Valentine’s Day is coming quick, so skip the last-minute gas station bouquet and shop local for flowers that actually make a statement. Fellas, treat your lady right with something fresh and beautiful from a neighborhood florist. And ladies, honestly, buy yourself the flowers too - no permission needed.

Floral & Gifts of OWC: A full-service retail shop with a mission; they provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while pumping out gorgeous, high-end bouquets and custom gifts.

Lilium: The local heavy hitter for "luxury" vibes. Known for their "Designer’s Choice" arrangements that use unique, seasonal blooms you won't find in a standard bundle.

The Sunshine Shop: Voted "Best Florist in Eastern Connecticut" multiple times. They are a family-owned staple famous for their massive long-stemmed rose displays and reliable local delivery.

Logee’s: Not a traditional "cut flower" florist, but if you want a gift that lasts years (like a rare tropical or a lemon tree), this world-famous destination is the only place to go.

Dawson Florist: Serving the Willimantic area since the early 1900s. They are the gold standard for traditional, elegant arrangements and have a massive inventory of Valentine’s-specific roses and plush gifts.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Champion is a big-hearted, scent-work loving pup with a goofy smile and plenty of room to grow in a forever home. He’s smart, eager for training games, and a joy to walk and play with.

🏡House of the week: A legit 1750 Colonial with 2,443 sq ft, 4 beds / 2 baths, and 8.5 acres to roam, plus two barns and a pond + winding brook out back. Inside you’ve got wide-plank floors, handhewn beams, and multiple fireplaces, aka maximum “I own a teapot collection now” energy. Have a look!

🐦Sighting of the week: Had a tufted titmouse posted up at the window feeder like it paid rent, bold little guy, zero fear, full main-character energy.

🔭Sky report: Jupiter is the main character this week, bright in the evening sky, easy to spot even from your driveway. Orion, Taurus, and Gemini are still putting on a winter flex overhead, and the Moon is waning toward a Feb 17 new moon, so nights get darker as the week goes on. No major meteor peak, but you can still catch a few shooting stars, especially later at night if you ditch the porch light.

Dinner Club is back Feb 19 at 6pm, and if your winter social life has been a little too “me, my couch, and my group chat,” this is your sign. We’ll match you with a table that fits your vibe, and by dessert you’ll be doing that thing where you’re like, “wait… how have I not met these people yet?” Grab your spot now!

Grab your crew and do Galentine’s the correct way: brunch first, chaos later. Galentine’s Day Brunch is happening Feb 15 (10am–12pm) at Hops 44 in Storrs, and your ticket comes with an appetizer + entrée plus your choice of a Bloody Mary or premium mimosa.

Danielson | 9D Breathwork: From Fury to Freedom | 7:00 PM ($) - Transform suppressed rage through immersive breathwork. More

Danielson | The Beatles (All Ages) | 6:30 PM - CT author presents multimedia Beatles history show. Register

South Windham | Bedazzle a Book | 6:30 PM - Decorate your favorite book cover with supplies. Email Shea at [email protected] for more details.

Thompson | Art at the Library Reception | 7:00 PM - Opening for Alison Ciarlante's colorful dot art. More

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Simon Silvia | 7-10pm

Danielson | Partner Paint Night | 7:00 PM ($) - Paint sun and moon canvases together. More

Woodstock | Dungeons & Dragons Adult Drop-In | 6:00 PM - Learn D&D through play, dice provided. More

TRIVIA

Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 7pm
Mill Town Grille - Thompson | 6:30pm

Danielson | Valentine's Cookie Decorating Class | 7:00 PM ($) -Decorate 6 cookies at Chubby Dog Gaming Bar. More

Putnam | Spicy Conversation Hearts Stained Glass | 7:00 PM ($) - Create sassy stained glass hearts at brewery for $40. Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Montana Nights - Putnam | Karaoke | 7pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Adam S.Z | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm

South Windham | Fun Friday | 3:00 PM - Kids flex their creativity with imagination and provided materials. More

Willimantic | Brass Celebration! | 3:00 PM - Free brass band concert featuring Queen and Beatles. More 

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The New Limits | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | 6:30pm

Ashford | Evenings in Narnia: Embracing Winter Magic | 6:00 PM ($) -Winter horse discussion with wine and desserts. More         

Dayville | Paint Your Pal at 4G's | 1:00 PM ($) - Paint portraits over food and drinks. More

Killingly | Valentine’s Day Cocktail Tasting | 6:30-7:30 PM ($) - Chubby Dog’s cocktail tasting is perfect for couples, besties, or anyone who wants good drinks. More

Pomfret | Galentine's Day Brunch | 10:00 AM ($) - Cocktails, waffles, charcuterie and tarot readings. More

Putnam | Elvis Tribute | 7:30 PM ($) - Younger Elvis tribute at a historic venue. Tix

Putnam | Valentine's Day Partners Flow | 2:00 PM ($) - Partner yoga with live harp and singing bowl. More

Putnam | Valentine’s Vendor Bingo | 7-9 PM ($) - Bingo, prizes, local vendors, and Woodfellas pizza in the mix. More

Thompson | Book Speed Dating | 6:30 PM - Find your next favorite book, no date needed. More            

Willimantic | Mystra Valentines | 12:00 PM - Anne Charters poetry reading plus old-timey banjo music. More

Willimantic | Unmentionables Exhibit | 10:00 AM ($) - Learn about undergarments of the 19th century. More

Willimantic | Valentine's Evening With The DeChamplain Quartet | 7:30PM ($) - Romantic jazz date night with husband-wife duo. More             

Willimantic | Valentine's PARTY NIGHT | 6:30 PM ($) - Italian dinner, Love & Marriage game, adults only. More                                        

Woodstock | So Lucky: Dave Matthews Tribute | 3:00 PM - Acoustic DMB tribute at Taylor Brooke Brewery. More

Woodstock | Truffles & Wine Pairing | 6:00 PM ($) - Indulge in pairings of local wine and chocolates that are divine. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Sawdust Coffee House - Putnam | Dylan Leszek | 7:30-10:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Island Farm Ceilie Band | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz | 8-11pm

Moosup | Benefit Breakfast | 8:00 AM ($) - All you can eat breakfast at Moosup Masonic Lodge. $15/adult, $10/child

Putnam | Galentine's Brunch Paint & Sip | 10:00 AM ($) - Bob Ross-style painting with bakery brunch. More

Thompson | Tony Garcia at Triple Raven | 3:00 PM - One-man band rocks the brewery with food truck. More

Woodstock | Karaoke Saturdays | 8:00 PM - Sing solo or along at The Woodstock Tavern. More

Woodstock | Sourdough Class | 1:00 PM ($) - Learn starter, proofing take home dough and basket. More 

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Curvet | 2-5pm
⬢ 4G’s Restaurant - Dayville | Jeremy Haddad | 2-5pm

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Moosup | Brandt Taylor | 5:30pm