Its that time of year! Summer Time! With it comes our stops at Ice Cream shops! I love a good scoop of ice cream. Especially after a nice bike ride or a nice dinner out. When I take my bike out, I really like making stops at small mom and pop shoppes. I will preview shops all summer long. Hopefully its one you've never stopped at and then you too can come and discover new flavors!

Bill's Carousel Ice Cream & Yogurt - New Haven

🍦**Craving something sweet or savory? Dive into our delightful selection of treats!**

Indulge in both soft and hard ice cream flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing or rich and creamy, we've got you covered!

• Fat-Free Yogurts: Enjoy your favorite flavors without the guilt. Our variety of fat-free yogurts promises all the taste with none of the fat!
• Fat-Free, No-Sugar-Added Ice Cream: For those who are watching their sugar intake, dive into our delicious offerings that don't compromise on flavor.
• 🍨Sundaes: Build your dreamy sundae with a plethora of toppings!
• Milkshakes & Floats: For a classic twist, sip on our thick, rich milkshakes or enjoy a fizzy float – a true trip down memory lane.
• *Italian Ice*: Perfect for a refreshing burst of flavor. Our Italian ices are a must-try!
• Homemade Ice Cream Cakes: Celebrate in style with our delectable homemade ice cream cakes, crafted to perfection for any occasion.

🌭🍔 Beyond the sweet, explore our savory side with hot dogs and hamburgers – the ideal treat for when you're in need of something hearty and satisfying. Tailor them to your liking with our selection of fresh toppings.

Visit us and savor the goodness with every bite and sip! 🍽️

🌊 **_Craving Something Delicious?_** Look no further than the Hidden Valley Waterfront Grille and Ice Cream Parlor! Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, we've got you covered. Indulge in our freshly ground hamburgers and savory sides, perfectly paired with **Gifford's Ice Cream** and Libby's Italian Ice. Sit by our beautiful waterfall and pond, and watch the koi fish while savoring everything we have to offer. 🍔🍦

⛳ **_Discover a Mini Golf Experience Like No Other!_** Hidden Valley is not your average mini golf course. With over 30 years of excellence, our grounds are meticulously landscaped, featuring continuous waterfalls and thriving greenery that truly set us apart. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary mini golf adventure amidst lush landscapes and rejuvenating nature. 🌿🏌️

You might want to bring a cooler and a beach bag. I am giving you my hidden gem of a meat market and a beach stop. Enjoy.

This trip we are going to start off Route 9 and going into Chester. This is a great place to stop and do a little sight seeing. Once you get off the exit make a stop at the Brushmill by the Waterfall. There you can get a great photo of the water fall there. Walk on the bridge to the restaurant to view it. Then after head down Route 148 and into Chester itself. Make a point to stop and spend some time walking around downtown. You can find parking up Main St. Once your down there go back down to Route 148 which turns to Ferry Rd and lets hop on the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry this is a really cool ride. It only operates when there are cars waiting to cross. So just pull up and wait your turn. This is so cool! It has been in operation since 1769. Talk it all in! Once you get off the Ferry, Follow Ferry Road Route 148 still into Route 82 and follow that until you see Route 156 south. This route will take you into North Lyme. Following Route 156 South you will come to see Hamburg Cove there are some nice picture spots along the way. Keep going South past Sterling City Rd. If your doing this trip on the weekend watch out for Farmers Market at Tiffany Farms. They have different vendors there so make sure to make a stop. Then after follow Route 156 South then under Route 95 and keep heading south and then you will find Hallmark Drive In. YOU GOTTA MAKE A STOP! I love their burgers with curly fries! I always stop there even if I am not hungry! The ice cream if fabulous! If your in the mood for a trip on the water. Make a stop at Black Hall Marina to rent a kayak or Canoe. That can make a fun day. If not keep following Route 156 and keep an eye out for Hartford Ave on the right. Turn down here for some great beach shopping, a ride on a carousel or how about a quick drink by the beach at Kokomos Restaurant. You can also pick up some great italian ice at Vecchitto's Italian Ice. Once your done there you can get back onto Route 156 and then it turns into Shore Rd Follow that then when you see 4 Mile River Rd North jump onto that. Now here is a real hidden gem that I will share. On this road is Four Mile River Farm. PICK UP SOME MEAT! At their farm stand they have steaks, chicken, burgers and more. The payment is on the honour system if no one is there. Don't cheat the farmer. If they don't have what your looking for you can order online. If you follow that road north you end up on Route 1 follow that South and it will get you back to Route 95 then back to Route 9 North and head home. OR Keep Exploring!

