🧙 Hidden Gnomes, Theater Tours & Historic Trolleys

June 11, 2026

Good morning, Connecticut!

The weekend is almost here, and Connecticut is packed with unique ways to get out and explore. Today's featured events offer plenty of family-friendly fun across the state.

Here's what's inside:

🧙 Woodbury's annual Great Gnome Hunt returns
🎭 Free tours, exhibits, and entertainment at Garde Arts Center
🚋 Free admission and historic trolley rides
📗 This Month in CT History: The Connecticut Hospice That Changed American Health Care
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Skip the usual Father's Day gifts and treat Dad to an experience he'll remember. Groupon's Father's Day collection features everything from golf outings and brewery tours to boat cruises, bowling nights, helicopter rides, and more, with plenty of deals available at a discount.

Many offers are delivered digitally, making them perfect for last-minute shoppers looking for an easy but thoughtful gift. Whether Dad loves adventure, food, sports, or simply spending time with family, there's something he'll enjoy.

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A town-wide scavenger hunt invites families to explore and discover

The Woodbury Great Gnome Hunt returns from June 13-30, transforming the town into a giant scavenger hunt filled with hidden gnomes waiting to be found. Participants can pick up a Gnome Discovery Guide and spend the month searching parks, landmarks, and community spaces throughout Woodbury.

Perfect for families, kids, and anyone looking for a fun outdoor adventure, the event encourages visitors to explore the town while tracking down as many gnomes as possible. Best of all, participation is completely free.

The Garde Arts Center opens its doors for Connecticut Open House Day

The Garde Arts Center in New London will host a full day of free activities on Saturday, June 13 from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM as part of Connecticut Open House Day. Visitors can enjoy guided theater tours, photography exhibits, live programming, an instrument petting zoo, and a free screening of Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN.

The event offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Connecticut's most iconic theaters while showcasing the arts, culture, and history that make the venue a community favorite.

Free admission and trolley rides await in East Haven

The Shore Line Trolley Museum will offer free admission on Saturday, June 13 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM during Connecticut Open House Day. Visitors can explore museum exhibits and enjoy rides aboard historic trolleys that travel along the museum's preserved railway.

It's a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Connecticut transportation history while enjoying a family-friendly outing. Regular admission resumes after 1:00 PM, but museum operations continue through the afternoon.

With vet costs rising 60% over the past decade, pets and pet parents both deserve a little relief.

Nibbles is the first credit card that comes with pet insurance and 3x rewards at pet stores, pet services, and the vet. Plus, use the card anywhere else Mastercard is accepted for 1x rewards. Protect your pet and your wallet in one move. All those rewards mean more treats too!

Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Other fees and T&Cs apply. Rewards & pet insurance offered by Nibbles, not Lead Bank. Base pet insurance policy paid for one eligible pet by Nibbles. See nibbles.com for details.

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Grab your friends, lace up your bowling shoes, and enjoy up to 69% off a classic night out at AMF Bowling

Looking for an affordable family outing, date night, or group activity? AMF Bowling is offering major savings on two hours of bowling, with free shoe rental included for groups of two, four, or six. Deals start at just $25 for two people, making it one of the easiest ways to enjoy a few hours of fun without breaking the bank.

Beyond the bowling lanes, many AMF locations also feature arcade games, billiards, laser tag, HD TVs, and a full menu of food and drinks. Whether you're chasing a perfect game or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, there's something for everyone.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Connecticut Hospice That Changed American Health Care

A major milestone in Connecticut history came in 1974 when approval was granted for the construction of The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, the first hospice facility of its kind in the United States. The project was the result of years of work by nurse and educator Florence Wald, who believed terminally ill patients deserved compassionate care that addressed both their physical and emotional needs.

Wald's inspiration came after learning about hospice care practices in England. She left her position as Dean of the Yale School of Nursing and dedicated herself to creating a similar model in Connecticut. The result was a groundbreaking facility that provided end-of-life care regardless of a patient's financial situation.

The success of The Connecticut Hospice helped spark the growth of hospice and palliative care programs across the country. Today, Florence Wald is widely recognized as the founder of the American hospice movement, and her patient-centered approach continues to influence healthcare providers nationwide.

For many of us, falling asleep is hard. More than any other time of day, comfort is crucial. CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) may help people get more rest once they’re asleep, but they’re so uncomfortable to deal with while awake. Even a supportive bed partner prefers something that doesn’t get in the way of cuddling and goodnight kisses.

With the eXciteOSA from Spring Sleep, users treat the root cause of mild obstructive sleep apnea during the day, in just 20 minutes. Once bedtime arrives, sleeping is as simple as getting comfortable and closing your eyes.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Connecticut Ranks Among Best States For Children, But Challenges Remain

A new Kids Count report ranked Connecticut 7th in the nation for child well-being, thanks to strong performances in education and health. However, the report also found ongoing challenges related to economic security, housing affordability, and academic achievement, with some indicators showing declines compared to pre-pandemic levels.

New PFAS Warning Labels Coming To Store Shelves

Starting July 1, many products sold in Connecticut that contain PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," will be required to carry warning labels. The move is part of a broader state effort to increase consumer awareness and phase out products containing the chemicals by 2028.

Lyme Disease Concerns Rise As Tick Numbers Surge

Connecticut researchers are reporting an early spike in tick activity and Lyme disease infection rates this year. Experts say a snowy winter helped ticks survive in greater numbers, leading to increased risk for outdoor enthusiasts as peak tick season gets underway.

Manchester Restaurant Named Home Of Connecticut's Best Prime Rib

Food website Mashed recently named The Main Pub in Manchester as the best place in Connecticut for prime rib. The restaurant's popular slow-roasted prime rib earned praise for its tenderness and continues to draw both locals and visitors looking for a standout meal.

Thanks!

Thanks for joining us today! Whether you're planning a weekend outing, discovering a new local attraction, or simply staying connected to what's happening around Connecticut, we hope today's edition gave you a few ideas to explore.

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!