🛁 Treat Yourself, Catch a Show, Solve a Crime

January 15, 2026

Happy Thursday! If your calendar could use a little balance, laughs, and something delightfully unexpected, today’s lineup delivers. From statewide self-care deals to sharp British-style comedy and a cheeky murder mystery at a vineyard, this one’s all about treating yourself and shaking up the routine.

Inside today’s email:

💆 A statewide week of spa and wellness deals
🎭 A fast-paced comedy at Hartford Stage
🍷 Golden Girls–inspired murder mystery at Aquila's Nest Vineyards
📗 This Month in CT History: Mary Townsend Seymour and a Lifetime of Courageous Advocacy
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Seven days of self-care, relaxation, and wellness deals

Running from January 9–19, 2026, Connecticut Spa Week invites residents to slow down and prioritize wellness with special pricing at spas, fitness studios, and wellness providers across the state. From the shoreline to the hills, participating businesses are offering treatments and services at 25% off or more, with many starting at $50.

The goal is simple: make self-care more accessible while spotlighting the incredible local wellness community. Whether you’re booking a massage, facial, fitness session, or something new-to-you, it’s an easy excuse to recharge without the guilt.

A razor-sharp romantic farce with secrets, surprises, and laughs

Opening January 16, 2026, and running through February 8, The Cottage takes over Hartford Stage with a fast-moving comedy set in 1920s England. When a tangled love triangle turns into a full-blown love hexagon, chaos follows in the most entertaining way possible.

With sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a pace that never lets up, this production is perfect for theatre lovers who enjoy clever humor and classic farce. Performances include evening shows and weekend matinees, making it easy to fit into your winter plans.

Campy comedy, audience participation, and a crime to solve

On Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6–9 PM, head to Aquila's Nest Vineyards for a hilarious, interactive murder mystery inspired by everyone’s favorite quartet. Dorothy’s birthday bash takes a turn when secrets spill, suspects pile up, and the audience gets pulled into the drama.

Expect over-the-top characters, audience involvement, and plenty of laughs as you help crack the case. Wine is available for purchase on-site, with non-alcoholic options offered as well, making this a playful night out with a theatrical twist.

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Professional photos that turn everyday moments into lasting keepsakes

Looking to update your family photos, mark a milestone, or finally get a portrait you actually love? JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch makes it easy with a professional in-studio photography session designed to feel relaxed, personal, and fun. This popular Groupon deal includes your photo session plus your choice of digital images with a print or a statement-making canvas, all at a major discount.

Sessions are fully customizable, so you can bring meaningful props like baby blankets, heirlooms, milestone signs, or coordinated outfits to make the photos truly yours. With expert lighting, friendly photographers, and a wide range of backgrounds, the experience works beautifully for families, kids, seniors, couples, and even professional headshots.

Your digital images are delivered quickly, and prints or canvas pieces ship straight to your home, making this a stress-free way to create something you’ll actually want to frame or gift. With locations nationwide and flexible scheduling, it’s an easy win for anyone overdue for updated photos.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Mary Townsend Seymour and a Lifetime of Courageous Advocacy

Born in Hartford in 1873, Mary Townsend Seymour dedicated her life to advancing civil rights, workers’ protections, and opportunities for African Americans and women. Orphaned as a teenager, she was taken in by the family of Lloyd Seymour, a Black activist and Civil War veteran. After marrying his son Frederick, the couple made their home a hub of support for Hartford’s Black community, offering help, shelter, and advocacy when it was most needed.

Seymour became a driving force in civic life during a period of rapid change and tension in Hartford, particularly during World War I and the Great Migration. She played a foundational role in establishing the Hartford chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, handling much of its early administrative work and serving as its public voice while other leaders were overseas. She also supported Black veterans through war relief efforts and helped bring national attention to wage discrimination faced by Black women working in Connecticut’s tobacco fields.

Her activism never slowed. Seymour championed women’s suffrage, workers’ rights, and racial equality well into later life, and in 1920 she became the first African-American woman in Connecticut to run for statewide office. After her death in Hartford in 1957, her legacy continued to shape the city. Her grave is now part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail, and her decades of community work are honored through Mary Seymour Place, an affordable housing complex named in recognition of her lasting impact.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

ShopRite’s Facial Recognition Use Raises Privacy Questions

Several Connecticut locations of ShopRite are using facial recognition technology, surprising many shoppers who say they didn’t realize their biometric data was being collected. The revelation comes as state lawmakers move to introduce legislation that would ban biometric data collection in retail settings, putting grocery store surveillance under fresh scrutiny.

Cold Snap Brings Ice Fishing Back in a Big Way

Sustained cold temperatures have created solid ice conditions across parts of Connecticut, giving a boost to ice fishing, especially in the northwest hills. Biologists from Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection say the season is a welcome return to a winter tradition that has struggled in recent years due to milder winters.

State Boosts Funding for 211 Hotline as Demand Surges

Connecticut has added $2.6 million in funding to help United Way of Connecticut expand staffing for the 211 emergency assistance hotline. Calls for help have increased by more than 300% since 2019, with housing, food, and childcare needs driving longer wait times for residents seeking support.

AARP Ranks Connecticut’s Best Communities for Older Adults

A new livability report from AARP highlights 10 Connecticut towns and cities that offer strong quality of life for older residents, scoring well in areas like transportation, health access, and community engagement. While many exceeded national averages, affordable housing remains a common challenge across the list.

Rent Deals Pop Up as New Apartments Compete for Tenants

Renters across central Connecticut are starting to see something new in the housing market: move-in incentives. According to reporting from Hartford Courant, newly built apartment complexes are offering perks like six weeks to three months of free rent to attract tenants, signaling a slight cooling after years of rapid rent growth and intense demand.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! We hope this roundup sparked a few ideas for getting out and making the most of the week ahead.

Know someone who’d enjoy this kind of local inspo? Forward it their way.

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!