Good morning, Quiet Corner Swarm!
Today is July 14th, National Mac & Cheese Day, which feels like a perfectly reasonable excuse to eat a bowl of carbs covered in cheese. Reply and tell me which local restaurant makes your favorite, because I’m clearly going to need to investigate this personally.
In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:
Local Scoops
Community Spotlights
Sidewalk Sale
Buzz & Tell
50+ Local Events
Let’s dive in!
-Tyler DiGiovanni
P.S. I know I goofed on the event date labels last week, but now you know i’m human too!
LOCAL SCOOP
This Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, so I put together a local ice cream guide with 26 spots across Windham and Tolland counties, from farm creameries to old-school roadside stands. Take a look and reply if I missed your favorite, because this is one list I’m very willing to keep “researching.”
ROOF TYPE CHEAT SHEET
SPONSORED BY MCCLINTOCK ROOFING
Not every roof is built for every home, budget, or New England winter.
Asphalt shingles are the most common and usually the most budget-friendly. Metal roofing costs more upfront but can last for decades and handles snow like a champ. Slate brings serious curb appeal and longevity, but it is heavy and comes with a premium price tag. Cedar shakes give a home that classic New England look, though they require more upkeep. Rubber roofing is often the go-to choice for flat or low-slope sections, additions, and porches.
The right answer depends on your home’s style, roof pitch, budget, and how long you plan to stay there. There is no one-size-fits-all winner.
Not sure which option actually makes sense for your house? Ask McClintock Roofing for an honest recommendation based on your home, not just the trendiest material.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
I’m thinking about adding occasional Community Spotlights to highlight the people doing good around here, from volunteers and nonprofit leaders to artists, chefs, musicians and educators.
Would you like to see occasional Community Spotlights featuring locals doing great things around Windham or Tolland Counties?
FEATURED EVENT
SPONSORED BY KILLINGLY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Main Street in Danielson is turning into one big sidewalk sale on July 25 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Shop local businesses, score deals up to 70% off, grab lunch, and cool down with sweet treats. The first 25 customers at Frozen Cheeks get a free scoop, plus bankHometown is handing out free lemonade. Find it all along Main Street in Danielson.
QUIET CORNER TRIVIA🤔
What inspired Willimantic’s first Boom Box Parade in 1986?
MEET CHRISSY
SPONSORED BY BOHO BEAUTY BAR
Chrissy Ducharme is one of the friendly faces behind Boho Beauty Bar in Putnam, helping women carve out a little time to actually take care of themselves. She specializes in relaxing scalp rituals designed to address scalp and hair concerns while giving you a much-needed reset. Not sure what service is right for you? Chrissy also offers a free consultation, so you can talk through your goals before booking anything.
BUZZ & TELL
🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Iggy, a sweet, curious 3-year-old chinchilla looking for a quiet home, plenty of patience and all the face scratches she deserves.
🏡House of the week: This 1886 Victorian packs 3,366 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and two fireplaces into one seriously character-filled home. Sitting on a double lot with a walk-up attic and full walk-out basement, it’s basically a blank canvas for someone ready to bring this historic beauty back to life. Check it out!
👀Sighting of the week: Wild Turkey | (Meleagris gallopavo)
🔭Sky report: Friday night is the one to circle; look west after sunset for a skinny crescent Moon hanging near super-bright Venus, with a little earthshine possibly lighting the Moon’s dark side. Today’s new Moon also means darker skies early this week, so it’s a great time to escape the lights and hunt for the Milky Way.
BEE LINE EVENTS
TUESDAY (7/14)
Andover | Sunprints with Julie Victoria | 4 PM - Create sun-printed art with artist Julie Victoria at Andover Public Library (355 Route 6).
Ashford | Blondie & Beyond | 6:30 PM - New wave and 80s hits tribute at 25 Tremko Ln.
North Grosvenor Dale | Art at the Library: Kim Davis Reception | 6 PM - Meet artist Kim Davis at her exhibit opening at Thompson Public Library (934 Riverside Dr).
Plainfield | Monthly Car Cruise on the Lawn | 5 PM - Classic cars gather at Hank's Dairy Bar for the monthly cruise (1006 Norwich Rd).
Willimantic | Sea Glass Windows at Willibrew | 6 PM | ($) - Craft beautiful sea glass window art while sipping brews at Willimantic Brewing Co (967 Main St). Get Crafty
WEDNESDAY (7/15)
Bolton | Summer Concert: Eastview Drive | 6:30 PM - Live music at Bolton Center's summer concert series (206 Bolton Center Rd).
Plainfield | Mindset at Lions Park | 6 PM - Rock covers from Mindset at the Plainfield concert series at Lions Park.
Putnam | Stuff-A-Pet Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Kids stuff and dress their own plush pet at Montana Nights (51 Providence Pike). Make It
Tolland | Patty Tuite Band Lawn Concert | 6:30 PM - Blues and soul on the Tolland Green with the Patty Tuite Band (42 Tolland Grn).
Willimantic | Matt Matthews Magic Show | 6 PM - Family magic show at Jillson Square summer concert series (1 Jillson Square).
Willington | Jesse Liam Band | 6:30 PM - Acoustic rock at Willington's summer concert series at River Road Athletic Complex (511 River Rd).
THURSDAY (7/16)
Canterbury | Windham Concert Band | 6:30 PM - Free outdoor concert by the Windham Concert Band at Canterbury Town Hall (1 Municipal Dr).
Danielson | KPRD Summer Concert Series | 6 PM - Free outdoor concert at Davis Park—bring chairs and blankets (250 Main St).
Ellington | Big Deal Rock Summer Concert | 6 PM - Rock hits at Ellington's summer concert series (72 Maple St).
