🥃 Bourbon Nights, Music & Sunflowers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Hey Connecticut, happy Tuesday! Ready to make the most of your week? We’ve got a lineup packed with music, nature, and delicious dining to spice up your days. Whether you want to jam out to local bands, stroll through vibrant sunflower fields, or savor a mouthwatering bourbon and cigar dinner, there’s something here to fuel your fun and keep you inspired.

Inside this week’s newsletter:

🎸 Backyard Beats Music Festival: Local bands bringing the heat at Mohegan Sun
🌻 Wander a stunning sunflower field with over 20 varieties to explore
🥃 Indulge in a bold Bourbon & Cigar Dinner paired with a chef’s four-course feast
📗 This Month in CT History: Bridgeport’s Own Gidget and Beach Movie Star
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

🍝 GET $10 OFF DINNER AT MARCELLO’S ITALIAN EATERY IN MONROE

Marcello’s in Monroe is flipping the script on Italian dining. This family-run gem is doling out $10 off to new email subscribers—just scroll to the bottom of their homepage and sign up.

While you’re there, prepare for pasta lit on fire in a cheese wheel (yes, tableside!), happy hour deals that slap, and a full menu packed with flavor and flair.

Craving a little drama with your dinner? Grab the deal and explore the menu.

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🎸 BACKYARD BEATS MUSIC FESTIVAL ROCKS MOHEGAN SUN

Local Bands, DJs, and Vibes That Bring the Heat

Get ready to jam on August 16th at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio from 1 PM to 11 PM with Backyard Beats, a festival spotlighting the best local talent around. From indie rock to soulful blues, this lineup is stacked with bands like Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North, Souls on Fire, and Red Light. Plus, DJs Mikey V and DJae Mêlée keep the energy flowing between sets.

Beyond killer tunes, enjoy food trucks, drinks, fire pit hangouts, and exclusive merch to make the day one for the books. Whether you’re there for the music or the community vibe, Backyard Beats is all about celebrating the vibrant Connecticut soundscape.

Click here for all the details.

This is not an advertisement.

🌻 TAKE A TRANQUIL WALK THROUGH A SUNFLOWER FIELD

Over 20 Varieties Blooming Across 3 Beautiful Acres

If you need a peaceful escape, the sunflower field walk at The Farm in Woodbury offers a serene stroll through over 20 types of sunflowers in stunning shades of yellow, red, cream, white, and orange. Spanning three acres, this blooming paradise is buzzing with bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

You can cut your own sunflower or pick a bouquet to take home (for an extra charge), making it a perfect way to connect with nature and bring some sunshine indoors. Open select days through August, grab your tickets online to skip the line and soak in the calm.

Click here for more info.

🥃 A NIGHT OF SMOKE & OAK: BOURBON & CIGAR DINNER

Four-Course Feast Paired with Bourbon Tastings and Premium Cigars

Indulge your senses on August 15th at Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort with a chef-curated evening that pairs bold bourbon flavors with a premium cigar experience under the stars. The dinner features a mouthwatering menu starting with a charcuterie board, followed by slow-roasted bone marrow, wild black cod, and cabernet-braised bison short ribs, all finished with a decadent apple pie and maple bourbon caramel ice cream.

Seats are limited, so make sure to RSVP and treat yourself to a night of rich flavors and smooth conversation in an intimate setting.

BREATHE EASIER & SAVE BIG WITH AIR WIZARDS

Is your home ready for the summer? Now's the time to clear out the dust, debris, and danger lurking in your ducts, dryer vents, and other places — for a fraction of the cost. Air Wizards, backed by 145 glowing reviews and a 4.4-star rating, is offering up to 90% OFF their most popular HVAC cleaning packages for a limited time only.

Whether you need air duct sanitizing or full dryer vent service, these comprehensive packages start as low as $12.15 right now. Each visit includes detailed inspections, high-tech cleanings, and even free antibacterial sanitation. Act fast — the deal disappears in hours!

👉 Don't miss your shot at cleaner air and a safer home — Book Now and Save!

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🎮 HALF-PRICE GAME NIGHT AT DAVE & BUSTER’S MILFORD

Double Your Fun Without Doubling Your Spend

Ready to level up your game night without breaking the bank? Dave & Buster’s Milford has an unbeatable deal that gives you $40 worth of game chips for just $20 — yes, half off! Whether you’re into classic arcade games, modern video challenges, or winning prizes, this is your ticket to hours of entertainment in a lively atmosphere.

Located at 1201 Boston Post Road, Dave & Buster’s offers a fun-filled destination perfect for friends, families, or anyone looking to unleash their inner gamer. This Groupon deal is super easy to redeem through the Clipp app — just grab your certificate, show it at the venue, and get ready to play. But heads up, the offer has limited availability, so don’t wait too long to jump on this steal.

