Winter Indoor Fun in Connecticut

Introducing our new section. The Book Nook. Here we feature small Connecticut book stores. I love a good book. One of my favorite things to do is pull up a chair to my front sun facing window and take some time to read. Here in this section will be your book tour of  Connecticut!

Montgomery & Taggert Small Town Romance Book Shop

📚 Welcome to Montgomery & Taggert, Chester, CT's charming Small Town Romance Bookshop! Founded in 2024 by the passionate duo, Sarah Borgnis-Tobin and Elizabeth Tucker, M&T promises a literary experience like no other.

✨ What does M&T offer? A world where love blooms on every shelf with a meticulously curated collection of romance books, perfect for anyone in search of their next favorite love story. But that’s not all! Discover a wide array of literary gifts for book lovers and stay tuned for our exciting events that bring stories to life!

Why should you visit?
Because ❤️ everyone deserves their Happily Ever After ❤️ and at Montgomery & Taggert, we make sure you find yours. Come by and let the magic of stories sweep you off your feet!

🎨 Got an image in mind? Let us transform it into a stunning company logo or a unique gift for someone special. Perfect for showing your appreciation in the most personal way. ❤️

🧥👕 Wondering what to do with those overgrown t-shirts or sweatshirts? Let's give them a new lease of life! How about a personalized pillow, quilt, or tote bag? 🧵🎁

💖 Make a Memory from a cherished sweatshirt.

Our Products Include:

• 🧸 Memory items
• Treasured memory bears 🐻 or other stuffed animals
• Heartfelt memory pillows or quilts
• 👶 Adorable baby items, like onesies, loveys, and blankets
• 🚿 Cozy hooded towels
• Handy tote bags
• 🎀 Elegant table runners

Don't forget, we also offer sewing lessons upon request for those eager to learn and explore! 🧵✂️

No order is too big or too small, and we aim to provide a fast turnaround whenever possible.

🎄🌟 Think of us for your holiday needs and bring some personalized warmth to your celebrations this year! 🎁✨

Averys Soda - New Britain CT

🌟 Discover the Timeless Taste of Avery's Sodas! 🌟

Since the summer of 1904, Herman F. Avery began crafting exceptional sodas in the iconic red barn on Corbin Avenue. With flavors that tantalize the taste buds — like Cream, Birch Beer, Root Beer, and Ginger Ale — Avery's quickly became a household name.

In the early days, Mr. Avery delivered these delightful beverages using a horse-pulled wagon, serving homes and stores around New Britain, Connecticut. It wasn't until 1914 that he transitioned to a delivery truck, heralding a new era of soda distribution.

Today, over 100 years later, Avery's continues to uphold its tradition of exceptional customer service and unparalleled quality. Our handcrafted sodas are still made using traditional recipes and real cane sugar, offering that coveted old-fashioned flavor.

We take pride in crafting each batch carefully, packaging our sodas in glass bottles to perfectly preserve their delightful taste. 🍾

Experience the lasting legacy of Avery's and join our loyal community of soda enthusiasts across the country! 📦

Please make note, if your going to go and pick up a case they have a new address at Hartford Square in New Britain. Don't forget your reward card in case you have enough for a free case!

This trip will take us first on Route 2 South until you almost get to Norwich, we are taking the Route 32 exit that says Yantic/Willimantic I know it as Exit 27 but they might have changed the exit number by now so keep an eye out for the wording. After you get out stay right we are going to follow the signs for Route 32 North. Depending on the time of day your heading out you might want to stop at Volare Mexican Restaurant for a bite. If not keep heading up Route 32 you will find Franklin Town Line Diner and order up some Breakfast. Moving on up Route 32 watch out for the fork in the road to jump onto Route 610 then it merges to Route 207 we are headed to Baltic cute little town over the Lords Bridge which goes over the Shetucket River. There is a Park there if you want to get some shots. Be on the lookout for Bald Eagles in this area. They like being near moving open unfrozen rivers. you never know. Then Take a right and jump onto Route 138, watch out on this Route it has some sharp turns. Route 138 will take you into Jewett City and here you can find other places to eat. Route 138 will turn into Main st and then you will take a right onto Slater Ave and you will find  College Mart Flea Market 2 floors to explore. Figure at least an hour to Browse here. There is ALOT to see. Once your done keep heading down Slater Ave which is still Route 138 and we are going to go under I395 -stay on Route 138 Into Voluntown area. You will see more places to eat and another MUST STOP at Pachaug Pickers! YES this guy is a Picker all right. Your gonna see antiques, collectibles, old signs and things from your youth! Hopefully he is open check his website for hours. Once your done Pickin keep heading down Route 138 and keep an eye out for Sheldon Rd on the right follow that down until it meets Route 165 as your driving down your going to see Route 201 take a right we are going to go view Glasco Pond Falls, This time of year you might get a treat and see them frozen at the very least surrounded by snow. This area will make for some great photos. Before you get there you will see Buttonwood Sunflower Fields obviously not blooming. So maybe this summer come back to this issue and do this drive again in the summer to view the sunflowers. After your photo op go back the way you came on 201 the turn right back onto Route 165. Nice area very little around it, just peaceful drive. at the end of 165 you will tak a right onto Route 2 into Norwich. Now if you haven't actually stopped in Norwich to take it in you should there are alot of micro brewery's that have popped up downtown. Why not stay a while. Make a stop at Howard T Brown Memorial Park and take in the views there. Otherwise follow Route 2 signs back to the highway OR Keep Exploring!