North Grosvenor Dale | Revolutionary War Stories | 6 PM - Unusual tales from the Quiet Corner's Revolutionary history at Thompson Public Library (934 Riverside Dr).
Storrs | Jake Kulak and The Modern Vandals | 6:30–8 PM -
Live blues-rock at Betsy Paterson Square.
Union | Taber Creek LARP Expo | 10 AM - Live-action role-playing expo with demos and games for all ages (1174 Buckley Hwy). Game On
Willimantic | 3rd Thursday Street Fest | 6-9 PM - Monthly street festival with vendors, food, and live entertainment on Main Street (803 Main St).
Willington | From the Colonies to Independence | 6:30 PM -
Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle bring America’s early history to life through songs from the Colonial era, Revolution and early Republic at Willington Public Library.
FRIDAY (7/17)
Coventry | Poetry Open Mic | 6 PM - Share your verses or listen to local poets at this open mic night at the David Hayes Estate (903 South St).
Danielson | Harry Potter Paint & Sip | 7 PM | ($) - Bob Ross meets the Wizarding World in this magical paint night (144 Main St). Get Crafty
Hebron | Psychic Medium Patricia Griffin | 5 PM | ($) - Group reading with psychic medium Patricia Griffin at The Flour Girl (14 Main St). Seek Answers
Putnam | Movie Night: JAWS | 7:30 PM - Outdoor screening of the classic summer thriller at Rotary Park (30 Front St).
Vernon Rockville | The Brat Pack | 8:30 PM - 80s tribute band rocks the Rocking Horse Bar & Grill (57 Hartford Tpke).
Willimantic | Latin Dance Social with Live Band | 7:30 PM | ($) - Salsa, bachata, and more with a live band at The River Room (50 Riverside Dr). Hit the Floor
Woodstock | Country Shoppe Summer Nights | 5-9 PM - Evening shopping and refreshments at Woodstock Country Shoppe (35 Somers Tpke).
SATURDAY (7/18)
Ashford | LiveWired at Brialee Campground | 7 PM - 80s rock tribute lights up Brialee Family Campground (174 Laurel Ln).
Brooklyn | Feast by Fire Farm Dinner | 5:30 PM | ($) - Multi-course farm-to-table dinner cooked over open fire (499 Wolf Den Rd). Savor It
Coventry | Christmas in July | 11 AM | ($) - Holiday-themed crafts and shopping at Cassidy Hill Vineyard (454 Cassidy Hill Rd).
Danielson | Champa Asian Fest | 3-9 PM - Celebrate Asian culture with food, music, and performances at Davis Park.
Danielson | Sea Glass Christmas Trees | 2 PM | ($) - Create festive sea glass holiday decorations at NY Pizza Co (Main St). Get Crafty
Danielson | Stippling 101: Dot Drawing | 11 AM | ($) - Learn the meditative art of stippling at Mountain Laurel Floral (98 Main St). Get Crafty
Ellington | Blueberry Festival | 9 AM - 12 PM - Annual celebration of all things blueberry with food, vendors, and fun (72 Maple St).
Plainfield | Summer Spirit & Makers Market | 11 AM - 5 PM - Artisans and makers gather at Hank's Dairy Bar (1006 Norwich Rd).
Putnam | live Music: Sweet Sophia Band | 1 PM - Afternoon tunes at The Stomping Ground (132 Main St).
Putnam | Silver Circle Gallery Awards Reception | 5 PM - Juried art exhibit awards ceremony at BLOCK 134 (130 Main St).
Somers | Open Barn & Watercolor Collage | 9 AM - 12 PM - Create watercolor paper collage at The Story Barn (952 Main St).
Stafford Springs | Jesse James & The Peacemakers | 7:30 PM - Country rock at Off The Rails Brewing in Stafford Springs.
Storrs | Big Bird Day | 1–5 PM - Explore historic bird specimens, birds of prey, extinct species, bird calls, and a scavenger hunt at UConn’s Edward V. Gant Science Complex. Kaw Kaw
Thompson | Rob Brouillard Live | 6 PM - Acoustic tunes from musician Rob Brouillard at Tripe Raven Brewing (27 Main St). L
Union | Taber Creek LARP Expo | 10 AM - Live-action role-playing expo with demos and vendors (1174 Buckley Hwy). Game On
Vernon Rockville | Trailer Trash | 8 PM - Party rock at The Rocking Horse Bar & Grill (57 Hartford Tpke).
Willington | Dino at the Library | 10 AM - Grammy-nominated musician Judy Pancoast leads an interactive musical adventure about a dinosaur who wants to attend storytime. Bring the kids and their dancing shoes to Willington Public Library.
Woodstock | Back Rhodes at Taylor Brooke | 2 PM - Live music and craft beer at Taylor Brooke Brewery (818 Route 171).
SUNDAY (7/19)
Columbia | Columbia Lake Boat Tour | 1 PM | ($) - Scenic boat tour of Columbia Lake (2 Lake Rd). Explore
Stafford Springs | New City Road at Four Seasons | 2 PM - Live rock by the lake at Four Seasons (51 Old Springfield Rd).
Stafford Springs | Needle Felted Cat Workshop | 2 PM | ($) - Create an adorable felted cat at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). Get Crafty
Stafford Springs | Tequila Jim at Mill Pond | 2 PM - Acoustic Sunday's on the Pond continues at Mill Pond Country Store (220 East St).
Woodstock | '76 Celebration at Roseland Park | 10 AM - 5 PM - Family-friendly patriotic celebration with games and activities (205 Roseland Park Rd).
MONDAY (7/20)
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
That’s it for this week’s Quiet Corner Buzz. If you got something out of it, please share it with someone who loves ice cream!
See ya next week,
Tyler
