A Hidden Local Treasure

Good morning, Tolland County!

In last week’s newsletter we asked, you answered. 100% of readers voted yes to putting together a Buzz Card for discounts to local businesses. So, that’s what we’re going to do.

Please email us us at [email protected] with the businesses that you’d like us to try to add to the card.

If you’re running a business in Tolland County—whether it’s a restaurant, bar, shop, service, or anything in between—hit me up at [email protected] with “TC Buzz Card” in the subject line. If you want a first crack at getting involved, let’s talk.

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• A Local Spa

• 50% Off Sale At Noah’s Closet

• 24+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Bees - Union Bee Company in Union, CT, just got a $49,999 boost from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to expand its beekeeping business. The grant will fund a timber-frame honey house, wood shop, classroom, and breeding office to support beekeeping, education, and queen breeding.

• Farm Grants - Two local farms are getting a boost from the 2025 Farm Transition Grant! Worthington Vineyards in Somers will receive $24,000 for specialized vineyard equipment, while Sand Meadow Farm in Ellington is getting $5,000 to build an on-site farm store. These grants are part of a $527,000 statewide investment to help farms grow, modernize, and bring fresh products to Connecticut tables.

• Fundraising - HuskyTHON just smashed its fundraising goal, raising an incredible $451,516.94 in just 24 hours! More than 4,500 UConn students rallied together to support Connecticut Children's Medical Center, blowing past their original $375,000 target. With the big 18-hour Dance Marathon coming up on March 8, the energy is high, and donations are still rolling in to help change kids' health

THE HIVE’S PICK

Sometimes a little self-care can go a long way, and that’s why today’s pick is Quiet Corner Spa and Farm (10 Boston Tpke, Coventry). Nestled along the Willimantic River, this scenic property invites relaxation before you even get out of your car!

The owner, Tamantha Green, is knowledgeable, and more importantly, personable. They offer services such as facials, massage, Reiki, and more (often times using essential oils distilled right on the property!). During the summer time (late June, early July), you can take a stroll through the immaculately kept lavender garden (they also offer a class on how to grow this fragrant herb, so you can have your backyard smelling amazing), then take a little time to reflect while walking next to the river.

If you’re looking for a place to help you destress and recharge, you should really give Quiet Corner Spa and Farm a shot!

ToCo TRIVIA 🤔

Last week’s answer: 50% of you were right with Pip as the character from Tolland County in the novel Moby Dick.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY 🐝

This one is for the parents (or grandparents) of little ones. Noah’s Closet (which was our very first Hive’s Pick, you can check out our first issue for our write-up) is holding a 50% Off Everything Sale today (3/4) from 9am-11am. Don’t fret if you can’t make it this morning, they are also continuing the sale on Saturday 3/8 from 9am-1pm!

Goods you can purchase are gently used clothes (newborn to size 10), toys, games, and baby equipment. Make sure to bring cash or check, other forms of payment are not accepted. Donations to Noah’s Closet are also accepted during the same times and dates. They are located at 1746 Boston Tpke, Coventry.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Ellington | Local History | 1pm - The Vice President of the Ellington Historical Society will be at the Ellington Senior Center (40 Maple St) to tell unique and quirky stories about the town’s past. Sign up in advance (860) 870-3133, in person, or on MyActiveCenter.

Hebron | All Levels Yoga | 9:15-10:15am $ - No prior yoga experience needed for this yoga class held at Fellowship Hall in Gilead Church (672 Gilead St). Call/text Jen for more details or to register (860) 531-2217.

Hebron | Paint a Mandala Mug | 6-7:30pm $ - Join The Firestone Art Studio + Cafe for an evening of painting a beautiful, patterned mug at The Flour Girl (14 Main St). Tickets

Tolland | Pressed Flower Crafting | 6-7:30pm $ - Visit Tolland Red & White (46 Tolland Grn) to design a gorgeous pressed flower frame or mini-glass jars. Snack & water included. For more inquiries, email [email protected].

Stafford Springs | Tarot Card Learning Series | 5:30-7pm $ - Learn the basics of Tarot, in this ongoing series at Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St). Tickets

Vernon | Women of the Civil War | 7pm - The New England Civil War Museum & Research Center (14 Park Pl) is giving a talk about Cornelia Hancock, a volunteer Gettysburg nurse once as well-known as Clara Barton. Learn more about the Civil War through a woman’s point of view.

Bolton | Spring Fling 2025 | 10am - Weekend - Stop into Tessier’s Change of Thyme (40 West St) for their annual Spring celebration event. Decor, plants, and more.

Coventry | Contra Dancing | 7:30-10:30pm $ - Get ready for an evening of group dancing and fiddle music at Patriot’s Park Lodge (172 Lake St). Check out more details here.

Coventry | Middle School Trivia | 1pm - Looking for something to do with your kids on their day off? Booth & Dimock Memorial Library (1134 Main St) is having Diary of a Wimpy Kid trivia game.

Somers | Music and Bingo | 6-8pm $ - Worthington Vineyards & Winery (359 Mountain Rd) is holding an evening of Bingo and music. Sip some wine, listen to some tunes, and win some prizes.

