Tucked away on a quiet road in Tolland, Whispering Brook Farm & Art Studio is one of those places that feels like a deep breath for your soul. It’s where meandering trails meet colorful creativity—part working farm, part whimsical art studio. Whether you’re coming to pet the goats, take a stroll through the gardens, or sit down at an easel, it’s the kind of place where you slow down and reconnect—with nature, with creativity, and maybe even with yourself.

Whispering Brook isn’t just for kids (though their summer camps and school vacation programs are a local favorite). Adults can tap into their inner artist through seasonal art workshops, plein air painting days, and relaxing studio sessions, all surrounded by the peaceful hum of farm life.

If you're more into barn animals than brushstrokes, the farm itself is home to friendly goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and other critters that love the company. Families can schedule private farm visits or come to one of the many open farm days throughout the year.

This is more than just a place to visit—it’s a little slice of community magic run by a local artist (and fantastic person) who’s passionate about blending agriculture and the arts. Whether you’re planning a creative playdate, a unique birthday party, or just want a screen-free afternoon with your kids, Whispering Brook Farm & Art Studio is worth the trip.

🍎 Mansfield Public Schools just scored big—ranked among the best in CT for top-tier teachers, according to a new report.

Saturday 6/14

Stafford Springs | Hot Wheels Monster Trucks | 7:30pm $ - Let your inner child run wild with a monster truck show featuring Hot Wheels classics like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and more, at Stafford Motor Speedway (55 West St). Tix

Step into this East Coast dreamboat - a 4,800 sq. ft. Colonial stunner sitting pretty on 3.67 peaceful acres, rocking over $200K in updates but still flexing its antique charm. The kitchen’s got granite, wide-plank floors, and appliances so nice they make your toast taste better.

The dining room? Wainscoting, built-ins, a fireplace — like something out of a Nancy Meyers movie. You’ll find fireplaces everywhere (because why wouldn’t there be?), a pub room with a copper ceiling and wine chiller, and even a full in-law setup with its own porch and vaulted study. Upstairs? A primary suite with a walk-in dressing room that could host a cocktail party. Oh, and the basement? Fully finished, fully fabulous. Bring your offer and maybe your interior designer.

Ellington | Strawberry Moon Celebration | 6-8pm - JoAnna and Becky from Voices of Enlightenment (19 Pinney St) will be leading a journey through June’s full moon. This is an outdoor event, and while there’s no charge, donations are graciously accepted.

Coventry | Open Studio Wood Flower Bar | 6-7:30pm $ - Create your dream arrangement (or wreath) that will last at Wood & Word Blooms (21 Bread & Milk St). Sign-up

Coventry | Ice Cream Social | 2pm - Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is holding an ice cream social at Creaser Park (100 Case Rd). Perfect time to sign up for the available children, teen, and adult summer reading programs!

Stafford Springs | Community Drum Circle | 5-6:30pm - Get your rhythm on at Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St) with a community drum circle. Bring your own percussion/noise makers. Donations are graciously accepted.

Columbia | Chair Yoga | 1-2pm $ - Get your low-impact friendly chair yoga on at Beckish Senior Center (188 Rt 66). For more info call (860) 228-0759

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Summer Concerts on the Square - Storrs | Carrie Ashton | 6:30-8pm

Rockville | Tai Chi at the Library | 10-11am - This popular class is back at Rockville Public Library (52 Union St). Space is limited so sign-up sooner than later.

Stafford Springs | Artist Showcase | 6-8pm - Celebrate local artist Hilary Bareiss at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). HennatizeMe will also be in attendance creating henna designs.

Union | Fables of the Frontier | 9pm-Sunday $ - Get fully immersed in a role-playing weekend at Taber Creek (1174 Buckley Hwy). More details

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Cassidy Hill Vineyard - Coventry | Off The Clock Band | 6-8pm
⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Spirit Shaker | 7pm $10
⬢ Stillwater Grill - Stafford Springs | The Natural Disasters | 6pm
⬢ Four Seasons by The Lake - Stafford Springs | Aquanett | 8pm

Andover | Dog Jumping | 9am $ - Hop River Air Dogs (241 Rt 6) is holding their first event of the year. Register

Columbia | Barbie Jeep Death Races | 12pm - Bring your Power Wheels brand Barbie Jeep for a race at The Main Moose (94 Rt 66 E). Live DJ commentating and music.

