đź‘‘ Corn Mazes, Renaissance Royals & Emo Gods Take Over CT

August 28, 2025

In Partnership With

👋 Hey there, Connecticut! The long weekend is right around the corner, and we’ve got some seriously fun ways to spend it. From apple orchards and cider donuts to medieval magic and a mythology-themed music fest, this week’s lineup is stacked. Here’s what’s inside:

🌽 Corn Maze & Cider Donut Festival at Lyman Orchards
đź‘‘ Royal Family & Market Weekend at the CT Renaissance Faire
🎶 Lonely Roads Fest at Two Roads Brewing
📗 This Month in CT History: Connecticut’s First Railroad Passageway
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Make the most of your long weekend with Groupon’s Labor Day Getaways & Specials — from resort escapes and water parks to museum visits and last-minute adventures the whole family will love.

Whether you're planning a relaxing retreat or spontaneous fun close to home, these exclusive Labor Day deals are your ticket to more joy for less.

Hurry — this offer won’t last long!

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!

A weekend of farm fun, fresh flavors & fall vibes

Lyman Orchards is kicking off the season with its Corn Maze & Cider Donut Festival on August 30–31 (10 AM – 4 PM) in Middlefield.

Admission is free, and activities run all weekend, including face painting, yard games, live music, food trucks, and the much-anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony for this year’s maze. Don’t miss the cider donut corn hole contest, the School of Rock performance, and delicious treats like the cider donut sundae at the Apple Barrel patio.

Pick your own apples, peaches, and pears, or just soak up the small-town charm with family and friends. With free entry and activities for all ages, this festival is the perfect way to taste the season.

This is not an advertisement.

đź‘‘ ROYAL FAMILY & MARKET WEEKEND AT THE CONNECTICUT RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Where pets, royalty & handmade treasures rule the day

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is back for its 27th year, and opening weekend (August 30 – September 1) is all about family, furry friends, and shopping local. Dress your pup for the pet costume contest, cheer on four-legged tricksters, or browse the artisan marketplace packed with handcrafted goods.

Special highlights include Neighbor Appreciation Day for Lebanon residents, contests like Tricks for Treats, and even a musical sit competition for pets. Plus, you can earn free tickets just by shopping artisan booths.

Step into a storybook world full of pageantry, performances, and playful fun — all set at the Lebanon Fairgrounds.

A Greek mythology twist on an emo classic

Get ready: Saturday, August 30 (2–10 PM) marks the return of Lonely Roads Fest at Two Roads Brewing in Stratford. This year’s theme? Mount Olympus — where gods, monsters, and mortals meet pop-punk nostalgia.

The lineup includes Emo Night CT, RingPop!, Another One Down, and more, along with 20+ local vendors, food trucks, and the revival of the Not A Phase Black Cherry Hard Seltzer. Expect high-energy sets, eyeliner everywhere, and maybe even a toga or two.

Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door), and the fest is 21+ (dogs welcome). Rain or shine, this is not a phase — it’s the party of the year.

Embarrassed by your stained toilet? Not Anymore! Transform your toilet from grimy to sparkly clean with Splash Foam's revolutionary cleaning formula. The fast-acting foam cleaner erases YEARs of stubborn stains in minutes... Yes, even those tough to reach areas under the rim.

No heavy scrubbing needed. Just pour in, let the foam cleaner work its magic, and flush to reveal a sparkling, bright, shiny toilet that looks brand new! See why over 1 million satisfied customers everywhere are calling Splash Foaming Cleaner a game-changer.

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!

Supercars. Real tracks. Speeds you’ll never forget.

Ever dreamed of gripping the wheel of a Ferrari or Lamborghini and tearing down the track? Now’s your shot. With Velocity Driving’s Multi-Lap Ultimate Ride-Along & Driving Experiences, you can get behind the wheel (or shotgun) of high-end supercars at locations across the East Coast — including Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT on Sept. 6 and Nov. 7–8, 2025.

Choose from a 2-lap ride-along (all ages), a 4-lap driving session (18+), or go big with the 8-lap experience (plus a Velocity Driving shirt!). Whether you’re gifting it, living out a bucket list dream, or just want to feel that engine rumble in your chest, this deal is hard to beat — up to 65% off with promo code CELEBR8.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Lisbon Tunnel: Connecticut’s First Railroad Passageway

In the summer of 1837, Connecticut made a bold leap into the age of railroads with the completion of the Taft Tunnel in Lisbon. Carved through unstable rock near Quinnebaug Falls, it was the first railroad tunnel in the state—and one of the earliest in all of America. At just 300 feet long, 23 feet wide, and 18 feet high, it may not sound massive by today’s standards, but its construction marked a groundbreaking feat of 19th-century engineering.

The tunnel was built as part of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad, designed to speed goods and passengers from Long Island Sound to Massachusetts’s manufacturing hubs. At the time, factories along the line were producing everything from iron and paper to wool and cotton, and the new railroad promised a faster, more efficient way to move it all.

James Laurie, a pioneering civil engineer and co-founder of the American Society of Civil Engineers, oversaw the project. Despite unstable rock and steep elevations, the crew succeeded in completing a tunnel that remains in use nearly two centuries later—today part of the Providence and Worcester Railroad.

What began as a risky experiment in early transportation is now a lasting landmark, standing as proof of Connecticut’s role in building America’s rail network.

Did you know replacing your HVAC could cost more than $10,000? Considering normal wear and tear on items such as your water heater and A/C aren’t covered by most home insurance policies, a home warranty could be a smart move.

These plans help pay for the repair and replacement costs when covered systems and appliances stop working or break down. For a small monthly payment, you can protect your home without worrying about a broken A/C in the middle of summer.

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!

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

West Hartford Approves New Indoor Playground
Angel Land, a popular children’s play and party center from Stamford, is expanding to West Hartford after receiving unanimous PZC approval. The 19,000-square-foot facility will feature slides, obstacle courses, ball pits, sensory zones, and imagination play areas, with plans to open in early 2026 across from Westfarms Mall.

New Italian Eatery Set to Open in Higganum
Chenzo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, led by restaurateurs Caleb Ellinas and Vincent Balisciano, will open this fall in the former Dino’s Pizza space. The menu will feature brick-oven pizzas, lobster ravioli, Tuscan butter shrimp, and creative specials, all served in a renovated, contemporary setting.

Stratford Animal Hospital Closing After 40+ Years
Barnum Animal Hospital, a fixture in Stratford for over four decades, will close its doors Sept. 1. Dr. Pieper is retiring while Dr. Wong’s future plans remain unconfirmed; clients can pick up records through Sept. 30.

Texas-Based Brunch Spot Coming to New London
Water Street Waffle Company, a brunch favorite with two Texas locations, is opening downtown New London at 133 Bank St. The restaurant will serve Liege waffles, fried chicken, Cajun eggs Benedict, and more, with a soft opening planned for Sept. 6–7 during the CT Maritime Heritage Festival.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us today! If you enjoyed this newsletter, we’d love it if you shared it with a friend or two who’d appreciate staying in the loop as much as you do.

If you liked today’s email, forward it to a friend — and help them discover all the best things to do around the state too!

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!