support the veterans, enjoy some BBQ (pulled pork, pulled chicken, and a whole lot more) at the American Legion (114 West St). The Leftovers will be providing music from 6-9pm. Call (860) 875-1091 with questions.

Vernon | 80’s Party | 8pm - Wear some neon and leg warmers for an 80’s-themed night of pool at Racks (500 Talcottville Rd). Ladies get free pool!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Savage Brothers Band | 6pm
⬢ Sonny’s Place - Somers | XS Band | 8-11pm
⬢ Four Seasons By The Lake - Stafford Springs | MURPHY’S LAW | 7-10:30pm
⬢ AllPoints Realty - Hebron | Branded | 6-8pm
⬢ Rockville Elks - Rockville | Cobblestone Road | 6-9pm $

Andover | Benefit Concert | 6-9:30pm $ - Help support a community member going through cancer treatment and enjoy some live music at Fitch Family Farm (11 Bunker Hill Rd). BYO chair, beverage. $25 entry fee.

Ellington | Picklefest | 9am-12pm - The Ellington Farmers Market (72 Maple St) is making all things pickle the focus of this week. Pick up some pickle cupcakes from Lu-Anns - they’re kind of a big dill!

Stafford Springs | Farmers Market | 10am-12pm - Here’s your reminder about the Stafford Springs Farmer’s Market (51 Old Springfield Rd).

Stafford Springs | Setback Night | 6-8:30pm $ - Grab a cider and whoop some butt at Setback at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St)

Storrs | Farmers Market | 3-5pm - Your weekly reminder about the Storrs Farmers Market (4 S Eagleville Rd).

Storrs | Puppet Show | 11am - Enjoy a free puppet show at Betsy Paterson Square (9 Dog Ln) or at the Ballard Institute Theater in case of rain. Bring your own chair/blanket/seating. More info

Tolland | Family Fun Day | 2-6pm $ - The Quarry (94 Bald Hill Rd) is inviting family members and friends to a day of athletics and fun. You can buy tickets the day of, or grab them early here.

Tolland | Mermaid Garden Workshop | 11am-1pm $ - Tolland Garden Paths is holding a workshop to make a fun miniature mermaid garden at Old Tolland County Jail & Museum (749 Tolland Stage Rd). Tix

Willington | Comic Construction | 12:30-2:30pm - Willington Public Library (7 Ruby Rd) is giving you the chance to learn what it takes to create a graphic novel. Matt Ryan will guide you through character creation all the way up to getting it on the page! Give them a call at (860) 429-3854 to register for a spot!

Willington | Reducing Rider Anxiety | 4-6pm $ - Help do away with riding anxiety no matter your experience level with horses at Magnolia Equestrian Center (34 Cemetery Rd). Email [email protected] for more deets.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Change-Up | 8pm
⬢ Hilltop Restaurant - Willington | Home By Ten | 8-11pm
⬢ Sonny’s Place - Somers | Acoustic Rick | 1-4pm
⬢ Sonny’s Place - Somers | Hazzard County | 8-11pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | The Score | 6:30pm
⬢ Worthington Vineyards - Somers | PARTY of 2 | 1-4pm
⬢ The Hidden Still - Ellington | Eastview Drive | 8:30-11pm

Mansfield | Grist Mill Tours | 1-5pm - Joshua’s Trust is offering guided tours of the Gurleyville Grist Mill (Stone Mill Rd). Take advantage of learning about this piece of CT history!

Somers | Yoga/Sound Bath | 10-11:30am $ - Enjoy a slow flow yoga class and sound bath at the beautiful Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain Rd). Tix

Stafford Springs | Sea Glass Crafts | 2-4pm $ - Choose from a couple options to create a gorgeous sea glass craft at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). More info

Vernon | Artisan Fair | 1-6pm - Buy local and support artisans from around the community at the Italian Social Club (56 Snipsic St) during the Slice of Summer event.

Vernon | Winter in July | 10am-2pm - Have a “snowball” fight, craft an ornament or two, meet some animals from Carly’s Critters, and more at Strong Family Farm (274 West St).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Sonny’s Place - Somers | The Brat Pack | 3pm
⬢ Four Seasons By The Lake - Stafford Springs | Acoustic Rick/3rd Generation | 2-6pm
⬢ Mill Pond Country Store - Stafford Springs | The Natural Disasters | 2-4pm

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