Now Is Your Time - January 2025 Highlights

It's your time to heal, grow, and also check out some happenings in the valley

Table of Contents

Welcome to 2025, Farmington Valley!

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we invite you to embrace this as your year to heal, grow, and thrive. Nestled in the heart of our beautiful Farmington Valley, we are surrounded by endless opportunities to reconnect—with nature, with our community, and with ourselves.

This year is brimming with promise, offering fresh chances to explore the trails, savor local flavors, and celebrate the vibrant events that make life here so special. Whether you're looking to prioritize self-care, deepen relationships, or simply enjoy the beauty of each season, the Farmington Valley is here to inspire and support your journey.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of renewal and joy. Stay tuned each week as we bring you the latest happenings, insider tips, and heartfelt stories to help you make the most of life in our incredible valley. Here's to your best year yet! 🌟

Warm wishes,
The Farmington Valley Team

Coming Soon!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re on the brink of launching the Farmington Valley's ultimate resource hub for residents! This comprehensive website / guide will serve as your go-to source for everything you need to navigate and thrive in our wonderful community. From the latest local news and vital town resources to a curated list of trusted businesses ready to simplify your life, we’re bringing it all together in one convenient place. And that’s not all—our dedicated team, deeply rooted in the Farmington Valley, will also be your one-stop shop for home care needs, both inside and out.

Expose Coming Soon GIF

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, we can’t wait to support you with this powerful tool designed to make life in the Farmington Valley even better. Stay tuned for the big reveal!

Weather This Week

Today

32°

15°

Mostly cloudy

Tuesday

29°

19°

Windy with intervals of clouds and sunshine

Wednesday

28°

15°

Windy with intervals of clouds and sunshine

Thursday

25°

19°

Windy and cold with sunshine and some clouds

Friday

34°

24°

Partly sunny and not as cold

Saturday

33°

21°

Cloudy with a little snow at times, mainly early in the day

Sunday

38°

20°

A bit of morning snow; otherwise, cloudy

Please note that weather forecasts are subject to change. For the most current information, you can consult the National Weather Service's forecast

Suit Up Sweater Weather GIF by James Curran

Canton News / Activities

Winter and Spring Activities in Canton

Discover everything Canton has to offer this winter and spring with Canton’s comprehensive guide to activities and events for all ages!

Whether you're a senior looking for engaging community programs or a parent seeking fun-filled activities for your kids, this resource is packed with options to keep everyone entertained and connected.

From seasonal festivals and recreation programs to library events and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every interest. Download the guide today to access all your resources in one place and start planning your perfect winter and spring in Canton!

Click here to view the program guide https://cantonct.myrec.com

Or download the Winter Spring guide to Canton’s Available Programs

CANTON 5974_springwinterguide_digital.pdf16.96 MB • PDF File

Local Christmas Tree Pickup

Attention valley residents: Town pick up of Christmas trees is under way!

This is a convenient way to responsibly dispose of your tree and keep our community tidy. Please remember to remove all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and decorations before setting your tree out for pickup. Let’s work together to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. Don’t miss the deadline—mark your calendar and make sure your tree is ready for collection! Keep in mind, if a winter storm is coming, move trees away from curb or it may end up covered in snow till June. (okay, maybe not June, but you surely can’t expect town pick up to dig your tree out of plowed snow mounds)

Deadlines as follows.

Canton: January 13th

Avon: January 31st

Simsbury: Paine’s will pick up trees on your trash day week of January 20th - 24th. All Waste will pick up January 27th - 31st.

Farmington: For residents with trash collection, pick up will begin onJanuary 13th and run for roughly 2 weeks. Residents without trash collection and drop their trees at the Tunis Mead Compost area on Wednesdays from 8am to noon.

West Hartford: January 6th through January 17th - Residents can also bring their trees to WH. Yard Waste at 25 Brixton St. Monday through Friday 8AM - 3PM

Granby: Pickup each week through January

On a side note, many farms and goat owners will happily accept your Christmas tree too!

