🎉 Kid-Friendly Reptiles, Cheese Wheel Magic & a Stunning Nature Spot in CT

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Hey there, Connecticut explorer! From flaming cheese wheels and jazzed-up pasta nights to toddler-friendly zoo time and nature strolls among azaleas, this week is packed with flavor, fun, and fresh air. Whether you’re chasing cuteness, comfort food, or calm in the great outdoors, we’ve got something worth checking out.

Here’s what’s inside:

🐍 An adorable (and educational) Zoo Tots Reptile Extravaganza in Bridgeport
🧀 The viral cheese wheel pasta that’s melting hearts in Monroe
🌿 A breathtaking, free day trip to the Connecticut College Arboretum
📗 This Month in CT History: From Revolutions to Runways
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Speak the Language, Skip the Tourist Traps

Spring travel is calling—are you ready to ditch the touristy spots and explore like a local? Whether it’s ordering fresh croissants in Paris or finding the best pasta in Rome, Babbel helps you speak the language and experience more.

With bite-sized lessons (just 10 minutes a day!) created by real language experts, you’ll be chatting with confidence in just three weeks. Save 55% now and get ready for your best trip yet. Don’t just visit—connect.

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🐾 ZOO TOTS: REPTILE EXTRAVAGANZA IS A WILD TIME FOR LITTLE ONES

Where learning meets laughter at the Bridgeport Zoo

Calling all parents of curious kiddos! On May 22, the Bridgeport Zoo is hosting a special Zoo Tots: Reptile Extravaganza that’s perfect for children aged 22 months to 4 years.

This 30-minute interactive program features stories, songs, puppet shows, crafts, and real live animal encounters — all designed to spark wonder in a safe, welcoming environment. Every child must bring a grown-up buddy, so it’s the perfect mini adventure for you and your little explorer.

Space is limited, so don’t snooze on this one.

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🍝 THE VIRAL CHEESE WHEEL PASTA AT MARCELLO’S IS PURE FLAME

Monroe's tableside pasta spectacle lives up to the hype

There’s pasta... and then there’s cheese wheel pasta at Marcello’s — a theatrical, creamy, truffle-kissed bowl of heaven that’s got Connecticut buzzing.

Here’s how it goes: a giant wheel of premium cheese gets torched tableside with grain alcohol. The inside melts into a velvety lava of nutty goodness. Then comes the linguini, spun straight into the molten center until it’s fully coated, and topped with a blizzard of shaved truffle.

Sounds dramatic? It is. But it’s not just for show — the flavor is next-level, and the experience is unforgettable. Perfect for date night, birthdays, or flexing on your foodie friends.

🌳 HIDDEN GEM: A DAY TRIP TO THE CONNECTICUT COLLEGE ARBORETUM

750 acres of free, wild beauty in New London you need to visit

Looking for an outdoor escape that doesn’t require hiking boots and a compass? The Connecticut College Arboretum is the kind of magical spot you probably didn’t know existed — and it’s open daily, free of charge.

Spread across 750 acres, this natural wonderland includes meadows, forests, native gardens, conifer collections, and a wildflower preserve that’ll have your camera (and soul) glowing. From the Caroline Black Garden to guided tours and digital self-guided paths, it’s an easy day trip for anyone who loves nature with a side of serenity.

Want quiet trails, botanical beauty, and total zen?

Click here to explore the Arboretum →

This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies

Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public.

That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing.

Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.

We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.

Get 20% off your order with code FIRST20.

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!

GROUPON DEAL: EPIC ARCADE EXPERIENCE AT AMF & BOWLERO FOR JUST $25! 🎮

Looking for a next-level hangout spot that’s part arcade, part restaurant, part party zone?

Step into the ultimate entertainment experience at AMF and Bowlero, where the fun hits hard and the savings hit harder — grab a $50 Arcade Game Card for just $25 (and only $20 with the promo code SAVEINMAY).

🎉 WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT:

• Non-stop arcade action with modern and retro games

• Add even more fun with bowling, laser tag, and billiards

• Refuel with over-the-top eats: juicy burgers, saucy wings, cheesy pizza, loaded nachos, and creamy milkshakes

• Chill out in the vintage lounge or catch the game on massive HD screens

Ready to beat the high score and eat like a legend?
🎟️ Grab the deal now before time runs out

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

🏀 Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces at Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville) - The Connecticut Sun will host 22 games at Mohegan Sun Arena this summer from May - September.

🎶 West Hartford Inter-Elementary Music Festival at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts (Hartford) - A tradition that spans over 60 years, featuring children from West Hartford's eleven elementary schools.

🎤 Samara Joy at Ridgefield Playhouse (Ridgefield) - The 24-year-old jazz singer has three Grammy wins under her belt and is making waves in the music scene.

👨‍👧 Bushnell Bigs & Littles at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts (Hartford) - An artistic experience for preschool-aged children and their favorite “Big” person.

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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE 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

Major May 20 Moments

May 20 has brought powerful moments of justice, protest, innovation, and pride to Connecticut’s story. In 1846, the Amistad captives were finally released from jail in New Haven after a hard-fought legal battle. These Africans had been kidnapped and brought to the U.S. on a slave ship, but seized control of the vessel and were later tried in court. Their case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor and allowed them to return home — a historic win for human rights.

Back in 1774, Connecticut took its place on the national stage when its delegates attended the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Alongside other colonies, they voted to boycott British goods in response to oppressive laws from Parliament, setting the tone for the revolutionary movement that would soon follow.

Fast forward to 1927, when Charles Lindbergh soared over Connecticut in the Spirit of St. Louis. Having just completed the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic, Lindbergh was on his way to New York for a hero’s welcome. His flight symbolized a bold new era of aviation and captured the imagination of the entire country.

Decades later, on May 20, 1970, student protest at Yale turned destructive when demonstrators burned down the ROTC building in response to the Vietnam War. The act was part of a larger national wave of unrest, marking a turning point on college campuses as opposition to the war intensified.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🏝️ Exec Slashes $5M Off Private Island Listing
Greg Jensen relists his luxe Branford island for $30M — complete with a Tudor mansion, koi pond, and tennis court.

🕊️ Missing Storrs Hiker’s Remains Found in Japan
After two years, the remains of Patricia Wu-Murad were discovered by a U.S. search team retracing the trail.

🏃‍♀️ Thousands Run Through Mystic for Annual Race
Over 2,300 runners hit the streets for the town’s popular half marathon and 10k.

👑 New Britain Freshman Crowned Miss Connecticut 2025
Anna Beresford wins the state title, spotlighting leadership, service, and confidence.

🍽️ Scenic Canton Restaurant Abruptly Shuts Down
The Lunette Bar and Kitchen closed just months after opening due to staffing and rising costs.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter — we’re glad to have you along for the ride. We hope it brought a little something new, interesting, or fun to your day.

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