🏰 Step Into Castles, Celebrate Día de los Muertos & Skate the Day Away

October 30, 2025

Happy Thursday, Connecticut explorers! Today we’re taking you from fairytale towers to vibrant cultural celebrations — and even onto the ice for a cool seasonal deal. Whether you’re up for a scenic day trip, a family outing, or a burst of color and culture, we’ve got your weekend plans covered.

Here's what you’ll find inside today’s email:

🏰 7 Castles in Connecticut to Visit ASAP
💀 DĂ­a de los Muertos Celebration
⛸️ Discounted Ice Skating at Stamford Twin Rinks
📗 This Month in CT History: The First Issue of the Hartford Courant
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Step inside storybook towers and hidden hilltop estates across the state

Think castles only exist in Europe? Think again. From the legendary Gillette Castle overlooking the Connecticut River to the whimsical stone towers tucked into quiet woodlands, our state has its fair share of royal retreats — and most are open for tours, picnics, and jaw-dropping photo ops. Whether you’re chasing scenic views, romantic day trips, or a little medieval magic close to home, these seven Connecticut castles prove that fairytales can be just a short drive away.

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A colorful cultural experience honoring life, art, and community

Celebrate the traditions of Día de los Muertos with a day full of color, creativity, and connection. The Connecticut Science Center transforms into a vibrant festival space featuring live performances, community altars, traditional crafts, and sugar skull art for all ages. Whether you’re there to learn, honor loved ones, or simply take in the beauty of this cultural celebration, it’s an unforgettable experience that blends education and joy in true Connecticut style.

⛸️ DISCOUNTED ICE SKATING AT STAMFORD TWIN RINKS

Glide into winter fun — and save while you’re at it

Winter’s coming early to Stamford! The Twin Rinks are offering up to 25% off public skating sessions, making it the perfect time to lace up and hit the ice. Whether you’re a first-time skater or a seasoned spinner, this deal turns chilly days into cool adventures. Grab your friends, bundle up, and make some frosty memories on the rink — your winter fun starts here.

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Enjoy a professional, stress-free experience with friendly photographers, expert lighting, and custom backgrounds for every occasion. You can even bring props, heirlooms, or matching outfits to make your portraits uniquely yours. Perfect for families, couples, business professionals, or anyone ready to make memories worth framing — but hurry, this sale ends soon!

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The First Issue of the Hartford Courant

In the fall of 1764, printer Thomas Green found himself suddenly unemployed after Benjamin Franklin replaced him at the Connecticut Gazette in New Haven. Rather than give up, the 29-year-old packed up his type and presses, headed to Hartford — then a thriving river town — and set out to start something new.

That October, Green and his assistant Ebenezer Watson printed the very first issue of the Connecticut Courant, a weekly paper promising to be both “useful and entertaining.” What began as a modest four-page publication soon became a cornerstone of American journalism, chronicling more than 250 years of history without ever missing an edition.

The Courant survived wars, depressions, ownership changes, and even a libel lawsuit from Thomas Jefferson, evolving into the Hartford Courant we know today. In 2014, it celebrated its 250th anniversary with the fitting motto: “Older than the nation.”

From one fired printer’s resilience came a legacy still printing the story of Connecticut — and America — every single day.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

The Children’s Place Opens at Foxwoods Mall

The family-favorite clothing brand The Children’s Place has opened a new 4,200-square-foot store at Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, joining top names like H&M and Nike. Once a 900+ store chain, the retailer has seen major downsizing in recent years, making this new Connecticut location a welcome addition for local shoppers.

Barnes & Noble Expands With New Store in Cheshire

Book lovers, rejoice — Barnes & Noble is opening a brand-new, 18,000-square-foot bookstore at The Shops at Stone Bridge in Cheshire. The grand opening on Oct. 29 will feature local author Amity Gaige, who will cut the ribbon and sign copies of her bestseller Heartwood. The expansion is part of the retailer’s nationwide growth, with more than 60 new stores planned for 2025.

Connecticut Ranked 5th in Nation for Quality of Life

Connecticut landed in the Top 5 states for quality of life, according to CNBC’s annual Top States for Business report. The ranking highlights strong marks for safety, healthcare, and access to education — factors that continue to make the Nutmeg State a standout place to live and work.

West Hartford Mural Project Celebrates Deaf Community

A new mural honoring the deaf and hard-of-hearing community is being planned for the Noah Webster Library in West Hartford. Residents are invited to share stories and ideas at a community input session on Nov. 5 at Blue Back Square’s Webster Walk. Artist Michael Rice will use these contributions to help shape the design, ensuring the artwork truly reflects the voices it represents.

Thanks!

Thanks for joining us for today’s newsletter! We hope it sparked some inspiration to get out, explore, and make the most of everything Connecticut has to offer this week.

Enjoyed this issue? Share it with a friend — and let them in on all the best things happening around the state!

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!