Subscribe | Get featured

Hello Norwich! Hope your coffee’s especially good this morning.

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Adult converts on the rise, step inside a life-sized whale, and Yamashiro coming to Foxwoods + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

📰 In the news

Adult converts on the rise: This Lent, the Diocese of Norwich reports its strongest turnout in a decade, with 152 candidates and 98 catechumens at the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick — read the full story.

Vital treatment raises questions: Norwich firefighters now have a Cyanokit to treat cyanide poisoning from smoke inhalation, added after a Mansfield deputy chief’s near-fatal exposure. The lifesaving antidote is costly and expires quickly — learn about cost and shelf life.

A centerpiece in the making: Foxwoods is set to add Yamashiro at The Fox Tower in Mashantucket, bringing Japanese-inspired dishes, steaks and a late-night scene. It is expected to be the brand’s first Northeast location — get all the details.

Gold just hit record highs. What about your savings? While traditional IRAs have been treading water against inflation, gold has gained over 50% in three years. That gap is why more retirees are rolling a portion of their savings into gold IRAs (the kind that hold physical metal). We compared the top five options and broke down who they’re best for. Check it out here →

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Ozzy-era Black Sabbath tribute rocks Wolf Den
• Start your engines at CTMODIFIED opener
• Savor an exquisite Easter brunch buffet
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Art fix, downtown: Norwich Arts Center’s NAC Gallery rotates monthly exhibits—from juried Photo shows to neighbor-made showcases—run by a volunteer artists’ cooperative that keeps things fresh. If you haven’t popped in lately, this week’s an easy excuse to wander, bump into familiar faces, and spot something inspiring. (norwicharts.org)

Live tunes, zero fuss: Strange Brew Pub keeps Norwich’s nights lively with tribute shows, original acts, open mic, karaoke, and themed trivia, plus 100+ beers and legit cocktails. The cozy lounge and game room make it dangerously easy to “pop in” and suddenly realize you’ve found your weeknight happy place.

Tea time, upgraded: At The Spa at Norwich Inn, traditional afternoon tea offers polished vibes, quiet corners, and a gentle pause. Expect tiers of treats and a proper pour, little luxuries that make weekdays feel more civilized, whether solo or with a confidante.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

Own a piece of Apple for less than a coffee: Every time you buy something from Amazon or Starbucks, you’re putting money in their pocket. Fractional shares flip that: you can own a slice of those companies for as little as a dollar. Most investing apps make it incredibly easy, with zero commissions and no account minimums. See which ones we recommend →

Mom says she’s fine. You’re not so sure: “What if something happens when you’re home alone?” You’ve asked a hundred times, but the outcome’s always the same. I don’t need that. Life Alert’s for old people. The real struggle isn’t finding a medical alert system that’ll work… it’s finding one she won’t fight you on. We looked into five options designed to settle the standoff, from smartwatches to systems with nothing to wear at all. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Your shampoo was never going to fix it: I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on hair-loss products, biotin, masks, sprays, you name it. Not one of them lasted. Turns out, most things target the strand, not the follicle (where thinning actually happens). Dermatologists have been prescribing treatments that work for years, but there are now plenty of options available with no office visits required. See our top picks for men and women →

Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎥 Film Screening: Up and Down the River @ Otis Library | Wednesday (3/18) at 5:30 PM – Otis Library is screening Up and Down the River, a film on the first Native soldier to die in the Revolutionary War, with Mohegan perspectives on history, place, and community. Stay for talk with creators Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel and Madeline Sayet. Free, no pop quiz.

🏁 Tamiya Mini 4WD Spring Season Race @ 2B1G Hobby | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Trade yardwork for tiny horsepower at Tamiya Mini 4WD Spring Season opener. Tune your little rocket, pop in fresh AAs, and chase bragging rights on a twisty track. Big cheers, small cars, zero speeding tickets, serious nostalgia for those who built kits in the 90s.

🐋 Whale, Would You Look At That? @ Bill Library (Ledyard) | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Ready to impress the grandkids and inner child? Bill Library hosts Delilah, a life-sized inflatable North Atlantic right whale you can step inside, no Dramamine required, plus Mystic Seaport demos, a craft, and whale songs. Registration required, spots go fast, call to snag a slot.

🐰 Easter Bunny Meet and Greet @ Busy Bees’ Play Hive | Friday (3/27) at 4:00 PM – Need an easy win? The Easter Bunny hits Busy Bees’ Play Hive for quick photos and kid-wrangling playtime. $30 session, 10 minutes with the Bunny, shoot on your phone, play for two kids, $9 per extra, and limited spots, so hop on it.

🍳 Rise and Dine Breakfast Buffet @ Easterseals Veterans Rally Point | Saturday (3/28) at 9:00 AM – Take a break from cereal and hit the Rise and Dine Breakfast Buffet at Veterans Rally Point, where your plate helps fund local programs. It rolls around every last Saturday, $10 a head, and kids under 5 eat free. Come hungry, leave proud.

🐐 Inside Friends Petting Zoo @ Bill Library (Ledyard) | Saturday (3/28) at 10:30 AM – No need to drive to a farm, Bill Library is bringing the barnyard indoors. Xen’s Critters sets out open-top totes of bunnies, chickens, ducks, geese, and guinea pigs, with Xen, an animal specialist, fielding questions. Registration required, so nab a spot before the kids do.

🏁 Ctmodified Season Opener @ Falls Ave Norwich CT | Saturday (4/4) at 6:30 PM – Polish the ride and roll to Transit garage on Falls Ave for CTMODIFIED’s season opener, a friendly meet with shiny builds, kids and dogs, and zero nonsense. Think cars, community, and conversation, not chaos. Obey the no-burnout, no-drifting vibe, then linger and catch up.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Norwich report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 39°F – Low: 22°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values as low as 23. West wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 22, with temperatures rising to around 24 overnight. Wind chill values as low as 24. South wind 1 to 6 mph.

—

Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values as low as 23. Southeast wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. South wind 1 to 6 mph.

This house is wild

This updated 3-bed, 2-bath in Norwich pairs crisp finishes with flexible space. A new kitchen, LED lighting, and new washer, dryer, and dishwasher shine. Upstairs brings a renovated bath and a finished link between bedrooms. The finished lower level adds flex for media or an in-law suite. New garage to porch stairs and a repaired roof complete it.

Take a peek inside →