Tolland County Buzz

Tolland County Buzz Your source for local Tolland County news, events, and community updates.

Share this with people looking for fun stuff to do this week!
09/16/2025

Share this with people looking for fun stuff to do this week!

If you're looking to step into a living slice of Vernon history and community, is your perfect pick-your-own-it moment....
06/30/2025

If you're looking to step into a living slice of Vernon history and community, is your perfect pick-your-own-it moment. Established in 1878 and lovingly preserved as the last historic family-run farm in town, it's part farm stand, part outdoor classroom, and all heart.

From mid‑June to mid‑October, their seasonal Farm Stand overflows with CT‑grown goods—fresh eggs, veggies from Mon Soleil Garden, berries, LuAnn’s baked treats, kettle corn, Royal ice cream sandwiches, pickles, jams, maple syrup, and honey—all produced by local growers or the farm itself.

But Strong Family Farm is more than just a shopping stop. It's a living classroom offering kids camps, Civil War day programs, backyard chicken workshops, Sunday Fun‑Days with live animals, a chicken-themed 5K run, and the seasonal Harvest Festival with scarecrow contests and farm tours. Perfect for families, learners of all ages, or anyone who wants that hands-on farm experience.

Whether you're hunting for heirloom produce or planning a farm‑fresh memory with the kiddos, Strong Family Farm delivers CT-grown goodness and real community spirit in one beautiful slice of Vernon!

If you’re still sipping chalky protein shakes that are a chore to choke down, it's time from a major upgrade.The Fresh M...
06/28/2025

If you’re still sipping chalky protein shakes that are a chore to choke down, it's time from a major upgrade.

The Fresh Monkee in Mansfield and Vernon is the helmed of husband-and-wife duo Jordan and Cory (two of the nicest people you'll ever meet), who basically said: “Let’s make healthy taste awesome.” Mission accomplished.

Their shakes are thick, crave-worthy, and packed with real stuff—we’re talking banana splits, blueberry pie, peanut butter everything—all with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based.

And don’t sleep on the Monkee Ballz (yes, that’s what they’re called - and they are a must every time I order them from), or the Puppy Shake for your four-legged gym buddy 🐶.

Whether you’re post-workout, pre-class, or just avoiding sad vending machine snacks, this place always hits.

Tired of big-box magic? Step into in Stafford Springs, where wands aren’t mass-produced—they’re born from trees and cra...
06/27/2025

Tired of big-box magic? Step into in Stafford Springs, where wands aren’t mass-produced—they’re born from trees and crafted by hand.

This tucked-away gem feels like a real-life Ollivander’s. With over 150 types of wood in stock, Ed and Janet (yes, a real-life wand-making duo) carve each piece by hand—no magical lathes, no shortcuts, just pure craftsmanship and a little bit of spellbinding charm.

Book a custom session on weekends, and you’ll walk out with a wand that genuinely chooses you.

But it's not just about wands. The shop is filled with emotional support dragons, enchanted trinkets, wand stands, and magical decor that feels like it was plucked from a wizard’s study.

Whether you're shopping for a gift or just letting your inner Ravenclaw roam, OrchardWorks hits the sweet spot between art, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy.

If you haven’t hit up Krispy Sicilian in Storrs yet, consider this your official invitation to carb heaven.This fast-cas...
06/26/2025

If you haven’t hit up Krispy Sicilian in Storrs yet, consider this your official invitation to carb heaven.

This fast-casual Sicilian kitchen is cranking out serious flavor—think lasagna al forno, eggplant rollatini, stuffed arancini, and daily rotating specials that taste like Nonna’s been hiding in the back (Owner Kristin knows how to chef it up!).

The sauces are scratch-made, the ingredients are top-notch, and yes, the portions are exactly what your stomach hopes they’ll be.

They’ve also got a bakery case that should come with a warning label: cannoli, tiramisu, almond cookies, zeppole, and more. Oh, and if you’re too busy to cook? Grab one of their frozen dinners—same homemade flavor, ready when you are.

Whether you're grabbing lunch on the go, or treating yourself to a cozy takeout night, Krispy Sicilian brings that old-school comfort with new-school convenience. Mangia!

We've featured a lot of gems in our 30 For 30 feature, but this one might be the crown jewel.Mansfield Art Center is a l...
06/24/2025

We've featured a lot of gems in our 30 For 30 feature, but this one might be the crown jewel.

Mansfield Art Center is a literal treasure trove of items from around the world. This isn't an "everything-is-imported-from-some-unknown-factory" place.

The owner (Caroline), usually accompanied by her mother and son, visit locales around the world, finding amazing items from locals in the area. They see exactly what they're buying and ship it back here themselves!

Often times these orders can help make the entire year for these villagers!

While that would be reason enough to visit, the wares in the store are AMAZING. Scarves from Central America, handmade baubles from Germany, pottery from Africa, jewelry from Pakistan, the list goes on and on (seriously, you could spend hours looking at everything in their shop).

Do yourself a favor and take the drive, you'll find the perfect gift for someone (or yourself), and you'll be helping support people who really need it. It doesn't really get better than that!

