After speaking with Mick Ferraro of the New England Mountain Bike Association, we contacted Jan Bolland Tanner of Benidorm Bikes to get her thoughts on mountain biking in the Farmington Valley, including her picks for the best trails at various levels. Benidorm, Spain, is where Jan won a gold medal at the road cycling world championships in 1992.

Looking for a challenge this summer? West Hartford’s Teen Fire Academy will be held this coming summer and is open to ages 13 to 17. Five full days will prove to be challenging, opening campers, or cadets, to leadership and teamwork opportunities in firefighting and emergency medical services that could impact a lifetime and set youth toward rewarding career paths.

For 95 years the West Hartford Garden Club has been actively involved in caring for and beautifying patches of nature’s art for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the town. This spring the biennial garden tour program will not disappoint.

Andy Mozer lives in Port Chester, New York but he graduated from Danbury High School, where he formed a close friendship with Gao Cai. After graduation they went their own ways to pursue unrelated professions but eventually migrated back to each other. Two years ago, they opened Wabi Sabi, an updated Japanese restaurant at 135 South Main Street in West Hartford.

It was art for the ages and art for those under age 18 at Artbeat 2026, the district-wide exhibit of student artwork.

Looking for that perfect gift for a friend or family member? A piece of art that moves you? You don’t have to go far to find something you’ll love. There are so many talented people right here in West Hartford that may have just what you’re looking for. Here, we bring you one of those folks.