📚 ✈️ Are you planning your next adventure across the United States? Make sure to bring along our unique Travel Word Search Book. As you flip through its pages, you'll embark on a journey through the USA like never before! With each turn, you'll discover interactive crosswords and engaging coloring pages that will guide you to iconic destinations and provide endless fun along the way!

Highlights:

• 🧩 Word Search & Coloring Book: Experience the best of both worlds as this book combines these two beloved activities in one!
• Travel Word Search: Solve engaging puzzles themed around famous US landmarks.
• Travel Coloring Book: Color stunning illustrations of America's most renowned sites.
• USA Travel Book: Your ultimate companion to unlock travel ideas and keep you entertained wherever you roam!

🗺️ Whether you're taking a road trip or flying coast to coast, let this book be your guide to the wonders of the USA. Every page is a new adventure, waiting for you to explore! 🌟

                                         Makes a great gift!

Check out this section every week for our latest Connecticut Crafters!

Are you a Crafter that lives in Connecticut? Click this Link to send us your information so we can include you in our next issue. 

Daydream Made - Blind Books

🌟 Discover the Magic of Daydream Made! 🌟

At Daydream Made, we're passionate about curating unique, handmade gifts designed to ignite your imagination and bring a touch of creativity into your everyday life. Our artisans are committed to blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology, resulting in one-of-a-kind collections that are as inspiring as they are beautiful.

Each piece in our collection is meticulously crafted to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. We believe in the power of storytelling through art, ensuring that every item not only serves a practical purpose but also carries a deeper meaning and elegance.

Let Daydream Made bring a bit of artistic wonder into your world—whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or looking to indulge yourself. Unlock the charm of everyday moments with our thoughtfully designed pieces that promise to evoke inspiration and showcase the artistry of skilled hands. 🎁✨

We invite you to explore our collections and discover the delightful surprises that await. Embrace the artistry of living with Daydream Made! 💫

Creative BDR Boutique

🎨 Hello, art enthusiasts and lovers of unique creations!

I'm Heather, owner of Creative BDR Boutique and the artist delighted to share the magic of my one-of-a-kind framed fiber creations with you. Using the intriguing technique of needle felting, I blend the textures of **wool, silk**, and other natural fibers to craft artwork that allows me to "paint" with fibers instead of traditional brushstrokes. 🌟

Each piece is a labor of love, carefully brought to life with vibrant color, graceful **movement**, and captivating texture. To add a touch of sparkle and depth, every creation is finished with hand-stitched beads that enhance its dimension and allure. ✨

My inspiration is drawn from the breathtaking beauty of the natural world—fields, forests, skies, and waterscapes that stir emotion and awaken the senses. 🌿🌌

Every piece is crafted with patience, unyielding passion, and a deep love for fiber as a profoundly expressive medium. My earnest hope is that my art brings as much joy and **wonder** to your space as it did to mine during the creative process. 🥰

Jan 23 - Feb 8 Weekends Only Mermaids of Mystic

Jan 24  Pet Adoption Event Southington

Jan 24 Fire & ice Family Fun Fest Litchfield Community Ctr 1-3pm

Jan 24 Craft Fair & Flea Market 9-2pm Columbus Lodge Hamden

Jan 24-25 The Witch Market at The Tarot Goddess Windsor Locks CT

Jan 25 Basketball Tournament - Southington High School 2-4pm

Jan 28 Cross Stitch Craft Night River Bend Book Shop 6-7pm

Jan 29 - Feb 1 Hartford Boat Show

Jan 31 Book Sale - Worthwhile Reads Bristol

Feb 7th Speed Dating for Book Lovers at Worthwhile Reads

Feb 19-22 CT Flower and Garden Show at the Convention Center

March 7 & * 8 Meriden Mineral and Gem Show

March 13, 14 15 90's Con Hartford

March 21 - 22.  Dragons Realm ComicCon Danbury

Popular Sledding Parks in CT

Sledding Locations in Stamford:  Enjoy the snowy fun at popular spots like Dorothy Heroy Park, Fort Stamford, Scalzi Park, and Fish Church, all offering a variety of hills perfect for sledding enthusiasts. 🛷

