Hello Bristol! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Family fun day, a pride crow party, and intro to sourdough bread + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Expanding post-hospital care: On June 22, The Pines at Bristol Center was selected for UConn Health’s Preferred Post-Acute Care Network, aiming to strengthen hospital-to-rehab transitions and nursing for Bristol patients -- see the care network move.
New retail property deal: Cambridge Street Realty LLC purchased Bristol’s newly built Chick-fil-A property for $4.67 million. The 2025 development includes ProHealth Physicians and a car wash. The seller was William Baker -- check the property sale.
Summer roadwork ahead: Overnight tree removal along I-84 in Southington, Cheshire, and Plainville began June 22 and will continue through August 14, with 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. traffic disruptions affecting Bristol-area drivers -- see the roadwork schedule.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Try a new target: Fork+Band Slingshot turns indoor play into a legit skill-building hangout with nine lanes, four themed games, and owner-operators who actually teach you how to sling safely. Rally your Bristol crew for a date night or friend meetup that’s way more satisfying than scrolling.
Neighborhood reset button: When cabin fever hits, Rockwell Park has options that match the vibe, from playground sprints and the splash pad to court time, skate laps, pool days, and trail loops. Pack water, bribe the kids with swings, then reclaim a peaceful evening back in Bristol.
Craving a dance floor? When the week calls for bass, bright lights, and a proper cocktail, Rumba Lounge delivers Bristol a Latin-leaning party with live acts and high-energy nights. Text the group chat, grab your dancing shoes, and let the playlist handle the rest.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍞 Intro to Sourdough Bread @ Manross Memorial Library | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Wild Rise Workshops is demystifying sourdough with a hands-on intro where you learn the culture of, well, cultures, feed a starter, and head home with your own bubbly pet. Kids 10 and up join free, you get carbs with a side of competence.
🎶 Eight to the Bar @ Norton Park Bandshell (Plainville) | Thursday (6/25) at 6:30 PM – Opening night at the Norton Park Band Shell means Eight to the Bar bringing swing, Motown, and serious chops to our sleepy summer. Think tight harmonies, slick arrangements, and sharp female vocals. Pack a chair, nod appreciatively, then maybe dance anyway.
📚 Summer Literacy Day @ Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center | Friday (6/26) at 1:00 PM – Nothing beats an afternoon where stories jump off the page with crafts, activities, and giveaways, all in one cozy, bookish hangout. Think storytime with perks, fewer shushes, and zero homework. Perfect for grandkids, your inner lit nerd, or anyone who loves free stuff.
👨 4th Annual Bristol Family Fun Day @ Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Consider this your annual Bristol parenting win. The 4th annual Family Fun Day delivers touch-a-truck, free kids’ games, community resources, and plenty of food trucks, all free, at the Memorial Boulevard school field. Let the kids run, you supervise with tacos, and call it wellness.
🏺 Private Pottery Wheel Throwing Sessions for Beginners & Novices @ Pottery Piazza (Plainville) | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Finally, a spin class where you sit, breathe, and make something out of clay. Private, two-hour wheel throwing for up to five, ages 10 and up, no experience needed, and each person gets their own wheel. Therapy you can eat cereal out of.
🐦 Bristol Pride Crow Party @ Bristol Historical Society | Saturday (6/27) at 3:00 PM – Grab your black outfit and a shiny trinket, then head to the Bristol Historical Society for a free, sensory friendly crow party. Finally, a shindig where trading trinkets is encouraged, the music will not rattle your fillings, and all ages can actually relax.
👵 F+B Kids' Club: Grandparents Edition @ Fork+Band Slingshot | Saturday (6/27) at 6:30 PM – Give the parents a breather while you and the grandkid swap screens for 30 minutes of unlimited slingshot gallery glory. It is safe, silly, and oddly satisfying, with bragging rights included. Just $10 for you, $15 for the little sharpshooter, and plenty of laughs.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Bristol report Weather forecastToday — High: 79°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 1 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 0 to 7 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 10pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. This house is wildThis beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bath Greene-Hills gem pairs modern style with serious flexibility. Two main-level primary ensuites bring rare one-level convenience, while three upstairs bedrooms add space to spread out. Quartz counters, stainless appliances, and new flooring keep things polished. A home theater in the enclosed porch and a resort-style pool oasis seal the deal.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
