From Pizza to Puppies: A Weekend of Super Bowl, S’mores & More In CT

CONNECTICUT — Whether your fancies run to puppies and pizza, or sweethearts and s'mores, you're pretty much guaranteed to find something to cherish or cheer for this weekend in Connecticut.

You know about The Big Game, but did you know this Sunday is also National Pizza Day? When the Super Bowl and National Pizza Day both hit the calendar in the same 24-hour period, it may not quite be the conjunction of the spheres, but it can be a big deal in plenty of Connecticut households. The state is, after all, the Pizza Capital of the U.S. And although that title is not exactly undisputed, you won't find anyone in New Haven who will argue otherwise.

That's where Modern Apizza, which has contributed far more than its share to bring CT the pizza crown, will be handing out free H2Dough and other goodies from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. More pizza merch and art from New Haven Pizza Club can be purchased, with all proceeds going to Feeding Families Foundation, a local non-profit that seeks to end food insecurity for families with children in the hospital.

From New Haven, high tail it down to Stamford for a Puppy Bowl Watch Party, at the New York Comedy Club. Rebekah, Inez and Betty (named after characters in some of Taylor Swift's hit songs, go figure), will compete for the "Lombarky Trophy" in Puppy Bowl XXI, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The trio made their way to the Bowl Game Bigtime through Stamford's Lucky Dog Refuge, and will be the local favorites. Also competing, out of Danbury Animal Welfare Society in Bethel, will be Marigold, Sprinkle, and Zoey (all of whom have nothing to do with Taylor Swift, as far as we know). Tickets to the fundraiser, which benefits Lucky Dog, are available online here.

Then it's north from Stamford to the heart of "Gilmore Girls" territory in Washington Depot for a Super Bowl Watch Party at The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens. It sounds crazy, but the Judy Black folks are touting free food with registration. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., a half-hour before kick off at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

On Saturday, it's into the woods in Berlin, where the Hungerford Nature Center will be holding its 2nd Annual WinterFest. We're talking animal meet-and-greets, crafts, guided nature walks, and — obviously — hot cocoa, s'mores and stories around the bonfire. There will be two sessions, 10 a.m. to noon, and 2 to 4 p.m. Register online here, rain date Feb. 9.

In the midst of all the Super Bowl hoopla, it's easy to forget that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Fortunately, the folks at the New Britain Museum of American Art have remained focused on what matters, and have put together a "Sweethearts Stroll" for lovebirds whose passion isn't found on the gridiron. Grab your steady for a self-guided tour with an adult scavenger hunt that explores love-themed artworks in the museum's galleries. Your ticket includes the scavenger hunt guide, plus mimosas and chocolate-covered strawberries served in the historic Landers House — pretty sweet. Refreshments will be served at 2 p.m., but plan to start your self-guided tour a half-hour earlier. Tickets are available online here.

If history's your huckleberry, the Legislative Landmarks series at Connecticut's Old State House will present "Homefront Battles and the Creation of the 29th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers" on Saturday at 2 p.m. In his talk, genealogist John Mills will delve into Connecticut’s 1784 Gradual Emancipation Act, the U.S. Militia Act of 1792, Connecticut’s 1818 State Constitution, and more. The Statehouse is located at 800 Main Street in Hartford. The event is free, but RSVP online here.