⛷️ Ice Skating, Train Show Magic & Live Beatlemania

November 20, 2025

Hey there, Connecticut explorers! There’s a lot happening right now across the state and plenty of fun to be had. We’re talking fresh ice, festive lights, and enough fun to pry you off the couch.

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Your guide to the coolest rinks, ponds, and indoor arenas this winter

Lace up — it’s officially skating season. And whether you’re a steady glider, a wobbly beginner, or someone who just goes for the post-skate hot chocolate, Connecticut has an insane lineup of rinks and ponds ready to make winter way more fun.

From picture-perfect outdoor rinks by the water to festive city setups glowing under holiday lights, there’s no shortage of places to get your winter cardio in. And if the weather doesn't cooperate? No stress — the state’s indoor arenas have you covered with year-round ice, rentals, lessons, and family-friendly sessions.

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🚂 STEP INTO A NEW MINIATURE WORLD AT THE 32ND ANNUAL TRAIN SHOW

A brand-new model train world built from scratch every year

If you want a dose of pure holiday wonder, the Connecticut River Museum’s Annual Train Show is back — and this year marks 32 years of tiny trains, intricate layouts, and wildly creative scenes built by artist and train enthusiast Steve Cryan.

Every season, Cryan kicks off the holidays by unveiling a completely new layout. No repeats, no recycled tracks — just a fresh miniature world with moving trains, detailed landscapes, and hidden visual jokes that reward anyone who loves pointing out the small stuff. It’s one of Connecticut’s most beloved family traditions for a reason.

Relive the energy, sound, and spirit of the world’s most iconic band

Get ready to time-travel straight into the era when The Beatles ruled the world. The Cast of Beatlemania brings the Fab Four’s music, charisma, and legacy to life in a live show packed with nostalgia, harmonies, and the unmistakable sound that shaped an entire generation.

From early rock-and-roll hits to the psychedelic years, this performance recreates the excitement and cultural punch The Beatles delivered in the ’60s — the hair, the humor, the music, all of it. Whether you grew up with their records or just discovered them on Spotify, this show hits hard for every age group.

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A full day of indoor adventure for every age, skill level, and adrenaline vibe

If you’ve been craving a thrill that doesn’t require freezing outdoors, Rock Spot Climbing is serving up the perfect indoor adventure — and right now, you can snag up to 27% off their one-day climbing passes. Whether you’re a total beginner, a semi-pro, or just someone who wants to do something way more exciting than scrolling TikTok on the couch, this deal is the move.

With five locations, friendly instructors, and routes for all abilities, Rock Spot makes climbing insanely accessible. You get all the gear you need, a quick intro from their staff, and then you’re free to explore auto-belays, bouldering walls, top-rope routes, and beginner-friendly climbs that won’t roast your forearms in the first five minutes.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Rise of the Silver City

In the late 1800s, Meriden wasn’t just a manufacturing town; it was the place for silver in the United States. Over a dozen companies across Meriden and nearby communities were producing an astonishing 70 percent of the country’s silverware and silver-plated goods. The region’s craftsmanship, creativity, and sheer output earned Meriden its iconic nickname: the Silver City.

But the future of that booming industry wobbled in the 1890s as a wave of national economic downturns put major stress on local manufacturers. Investors saw a chance to stabilize and strengthen the industry by bringing competing firms under one umbrella. Their solution: creating a single, unified company capable of withstanding the financial storms.

That merger became the International Silver Company, officially incorporated in Meriden in 1898. The new conglomerate quickly absorbed many of the area’s biggest names, including Meriden Britannia Company, Rogers Brothers, and Middletown Plate Company. Each brand kept its familiar label, while International Silver expanded its reach far beyond Connecticut — eventually acquiring additional manufacturers from New York, Toronto, and beyond.

Throughout the early 20th century, International Silver became a global leader in both fine silver and affordable flatware. At its peak in the 1920s, the company was bringing in more than $20 million a year and advertising everywhere from magazines to radio and early TV. During World War II, its factories temporarily shifted from silverware to wartime production, turning out surgical tools, weapons components, and bomb casings.

The industry changed dramatically in the 1970s as silver prices surged and lower-cost imports reshaped the market. International Silver attempted to reinvent itself as “Insilco,” but economic pressures proved too much. In 1981, the company closed its Meriden headquarters — ending an era, but leaving behind one of Connecticut’s most iconic industrial legacies.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🍽️ Bridgeport’s iconic Bloodroot Restaurant to close after 48 years
Bloodroot, the longtime feminist vegetarian restaurant and bookstore, will close on December 21 after nearly five decades. The owners called the decision “sad but necessary,” marking the end of a beloved Black Rock community hub.

🥘 Manchester’s Indigo Indian Bistro sets final day
After 15 years on Spencer Street, Indigo Indian Bistro will close on November 23. A failed lease negotiation forced the shutdown, and the owners are still deciding whether to sell or store their equipment.

🛍️ Saks Off 5th to close West Hartford location
Saks Off 5th will shutter its West Hartford store in January 2026 as part of a national downsizing. It’s one of nine closures announced as the company restructures its retail footprint.

🥐 Raphaël’s Bakery opens new Darien location
Raphaël’s Bakery has expanded from Greenwich to Darien with a second shop at 370 Heights Road. The family-run French bakery continues its tradition of artisanal, on-site baking, with a grand opening set for November 16.

🍣 New sushi restaurant coming to North Haven
A new sushi spot is moving into the former Panera Bread location on Universal Drive. The project was confirmed, though an official opening date hasn’t yet been announced.

🪶 Hangry Goose to open second location in Clinton
Old Lyme’s popular Hangry Goose is expanding with a new Clinton location in the former Coffee Break café space. The owners plan to honor the café’s legacy while bringing their own well-loved breakfast and lunch favorites.

💪 Death Grip Fitness opens in East Haven
Death Grip Fitness has officially opened at 222 Main Street following a ribbon cutting. The studio offers personal training, bodybuilding coaching, and nutrition support, with discounted intro memberships available.

Thanks!

Thanks for hanging out with us today! Hope this issue sparked a few ideas to get you out exploring and enjoying more of what Connecticut has going on this week.

If you enjoyed the read, pass it along to a friend — help them get in on 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!