🫐 Pick Blueberries, Fight Pirates, and Wander Sunflower Fields

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Hey there, sunshine ☀️We’ve got a weekend full of flowers, blueberries, and pirate ships (yes, really). Whether you’re looking to snap dreamy photos in golden sunflower fields, jam to live bluegrass with a scoop of blueberry sundae in hand, or set sail with some sword-swinging buccaneers, this weekend is stacked. Here’s what’s happening around Connecticut:

🌻 300,000 blooms for a beautiful cause
🫐 Music, pie, and pick-your-own fun
🏴‍☠️ A family-friendly, three-hour cruise adventure
📗 This Month in CT History: The Fires That Forged a Safer Greenwich
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

🎡 SAVE BIG ON FAMILY FUN ACROSS CONNECTICUT!

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Groupon has tons of amazing deals right now on family-friendly activities all over Connecticut!

From nearly 50% off admission to Lake Compounce to discounted Chuck E. Cheese Family Play Packages, 47% off tickets to Kidz Bop Live, and savings on bowling, AMC movies, and so much more — there’s something for every kind of adventure.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a summer day trip, or just need a quick and affordable way to make memories, these deals are worth checking out.

👉 Click to see the latest family fun deals on Groupon

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🌻 SUNFLOWERS, WISHES, AND SUMMER MAGIC

A Blooming Good Cause You Can Walk Through

Buttonwood Farm’s Sunflowers for Wishes is back, and this year’s bloom is expected to be bigger and brighter than ever. From July 19–28, over 300,000 sunflowers across 14 acres will be blooming for a beautiful cause—supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. 🌻💛

Visitors can wander the vibrant fields, handpick stems to bring home, and shop limited-edition sunflower-themed shirts. It’s only ₱3 to enter the cutting field and ₱3 per flower—and 100% of proceeds go to Make-A-Wish.

You’ll also find Buttonwood’s famous ice cream on site and gorgeous photo ops until dusk daily.

📍 Buttonwood Farm, Griswold, CT
🕐 Ice Cream: 11AM–9PM | Sunflowers: 11AM–dusk

Get more details here.

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🫐 BLUEBERRIES, BLUEGRASS & BIG FUN

Lyman Orchards Is Serving Summer On a Spoon

Roll up to Middlefield on Saturday, July 19, for a full day of fruit, fun, and folk tunes at the Blueberry “Bluegrass” Festival at Lyman Orchards! 🎶🫐

Pick-your-own blueberries opens bright and early at 8AM, then grab a spot for a free yoga class, enjoy live music from Hosmer Mountain Boys and School of Rock, and treat yourself to blueberry sundaes, face painting, food trucks, silhouette portraits, and good vibes all around.

There’s even a pie-eating contest—for both kids and adults—so maybe skip the white shirt.

📍 Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT
🕐 Festival: 10AM–4PM | Blueberry picking: 8AM–4:30PM
💸 Admission is FREE!

👉 See full schedule and RSVP for activities

🏴‍☠️ ALL ABOARD FOR PIRATE WEEKEND!

Set Sail to Sheffield Island with Swashbuckling Fun

It’s not just a ferry ride—it’s a full-on pirate adventure. The Sheffield Island Pirates Weekend, happening July 19–20, brings you face to face with live pirate re-enactors, sword fights, sea shanties, and lighthouse lore—all during a 3-hour excursion with incredible views of the Norwalk Harbor. ⚓🏴‍☠️

Your journey kicks off with a scenic boat ride aboard the 45-foot C.J. Toth Catamaran, followed by an island stop packed with historic charm, beachcombing, wildlife spotting, and plenty of room to play or picnic.

Advance tickets are strongly recommended, as capacity is limited. This is not your average history lesson—it’s a memory-making summer escape.

📍 Departs from 70 Water Street, Norwalk, CT
💸 Tickets: $40–$45

Click here for tickets and more info.

JOIN AARP FOR JUST $15 — BONUS GIFT INCLUDED!

AARP is rolling out a special offer that makes now the perfect time to sign up. For just $15 for your first full year with automatic renewal, you’ll unlock an entire year of exclusive member benefits—plus your choice of a bonus gift: an insulated trunk organizer or a portable power bank.

Here’s what you’ll enjoy as a member:

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

• Major travel discounts on flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals

• A subscription to AARP The Magazine, packed with helpful tips and inspiring stories

• Unlimited access to 40+ online games, including classics like Pong and Breakout

• Ongoing support and advocacy for issues that matter, like Social Security and Medicare

Whether you're looking to cut costs, plan getaways, or stay connected and informed, AARP offers real value every step of the way.

🔗 Click here to join now and choose your bonus gift while this offer lasts!

