🏰 Castles, Paintball Battles, and Kid-Friendly Thrills

June 11, 2025

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Hey there! 👋 We’re back with your Wednesday dose of wonder, whimsy, and weekend plotting. Whether you're craving castle daydreams, heart-pounding paintball, or pint-sized playdates with Power Rangers, this week’s lineup is bringing all the vibes. Scroll down and see what’s popping off around Connecticut!

Here’s what’s inside:

🏰 7 must-see castles in Connecticut that’ll make you feel like royalty
🎯 Paintball League Night is calling all thrill-seekers
👶 Big fun for little adventurers every weekend this June
đź“— This Month in CT History: The Legacy of Christopher Leffingwell
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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A Real-Life Fairytale Awaits

Think castles only exist across the pond? Think again.

From medieval-style marvels built by eccentric actors to enchanted ruins overtaken by nature, Connecticut is hiding some serious fairytale energy. Whether you’re chasing sweeping views at Castle Craig, peeking into secret passageways at Chrismark Castle, or exploring the forested trails around Gillette Castle, these stone stunners prove you don’t need to leave New England to feel like royalty.

Perfect for a day trip, photo ops, or just feeding your inner history nerd, these 7 Connecticut castles are giving main character energy.

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Powder Ridge Brings the Heat with Weekly League Battles

Ready to trade your office chair for a paintball gun? Thursday nights at Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort are all about that pew pew energy.

The Paintball League Night runs weekly from 6–9 PM with rotating teams, tournament-style play, and bragging rights on the line. Whether you’re solo or rolling with your squad, all skill levels are welcome.

đź’Ą $25/night or free with a season pass
đź’Ą .68 caliber gear required
đź’Ą Food discounts after the match

Let loose, light it up, then grab a burger and brag about your win.

It’s Morphin Time...and Milkshake Time...and Meet-and-Greet Time!

Lake Compounce is going all out for the kiddos this month. Every weekend in June, Kids Fest brings themed snacks, rides, and appearances from beloved TV characters like Daniel Tiger, the Power Rangers, Blippi, and Peppa Pig.

📍 Meet & Greets happen hourly from 1–4 PM at Kiddie Land Pavilion
✨ Dates to watch:

  • June 14–15: Power Rangers

  • June 21–22: Daniel Tiger returns

  • June 28–29: Blippi’s in the house

Bring the kids (or just your own inner child) and soak up all the fun.

GET A $50 COSTCO SHOP CARD WHEN YOU JOIN — MEMBERSHIP DEAL ENDS SOON!

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Choose from two options:

  • Gold Star Membership – Just $65, includes a $50 Digital Shop Card and Costco Travel promo

  • Executive Membership – Just $130, includes a $50 Shop Card, $100 off a Costco.com order, and the travel promo

This is your all-access pass to Costco’s legendary deals, from bulk household essentials to exclusive vacation packages. Whether you’re stocking up for the family or planning your next getaway, these extras make it more than worth it.

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Looking for a thrill that takes date night, family outings, or solo adventures to a whole new level?

Meet the HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods, where guests launch from the rooftop of the Fox Tower—that’s 360 feet up—and soar nearly a full mile down to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. It's one of the most unforgettable, high-flying experiences in New England.

This 45-minute to 1-hour activity combines adrenaline, views, and brag-worthy moments, with seasoned staff ensuring a safe and seamless ride. Riders glide above the treetops, catching stunning views that stretch all the way to Long Island Sound.

Whether it’s the crisp fall air, the unbeatable views, or the thrill of launching from a casino rooftop, this zipline checks every box.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Christopher Leffingwell: Norwich’s Revolutionary Industrialist

Born in 1734 in Norwich, Christopher Leffingwell was more than just a local businessman—he was a driving force in Connecticut’s early industrial growth and a vocal critic of British rule in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

Leffingwell came from a founding family of Norwich and built on their legacy with a wide-ranging portfolio: shipping, land, retail—and controversially, enslaved labor. But he was also a forward-thinking entrepreneur. In 1765, he became a pioneer in New England's paper manufacturing, eventually supplying paper for bullet cartridges during the war.

A committed patriot, Leffingwell protested the Stamp Act and helped fund Benedict Arnold’s 1775 march to Fort Ticonderoga, back when Arnold was still a hero. Beyond paper, his ventures included Connecticut’s first chocolate mill, a stocking factory, and a fulling mill used to finish wool cloth.

Today, Leffingwell’s legacy is a complex mix of industrial innovation, civic leadership, and the moral contradictions of colonial wealth. His former home, now the Leffingwell House Museum, stands as a window into both the promise and paradoxes of early American history.

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Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers natural disasters and theft, a home warranty could help safeguard you against costly repairs of eligible essential home appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🍔 Little Pub Expands to Branford

🏛️ Historic New London Building to Become Restaurant

A 235-year-old downtown New London property, once home to the Bulkeley House Restaurant, has been sold to Maine-based developer High Tide Capital. The new owners plan to revive the space as a restaurant in 2026, adding to their growing list of local investments.

đźš— Monro Auto Chain to Close 145 Stores, CT on the List

Auto service giant Monro Inc. is set to shut down over 100 underperforming stores nationwide after a major sales dip. With 30 Connecticut locations on the roster, several towns across the state could be impacted in early 2026.

Thanks!

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