Christmas tree handcraft vintage wooden decoration. Made with analog vintage lens, Helios 44M 2.0 58mm (Year: 1977)

A Few Recent New Businesses To Check Out

In December 2024, several new businesses opened in Canton contributing to the town's economic growth. Notable openings include:

  • The Nutmeg Sweet Shoppe: An extension of The Nutmeg Fudge Company in Torrington, this sweet shop replaced Emerald City Smoothie at The Shops at Farmington Valley. It offers a variety of candies, including taffy, fudge, chocolate, maple candy, as well as milkshakes and smoothies. We share some info about them in a previous newsletter here: https://farmington-valley.beehiiv.com/p/what-in-the-world-is-happening

  • VIO Med Spa - Canton: Located at The Shops at Farmington Valley, this medical spa specializes in aesthetic medicine and wellness services. It occupies the space formerly held by Driphouse.

  • Anastasio Home: This home decor store opened in the former J.Crew space near Sur La Table at The Shops at Farmington Valley. It offers limited-run home accessories, a curated selection of furnishings, and upcycled luxury goods. Read more about them here https://farmington-valley.beehiiv.com/p/a-new-home-store-which-is-a-must-see

  • Crumbl Cookies: This popular cookie shop opened at 315 W. Main St. Avon, Unit 113, with a grand opening on December 15, 2024.

  • Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill: After development delays since December 2022, this eatery opened in Avon Marketplace, offering a menu similar to Moe's or Chipotle.

  • Villa Mulino: Located at 136 Simsbury Road, this Italian restaurant began operations, featuring Italian dishes, seafood, salads, and steaks.

  • Stadium XV Craft Kitchen & Sim Bar: This sports bar-style restaurant opened at 15 Farm Springs Road Farmington, featuring vintage decor, multiple TV screens, and sports simulators. The menu includes signature dishes like the Stadium XV smash burger, 48-hour brined and dry-roasted jumbo wings, and open-faced tacos. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including milkshakes, are also available.

For the most current information on business openings, you may consult the Connecticut Business Registry maintained by the Secretary of the State, Business Services Division.

Two Simsbury Icons Re-Iconning

Yes, we totally made that new word meaning up. You’re welcome. 🙂 

Farley Mac’s

Farley’s Pub is gearing up to reopen its doors at 1616 Hopmeadow Road, bringing a refreshed menu, updated ambiance, and a brand-new name to the beloved Irish pub Farley Mac’s. Originally opened in 2020, just days before the pandemic disrupted the area, the pub is excited to welcome the community back soon with a fresh take on its classic charm.

The Old Well Tavern

Exciting news—Old Well Tavern is set to reopen soon! Located at 20 Tariffville Road, the historic tavern recently closed after its longtime owners retired and sold the business to new owners. The new owners have been making some updates and improvements and are planning to reopen on January 10th. With roots dating back to the 1730s under various names, the establishment became Old Well Tavern in 1935, continuing its legacy as a cherished gathering spot in the community. Stay tuned for the next chapter of this iconic landmark!

For you in 2025

Make 2025 the Year of “More”

As we step into this new year, we invite you to embrace 2025 as a time to experience life more fully. Let this be the year you prioritize what truly nourishes your body, mind, and soul. Move more—whether it’s taking walks in our beautiful Farmington Valley trails, trying a new activity, or simply stretching to start your day. Laugh more, finding joy in small moments and shared memories.

Let’s cultivate more empathy, extending kindness and understanding to ourselves and those around us. Spend more time in nature, breathing in the fresh air and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. Embrace gratitude, acknowledging the blessings—big and small—that shape our days. Enjoy more whole, vibrant foods that fuel your body and uplift your spirit.

Reconnect with community, strengthening relationships and creating new bonds. And perhaps most importantly, take time offline. Be present in the moments that matter most, untethered from screens and distractions, soaking in the richness of real life.

Here’s to a year of living more—more deeply, more fully, and more intentionally. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember.

Color Your Mandala Free Coloring Download

One of our staff members created a mandala and that will be this newsletters download to color. Download the link below. Post your colored mandala on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discoverthevalley or tag us on IG with @thefarmingtonvalley

coloryourmandala.pdf2.59 MB • PDF File

Don’t Forget The Free Gift Card Coming!

Coming next week will be the first gift card of 2025, this one for Dom’s Coffee. You must be a subscriber here. So if you’re not, now is your chance to sign up!

Taste By Spellbound - Avon - West Hartford - South Windsor