As we close out 2025, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. When I sent the very first issue of The Valley Verve out back in June, to just fifteen friends, I had no idea what it might become. I only knew that there was so much happening around here, and no simple, friendly way to hear about it all in one place.

A few months later, this little experiment now finds its way into more than 350 inboxes each week. I’m genuinely grateful that you keep coming back, week after week, to read my personal stories, indulge my tangents, and follow me into whatever local rabbit hole I’ve gotten excited about. Your replies, suggestions, and encouragement have made this feel like so much more than a newsletter. It feels like a conversation with neighbors.

My hope is that somewhere along the way, you’ve discovered something new (or rediscovered something forgotten) in our corner of Connecticut: a trail, a shop, a class, a community event, or simply a reason to step outside and explore. If The Valley Verve has helped you feel even a little more connected to the place you call home, then it’s done exactly what I dreamed it would.

As we head into 2026, I’m looking forward to continuing what we’ve started together: more local stories, more places to explore, more ways to feel rooted in this beautiful valley we share.

And with that, let’s dive in.

New Year’s Eve gets a lot of attention. There are the parties with music, confetti, and countdowns, the clip shows recapping the year’s biggest moments, and, of course, the endless chatter about resolutions. Personally, I’m not big on resolutions; they don’t need a special day to happen. Last year, in the middle of the gray, dark days of winter, I found myself thinking about how I could do better.

I was tired of feeling like there wasn’t much to look forward to now that the holidays were behind me. That’s what led to what you’re reading now, The Valley Verve. I wanted a way to feel closer to my community, get involved where I could, and actually know my neighbors.

Being more present locally doesn’t need to be a grand reinvention. Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing what’s around you, joining in when you can, and trying something new. It could mean finally checking out the new Max a Mia location in Avon, kayaking down the river in Collinsville, or hiking the West Mountain Trails in Simsbury.

Let’s dive in, here are some ways to make 2026 more local, more fun, and more you.

Move More
If your sneakers have been collecting dust, consider this your friendly nudge. Fleet Feet West Hartford hosts fun runs that are part exercise, part social hour. They’re beginner friendly, free, and end with a post run drink and snack. Courses range from 1 mile to 4 miles. So even if you just walk half of it, you’ll still feel like part of the pack.

And to kick off 2026 with a bang, join the Fleet Feet Hartford community and Manchester Running Company for their BIG New Year’s Day Fun Run at CT State Manchester (formerly Manchester Community College) at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1. It’s a fresh-start kind of way to move your body and maybe make a new tradition.

Prefer to go at your own pace? The Farmington Canal Heritage & River Trails offers miles and miles of peaceful pavement through Avon, Farmington, Canton, and Simsbury. It’s ideal for crisp morning walks or that “first ride of the year” cyclists swear by.

And if stretching sounds more your speed, January brings intro deals at spots like West Hartford Yoga (WHY). WHY, which also offered yoga in the parks in 2025 thanks to a generous grant, fingers crossed they do it again this year. Because sometimes balance is the real goal.

Learn Something New
Maybe your resolution is to use your brain for something other than email. All towns have Continuing Education departments that have you covered with winter sign-ups for pottery, watercolor, photography, and language classes.

Libraries across the Valley are also rolling out their January workshops and author nights. So check out the library events we highlight below each week and your local branch calendar for even more before you assume “there’s nothing to do.”

Be More Present
Quiet is underrated, and the Valley has plenty of places to find it. Bundle up for a winter walk at Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, where you can access the peaceful trails for free and the wildlife is lively. Or head to the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington for a self guided stroll around the snow dusted grounds. It’s the kind of simple reset that feels like a deep breath. And while you’re there get a tour of the house to explore world class art so close to home.

Being present can also mean spending quality time with good friends. Enjoy an afternoon tea at the Spoonful of Britain in Simsbury. They post availability on social media, but you can also call for more details. After all, sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

Give Back
This year let’s turn the “giving” part of resolutions into something local and concrete. With recent changes to SNAP benefits and tighter eligibility rules putting extra pressure on food pantries in Connecticut, our neighbors are feeling the squeeze. Organizations like Canton Food Bank and Farmington Food Pantry welcome donations year round; small effort, big impact.

You don’t have to go far or go big to start the year feeling good. Whether it’s joining a fun run, trying a class, or helping neighbors in need, your next best self might already be right here in the Valley.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.