Hidden Road Trip of 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!

Fangs Used Books Jewett City

📚 Welcome to our cozy corner of literary bliss! We're absolutely thrilled to share that our book haven is now open from 12-6pm. Whether you're a bibliophile seeking your next great read or just love the feel of a good story, you'll find something just right for you here with our remarkable selection of gently used books, all at great prices. 🌟

We can't emphasize enough how much we love being a part of the community and supporting local small businesses. 🏪 We're a tight-knit team of very friendly and helpful staff who are eager to make your visit a delightful experience. We pride ourselves on creating a space that's as cozy as it is filled with literary treasures.

And because we believe every book journey should be sweet, help yourself to a complimentary cupcake or tea whenever you stop by. 🍰☕ It's our little way of saying thank you for choosing to support us. We highly recommend that you drop by for a visit. We promise, it'll feel like home! ❤️

Wicked Tulips - Presston

🌿 Embarking on a Greener Journey: A Decade of Change in the Bulb Industry! 🌷

When we took the leap and started our business in 2009, the journey toward a more eco-friendly bulb industry seemed arduous. At that point in time, the majority of Dutch bulb farmers were utilizing neonicotinoids—pesticides known to be harmful to bees—and there was a noticeable lack of attention towards maintaining soil health. In response, we made a firm commitment to only purchase and sell certified organic bulbs until the industry took a turn for the better.

We are elated and proud to report that after more than a decade, the industry is seeing remarkable improvements. 🍃 Farmers are now prioritizing soil health, and the use of neonicotinoids has been banned. As dedicated advocates of these critical issues, it’s deeply gratifying to witness the implementation of best practices across the field.

Speaking of best practices, Jeroen's two brothers are still earnestly nurturing the family tulip farm in Holland, and have embraced their role in a collective of farmers dedicated to dramatically reducing pesticide use and enhancing soil health. Their involvement symbolizes the broader positive changes sweeping the bulb industry.

As always, we're committed to supporting farms that champion environmentally friendly farming methods. This commitment now offers a wider array of bulbs for our u-pick events and online store, and we're thrilled to share these lovely eco-conscious choices with you all! 😊

Thank you for joining us on this greener path! 🌱

I did this issue with a purpose. To include a little trip to a tulip farm. The Wicked Tulips farm is in full bloom. Maybe this would be a great weekend to take a ride to see it. If your going take a trip through Norwich and follow route 2 like your going to the casino but veer off onto route 165. Then watch out for route 164 North. Follow that to Wicked Tulips. Once your done there keep following  Route 164 head to Preston. Find Route 138 take a left and follow it to Route 201 into Jewett City. There you will find lots of places to eat. Make a stop at College Mart Flea Market on Wedgewood Drive. Then down the street from that is Fangs Book Store. Then you can head south on Main st which turns to Route 12 and back onto 395 to head home. OR Keep Exploring!

Did you Know....

 🚗 The Merritt Parkway holds a special place in Connecticut's history, named after Schuyler Merritt, a distinguished U.S. Congressman. Known for his influential role in the creation of this scenic highway, Merritt was a key advocate for its construction, envisioning it as a means for "pleasant transit" that preserved the beautiful landscapes of Fairfield County. 🌳

📜 Naming History: Initially dubbed the "Parallel Post Road," the parkway was renamed in Merritt's honor in 1935, establishing a legacy intertwined with both transportation history and environmental conservation.

🏆 Key Achievements: Beyond his contributions to the parkway, Merritt was a Yale alumnus and a successful entrepreneur with the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company. His life spanned nearly a century, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and preservation. 🎓

 📚 ✈️ 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. 

Salty Treasures Art - Woodbury

🌊 Welcome to our aquatic odyssey, a place where passion for the sea melds with creativity to craft something truly extraordinary. Here, art becomes an immersive experience, as each stroke of the brush unfolds a story of fish and seahorses gracefully dancing in the boundless blue.

