🍓 Sweet Strawberries, Water Slides & Milford Oyster Fest Returns!

What’s up, Connecticut? The sun’s out, strawberries are ripening, and summer vibes are officially creeping in. Whether you're ready to hit a water slide, plan your berry-picking adventure, or lock in live music plans, we've rounded up some of the best happenings across the state this week. Let’s make your summer calendar pop.

Here’s what’s inside:

• 🍓 Where to pick the juiciest strawberries in CT this season

• 🌊 Mindy Kaling’s wild ride (for charity!) at Great Wolf Lodge

• 🦪 Milford Oyster Festival returns—now with a nighttime twist

• 📗 This Month in CT History: The Day the Sun Disappeared

• 📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🍓 THE SWEETEST SPOTS TO PICK STRAWBERRIES IN CONNECTICUT

Your go-to guide for berry season 2025

There’s nothing quite like biting into a sun-warmed strawberry you just picked yourself, and in Connecticut, that’s exactly the kind of summer magic waiting for you. 🍓 Our 2025 guide to strawberry picking is stacked with the best farms to visit this season—from iconic favorites like Jones Family Farms to hidden gems like Deeply Rooted Farms.

Strawberry season typically kicks off in early June, but some spots open as early as late May. Whether you're going with kids, your partner, or just your own berry-loving self, you’ll find photo ops, farm stands, and even strawberry festivals sprinkled across the state.

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🐺 GREAT WOLF LODGE OPENS IN CT WITH A SPLASH—AND A STAR

Mindy Kaling rides water slides for charity at Mashantucket’s new indoor resort

The Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket just made its grand entrance—and brought actress and comedy icon Mindy Kaling along for the ride (literally). As part of the celebration, every water slide she braved turned into a $4,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, totaling a generous $52,000.

Located right next to Foxwoods, this family-friendly mega-resort features 13 indoor slides, an adventure park, ropes courses, MagiQuest, themed suites, and so much more. It’s basically a kid’s dream, and yeah… adults will have fun too.

Governor Ned Lamont called it a major addition to Connecticut’s destination lineup, and we agree—this place is gonna be a hot spot this summer.

🦪 MILFORD OYSTER FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH A FRESH NEW FORMAT

Two nights of music, food, and summer fun

Big news for bivalve lovers and festival fans alike: the Milford Oyster Festival is back this August with a brand new vibe. Instead of the traditional all-day Saturday setup, this year’s celebration will stretch over two nights—Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16—from 5 to 10 p.m. each evening at Fowler Field.

The new layout and evening-only format are designed to keep the party going while making the festival easier (and more fun!) for everyone to enjoy. You can still expect plenty of oysters, live bands, vendors, and a laid-back summer crowd.

So mark those calendars, and get ready for two nights of seafood and sounds by the shore.

🎶 Click here for all the juicy festival details

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DEAL OF THE DAY: SAIL INTO SUMMER SERENITY (FOR 35% OFF!)

Craving an escape that feels a bit bougie but still budget-friendly? We've got just the thing to shake off your landlocked blues—without even leaving the Northeast.

📍 Nashalla Sailing, Twin Lakes Road, Salisbury
🛥️ 2-Hour Captained Cruise for Up to 4 People
🔥 Now only $156 with code SAVEINMAY
(Extra $39 off expires in 1 day!)

Imagine this: You, your favorite people, and a sleek sailboat cutting across the calm waters of an inland lake near NYC and New England. No crowds. No stress. Just two hours of total tranquility—plus snacks and drinks.

Whether you’re an amateur sailor or just someone who likes a good sunset selfie, Captain Nina (a seasoned sailor AND ex-corporate jet pilot 👑) will guide you through the experience. She’s got 50+ years of sailing stories, and trust us—you’ll want to hear them.

🎟️ Sail into summer bliss — click here to book it

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

🩰 World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby (Hartford) - Witness the World Premiere of The Great Gatsby Ballet, capturing the essence of the 1920s through dance.

🎨 Create Community: Turner’s Vision with Watercolor (New Haven) - Engage in a watercolor workshop inspired by J.M.W. Turner’s artworks, exploring his techniques and vision.

🎭 Broadway in Love (New Haven) - A musical journey through Broadway’s greatest songs presented by a real-life Broadway couple.

📸 Docent Tour: Famous & Family: Through the Lens of Trude Fleischmann (Fairfield) - Join a guided tour of the exhibition celebrating the work of photographer Trude Fleischmann.

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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A sudden darkness swept New England — and one Connecticut leader met it with courage, not candles.

In May of 1780, broad daylight suddenly turned to pitch black across Connecticut and much of New England. The sky grew so dark by midday that people couldn’t read or write, even near windows. Church bells rang. Livestock panicked. Many feared the apocalypse had arrived.

While panic set in for most, one Connecticut legislator stood firm. During a session at the Old State House in Hartford, as some lawmakers called to adjourn, Abraham Davenport of Stamford calmly said, “Bring the candles.” His refusal to surrender to fear earned him lasting respect — and a spot in history as a voice of reason when the sky itself seemed to unravel.

Though it baffled early generations, scientists later discovered that massive wildfires in Canada were likely responsible. Smoke, ash, and thick fog combined to block out sunlight, creating what became known as Connecticut’s “Dark Day.”

Davenport’s response still resonates today — a reminder that even in the face of the unknown, calm leadership lights the way.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🛩 USGS Plans Low-Level Flights Over CT
The U.S. Geological Survey will fly low over Connecticut to study bedrock and help reduce the use of pyrrhotite, a mineral linked to crumbling concrete.

🌡 Leaders Warn Against Hot Car Dangers
Connecticut officials are urging the public to never leave kids or pets in vehicles as warm weather increases the risk of fatal heatstroke.

🎰 Bill to Ban Online Sweepstakes Casinos Advances
A bill banning sweepstakes casinos and lottery couriers is moving forward to protect consumers and secure tax revenue from legal gambling.

📚 Thousands Protest Proposed Homeschool Regulations
More than 2,000 families rallied at the Capitol opposing new oversight rules they say unfairly target responsible homeschooling parents.

🛒 Bridgeport Flea Market to Close in June
Mongers Market in Bridgeport will shut its doors on June 29 due to parking issues and the high cost of maintaining its historic building.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! We hope it sparked some inspiration to get outside, try something new, and enjoy the best of what Connecticut has to offer this week.

If you enjoyed today’s edition, forward it to a friend and help them discover all the hidden gems and happenings around the state. Let’s explore Connecticut together!

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!