🥳 Hikes, Inflatables & Pasta: Your Perfect CT Day Out!

Hey Connecticut Explorers! Spring’s fully sprung, and the state’s buzzing with adventures, eats, and epic events that’ll get you out the door and into the good stuff. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, bouncing off the walls, or craving pasta that’s pure showstopper, we’ve got your back this week.

Here’s what’s popping inside today’s lineup:

🥾 17 Best Hikes in Connecticut to get your nature fix
🎉 FUNBOX® is back with bigger bounce zones and new all-day passes
🧀 The viral Cheese Wheel Pasta at Marcello’s in Monroe
🛒 Join Costco, get $50 digital Shop Card + perks
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Explore scenic trails that fit all skill levels

Connecticut is basically a hiker’s paradise with over 60% of the state blanketed in forests and parks right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful waterfall walk at Kent Falls State Park, a stroll to Judges Cave with a cool slice of history, or a climb up to the magical Haystack Mountain Tower, this guide has you covered. Bonus: These trails don’t ask you to be a pro—just bring good shoes and your sense of adventure.

From the highest peak at Bear Mountain with epic 360 views to lakeside loops at West Thompson Lake perfect for a sunny day, you’ll find your next favorite outdoor escape here. And if you want to level up your hike, try the longer loops or explore lesser-known hidden gems like the Thoreau Bridge at Hidden Valley Preserve.

Dive into all the details, trail tips, and insider must-knows to make your next hike unforgettable.

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🎉 FUNBOX® BOUNCES BACK TO CONNECTICUT POST MALL

More inflatables, new passes, and bigger fun for all ages

Milford’s favorite inflatable playground is back and better than ever. Now through Labor Day, FUNBOX® invites you to bounce around 25,000 sq ft of pure joy. This year’s upgrade? An all-day pass for just $10 more, letting you take breaks for lunch or shopping and then hop back in for more action.

Got a birthday party or group event? They’ve expanded group packages and even offer full park rentals for those who want a private bounce bash. Plus, Toddler Tuesday just got turbocharged with free activities and sweet discounts for the little ones. And don’t miss the summer-long FUNBOX BINGO scavenger hunt with prizes all over Milford!

Hours run Tuesday through Sunday, with special twilight hours on weekends. Tickets start at $18—grab yours early!

Where dining meets drama in the best way possible

If you think pasta can’t be an event, think again. Marcello’s Italian Eatery’s cheese wheel pasta is the perfect combo of tasty and theatrical. Your server rolls out a giant wheel of premium cheese, sets it aflame with grain alcohol, then swirls in fresh linguini as the cheese melts to creamy perfection. The finale? A generous sprinkle of shaved truffle that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a five-star kitchen.

This isn’t just food—it’s a moment you’ll want to capture, share, and come back for again and again. Don’t just take our word for it, check out why everyone’s buzzing about it this season.

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Thinking about leveling up your grocery game? 🥑 Now’s the perfect time to join Costco with their 1-year Gold Star or Executive Membership—and they’re throwing in a $50 digital Costco Shop Card to sweeten the deal. Yeah, free money to spend on bulk snacks or that fancy cheese you always eye. 👀

Choose your vibe:

  • Gold Star Membership for all the essentials + $50 shop card

  • Executive Membership if you wanna go extra with 2% back rewards (hello, money back on your money spent!) plus a $100 discount on Costco orders $200+ and travel promo codes for epic vacations 🌴✈️

Snag your Groupon deal here 👉 Join Costco with perks

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

🎭 Elm City's Finest (New Haven) - An evening of local talent at the Shubert Theatre, showcasing comedy acts.

🔫 Paintball Thursday League Night (Middlefield) - Join the excitement of a night filled with competitive paintball games.

🖼️ “Out to Art” Exhibition (New Haven) - Discover art by students from Chapel Haven Schleifer Center at this engaging exhibition.

📅 Save the Date: RiverFare 2025 (Essex) - RiverFare 2025 returns with fun events on the museum’s lawn.

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Raoul Lufbery: Wallingford’s World War I Flying Ace and Hero

Raoul Lufbery, a legendary World War I flying ace with roots in Wallingford, Connecticut, left a lasting legacy that still echoes in the state today. Born in France to a French mother and an American father, Lufbery spent two formative years in Connecticut working in a silver plating factory before embarking on his extraordinary military career. His time in Wallingford was the longest he stayed in one place as an adult, and the town honors him through a street, park, and veterans’ chapter bearing his name.

After traveling the world and serving with the French Air Service’s Lafayette Escadrille—a squadron of American volunteer pilots—Lufbery became known for his fearless dogfights in the skies over Europe. When the U.S. joined the war, he transferred to the American forces, where he trained future aces, including the famous Eddie Rickenbacker.

Lufbery’s daring life ended in battle over France, when his plane was hit during a fierce aerial fight. His heroism and contributions continue to be celebrated in Connecticut, where his story inspires pride and remembrance.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🎵 Stamford Rejects Music Festival at Cummings Park
The Parks Commission voted against the festival due to noise, parking, and potential damage concerns, despite the event promising to boost local business and offer family-friendly fun.

🚨 CT State Police Handle Over 270 Crashes During Holiday Weekend
State troopers responded to thousands of calls, made more than 1,300 traffic stops, arrested 36 suspected drunk drivers, and dealt with two fatal crashes.

🚦 New Haven Must Resubmit Traffic Camera Plan for State Approval
State officials requested more info on the city’s red light and speed camera proposal, delaying implementation as the city prepares a revised plan.

🔧 Waterbury Company Lays Off 60 Workers After Losing Major Contract
Feeney Brothers Excavation cut staff for the third time in two months due to losing their contract with Eversource, affecting various job roles.

Thanks!

Thanks for rolling through today’s newsletter! We appreciate you taking the time to stay updated with the latest and greatest around the state.

If you enjoyed the scoop, go ahead and share the good vibes with your crew.

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