International Festival of Arts & Ideas

How do you connect with yourself, your roots, your world? Rethink community. Honor the Earth. Embrace your roots. Meet new neighbors. Baila en la calle. Break the fourth wall. Learn something new. Connect with the Festival, and connect it all. The International Festival of Arts & Ideas returns for its 30th Festival from June 14th through June 28th, 2025, with over 150 events. Arts & Ideas seeks to showcase how artistic genres connect to one another, and how our roots intertwine across generations, planting seeds for the future even as we embody the legacies of our past. Our city and community

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Town of Andover

This small town is nestled in the scenic hills of Tolland County, offering the charm of farmlands, stone walls, and historic homes. Explore the 20-mile Hop River State Park Trail, which winds through Manchester, Vernon, Bolton, Coventry, Andover, and Columbia, providing opportunities for biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, walking, and horseback riding. Enjoy the natural beauty of Doris Chamberlain Nature Preserve and Nathan Hale State Forest, featuring trails, lakes, and ponds for water activities. Andover Lake invites residents and visitors for swimming and boating, while the town museum

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Castle Hill Chocolate

The moment you step inside our cozy shop, you will be enveloped with the warm aroma of chocolate. That's because we make our confections right on the premises. Each of our handcrafted confections is made small batches, using only the finest ingredients. Try a box of our giant pecan turtles or our beautiful artisan bonbons. When the weather turns a bit cooler, enjoy a hot cup of our house made cinnamon infused hot chocolate as you overlook the village from our front porch. Allergen friendly chocolate available. Party platters, hostess gifts, custom corporate gifts and party favors are our

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Five Points Gallery

Located in a historic downtown building, the contemporary art gallery showcases professional regional, national and international visual artists. The gallery presents exhibitions in three beautifully renovated exhibition spaces, and has earned the reputation as one of Connecticut's outstanding contemporary art venues.

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Fiddler's Green

Fiddler's Green is a charming shopping district in the historic center of Simsbury. Built around several 19th-century buildings, the complex includes three restaurants (Joe Pizza, Roux Cajun Eatery, and The Coffee Spot), a lovely sewing shop (Sew Inspired Quilts) featuring over 4,000 bolts of fabric, a cutting-edge hair salon (peterdominic Salon & Spa), and a wide array of professional services, from architectural design, to contracting and more. Fiddler's Green is centrally located in lovely downtown Simsbury, at the corner of Hopmeadow Street and Wilcox Street, just steps from the bike paths

Still River Studio & Art Gallery

A working studio and gallery exhibiting the paintings of four local artists. The styles of the artists are very individual; their paintings are their interpretations of places they have visited, gardens they love as well as scenes that exist in their imaginations.

Town of Berlin

Located in the heart of the state, Berlin is a vibrant town just 30 minutes from the shoreline and 15 minutes from Hartford. Known as the home of “The Yankee Peddler,” Berlin offers a variety of attractions, including hot air balloon rides, shopping, golfing, and hiking. Explore the scenic trails of Lamentation Mountain State Park and Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve, where you can hike, climb, and bike while enjoying breathtaking views of the town below. The Berlin Turnpike, lined with numerous shops and restaurants, runs along the east side of town. For thrill-seekers, embark on a hot air

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Town of Clinton

Nestled along the picturesque banks of Long Island Sound, this charming coastal town boasts a wealth of attractions and activities. With several marinas dotting the shoreline, you can dock your boat for a leisurely stroll through town or embark on thrilling sport fishing charters for a day of adventure. Explore Clinton's rich history at the John Stanton House, built in 1791, and savor farm-to-table dining at Chamard Vineyards, where you can enjoy stunning views of the vineyards and indulge in house-made wines. For a delightful shopping experience, head to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, a

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Town of Branford

Branford, one of Connecticut’s many shoreline towns, offers residents and tourists a variety of attractions, events and experiences. Branford is home to three popular breweries; Stony Creek Brewery, Thimble Island Brewery, and Duvig Beer Company. Located just offshore, the Thimble Islands are a great place for boating, kayaking and fishing. A handful of beaches line the coast for people of all ages to enjoy. The Harrison House museum, built in 1724, offers residents a tourists a glimpse into Branford’s past with preserved artifacts and memorabilia.

Town of Cheshire

Ranked among Connecticut's best places to live, Cheshire proudly carries the title “The Bedding Capital of Connecticut.” With a population of over 29,000, residents remain rooted in agriculture, with farms across its 33 square miles offering seasonal activities for all to enjoy. Cheshire’s rich history unfolds at the Hitchcock-Phillips House, a 1785 colonial home open for tours that provide a glimpse into 18th-century life. The town also offers a variety of dining options, unique shops, parks, and the Barker Character Comic & Cartoon Museum, showcasing 80,000 antique toys and collectibles.

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