🚗 Bluegrass, Dragons & a Rare WW2 Mercedes in CT

September 02, 2025

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Hey there, Connecticut friends! đŸŒŸ Looking for something new to do this week? We’ve got you covered with music, history, and even a little fantasy adventure. Here’s a quick look at what’s inside today’s newsletter:

đŸŽ¶ Bluegrass Jam at the Museum
🐉 Dragons & Adventure Weekend at the CT Renaissance Faire
🚗 WWII Mercedes-Benz Lunch & Learn
📗 This Month in CT History: The Mechanical Mind Behind Colt’s Success
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Where History Meets Harmony

Step into a world where history meets harmony at the Bluegrass Jam at the Museum! Every first Tuesday of the month, the Shore Line Trolley Museum transforms into a lively gathering spot filled with the soulful rhythms of American bluegrass.

From 6:00–8:30 pm, musicians and music lovers alike come together to celebrate this timeless tradition. Whether you’re strumming along or just tapping your feet, this event is all about community, history, and the joy of music. And with vintage trolleys as the backdrop, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through time with every note.

Admission is donation-based, and everyone’s welcome.

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Unleash Your Inner Hero

Calling all adventurers, cosplayers, and fantasy fans—the Connecticut Renaissance Faire is bringing you a weekend full of dragons, quests, and epic fun! From costume contests to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone ready to step into a realm of imagination.

Highlights include Free Kids Day on Saturday (ages 7–15 with a paid adult), an Adventurer Costume Contest on Saturday, and a Monster Costume Contest on Sunday. Grab your crew, dress up, and get ready for a weekend of unforgettable memories.

The Faire runs weekends now through October 19th at the Lebanon Fairgrounds. Get tickets early and skip the line!

History, Mystery & A Rare Car

Head to the Mattatuck Museum for a fascinating lunchtime talk on the rare Mercedes-Benz 540K “AKTION P”—a car built for top Nazi officials during WWII, with only one surviving model on display today.

Speaker John J O’Leary IV will guide you through the incredible story of how one of these cars made its way to Connecticut ties, and the historical intrigue behind it. Bring or order lunch, settle in, and enjoy this unique blend of history and conversation.

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Hands-On Fun for Curious Kids

Looking for a family outing that’s equal parts fun and educational? ✹ The EverWonder Children’s Museum in Newtown offers a wonder-filled day for kids ages 0–10 with interactive exhibits that bring science, art, and imagination to life.

From digging for dino fossils and playing pretend in a kid-sized grocery store to exploring the sensory room, building with giant blocks, and even meeting live critters in the vet lab, there’s something new around every corner. Parents love that kids can spend 2–3 hours here happily exploring, learning, and laughing.

Through this Groupon deal, you can snag admission for two, three, four, or six people at up to 48% off—making it a budget-friendly way to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, preschool programming is included for free on Thursdays and Fridays during the school year.

Gather your crew, plan a day of discovery, and let the adventures begin!

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

Elisha Root: The Mechanical Mind Behind Colt’s Success

Elisha King Root may not be a household name, but his genius shaped Connecticut’s role in the Industrial Revolution. Born in 1808, Root began as a young apprentice in Massachusetts before moving to Canton, Connecticut, where he transformed the Collins axe factory with innovative machine tools and a groundbreaking die-casting process.

His reputation as a master inventor caught the eye of Samuel Colt, who brought Root to Hartford in 1849. At Colt Firearms, Root introduced precision engineering and streamlined assembly methods that made mass production of firearms possible. His patents covered everything from metal-stamping hammers to rifle-boring machines, and even the Colt Model 1855 Pocket Revolver—better known as the “Root Revolver.”

When Samuel Colt died in 1862, Root stepped in as company president, cementing Colt Firearms’ reputation as a world leader in precision manufacturing. Thanks to his vision, Colt became the first to mass-produce revolvers with fully interchangeable parts—a standard that changed modern industry forever.

Though not widely remembered today, Elisha Root’s innovations made Connecticut a hub of industrial brilliance and helped shape the future of manufacturing worldwide.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Derby Bar Crowned Best “Hole-in-the-Wall” in CT
Food Republic named Derby’s Dew Drop Inn Connecticut’s best hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Known for its legendary wings with 50+ sauces and rubs—ranging from classics like BBQ and Cajun to wildcards like Taco Butter and Spicy Peanut Butter—the pub has earned its reputation as a must-try local gem.

$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Connecticut
Someone in Connecticut just became $1 million richer after Saturday’s Powerball drawing. The winning ticket was one of only nine nationwide to match five numbers, while another CT player scored $50,000. The jackpot itself has soared to $1.1 billion.

Retro Burger Spot to Open at Former Gas Station
A North Haven gas station is getting a major glow-up. Gas Burgers, a retro-style burger joint with bocce courts, fire pits, live music, and backyard games, is set to open in early 2026. The owner has been sharing progress (and letting fans vote on uniforms and menu items) on TikTok.

Connecticut Recognizes Diwali as State Holiday
Gov. Ned Lamont signed a new law making Connecticut the second state in the nation to recognize Diwali as an official state holiday. Community leaders called it a celebration of light over darkness and a milestone for Southeast Asian representation in the state.

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