Father’s Day is creeping up, which means it’s time to stop buying Dad another emergency polo and start giving him something with a little more story behind it. We rounded up a few Windham and Tolland County picks for the dad who would rather jump out of a plane, throw an axe, sip something local, dig through old treasures, or come home with a plant he suddenly has a full emotional attachment to.

Skydive Danielson | Danielson: For the dad who says he’s “not afraid of heights” and now has to defend that statement from an airplane.

The Adventure Park at Storrs | Mansfield: For the dad who still says “I’ve got it” right before getting humbled by a ropes course in the trees.

Westford Hill Distillers | Ashford: For the adult dad who deserves a proper distillery visit, a tasting, and maybe a bottle that does not come from the bottom shelf.

Montana Nights Axe Throwing | Putnam: For the dad who would rather throw axes than pretend to be excited about another pair of personalized socks.

Logee’s | Danielson: For the plant dad, garden dad, or “I could grow citrus in Connecticut” dad who needs one more questionable project.

Mansfield Drive-In & Marketplace | Mansfield: For the dad who loves a movie, a flea market, and wandering around saying, “I used to have one of these.”

Meb’s Kitchenwares | South Woodstock: For the dad who has strong feelings about wooden spoons, cast iron, and “taking care of your tools.” Handmade New England hardwood kitchenware that feels useful, local, and way better than another grill apron.

Buzzword Vol. 2 is up, our Connecticut Buzz play on Wordle that’s ready to mess with your local brain for a minute. Try to solve it, then reply and tell us what other little games or local challenges we should make next.

On Saturday, June 20 from 12–3 PM, Mosaic Madness at Over AndOver CT in Andover lets you smash old china, tile, and odd little bits into a one-of-a-kind 6-inch terra cotta pot. Artist Elizabeth Thomas of Art Break brings 20+ years of mosaic magic, so bring an old towel, any chipped dishes you’re ready to sacrifice, and prepare to get creatively messy.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Odin, a sweet, playful 7-month-old Catahoula mix with one blue eye, one brown eye, and “how has no one adopted me yet?” written all over his face.

🏡House of the week: This 4-bed, 3.5-bath Tudor sits on 2.99 acres with nearly 3,000 sq ft, a 2-car garage, hardwood floors, granite counters, and a sunroom built for shameless coffee lingering. The yard brings the real main-character energy: lush lawn, mature landscaping, scenic views, and outdoor spaces that make “just staying home” sound like a plan. Check it out!

🌳Park of the week: Mashamoquet Brook State Park is the rare park where a casual hike comes with actual folklore: the trails pass the Wolf Den, Table Rock, and Indian Chair rock formations. The headline attraction is the Wolf Den, where Israel Putnam’s legendary 1742 wolf story went down, giving this Pomfret spot big “take a walk, accidentally learn Connecticut history” energy.

🔭Sky report: This week’s sky has a few things going on, so give the west a peek after sunset June 16–18 for a skinny crescent moon hanging near Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury like we accidentally ordered the planet combo meal. Then June 21 brings the summer solstice, aka the longest day of the year, plus a first-quarter Moon that’s perfect for easy backyard sky-watching without needing to know twelve constellations.

More than most people realize! Lenders price in tiers, so even nudging from a 690 to a 700, or 740 to 760+, can unlock noticeably better pricing. The gap between a 620 and 760+ score can mean roughly 1% to 1.5% higher rate, plus pricier mortgage insurance. That often adds $150 or more monthly, or tens of thousands over 30 years. Curious where you land? Reach out to me, and let's map your best path. Get in touch!

Over 55% of you got last week’s trivia right: Thomas Knowlton called Ashford home, even though he was born in Massachusetts and moved here as a child. By 15, he was already serving in the French and Indian War, and after Lexington and Concord he led 78 Ashford men toward Boston to join the fight. Washington later chose him to command Knowlton’s Rangers, an elite scouting and intelligence unit formed in 1776 and often considered America’s first organized spy ring. One of the men under him? Nathan Hale, before his own famous intelligence mission behind enemy lines. Check out this brief video of the legendary Thomas Knowlton.

That pile of freshly picked strawberries on your counter is basically begging to become shortcake. Grab the recipe, then find your next local strawberry stop at Buell’s Orchard (Eastford), Pesce’s Farm (Bolton), Pell Family Farm (Somers) or Betsy’s (Sterling).

Putnam | Allysen Callery | 8–11 PM - Rhode Island folk artist Allysen Callery brings haunting, intimate songs to The Stomping Ground

Windham | Self-Guided Historic Tour Maps | Anytime - Explore Windham Center’s old homes, cemeteries, landmarks, and Revolutionary War routes with free self-guided tour maps. Grab them here

Dayville | Propagation Sun Catcher Makes 3 Plants Included | 6 PM | ($) - Create a sun catcher with three live propagated plants at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). Check It Out

Thompson | TRG Cruise Nights are BACK!!! | 4-8 PM - Weekly cruise night—bring your classic ride at Thompson Rod & Gun Club (93 Brandy Hill Rd).