• Sledding in Greenwich: Experience the thrill at Julian Curtiss School with its wide hill, Western Greenwich Civic Center Park, and Bruce Park. ❄️
• Eastern Connecticut Adventures: Head to Ledyard Middle School, Horsebarn Hill at UConn, or the Roseland Park's Golf Course for diverse sledding experiences. ⛄
• Fairfield County Fun: Discover local schools or parks for hills or consider a visit to Mohawk Mountain for exhilarating tubing. 🌨️

Paid Snow Tubing Parks: Special Amenities!

• Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield offers not only dedicated tubing runs but also sessions filled with music and food, making it a fantastic choice for families. 🎶🍔
• Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall provides another great tubing option. Remember to check their website for availability and opening hours before you go.

💡 Tips for Sledding in Connecticut:

• Snow Depth: Ensure there's enough snow to cover obstacles like rocks and roots for a smooth sledding experience.
• Safety First: Helmets are recommended for younger children, and always have adult supervision. 🪖
• Check Conditions: Call ahead or check online to confirm operating hours and snow conditions, especially for tubing parks. 📞
• Variety of Spots: Some locations, such as
• Scalzi Park, are perfect for younger children, while others like 
• Innis Arden Golf Club offer more daring adventures for the brave-hearted. 🤸‍♂️
• Nelsons Field - Bristol Corner of 69 and Maple Ave
• Walnut Hill Park - New Britain

✨ This week, from January 23 through January 29, 2026, the cosmos is bustling with intriguing developments! As Mars enters Aquarius on January 23, feel the collective surge of innovation, independence, and social progress. 🌟 Later, on January 26, the celestial landscape welcomes Neptune's entrance into Aries, heralding a decade-long era of spiritual and visionary growth! 🌌

• Aries (March 21 – April 19): This week, focus on collective impact rather than solo missions as Mars energizes the social sector. Career rewards or promotions may surface. Your Lucky Numbers are: 1, 10, 14, 15, 19, 22. 🎯
• Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Practicality meets creativity when refining your public image. Expect clarity in a professional role by mid-week. Your Lucky Numbers are: 2, 11, 14, 21, 22, 32. 💼
• Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Curiosity leads to new horizons, but finish urgent tasks first. Networking is an asset this week. Your Lucky Numbers are: 3, 11, 12, 14, 21, 32. 🌐
• Cancer (June 21 – July 22): The focus shifts to intimacy and shared resources. Use "gentle honesty" to navigate complex emotional or financial ties. Your Lucky Numbers are: 4, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19. ❤️
• Leo (July 23 – August 22): Heartfelt one-on-one conversations strengthen bonds. Creativity is high, but balance workplace drama with home life. Your Lucky Numbers are: 5, 12, 15, 19, 21, 23. 🦁
• Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Progress comes quickly when insight meets effort. Prioritize self-care routines to maintain high energy levels. Your Lucky Numbers are: 6, 11, 21, 23, 24, 32. 🌱
• Libra (September 23 – October 22): Romance and playful energy take center stage. It is an ideal time to build harmony in personal and professional relationships. Your Lucky Numbers are: 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19. ⚖️
• Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Conversations regarding home life bring comfort and stability. Trust intuition to transform deep-seated passions into reality. Your Lucky Numbers are: 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 33. 🦂
• Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): A lively mood lifts connections with others. Embrace new experiences that expand personal or professional horizons. Your Lucky Numbers are: 9, 11, 14, 18, 22, 27. 🎯
• Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Practical choices and financial planning come easily this week. Build solid foundations for a successful future. Your Lucky Numbers are: 1, 10, 14, 19, 22, 28. 🏔️
• Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Voice sets the tone as the Sun, Mercury, and Mars are all in this sign. Embrace individuality and think outside the box. Your Lucky Numbers are: 2, 11, 15, 21, 22, 33. 🌊
• Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Trust imagination and intuition, even in quiet moments. Neptune’s shift on January 26 signals a long-term spiritual awakening. Your Lucky Numbers are: 3, 11, 12, 14, 19, 23. 🐠

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