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🌊 PADDLE INTO SUMMER ADVENTURE

Save up to 50% on Kayak & SUP Rentals in Niantic

Ready to make a splash? Whether you're looking for a peaceful solo paddle or a fun tandem ride, Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic is serving up an unbeatable summer deal: 2-hour kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals for 1 or 2 people—up to 50% off right now on Groupon! 🚣‍♀️🏄‍♂️

This top-rated spot is the perfect place to soak up the sun and glide across serene waters with gorgeous views all around. Rentals start low with promo code SUMMERFUN, but the offer is ending soon and these are getting snatched up fast.

Paddle out, breathe deep, and make some memory-making magic in the great outdoors. You’ve got until Sept. 6, 2025, to redeem—but don’t wait. Weekends fill up fast, and this deal won’t last.

📍 113 Oswegatchie Hills Rd., Niantic, CT
🕐 Rental window: May 1 – Sept. 6, 2025
⚠️ Not valid on Labor Day

👉 Book your paddle adventure now while this deal’s hot

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Film | Statue of Liberty at NBMAA (New Britain) - A compelling film exploring the Statue of Liberty's significance and its history.

• Taste of the Park Dinner Series: The English Garden at Wickham Park (Manchester) - Join a three-course dinner in the beautiful English Garden with delightful culinary offerings.

• Thursday Night Paintball League at Powder Ridge Park (Middlefield) - Participate in an exciting evening of paintball competitions with friends and family.

• Sketching in the Galleries at Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven) - Join an evening of guided sketching, welcoming all skill levels to practice their skills.

• Art Happy Hour | Spacelover at NBMAA (New Britain) - Enjoy live music and refreshments while experiencing the vibrant art scene.

• Thursdays on the Dock: Eight to the Bar at Connecticut River Museum (Essex) - Enjoy live music along the waterfront with the popular band Eight to the Bar.

Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

How Two Blazes Decades Apart Transformed Emergency Services

Two devastating fires—one in 1908, the other in 1936—forever changed the face of Greenwich Avenue, prompting sweeping upgrades to the town’s fire and emergency response systems.

The first fire broke out in July 1908, just a day after a nearby train disaster.

As flames tore through the street, local telephone operators stayed at their posts, dispatching alarms to neighboring towns until smoke forced them out. Firefighters from across the region raced in to help, while police saved shop goods and stood guard through the chaos.

In the aftermath, town leaders passed new fireproofing ordinances and invested in modern firefighting gear—including one of the first chemical fire engines in town.

Then, in February 1936, disaster struck again.

A fire alarm system failed due to frozen sirens, forcing the fire chief to ring an old bell tower by hand to summon help. In bitter cold and icy winds, firefighters—many in their own clothes—battled the flames with support from multiple towns, police, and the Red Cross. The damage was enormous, but so was the impact: Greenwich responded by centralizing and professionalizing its fire services, building a combined police and fire station, and appointing a full-time fire chief for the first time.

These two events, nearly three decades apart, lit the spark for modern emergency response in Greenwich—proof that out of crisis can come real change.

BREATHE EASIER & SAVE BIG WITH AIR WIZARDS

Is your home ready for the summer? Now's the time to clear out the dust, debris, and danger lurking in your ducts, dryer vents, and other places — for a fraction of the cost. Air Wizards, backed by 145 glowing reviews and a 4.4-star rating, is offering up to 90% OFF their most popular HVAC cleaning packages for a limited time only.

Whether you need air duct sanitizing or full dryer vent service, these comprehensive packages start as low as $12.15 right now. Each visit includes detailed inspections, high-tech cleanings, and even free antibacterial sanitation. Act fast — the deal disappears in hours!

👉 Don't miss your shot at cleaner air and a safer home — Book Now and Save!

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

📸 Four Towns Get Green Light for Traffic Cameras

Greenwich joins Marlborough, Middletown, and Washington as the first CT towns approved for automated speed and red-light cameras. Five more towns are still waiting on the DOT’s OK. Cameras will monitor school zones and crash-prone areas—with fines starting at $50.

👻 Paranormal Investigator from CT Dies During Tour

Dan Rivera, a Southport native and member of the New England Society for Psychic Research, was found dead in his Pennsylvania hotel room while on a paranormal tour with the infamous Annabelle doll. No foul play suspected; autopsy pending.

🏀 Lamont Backs Bid to Keep CT Sun at Home

Gov. Lamont is supporting a Connecticut-based bid to keep the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun from relocating to Boston or Rhode Island. The proposal, led by a former NBA team owner, could shift more home games to Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena.

🥬 Wegmans Finally Coming to CT

The beloved grocery chain is opening its first Connecticut store on July 23 in Norwalk. With 92,000 square feet of foodie heaven and 500+ jobs, it’s a big win for local shoppers—and your meal prep game.

🌲 State Invests $15M in Open Space and Community Greens

Connecticut is protecting 2,270+ acres and funding six new green spaces across 22 towns. The $14.3M in open space grants and $725K for urban gardens aim to boost health, recreation, and climate resilience statewide.

Thanks!

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