Ellington | Strawberry Festival | 9am-12pm - The Ellington Farmers Market (72 Maple St) is celebrating strawberry season with tons of produce featuring the delicious fruit. Live music, free face painting, and community!

Hebron | Hebron Day | 10:30am-2:30pm - Kick off summer with 2025 Hebron Day at Burnt Hill Park (148 East St) thrown by Hebron Parks and Rec. Kids activities, food trucks, local vendors, a car show, and live music are all on the docket.

Mansfield | Atwood Farm Tour | 2-4pm - Take a self-guided tour around Atwood Farm (624 Wormwood Hill Rd). Check out the 19th/20th farm buildings on the property. More info

Stafford | Farmers Market | 10am-12pm - Shop local at the Stafford Farmers Market (51 Old Springfield Rd) and meet some community members.

Stafford Springs | Flag Day | 11am-2pm - Celebrate Old Glory at American Legion Post 26 (10 Monson Rd). Flag-raising ceremonies, music, guest speakers, and more.

Stafford Springs | Setback Night | 6-8:30pm $ - Show everyone that you’re the king of cards at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). Grab a cider and bring some cash.

Storrs | Farmers Market | 3-5pm - Grab some local local produce and more at the Storrs Farmers Market (4 S Eagleville Rd).

Union | Chicken BBQ | 4-5:30pm $ - Help support the Union Volunteer Fire Dept (1049 Buckley Hwy) with a delicious chicken BBQ dinner. Pre-order

Vernon | Bingo Night | 8pm $ - Racks (500 Talcottville Rd) is holding their first Bingo night, with big prizes such as pool cues and designer purses, and smaller prizes of jewelry, pool chalk, and more billiard related items.

Vernon | Jr Badminton Tourney | 9am $ - The Pickleball Place (10 Pitkin Rd) is holding a two-day tournament for kids 12 & under and 12-18. Prizes will be given, fun will be had, birdies will be smashed. You need to register by 6/10!

Vernon | Free Concert | 7pm - Professional soprano, composer, and harpist Zoe Vendermeer will perform baroque, classical, and Celtic music on her harp, along with original music at St. John’s Episcopal Church (523 Hartford Tpke).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Trailer Trash | 9pm
⬢ The Spot - Tolland | Bill Dempsey | 6pm
⬢ The Hidden Still - Ellington | Weekend On Wednesday | 8pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | Redhead | 6:30-9:30pm
⬢ Sonny’s Place - Somers | Rockoustic HRU | 1-4pm

Bolton | Dads Play Free | 9am-8pm - Mar-Lea Mini-Golf (244 Boston Tpke) is inviting all dads to come for a free round of mini-golf!

Coventry | Farmers Market | 10am - Bring the dad(s) in your life to the Coventry Farmers Market (2299 South St) for local vendors and live music (The Natural Disasters).

Coventry | Father’s Day Ice Cream Social | 1-3pm ($) - Fathers get a free sundae at the Coventry Historical Society’s Brick School House Museum (1019 Merrow Rd). Stop into the museum while you’re there.

Mansfield | Nipmuck South Trail Race | 9am - Join the Shenipsit Striders for an approximately 15 mile race on the Nipmuck trail starting at the Bassetts Bridge Rd parking lot. Register

Stafford Springs | High Tea | 3:30pm $ - Join Café de Flore (72 Main St) for their new monthly tea. In celebration of Father’s Day, dad’s tea is gratis. Bonus points for a pretty hat.

Stafford Springs | Sound Healing | 6:15pm $ - Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St) is holding a Father’s Day sound healing for a little bit of relaxation on Sunday. Tix

Storrs | Dads Climb Free | 10am - Bring your favorite dad for a climb at The Adventure Park at Storrs (2007 Storrs Rd). Buy one ticket and get one for dad for free. Tix

Vernon | Sunday Fun-Day | 10am-2pm - Strong Family Farm (274 West St) is celebrating summer with a day of crafts, photo-ops with Clucky, meet-and-greets with alpacas from Aussikita Acres Farm, story time, and sweet treats. Free for all ages!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ The Main Moose - Columbia | Weekend on Wednesday | 4pm

Somebody do something on Mondays for us!