Grab your game chips now and make your next night out a winning one! Click here to score this deal and let the games begin!

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Educator Open House at Connecticut Science Center (Hartford) - A free event designed for educators to explore hands-on experiences to inspire their classrooms.

• Storytime Tuesdays at Shore Line Trolley Museum (East Haven) - Join Miss Phyllis for magical storytelling and a scenic trolley ride.

• Sensory Friendly Tuesday Afternoons at Shore Line Trolley Museum (East Haven) - Enjoy a calm and intimate trolley experience designed for children with sensory needs.

• Linedy Genao: Songs From My Sala at Westport Country Playhouse (Westport) - A joyous musical performance bringing warmth from Linedy's home.

• Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark at Ridgefield Playhouse (Ridgefield) - An evening with two celebrated singer-songwriters known for their impactful music.

• Suzanne Sheridan & Friends at Levitt Pavilion (Westport) - A tribute concert featuring iconic songs reimagined by Suzanne Sheridan.

Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!

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

Deborah Walley: Bridgeport’s Own Gidget and Beach Movie Star

Born in Bridgeport in 1941, Deborah Walley was practically destined for the spotlight, growing up surrounded by her parents’ ice skating and choreography careers. After showing early talent on the ice, she shifted gears toward acting and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Walley skyrocketed to fame with the 1961 hit Gidget Goes Hawaiian, stepping in as the new face of the beloved teen surfer after Sandra Dee. The film was a surprise success, cementing Walley’s place as a charming ingénue and pop culture favorite. She went on to star in beach-themed comedies alongside icons like Frankie Avalon and Elvis Presley, and even appeared in the 1974 classic Benji.

Her TV roles and continued work with Disney kept her in the public eye throughout the ’60s and ’70s, while behind the scenes, she contributed as a writer and voice actress. Walley’s vibrant career left a lasting mark on Hollywood’s beach party era and beyond, making her a proud part of Connecticut’s entertainment history.

✨ GET YOUR HOME SPARKLING — UP TO 59% OFF WITH SURE CLEAN SERVICE!

Ready for a spotless home without the hassle? Sure Clean Service is offering a limited-time deal on professional residential cleaning—choose from 2, 3, or 4 man-hours of deep cleaning starting as low as $55 with today’s promo code.

This top-rated team (4.8 stars!) tackles everything from greasy kitchens to gleaming floors and perfectly made beds—with customized plans to suit your home’s exact needs. Whether you're refreshing your space or preparing for a move, these cleaning pros deliver fast, meticulous results you’ll love.

🧼 Act fast — this deal ends soon and spots are filling up!

Book Now on Groupon and come home to clean.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Optimum Shuffles Channel Numbers for Local Public Broadcasts
Starting August 21, Optimum is moving public government and education channels from familiar spots (78 & 79) to the 1300s in 10 Connecticut towns, including Darien, Greenwich, and Stamford. Local officials warn this could confuse longtime viewers and are gearing up to spread the word. The cable provider says the change aims to improve the viewing experience, but critics say it sidelines local programming.

Extreme Heat Protocol Activated Amid Connecticut’s Hottest Summer Stretch
With temperatures soaring, Connecticut has activated its extreme heat protocol through August 14. State agencies and local partners are coordinating to provide cooling centers and resources to keep residents safe. Officials urge everyone to stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets during this heatwave.

Raising Cane’s to Open New Milford Location in Early October
Fast-growing chicken chain Raising Cane’s is set to open its new Milford spot on October 2 at the former Milford Bank site. The eatery, known for its hand-battered chicken fingers, will offer indoor seating for 45 and outdoor space for 24. Hiring is underway for an operations manager role with competitive pay.

A.J. Klein Jewelers Prepares to Move After 43 Years in Shelton
After four decades at Shelton Square, family-owned A.J. Klein Jewelers is relocating to a larger space in Fountain Square this fall. The store, with a 70-year family history, is currently holding a major closing sale featuring rare deals on diamonds, watches, and more. The Kleins look forward to expanding their services and continuing their community legacy.

Tap & Vine in Wallingford to Close After Nine Years
Wallingford’s beloved Tap & Vine restaurant will close its doors on August 16 as the owner retires after 49 years in the business. Known for its creative menu and balanced beer and wine selection, the space will soon become an Irish pub called Malachy’s Public House. Fans have been sharing heartfelt farewells to the local favorite.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter! If you enjoyed it, feel free to share the good vibes with friends and family—because good info is better when it’s shared.

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