Connecticut was known as "The Provision State" during the American Revolution! Let's delve into the key factors behind this intriguing nickname: 🌟

• Agricultural Output: Connecticut farmers were the unsung heroes, producing the majority of the food that sustained the Continental Army. From livestock to grains and salted meat, they ensured the troops were never starved. At a critical point, an emergency herd of 400 to 500 cattle made a significant march to New Jersey, feeding General Washington's troops when they needed it the most. 🐄🌾
• Industrial and Weapons Manufacturing: The state wasn’t just a food basket; it was also an industrial powerhouse. Connecticut's workshops and shipyards churned out essential military hardware such as gunpowder, muskets, and cannons. Notably, towns like New Haven emerged as significant arms production hubs, playing a crucial role in equipping the Continental Army. 🔨⚔️
• Governor Jonathan Trumbull’s Leadership: A pivotal figure, Governor Trumbull stood alone among colonial governors in openly supporting the Patriots right from the onset of the conflict. His leadership saw him becoming a trusted ally of Washington, as he efficiently organized supply centers—like the one in Lebanon, CT—meeting the relentless demands of the Continental Army for resources. 🤝📦

As we ponder over Connecticut's historical contributions, it becomes clear why its role was so vital in America’s fight for independence—a true testament to the strategic significance and unwavering support by the state during trying times. 🇺🇸✨

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. 

Arleen's Ryma Journey to Elevation - New Britain

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             Events that have an entrance fee will be noted with $

JULY

July 17 & 18 Hartford Jazz Festival - Bushnell Park

July 18 Life Bin In It Extravaganza - Mill Pond Park Newington 10-4pm

July 19 Stew Leonards Car Show 10-2pm Newington Rain Date July 26

July 24,25,26 Southington Italian American Fest Downtown Southington

July 25 Summerween Flea Market 11-5pm Sebastians Club 86 Father Salemi Dr Ansonia

July 25 Cards & Collectibles show Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Farmers Markets

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

Chester Market Sundays June 14th - Oct 11

New Canaan Farmers Market  Saturdays 10 - 2 Until December - the Lumber Yard lot near the train station

Wallingford Garden Market  10 - 1 Through November Doolittle Park 78 S Elm Street

Ledyard Farmers Market Jun - Sept 718 Colonel Ledyad Highway Lower town Green

New Britain - Wednesday through October in Central Park 11-2pm

Lyme - Tiffany Farms Every Saturday 9-12:30pm May thorugh October 10

Farms

Northern Farm & Flowers 59 Old Middle St Goshen

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!

Rocky Hill Summer Concert Series Tuesdays July 7,14,21,28 August 4 - Rocky Hill Parks & Rec

Cruise Nights

Norbrook Farm Brewery Second & Fourth Thursday Nights

May - September 4-7pm Cars,Trucks, Motorcycles

FLEA MARKETS

Flea Market at the Crossing 105 e Main St Plainville

Heck's Things and Things Indoor Flea Market 46 Harding St  Berlin

Redwood Country Flea Market 170 S Turnpike Rd Wallingford

Boulevard Flea Market 500 Ella T Grasso Blvd (rt 10) New Haven

The Woodbury Flea Market 44 Sherman Hill Rd Woodbury

Mansfield Flea Market 228 Stafford Rd Mansfield (Mansfield Drive In)