Plan your weekend Farmers Market visits

Brooklyn | Cocktail Shakedown & Farmers Market | 5-8 PM - Cocktails and fresh produce at the weekly farmers market at Little Dipper Farm (499 Wolf Den Road).

Canterbury | Edible Wild Plants and Mushrooms of Summer | 6 PM - Free talk on foraging summer plants and fungi at Canterbury Public Library.

Dayville | Destination Trivia | 7 PM - Weekly trivia night with craft beers and prizes at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike).

Putnam | Karoke Nights | 6 PM - Grab the mic and sing your heart out at Montana Nights (50 Providence Pike).

Rockville | Meet on the Street | 6-9 PM - Downtown Rockville turns into an artsy summer hangout with Meet on the Street (1 Court Street).

Willimantic | 3rd Thursday Street Fest! | 6-9 PM - Monthly street festival with vendors, food, and live entertainment (Main Street).

North Windham | Besties and Brushes Paint Party at the Club! | 6 PM | ($) - Paint party with your bestie at the club at Franco-American Civic & Social Club of Windham (116 Club Rd). Get Crafty

Putnam | Movie Night: The Goonies | 7:30 PM | ($) - Outdoor screening of the 80s adventure classic at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St).

Woodstock Valley | Breakfast at Buck's | 8-11  AM - Hearty breakfast gathering with the crew at Buck's Soft Serve (88 Kenyonville Rd).

Brooklyn | First Harvest Farm Dinner | 5:30 PM | ($) - Farm-to-table dinner celebrating the season's first harvest at Little Dipper Farm (499 Wolf Den Road). Explore

Danielson | Watercolor 101 | 12–3 PM | ($) - Get ready for birthdays, summer parties with local artist Caryn Pierce of Dollhouse Art Studio. Create

Danielson | Coffee With Station 61 | 12-2  PM - Chat with local firefighters over coffee at Two Dogs Coffee Shop (157 Main St). Join In

Eastford | Selena Nicole | 1 PM - Live acoustic performance at Frog Rock (212 Pomfret Rd).

Hampton | Hampton Town Wide Tag Sale | 8 AM - 3 PM - Town-wide tag sale—bargains at every turn. Browse Around

Hebron | 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration | 12–3 PM - Hebron’s Juneteenth Celebration returns to the historic Peters House with singing, drumming, dance, storytelling, spoken word, children’s activities, soul food, and dessert.

Moosup | Merge Right | 8 PM - Live rock covers at The Music Lady (6 Green Hollow Road).

Putnam | Wooden Horse | 7:30 PM | ($) - Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young and America at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). Tune In

Putnam | Sessanta-2.1 featuring 3 Degrees & Primordial Soup! | 6 PM - Double bill with a tribute to Primus & Tool at Charlee Bravos (7 Grove St).

Thompson | Fox and The Dragon | 3 PM - Live music at Triple Raven Brewing (27 Main St).

Vernon | America 250: A Creative Reflection Reception & Awards | 2 PM
Celebrate local artists reflecting on America’s 250th through creative work and awards at Vernon East Arts Center.

Willimantic | Pride Party at the Co-op | 12-4  PM - Pride celebration at the community co-op at Willimantic Food Co-op (91 Valley St).

Willimantic | Meteor Night 7: The Seven Year Itch | 8 PM | ($) - Annual variety show—comedy, music, and surprises at Windham Theatre Guild (779 Main St). Join In

Willimantic | The Bokani Dyer Trio | 7:30 PM | ($) - Jazz trio featuring pianist Bokani Dyer at the River Room (50 Riverside Drive). Check It Out

Eastford | Lady Liberty | 1-3 PM - Patriotic music and celebration at the venue at Frog Rock (212 Pomfret Rd).

Plainfield | FATHER'S DAY LIVE MUSIC: KELASKA | 1 PM - Father's Day live music with Kelaska at Hank’s Dairy Bar (1006 Norwich Rd).

Somers | Nightshift | 3–6 PM - Outdoor Sunday live music at Sonny’s with food, drinks, and summer patio energy.

Willimantic | Make Music Day | 11 AM - Free live performances throughout downtown. Listen Up

Woodstock | For The Love of Dad- It's Lit Bookshop Pop-Up | 12-5  PM - Father's Day bookshop pop-up at the winery at Taylor Brooke Winery (818 Route 171). Join In

Chaplin | Declaration of Independence: A Dialogue - Hosted by Professors Christopher Clark and Brendan Kane | 6 PM - History professors discuss the Declaration's meaning at Chaplin Public Library (130 Chaplin Street). Check It Out