🥂 From Sun Wine Fest to Big Papi to Life of Pi

Good morning! Hope your Tuesday’s off to a strong start. If you’re already looking ahead to the week or locking in plans, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up a few standout happenings worth adding to your calendar, from elevated food and drink experiences to unforgettable live theatre.

Inside this email:

🍷 Discover a must-attend food and wine experience
🥂 Raise a glass at a celebrity-hosted event
🎭 Experience an award-winning stage production on screen
📗 This Month in CT History: Breaking Barriers Behind the Pharmacy Counter
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🍷 SIP, SAMPLE & KICK OFF SUN WINE & FOOD FEST

An early-access night of bold flavors, fine pours, and live culinary moments

Kick off Sun Wine & Food Fest with an opening night designed for food lovers and curious sippers alike. Grand Tasting Day One offers early access to a curated lineup of wines, craft beer, and premium spirits, paired with inspired bites from top regional restaurants.

Live culinary demonstrations run throughout the evening, featuring celebrated chefs sharing techniques and stories on the Main Stage. It’s an easygoing, elevated way to explore new flavors before the weekend officially begins.

🥂 RAISE A GLASS WITH BIG PAPI AT MOHEGAN SUN

David “Big Papi” Ortiz hosts an exclusive Sun Wine & Food Fest event

Baseball legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz brings star power to Sun Wine & Food Fest with Toast with the Host, a lounge-style tasting event at Mohegan Sun. Guests are invited to sip Ozama Rum, mingle with fellow fans, and enjoy a more intimate festival experience.

This special event is part of an expanded Sun Wine & Food Fest weekend that also includes a Celebrity Chef After Party and a closing Brunch in The Shed, making it a standout addition to an already packed lineup.

🎭 EXPERIENCE LIFE OF PI ON THE BIG SCREEN

A breathtaking stage adaptation reimagined for the screen

This National Theatre Live encore of Life of Pi brings the Olivier Award-winning stage production from London’s West End to the big screen, blending innovative puppetry, stunning visuals, and powerful storytelling.

Following a teenage boy stranded at sea with four unlikely companions, the story explores survival, hope, and imagination in a cinematic theatre experience that’s both moving and unforgettable.

The Pan That Changed the Pan

The Always Pan® from Our Place went viral for a reason – with over 85,000 five-star reviews, it’s become a true kitchen icon trusted by over a million home cooks.

Toxin-free, naturally nonstick, and endlessly versatile, it’s designed to make cooking easier, healthier, and more enjoyable every day. Shallow enough to flip omelets, deep enough to roast chicken dinners, and beautiful enough to live on your stovetop – it’s the kind of cookware that actually makes you want to cook more. And when you’re done? It wipes clean in seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, the Always Pan® delivers effortless performance and timeless style in one.

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🎯 ROLL INTO SOME INDOOR MINI GOLF FUN

A glow-style, all-ages activity that works any time of year

If you’re looking for an easy win for date night, family time, or a low-stress group hang, this deal checks all the boxes. Lessard Lanes is offering discounted indoor 18-hole mini golf for two or four players, giving you a fun, weather-proof activity that doesn’t require a full day commitment.

The course features immersive details like waterfalls and flowing streams, with each hole offering a different challenge that keeps both kids and adults engaged. With strong reviews and a family-friendly setup, it’s a solid go-to for winter days, rainy weekends, or whenever you just want to do something different without overthinking it.

👉 Grab the deal here

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Bruce Socials: Trivia (Greenwich) - Join for a lively and engaging evening at the Bruce Museum!

• Pure Pigment: Pastels Intermediate Techniques (Mystic) - This class explores taking your knowledge to the next step.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

WANT TO CATCH SOME LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEK?👇

There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Breaking Barriers Behind the Pharmacy Counter

Born in Hartford in 1886, Anna Louise James grew up in a large, close-knit family shaped by resilience and ambition. Inspired by relatives already working in the field, she pursued pharmacy at a time when opportunities for women, especially women of color, were rare. She went on to graduate from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy as the only woman in her class, later becoming Connecticut’s first African-American woman licensed as a pharmacist.

James returned to the shoreline town of Old Saybrook, where she eventually took over what would become James’ Pharmacy. For decades, she ran the business with care and consistency, serving prescriptions by day and welcoming generations of locals to the soda fountain that made the shop a community hub. Known affectionately as “Miss James,” she became a familiar and trusted presence in town life.

Her legacy extended well beyond her own career. Members of the James family continued to break ground in both pharmacy and the arts, most notably her niece Ann Petry, a bestselling novelist. Today, the former James’ Pharmacy building lives on as a gelateria and bed and breakfast, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized on the Connecticut Freedom Trail, a lasting reminder of a woman whose quiet determination helped change the course of state history.

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In the past, we relied on paper lists and brick-and-mortar stores, but Amazon Prime has revolutionized the way we shop.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Communities Across Connecticut Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cities and towns statewide are marking MLK Day with programs focused on reflection, service, and community connection. Events range from free museum admission and educational programming in Fairfield to music-driven tributes led by local youth in Bridgeport, highlighting the continued impact of Dr. King’s legacy.

Norwalk Launches Its First Winter ‘Dine Norwalk’ Celebration

More than 30 restaurants are taking part in Norwalk’s new winter dining event, offering special prix-fixe menus and deals starting at $20.26. The multi-day celebration is designed to spotlight the city’s culinary scene during the slower winter season and encourage residents to dine local.

Officials Urge Residents to Use Free Tax Help and Claim Unused Credits

State leaders and community organizations are reminding residents that millions of dollars in federal and state tax credits go unclaimed each year. Free tax preparation services, available statewide, are helping thousands access refunds, including Earned Income Tax Credits that can make a significant difference for working households.

Speed Cameras Expand Across Connecticut as Revenue and Debate Grow

Automated speed and red-light cameras are rapidly spreading to more municipalities, generating millions in fines while prompting debate over privacy and fairness. Supporters say the cameras have slowed traffic and improved safety in high-risk areas, while critics continue to raise concerns about surveillance and long-term impacts on communities.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading along. Hope this list inspires you to get out, explore, and make the most of the week ahead.

If you liked it, pass it along to a friend who’s always looking for something to do.

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!