Elephants Trunk Flea Market 490 Danbury Rd

Bethlehem Indoor Flea Market  37 Thomson Rd Bethlehem

Newington Kiwanis Flea Market East Cedar St Behind Downtown

College Mart Flea Market  2 Wedgewood Dr Jewitt City

Wrights Barn 104 Wright Rd Torrington

Mansfield Drive In - They run first run movies so you have to check every week. Here is the link

The cosmic forecast for the week of July 16 through July 23, 2026, brings a major planetary shift. Fire signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius) will experience a massive burst of energy and good fortune as Mercury (July 18) and the Sun (July 22) transition into fiery Leo, amplified by Jupiter. Meanwhile, Venus slips into gentle Cancer on July 18, offering emotional sweetness and deep connections for Water signs. Fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius) may face stubborn roadblocks due to Mars and Uranus squaring Saturn.

♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)Weekly Horoscope: Financial and career momentum surges early in the week. Use the Leo energy entering on July 18 to step out of your comfort zone and pursue a major goal. Let go of the need to win every minor argument; focus entirely on the bigger picture.Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 9, 17, 18, 27

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)Weekly Horoscope: Mars and Uranus in your sign create restlessness. Channel this into managing your finances and planning long-term investments rather than making impulsive purchases. Your intuition peaks around July 21—trust your gut.Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 9, 12, 15, 24

♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)Weekly Horoscope: Your sharp mind and communication skills are highly influential this week. Use this time to network or pitching collaborative ideas. Keep a close eye on overthinking, and avoid heating up family debates.Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 14, 20, 23, 26

♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)Weekly Horoscope: Venus enters your sign on July 18, filling your week with deep emotional connection, love, and quiet harmony at home. Pay close attention to your daily budget, as spontaneous social events could spark unexpected expenses.Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 11, 15, 20, 27

♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)Weekly Horoscope: This is officially your breakthrough week! Mercury and the Sun enter your sign, matching perfectly with Jupiter's presence to boost your charm, leadership, and recognition. Avoid ego clashes and revel in your well-deserved spotlight.Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 10, 16, 19

♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)Weekly Horoscope: Productivity remains high as long as you rely on your signature self-discipline. Your attention to detail will get noticed by leadership at work. Make sure to carve out rest time on your schedule to avoid physical burnout.Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 5, 12, 15, 21

♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)Weekly Horoscope: Balance and diplomacy are your ultimate superpowers over the next few days. You may find yourself successfully mediating a clash at work or within the family. Romance receives a very lovely, supportive planetary boost.Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 7, 13, 16, 25

♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)Weekly Horoscope: Tension from fixed alignments means you have to work harder to sidestep power struggles. Keep your long-term strategies private for now. Trust your heightened intuition to make the correct, definitive career plays.Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 11, 13, 18, 22

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)Weekly Horoscope: Fire energy fuels your desire for exploration and education this week. Your natural optimism is actively drawing major life opportunities toward you. It is a wonderful time to book a trip or take a calculated risk.Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 26

♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)Weekly Horoscope: Pluto retrograde in your sign pushes you to clear out outdated habits. Financial discipline and deliberate choices yield long-term security. Lean heavily on the advice of trusted, experienced mentors to gain absolute clarity.Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 8, 12, 13, 21

♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)Weekly Horoscope: Saturn in your sign demands structure, but unconventional ideas will help you break through barriers. Connect deeply with like-minded visionaries. An unexpected twist later in the week will turn out to be a massive blessing.Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 7, 11, 22, 29

♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)Weekly Horoscope: Neptune retrograde causes deep internal processing, but your inner voice will not steer you wrong. Dedicating time to creative projects or spiritual practices brings intense mental peace. Watch your finances carefully around mid-week.Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 9, 11, 12, 20

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