🟢 A Bridgerton Brunch in CT?

Good Morning Weekenders!

Can you believe that August is already half over? It's pretty insane.

There was even a preseason football game that I was supposed to watch but didn't because life likes to life, you know?

Anyway, roughly a month before Fall begins, there is actually quite a bit to do to fend off boredom for the weekend.

I got your slate below, let me know what you think!

In today’s edition of The Hartford Pour, we’ll get into:

— Chris M.
Local Whiskey Nerd, Husband, Dad, Entrepreneur (Fun Tip: I’ve never had a brain-freeze, seriously)

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(No rhyme intended, but I'm keeping it)

Let's talk value.

I stopped into The Bean at 226 located at 226 Broad St. in Windsor for a Smore's latte and walked out a changed man.

It was smoky and sweet. Basically “s'mores-in-a-cup” good.

Paired it with a chocolate chip muffin split in half and smothered in butter, because that's just how a muffin should be treated (tell me I’m wrong).

Total damage for both? Eight bucks.

I had just paid $8 for a single latte at a coffee shop last week, so this felt like a coupon glitch in my favor.

The staff makes it even better being genuinely nice, and when it's not slammed they'll chat with you right through the espresso steam while your order comes together.

But don’t get me wrong, it does get busy, so don't go in expecting a quiet corner to yourself at peak times during the morning (usually 10am-ish).

Open Mon–Fri 6am–3pm, Sat–Sun 7am–3pm.

Go say hi and that The Hartford Pour sent you!

(Happy Hour Just Got a Nickname: TJ's!)

Let's do some math…

I swung by TJ's Burritos in Bloomfield (695 Park Ave) this week for happy hour (which is 4-7pm every day) and came home with a story to tell.

$5 margaritas. Every single day.

The catch (and it’s a fun one): the flavor on special changes daily, so follow @tjsburritosbloomfield on Instagram to know what you're walking into.

Here's the real ninja move though:

Buy one of their big buckets, and during happy hour a refill runs you just $10 for a bucket that's easily 20 oz.

I've paid $15 for a single cocktail at plenty of places around Hartford.

But this? This is a steal, and they can make hundreds of margarita combos, so you won't get bored.

Food-wise, happy hour brings tacos, nachos, wings, and this week even a shrimp po' boy.

The ole’ southern part of me came out for that po’boy! But get it and the taco’s for a cost effective evening.

They even have karaoke on Wednesdays. It’s not usually too crowded during the week, so be sure to drop by then.

The menu shifts often, so check back.

(Need something to do?)

Friday’s shaping up to be a genuinely good day to be a Hartford local, and I've basically built you the whole itinerary for the day.

Start at lunch.

Connecticut's Old State House, 800 Main St in Hartford, has The Professors of Sweet Sweet Music (Tickets) on the outdoor stage from 12 to 1pm, and it's free. Since it’s free, pack a sandwich, grab a spot on the lawn, and upgrade your lunch break.

From there, swing over to my own backyard. Back East Brewing at 1296 Blue Hills Ave in Bloomfield is running a happy hour from 12 to 3pm with $5 beers, so the math works out nicely if you time it right.

But did someone say live music? Well, yes! Yes, I did. Tino & Malone take the patio from 6 to 9pm.

Or, if you're the type who needs a bigger stage, Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center is hosting The 502s, a beach-folk band from Orlando who call themselves "the happiest band on Earth."

Music starts at 7:30pm, tickets range from $40 to $65.

Either way, Friday's packed with cool stuff.

Saturday is another full-day affair if you play it right, and it all happens within walking distance along the river (can’t beat that!)

Kick things off early. The Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival takes over at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza at 300 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, from 8am to 4pm, and it's free (I love free).

There will be dragon boats racing down the Connecticut River, Asian and Pacific Island music, dancing, martial arts demos, and enough food to be filled to the max.

It will be a unique experience for sure…

Then, once you've had your fill, head a few minutes over to Bushnell Park.

The Hartford Water Lantern Festival sets up at Lily Pond, 60 Elm St, Hartford, with gates opening at 5:30pm.

I don’t know about you, but I always see the advertisements for these with the floating lights.

Anyways, food trucks and live music carry you through the evening, lantern decorating kicks in, and then the whole pond glows as lanterns launch between 8:30 and 9:30pm.

If you plan on doing both, get to the festival early and get to the lantern launch even earlier because this one fills in fast.

For Sunday, I have two options for you.

First, 1741 Pub & Grill on the Lyman Orchards property, 72 Lyman Road in Middlefield, is hosting a Bridgerton Brunch Under the Tent.

Yes, that Bridgerton.

It’s technically outside Hartford County, but it's only a 25 to 30 minute drive, so I'm counting it in anyways.

You can go all out and Dress “Regency-era” (encouraged, not required, lol) for a whole spread of croissants, quiche, a Belgian waffle bar, and Lyman Orchards apple cider, plus dance lessons from historian Susan de Guardiola. (No partner needed.)

Two seatings, 10am and 12pm, $36 per person and you can book on OpenTable.

Back in town, though, Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour is always a good call on Sundays.

54 Pratt Street, Hartford, open 11am to 8pm.

Right now they're pouring a Lavender Flight (i’m a sucker for lavender), plus brunch and the full cocktail menu.

No reservation required, just walk in.

So, dress up for brunch, dress down for cocktails. Easy-Peasy.

Do you know of an AWESOME restaurant or bar? Or something not included in this email you’d like to see?

REPLY to this email and let me know!