🌘Solar Eclipse, Escape Rooms, + More CT Weekend Fun

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GOOD MORNING, CONNECTICUT!

This weekend is full of wonder — from a rare sunrise solar eclipse to thrilling escape room adventures and award-winning student writers. We’re covering celestial events, local deals, and inspiring stories from around the state.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

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🎭 The Irish and How They Got That Way (Multiple Days, West Hartford): A musical celebration of Irish heritage at Playhouse on Park.

🎷 Pops 'n Jazz 2025 (Multiple Days, West Hartford): High-energy jazz performances by Hall High School students.

🕯️ Murder by Lamplight (Multiple Days, Westport): Solve a historic mystery in this immersive experience.

👠 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Multiple Days, Torrington): A classic fairytale comes to life on stage.

🎹 Noah Baerman Piano Series (Friday, Winsted): Start the weekend with live piano at Happy Hour.

🎲 Heavy Game Night (Friday, Middletown): Dive into strategic board games at this BYOB-friendly event.

🧺 Flashlight Egg Hunt (Friday, Newtown): Kids 5–10 can hunt eggs in the dark during this fun drop-off event.

🎶 Grand Funk Railroad (Friday, Mashantucket): Catch the legendary band at Foxwoods.

🌈 Sensory-Friendly Mornings (Saturday, Norwich): A calm, welcoming museum experience for families.

🍎 Wallingford Winter Farmers Market (Saturday, Wallingford): Shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan products at this indoor winter market.

🥕 Indoor Farmers Market at The Silo (Saturday, New Milford): Support local farmers and vendors while stocking up on fresh ingredients.

🍁 Lamothe’s Sugar House Tours (Saturday & Sunday, Burlington): See how maple syrup is made and sample fresh syrup straight from the source.

🧙 Harry Potter in Concert (Saturday, Hartford): Watch the film while the symphony plays the score live.

🎨 Comic Illustration Class (Saturday, Waterbury): Learn how to bring stories to life in this hands-on art class.

🛍️ Women’s Spring Craft Celebration (Sunday, West Hartford): Local vendors and springtime gifts in a charming venue.

🎭 Fraggle Rock Live (Sunday, New Haven): A colorful, musical stage show for Fraggle fans of all ages.

🍳 Sunday Breakfast at Dockside Brewery (Sunday, Milford): Enjoy a delicious breakfast with scenic water views at Dockside Brewery.

A rare celestial show will light up the sunrise — if clouds cooperate.

Connecticut skywatchers will have a chance to witness a stunning partial solar eclipse just after sunrise on Saturday, March 29. The moon will cover roughly 40% of the sun at its peak, with Hartford’s eclipse maxing out at 6:41 a.m.

For the best view, head to an open eastern horizon like a coastal overlook or hilltop. Don’t forget your eclipse glasses or pinhole projector — regular sunglasses won’t cut it. Weather could bring clouds, but even a short glimpse might make for a magical start to your Saturday.

Challenge your crew to save the world — and save up to 28%

Looking for something fun, unique, and perfect for a group? Try a private escape room experience at Mind Factory Escape Games in Bridgeport — now available for up to 28% off.

Choose from immersive rooms like Breathless or Invasion, and enjoy up to 10 people in your party with no strangers added.

With creative puzzles, cinematic storytelling, and exclusive access for your group, this is the perfect activity for families, friends, or even team-building.

Did you know that the World Wide Web was born in Geneva? The picturesque Swiss city boasts much more than luxury watches and international summits: it’s also a powerhouse of scientific innovation. At the heart of it all is CERN, home to the world’s largest particle accelerator, and a brand-new, mind-blowing attraction: the CERN Science Gateway.

Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the futuristic center blends curiosity with cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable experience, the Science Gateway offers hands-on exhibits, immersive virtual reality experiences, and live demonstrations that bring the mysteries of the universe to life. Step into the world of particle physics, explore how scientists recreate the conditions of the Big Bang, or try your hand at experiments that push the boundaries of human knowledge: the Science Gateway has it all!

Open to visitors of all ages, the center will take you on a journey from the infinitely small to the Big Bang and will revolutionize your understanding of the world. It might also inspire the next generation of budding scientists and explorers!

So, next time you’re in Geneva, step beyond the charming Old Town and the scenic, alpine lake, and dive into the future at CERN’s Science Gateway. Who knows? You might just witness the birth of the next world-changing discovery!

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📚 CONNECTICUT’S 2025 LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Students share powerful reflections with their favorite authors

Every year, students from across Connecticut write letters to authors that have changed their lives. This year, 679 students entered the annual Letters About Literature contest, co-sponsored by UConn’s Neag School of Education, and nine students were selected as winners.

Winners tackled beloved books like The Little Prince, Tuesdays with Morrie, and Harry Potter, sharing how these stories helped shape their understanding of life, family, and identity. Congratulations to all the young writers — and hats off to the educators guiding them!

ON THIS DAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Big Day for Connecticut’s Oyster Industry

On March 28, 1951, a newly built research vessel named the Shang Wheeler set sail from Milford, Connecticut, helping usher in a new era for the state’s shellfish industry.

Named in honor of Charles “Shang” Wheeler, a dedicated advocate for Connecticut oystermen, the vessel was part of a growing effort to better understand and support the health of Long Island Sound. It expanded the work of the Milford Laboratory, which had been established more than a decade earlier to study marine life and improve aquaculture practices.

The Shang Wheeler would serve the waters of Long Island Sound for 50 years, gathering crucial data that helped shape the future of sustainable shellfish farming. Today, the Milford Lab remains a leading center for aquaculture science, carrying on Connecticut’s long legacy of innovation in coastal research.

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

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Trust & Will guides you through every step. Their easy, step-by-step process allows you to complete your plan at your own pace, all from the comfort of home.

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TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF CONNECTICUT’S BEST SPOTS

Curious about hidden gems or local history? These tours offer a fresh way to experience the state:

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! Wishing you an amazing weekend — and if you enjoyed this, feel free to pass it along to a friend.

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