🌊 Ready to Get Wet, Wild, and Wonderstruck?

Hey there, Connecticut lovers! Ready to kick off your weekend plans with some fresh vibes and cool adventures? This week we’re diving into splashy summer openings, epic state park spots to recharge your soul, and a must-see guide to New London’s hidden gems. Whether you’re chasing thrills or chill time, we’ve got you covered.

Inside this issue:

🌊 Splash into summer with Crocodile Cove’s opening weekend at Lake Compounce
🌲 Discover the absolute best state parks you’ve gotta visit in 2025
🏖️ Top 10 fun things to do in New London — from museums to sandy beaches
📗 This Month in CT History: The Meeting That Changed a War
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🌊 SPLASH INTO SUMMER: CROCODILE COVE OPENS AT LAKE COMPOUNCE!

Kick off the season with splashy fun and family thrills

Get ready, because on May 24th, Lake Compounce is turning up the heat with the grand opening of Crocodile Cove, Connecticut’s largest water park. Along with classic roller coasters and family-friendly rides, the water park offers a massive splash zone perfect for cooling off.

This 2025 season is stacked — returning favorites like Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights, plus the brand-new comedy stunt show Splashbucklers performed right on the lake. Perfect timing to make memories and beat the heat.

Where: 185 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT
When: May 24, 11 AM – 6 PM

Don’t miss out — check out the full event details and plan your splash day now!

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🌲 THE BEST STATE PARKS TO VISIT IN CONNECTICUT

Your go-to for outdoor fun and fresh air

Connecticut may be small, but it’s bursting with natural beauty that’ll have you rethinking your weekend plans. From the sandy stretches of Hammonasset Beach to the unique historic vibes of Gillette Castle, these parks offer everything from hiking and camping to fishing and just soaking up fresh air. Rocky Neck State Park’s tide pools and serene camping spots are perfect for those wanting a bit of adventure without the chaos.

Planning your visit? We’ve got the lowdown on the best trails, camping tips, and water activities so you can make the most of your time. From sunrise hikes to stargazing nights, there’s an outdoor experience waiting for everyone. Just pack your gear and get ready to explore.

Nature’s calling—don’t hit snooze. Get out there, breathe it all in, and make this year the one where you truly connect with Connecticut’s wild side.

🎨 10 CAN’T-MISS THINGS TO DO IN NEW LONDON

History, art, and beachside chill all in one spot

New London might just be Connecticut’s best-kept secret when it comes to blending history, art, and beach vibes. Start your day diving into naval history at the Custom House Maritime Museum, then stroll downtown to catch colorful murals and peek into local galleries showcasing fresh talent. The vibe here is artsy without the attitude.

When it’s time to chill, Ocean Beach State Park offers sugar-sand beaches and amusement rides perfect for a family day or a solo unwind. New London manages to balance culture and coastal fun in a way that makes every visit feel fresh.

Whether you’re an art lover, history nerd, or just craving some seaside sunshine, New London has your next day trip planned. Pack your bags and go explore—it’s waiting for you.

👉 Dive into the complete New London guide right here

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🍸 DEAL OF THE DAY: EMBARK ON A FLAVOR JOURNEY WITH HARTFORD FLAVOR COMPANY — UP TO 50% OFF DISTILLERY TOURS & TASTINGS

Discover botanically infused liqueurs and organic vodkas in a unique tasting experience perfect for groups

Dive into the world of botanically infused liqueurs and organic vodkas with Hartford Flavor Company’s exclusive production tour and tasting room experience. Perfect for small groups, this deal lets you explore handcrafted spirits while enjoying delicious bites in their cozy café.

Choose from tasting experiences for two or four people, where you’ll sample distinct botanical flavors like soothing lavender, crisp cucumber, and birch — all crafted with natural ingredients. Tours last about an hour and are available on select Fridays and Saturdays, making it the perfect weekend plan.

Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just curious about how these flavors come to life, this tour offers both education and fun in a welcoming setting. Grab your friends, reserve your spot, and get ready to sip and savor.

🍷 Click here to snag this deal before it’s gone

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

🚌 Homeschool Day at Connecticut Trolley Museum (East Windsor) - A fun day of learning and activities for homeschoolers.

🐾 Zoo Tots - May at Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport) - A 30-minute program for little ones featuring stories and crafts.

🎨 Sidewalk Studio at Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven) - An outdoor drop-in art program for all ages.

🍇 Grazing Board w/ Chef Billy Ross - Thur. May 22 @6:30pm at Greca (New Milford) - A hands-on class focused on creating stunning grazing tables.

🗓️ Annual Members’ Meeting at Connecticut Museum (Hartford) - Members are invited to a year-in-review and exhibition opening reception.

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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Meeting That Changed a War

In May 1781, the quiet town of Wethersfield became the unlikely backdrop for one of the most consequential strategic meetings of the American Revolution. General George Washington and French commander Comte de Rochambeau gathered at the home of merchant Joseph Webb to craft the military plan that would ultimately bring the war to a victorious end for the American colonies.

The location was no accident. Wethersfield sat conveniently between the French forces in Newport and Washington’s base in New York. More importantly, it was safe, prosperous, and firmly pro-independence — making it an ideal place for secret military planning. Connecticut’s governor at the time, Jonathan Trumbull, was a steadfast ally of the Revolutionary cause.

At this pivotal conference, Washington initially pushed for an attack on British-occupied New York City, a stronghold that had long frustrated the Continental Army. But Rochambeau proposed a bold alternative: strike the British in Virginia instead. His plan leveraged French naval strength to trap General Cornwallis on the Yorktown peninsula — a strategy Washington ultimately agreed to.

That decision changed everything. Less than six months later, the combined Franco-American forces forced Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown, effectively sealing victory for the colonies. Today, visitors can tour the historic Joseph Webb House, preserved as part of the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, and stand in the same rooms where revolution found its turning point.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🏠 Senate Cracks Down on Hidden Fees
The Connecticut Senate passed a sweeping consumer protection bill that targets hidden charges in everything from smart devices to rental listings. If approved by the House, landlords will need to include all fees upfront in rental ads — and manufacturers will have to play nice with the “right to repair” rules.

🚗 DoorDash Scam Victims Could Get $$$ Back
Over 700 DoorDash drivers across the U.S. were tricked by a phishing scam that stole more than $730,000. Authorities now have the cash — but finding the victims is the real challenge. If you got scammed, feds want to hear from you.

🌧️ Rain to the Rescue: CT Is Drought-Free
For the first time in months, Connecticut is officially out of drought status thanks to May’s generous downpours. A few coastal towns are still a bit dry, but overall, the state is looking much greener than it did just a few weeks ago.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out this week’s newsletter — we’re glad you’re here! If you liked what you read, spread the word and share it with a friend who loves Connecticut as much as you do.

Stay curious, get out there, and make this week your best yet. Catch you tomorrow with more local buzz!

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