If you haven’t heard, is smokin’ its way back to Vernon—and this time at the former Angellino’s on Kelly Road!👨‍🍳 Open ...
06/23/2025

If you haven’t heard, is smokin’ its way back to Vernon—and this time at the former Angellino’s on Kelly Road!

👨‍🍳 Open since April 30, the crew led by pitmaster George Giotsas (yes, that BBQ legend from Cooks vs. Cons & Firemasters) is serving up the mouth-waterin’, butt-kickin’ classics we’ve been craving: rack of ribs, brisket platters, Carolina pulled pork, smoked wings, and even shrimp chimichurri cocktails.

The vibe’s modern BBQ joint meets comfy local favorite—think craft cocktails, great atmosphere, and that familiar aroma of wood smoke.

So grab your appetite (and maybe a bib), because Little Mark’s is back—bigger, bolder, and ready to reclaim its title as Vernon’s BBQ champ.

Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-9pm
Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10pm

If you live in the area, there's no doubt that you know about the amazing Gerry's Donuts of Ellington. For those of you ...
06/21/2025

If you live in the area, there's no doubt that you know about the amazing Gerry's Donuts of Ellington. For those of you that haven't hear of this place, I apologize for shattering your diet.

This cash‑only classic has been frying up soft, airy cake donuts and raised favorites—like honey‑dipped, coconut‑topped, and those unbeatable apple fritters—since 1983. Locals line up at 6 AM, and it’s common to sell out in an hour—so set your alarm!

The vibe? Think hometown warmth with a dash of nostalgia. Friendly staff (you'll often see Gerry popping around with his paper hat), a menu with prices that can't be beat (a dozen for under $10!), bustling display cases—and that comforting aroma of fresh donuts and coffee rolls wafting through the door.

Set your alarm, make the trip, and kick yourself for not getting here sooner!

Hours:
Tues-Sun: 6am-12pm

I can't do a 30 For 30 without giving a shoutout to one of my favorite Italian bakeries in the state. Motta's Bakery in...
06/20/2025

I can't do a 30 For 30 without giving a shoutout to one of my favorite Italian bakeries in the state. Motta's Bakery in Columbia, has been pumping out some of the best Italian pastries this side of the Atlantic since 1989.

Run by husband and wife team, Santo and Marinella, Motta's has all the Italian cookies you could dream of (yes, including the tri-colored or rainbow ones), pastries galore, and some of the best sandwiches you can get.

Also making sure things stay up to s***f, is their son Santo Jr., which means this place doesn't look like it's going anywhere.

Make the trip, get a loaf (or two) of bread, a box of pastries, a separate box of angel wings (they are the best I've had in the state), and maybe a Sicilian pizza or a sandwich.

I'll be waiting for your message thanking me!

If you haven’t visited CT Natural Medicine in Ellington, you’re missing out on a healing space that’s as grounded as it ...
06/19/2025

If you haven’t visited CT Natural Medicine in Ellington, you’re missing out on a healing space that’s as grounded as it is transformative.

Located conveniently on Main Street, this cozy clinic is run by , whose vibe is equal parts science, soul, and deep listening. It’s the kind of place where your appointment starts with a real conversation—and ends with you feeling actually seen.

Inside, you’ll find a huge mix of services: acupuncture, IV vitamin therapy, infrared sauna + red light, Celluma light therapy, herbal medicine, functional nutrition, and more - all personalized to your body’s story.

Whether you’re managing hormones, stress, chronic fatigue, or just looking for root-cause care that gets it, this place delivers.

And bonus: there’s a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Because healing here doesn’t mess around.

Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 9am-4pm
Fri: 9am-2pm

For those of you living under a rock, it's time you heard about in Ellington.Serving the Ellington community at Farmers...
06/16/2025

For those of you living under a rock, it's time you heard about in Ellington.

Serving the Ellington community at Farmers Markets over the past few decades, they made the jump into a brick-and-mortar store in 2017.

Owner (Josh) has helped turn this one time small bakery into something special. Grab a delicious pastry (the cinnamon rolls are next level), some fantastic coffee (or one of their other amazing beverages), and prepare to have your entire day made.

There's never been a better time to stop in, with a recently renovated main store and a couple satellite locations (LuAnn's Drive-Thru and ), this is a great week to stop in and see why this is a daily stop for the Ellington community!

Hours
Mon-Sat - 8am-2pm

Feel like you're vibrating on another plane? Feel a connection to the earth? Or maybe you just like local shops with ton...
06/14/2025

Feel like you're vibrating on another plane? Feel a connection to the earth? Or maybe you just like local shops with tons of personality.

in Stafford Springs is the place to be if you're looking for good vibes and great deals.

Owner (Charlette) keep the store stocked with unique items, including products from local vendors (talk about local helping local!).

Sign up for one of their many classes, browse through their amazing selection of gemstones, or just come in and chat with the staff (there's no way you won't leave smiling).

If you're looking for some positivity in your life, you need to visit ASAP! Oh, you can also admire the window art from Tolland County's own 2025 Best of Hartford Best Artist winner .and.darks

Hours:
Wed-Sun - 11am-6pm

Address

Columbia, CT

Website

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