Somers | Sea Glass Kids Workshop | 6:30pm $ - Kids can find sea glass treasures from around the globe at Sonny’s Place (349 Main St). Tickets

Storrs | Paint Pouring | 5-7pm $ - The Mansfield Community Center (10 S Eagleville Rd) is holding a painting event without brushes! Pour paint to create a masterpiece. Register/Tickets

Coventry | Open Studio | 2-3:30pm $ - Head over to Wood & Word Blooms (21 Bread & Milk St) to create your own floral centerpiece. Pricing varies based on size of arrangement. Tickets

Ellington | Motorcycle Survival Skills | 11am - Riding season is coming up and Old School Harley Davidson (398 Somers Rd) wants you to ride as safely as possible. Learn tips and tricks to keep you upright on the road. Register

Stafford Springs | Book Swap | 2-4pm - Find a new favorite book and share books you no longer have a need for at the Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). Write a one-line description of why you liked or didn’t like the book(s) you bring (up to 5) to help others find something that might float their boat.

Willington | Packing House Concert | 7:30-10pm $ - Belle of the Fall is making their return to the Packing House (156 River Rd) for an evening of acoustic Indie/Folk music. Tickets

Bolton | 47th Annual Bolton Road Race | 1pm $ - Register for this scenic 5-mile run through rural Bolton. Be forewarned, there’s an infamous section named “The Hill.”

Columbia | Wine and Music | 2-5pm - Come hear the sweet tones of November Sound while enjoying some delicious wine from Heartstone Winery (468 Rte 87).

Coventry | Winter Farmers Market | 10am-12:30pm - This legendary winter farmers market is giving you one more chance to shop from local vendors at Coventry High School (78 Ripley Hill Rd) before the market is moved outside in the spring.

Tolland | 56th Tolland Antiques Show | 9am-3pm $ - Come take part in this long-running antiques show at Tolland Middle School (1 Falcon Way). Proceeds benefit the Tolland Historical Society. Cash only.

Tolland | Irish Whisky & Bourbon Tasting/Pairing | 3-5pm $ - Head to The Spot (200 Merrow Rd) for an afternoon of sampling some fine brown liquor. Call (860) 872-0332 or email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place.

Tolland | Usui Reiki Training 2nd Degree | 9am-5:30pm $ - This is a continuation of training in Usui Reiki at Resonance Healing Arts (60 Hartford Tpke). Contact Deb McElroy at [email protected] for more information.

Vernon | Mix & Mini-Date | 7-8pm $ - Square Peg Pizzeria (226 Talcottville Rd) is holding a speed-dating event for singles 25-35. Grab a slice and meet your match. I might stay away from ordering anything with extra garlic though. Tickets

Bolton | 4K Studio Workshop | 5:30-7:30pm - The Community Voice Channel is offering the unbelievable opportunity to learn how to make your own show (including, directing, producing, and all other odd jobs), operate all six studio positions, and create set design. This is a three-day workshop, continuing on 3/11 and 3/12. Enroll at [email protected] or call (860) 645-1454. Must be 15+ to participate.

LIVE MUSIC

3/5

⬢ Bidwell Tavern - Coventry | Tino & Malone | 6:30-9:30pm

3/7

⬢ Butterball’s - Hebron | Blue Mountain Haze | 8:30pm

3/8

⬢ Four Seasons By The Lake - Stafford Springs | The Brat Pack | 7pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | UnionJack | 6:30-9:30pm
⬢ JRego’s - Ellington | Acoustic Rick | 7-10pm
⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Savage Brothers Band | 8pm

TRIVIA

3/6 - Hops 44 - Storrs | Hot Fingers Trivia | 7-9pm
3/7 - Stafford Cidery - Stafford | Trivia Night | 6:30pm

Hivelight: Tolland County Property

Nestled in the sought-after Gilead Heights neighborhood, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom colonial blends classic charm with modern convenience. The flexible layout features multiple living and dining spaces, a kitchen with granite countertops and hardwood floors, and soaring 9-foot ceilings. The highlight? A stunning family room addition with cathedral ceilings, skylights, and a cozy wood stove—perfect for gathering year-round. A dedicated home office with private patio access and a mudroom connecting the 2-car garage add to the home's functionality.

Upstairs, the primary suite is a true retreat with tray ceilings, a spacious ensuite, and generous closet space. A back staircase adds extra privacy, while the finished lower level provides even more versatile living space. Major updates include a new septic system (2009) and central air (2019), ensuring peace of mind.

Set on a beautifully landscaped acre bordering 200+ acres of town-owned open space, this home offers a serene, walkable neighborhood with underground utilities and larger lots. Plus, it’s just 1.5 miles from 54 holes of public golf and a state-of-the-art driving range. Quiet and private yet close to everything—this one’s a must-see.

UCONN SPORTS

3/5 - Women’s Ice Hockey vs Northeastern | 6pm
3/5 - Men’s Basketball vs Marquette | 8:30pm

3/6 - Women’s Tennis @ Xavier | 1pm
3/6 - Men’s Ice Hockey Vs Vermont | 7:30pm

3/7 - Women’s Tennis @ Eastern Kentucky | 9am
3/7 - Softball @ Villanova | 3pm
3/7 - Baseball @ Miami | 7pm

3/8 - Women’s Basketball vs #8/9 seed | 12pm
3/8 - Softball @ Villanova | 1pm
3/8 - Women’s Lacrosse @ UAlbany | 1pm
3/8 - Men’s Basketball vs Seton Hall | 2:30pm
3/8 - Baseball @ Miami | 6pm

3/9 - Baseball @ Miami | 1pm
3/9 - Softball @ Villanova | 1pm

3/10 - Men’s Golf @ North Myrtle Beach, SC

Well, that’s everything we got for this week! If you got something out of today’s newsletter, please share it with someone who could use a little R&R!

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