⛵ Sail into Summer, Explore Bridgeport, & Hear from President Obama

June 17, 2025

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📬 Tuesday’s here — let’s make some plans! Hope your week’s off to a great start. We’ve rounded up a few gems that’ll get you excited to get out and explore. Whether you’re up for a historic evening, a chill river sail, or a deep dive into a city full of surprises, there’s something in here for you.

Here’s what’s inside:

🎤 A chance to see President Obama live in Hartford
⛵ A dreamy summer solstice sail
🏙️ A full guide to everything awesome in Bridgeport
📗 This Month in CT History: Westport's Minute Man
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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An unforgettable evening of dialogue and inspiration takes place tonight!

Get ready for a historic night in Hartford! President Barack Obama is coming to The Bushnell for a special Connecticut Forum event on June 17. As the 44th President of the United States, Obama will engage in a thought-provoking conversation covering everything from leadership and equity to today’s most pressing issues.

This event, presented by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, celebrates 100 years of community impact and marks a powerful moment in the Forum’s legacy of meaningful conversation.

✨ Tickets are limited.

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Welcome summer with river views and good vibes

Sail into summer on June 20 with a peaceful cruise aboard the Onrust, a replica Dutch ship that blends history with serenity. You’ll glide along the Connecticut River during golden hour, soaking in the views and the longest day of the year.

Whether you’re going solo, bringing a date, or just need to unplug, this two-hour sail from the Connecticut River Museum in Essex is the perfect reset.

🌞 Get more details and reserve your spot.

CT’s biggest city has more to offer than you think

Think you know Bridgeport? Think again. From museums and art galleries to waterfront parks and family fun, the city is full of surprises.

Explore iconic spots like the Barnum Museum and Beardsley Zoo, catch a show at The Klein, or spend a lazy afternoon at Seaside Park. Add in hidden gems like the Housatonic Museum of Art and buzzy local festivals, and you’ve got a serious itinerary in the making.

🗺️ See what’s worth checking out in our full Bridgeport guide right here.

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Tall ships, live demos, and 19 acres of hands-on history in Mystic, CT

If you're looking for a summer activity that’s fun, family-friendly, and full of charm, this is it. The Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure lets you roam through a fully recreated 1870s coastal village, climb aboard historic tall ships, and dive deep into America’s maritime roots.

Whether you're chatting with blacksmiths, checking out live toolmaking demos, or stepping aboard the last wooden whaling ship in the world — the legendary Charles W. Morgan — every corner of this 19-acre experience delivers something memorable. You’ll find rotating exhibits, working shipyards, and hands-on opportunities that are as entertaining as they are educational.

🎟️ Grab this Groupon deal now and lock in the lowest price before it sells out!

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

Gerard Way Concert GIF by My Chemical Romance

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

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Bronze Tribute to Patriot Courage

At the crossroads of Compo Road and Compo Beach Road in Westport stands a striking bronze figure — musket in hand, gaze fixed on the horizon, forever ready. Known simply as The Minute Man, this statue was unveiled in June 1910 as a tribute to the brave patriots who took up arms when the British landed on Connecticut shores during the Revolutionary War.

Sculpted by local artist H. Daniel Webster, the monument was the result of nearly a decade of community effort and state support. The dedication ceremony drew crowds from across Connecticut, celebrating both a heroic past and the town’s emerging identity as a cultural and historical destination. Webster’s kneeling soldier joined a select group of monuments nationwide that honor everyday citizens who became warriors in an instant.

Beyond its historical roots, The Minute Man became an enduring emblem of Westport itself — featured on town flags, commemorative events, and even a 1957 episode of I Love Lucy. Thanks to community preservation efforts, the statue continues to stand tall over a town shaped by history and civic pride.

Explore more Connecticut stories and landmarks that shaped the state’s legacy, one bronze step at a time.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

☁️ Cool Now, Heat Wave Ahead
Tuesday will stay cloudy and cool with some light showers, but big changes are coming. Connecticut is bracing for its first real heat wave of the year starting Wednesday, with temps soaring into the 90s by next week. Thunderstorms may roll through mid-week, so keep an eye on the sky—and your AC.

🍓 Too Much Rain, Not Enough Time
Farmers across the region are feeling the strain from one of the wettest springs in recent memory. Planting delays and soggy fields have made this strawberry season a stressful one, though some farms are still seeing great yields. Locals are encouraged to support farms rain or shine—umbrellas up, wallets out.

🥟 Michelin-Approved Dumplings Hit Stamford
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, a Michelin-recommended spot famous for handmade Shanghainese dumplings, is opening its first Connecticut location at Stamford Town Center on June 15. Expect paper-thin dough, rich broth, and colorful dumpling assortments—all made fresh in an open kitchen setting.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your Tuesday with us!

If you liked today’s picks, feel free to forward this email to a friend who’s always looking for something new to do. Catch you soon.

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