šŸ» Tequila Cruise, Reggae Fest & Slime Time

Hey there, CT adventurers! We’ve got a vibrant lineup this week that’s basically summer fun wrapped in a newsletter. Whether you’re craving tacos on a riverboat, reggae and global bites in Clinton, or want to sling paint and make slime with the fam—this one’s got something for every kind of Thursday energy. Scroll down and pick your adventure (or three)!

Here’s what’s inside:

🌮 Hop aboard for tacos, margaritas, live music, and sunset views
šŸ» A reggae-fueled feast with free entry this Friday in Clinton
šŸŽØ The messiest, most fun family activity you didn’t know you needed
šŸ“— This Month in CT History: The Man Who Helped Birth Connecticut
šŸ“° Local headlines you might’ve missed

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All Aboard for Tacos, Margaritas, and Live Music on the Water

Ready to mix your favorite things—tacos, tequila, trains, and riverboats—into one unforgettable summer night? The Taco & Tequila Cruise with the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat is back on July 10 and 17. This 3-hour experience kicks off with a scenic ride on a vintage train, then transitions to a sunset cruise packed with a taco bar, a free margarita, and live tunes to keep the party afloat.

šŸŽŸļø Your ticket includes food, entertainment, and transportation—plus extra drinks for purchase on board.

This is not an advertisement.

The International Food & Beer Festival Returns This Friday

Make plans now for a flavor-packed Friday: the International Food & Beer Festival lands in Clinton on July 11 with more beer, more food, and major good vibes. Headliner Anthem will bring the reggae heat while you explore tastes from around the world.


šŸŽŸļø Free admission, cold drinks, and live music? Yes please.
šŸ“ Andrews Memorial Hall, 5–9 p.m.


No tickets, no stress—just show up hungry.

Save Up to 38% on This Fun Family Workshop in North Haven

Looking for a creative, kid-friendly outing that’s equal parts fun and chaos? The Splatter Paint and Slime Making Experience at Fun With Nature is your answer. Spend a full hour flinging neon paint in your own private room (complete with your own music playlist), then dive into a slime-making session with all the glitter and goo your kids could dream of.

This is the kind of memory-maker that’s perfect for birthdays, rainy days, or just a wild weekend plan.

šŸ‘‰ Grab the limited-time Groupon deal here and save up to 38%.

Don’t miss out on AARP’s membership special going on right now. For a limited time, get your first full year of membership for just $15 with automatic renewal plus some really cool free gift options.

Here’s what you’ll enjoy with your membership:

  • Everyday Discounts on dining, shopping, gas, and more

  • AARP The Magazine subscription

  • Big travel discounts on airfare, cruises, car rentals, hotels, and more

  • Access to AARP games where you can play over 40 games like Pong and Breakout

  • Advocacy Support on critical issues like Social Security and Medicare.

Plus, if you sign up now, you’ll get your choice of a bonus gift: an insulated trunk organizer or a portable power bank.

This is an advertisement. 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!

šŸ•µļøā€ā™€ļø HARTFORD SCAVENGER HUNT ADVENTURE

Explore the Capital City Like Never Before—with Up to 54% Off!

Looking for a unique way to rediscover Hartford or just want a fun weekend plan with your crew? ScavengerHunt is bringing the city to life with an exciting, self-guided scavenger hunt you can start anytime—perfect for date day, friend hangs, or a family bonding experience.

Using their award-winning interactive app, you’ll race (or meander, your call) through Hartford’s iconic sites like the State Capitol, Wadsworth Atheneum, and Old State House. You’ll solve riddles, take quirky photos, and maybe even learn a thing or two along the way.

Choose your team size—groups of two, four, or six—and unlock up to 54% off the experience. Right now, you can save even more using code SUMMERFUN at checkout.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

  • Art Happy Hour | Randall Kane Quartet at New Britain Museum of American Art (New Britain) - Enjoy live music along with drinks and snacks at the museum's summer concert series!

  • Thursdays on the Dock: Not Sorry at Connecticut River Museum (Essex) - Enjoy a free concert featuring classic rock tunes as the sun sets over the river!

  • The Unteachables Comedy Tour at Hartford Funny Bone (Manchester) - A hilarious night of comedy with a lineup of talented performers!

  • Full Moon Sound Meditation at Lyman Orchards at Lyman Orchards (Middlefield) - Experience deep relaxation with a Full Moon Sound Meditation featuring live gongs and singing bowls.

  • Dionne Warwick at Ridgefield Playhouse (Ridgefield) - Catch the legendary Dionne Warwick live as she shares her iconic musical talent!

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

How one radical preacher laid the foundation for democracy—and Hartford

When Thomas Hooker left England to escape religious persecution, he probably didn’t expect to become the architect of an entirely new colony. But that’s exactly what happened. After making waves as a fiery Puritan preacher in England, Hooker landed in Massachusetts in 1633—only to decide Boston wasn’t radical enough. So, he packed up his congregation, 160 livestock, and a whole lot of faith and hiked through the wilderness to settle along the Connecticut River.

By 1636, Hooker’s group had founded Hartford, and just two years later, he delivered a sermon that changed everything. He declared that government must rest on the consent of the governed—an idea that directly inspired the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the colony’s first constitution and one of the earliest written frameworks for democratic rule in the Western world.

Though he passed away during an epidemic in 1647, Hooker’s influence endured. His writings helped shape both the Puritan church and the political philosophy that would later define American independence. Today, he’s rightly remembered as Connecticut’s founding father—and one of colonial America’s boldest thinkers.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

šŸ›’ Geissler’s to Close South Windsor Store After 37 Years
Geissler’s Supermarket is saying goodbye to its South Windsor location on July 17 after nearly four decades. Company leaders say the closure is necessary for long-term health, while community members mourn the loss of a local fixture.

āš–ļø State Unions Clash with Lamont Over Raises
Two more Connecticut unions have broken off contract talks with Governor Ned Lamont, claiming he walked back promised raises and instead offered one-time bonuses. It’s the latest rift in a growing standoff between the state and its unionized workforce.

🐺 Coyote Bites Teen and Father in Watertown
A 13-year-old and his father were bitten by a coyote on Cherry Avenue in Watertown, sparking concern from neighbors who’ve seen the animal lurking around. DEEP says the injuries were not serious but cautions residents to stay alert.

šŸŸ $12M Indoor Sports Dome Proposed in North Stonington
Developers have pitched a massive $12-million indoor sports and adventure complex along Route 2, complete with facilities for soccer, pickleball, batting cages, and more. If approved, it’ll be the largest sports dome in the region.

šŸ”„ Steve’s Top Dog Expands from Food Truck to Smokehouse
Beloved Bristol food truck Steve’s Top Dog is opening a full-service restaurant in Terryville on July 14. Fans can expect a fresh twist on the menu—plus the food truck isn’t going anywhere.

šŸ›’ Popular Grocery Store Closes Amid Plaza Decline
Geissler’s in South Windsor was one of the last anchors of an aging retail plaza. With redevelopment still in limbo, the store’s closing marks the end of an era for many longtime shoppers.

Thanks!

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