Amy Jones, the visionary behind Salty Treasures Art, hails from Woodbury, Connecticut. Her artwork is a vibrant symphony of color and movement, inspired by her adventures snorkeling in the US Virgin Islands. 🐠✨ Captivated by the breathtaking sight of schools of fish swimming in harmonious unity, Amy translates this marine ballet into her creations, inviting viewers to bask in the awe and serenity of the ocean realm.

Join us as we embark on a visual exploration that bridges the divide between land and sea, and let Amy’s masterpieces kindle a newfound appreciation for the hidden wonders beneath the waves. 🌟

             Events that have an entrance fee will be noted with $

May 1 - 3  Colchester Food Truck Festival -Colchester Town Green

May 2. 10-4pm. Four Town Fair Farmer & Crafter Market 56 Egypt Rd Somers

May 2 1 - 4pm Conn Duck Derby Downtown Chester $5 a duck

Mayra 2-3 Pickle Fest 11-6pm 160 Munger Lane Bethlehem

May 2-3 Daffodil Fest - Hubbard Park Meriden

May 9 & 10 Spring Craft Festival Mohegan Sun $$

May 9 -   11-5pm Art & Craft Market 83 Market Sq Newington

May 9 9-4pm Masonic Flea Market 3960 Main St Stratford

May 9 & 10 Food Truck Fest MT Carmel 93 Park Ave Enfield

May 9     Milford Artisan Market - Milford Town Green

May 16. 11-3pm Family Fun Day Goshen Center School 50 North St Goshen

May 16 Touch A Truck 11-2pm Southington Drive In 995 Meriden Wtby Tpke $

Farmers Markets

Stonington Village Farmers Market Bayview Ave Saturdays 9-12pm until mid Oct. 

Music On The Green

Southington - Drop a chair early to save your spot! Don't forget there are LOTS of places to eat before the show!

🌟 The week of April 30 through May 7, 2026, brings with it a major shift in the stars as Uranus enters Gemini. This is a time for embracing rapid change and welcoming new ideas, bringing into focus the importance of clarity and forward movement.

Discover what this shift means for your Zodiac sign, along with your lucky numbers for the week:

• Aries (March 21 – April 19): Mercury's entry into your sign on April 30 boosts your communication and confidence. Be intentional about restarting projects. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 27, 4, 11, 20.
• Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Look inward for clarity; with Venus influencing your sign, strength is present, but beware of stubbornness. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 24, 5, 8, 17.
• Gemini (May 21 – June 20): As Uranus takes residence in your sign, it marks a turning point. Choose your social circles wisely. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 23, 7, 16, 25.
• Cancer (June 21 – July 22): A more visible role may emerge, especially in career or public life. Confidence grows from action. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 20, 4, 13, 22.
• Leo (July 23 – August 22): Your perspective shifts towards the "big picture". Expect increased work demands, but your efforts will pay off. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 19, 3, 12, 21.
• Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Trust your instincts over conventional systems; vulnerability may foster closeness. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 21, 5, 14, 23.
• Libra (September 23 – October 22): A desire for travel and learning may rise. Balance commitments and focus on self-completeness. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 25, 9, 18, 27.
• Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Secrets or revelations require sound judgment. Cooperation is crucial for progress. Lucky Numbers: 4, 13, 22, 1, 10, 19.
• Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Inspiration is at a high; giving back can bring leadership. Focus on goals and organizing workload. Lucky Numbers: 8, 17, 26, 2, 11, 20.
• Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Confidence may waver, but will return. Review your communication and expression methods. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 21, 6, 15, 24.
• Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): With Uranus in Gemini, luck and romance are on the horizon. Explore creative pursuits and financial prospects. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 23, 1, 10, 19.
• Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Embrace closure and release past identities. Growth is expected through hard work, focusing on balance. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 25, 3, 12, 21.

Let the stars guide you as you navigate through this transformative week! ✨

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