📖 Free Storytimes, DIY Woodworking & Westport’s Coolest Clubhouse

June 18, 2025

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Hey there! 👋 Ready to break up your week with a little inspiration, adventure, and local magic? We’ve got everything from free storytimes for your littles to a hands-on woodworking fest — plus a sneak peek inside Westport’s newest food-and-fun hotspot.

You don’t want to miss what’s going on across Connecticut this week:

đź“š Free storytimes for kids across the state
🪚 A hands-on woodworking day with antique tools
🎯 High-tech darts, gourmet eats & all the vibes at Westport’s new Clubhouse
đź“— This Month in CT History: The Stage that Started in an Ivory Town
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Whether you're looking to save money, travel more, or stay informed and entertained, AARP delivers unbeatable value.

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Fun, free, and full of imagination for the little ones

Looking for a screen-free, educational activity to enjoy with your kids? Connecticut's free storytimes have you covered — and they’re happening in nearly every corner of the state.

Whether you're wrangling toddlers, bouncing a baby, or parenting a precocious preschooler, there’s a storytime tailored to you. Local libraries from New Haven to New London are hosting interactive sessions packed with stories, songs, and community connection. Some even include craft time or bilingual storytelling. It’s the kind of wholesome fun that makes memories without breaking the bank.

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🪵 TRADES DAY AT THE WHITFIELD MUSEUM

Get hands-on with woodworking and connect with Connecticut's craft legacy

Calling all DIY lovers and curious minds — this is your chance to step into the world of woodworking, past and present. On Sunday, June 22, the Henry Whitfield State Museum is hosting a free, all-ages event where you can try your hand at antique and modern woodworking tools, thanks to the hands-on team at TradesUp.

Watch master carvers at work, use real tools, and learn how to measure, build, and create just like the artisans of New England’s early days. You’ll even see live demos of traditional 1600s-1700s woodcarving techniques by renowned CT woodworker Rick Liegl and his apprentice.

Bring the whole family — it's free, it’s fascinating, and it’s a guaranteed unplugged day of fun.

🎯 THE CLUBHOUSE IN WESTPORT: MORE THAN GOLF

Darts, bites, and good times — this new spot’s got it all

Westport’s newest hangout, The Clubhouse, is not your typical bar. Sure, it has virtual golf simulators, but that’s just the beginning. Think high-tech darts, digital soccer, football, basketball — even a menu crafted by a legit executive chef.

Owners Tim and Katie Zobl dreamed up a space where you can play, eat, and vibe without the pressure. It's family-friendly by day, fun-for-grownups by night, and packed with entertainment for all ages.

Come for the tech. Stay for the steak frites.

Looking for your new go-to after-work spot? Marcello’s Italian Eatery in Monroe is serving up a Happy Hour that’s flying under the radar—but not for long.

Held in the cozy bar at Clock Tower Square, this is more than just a few dollars off drinks. We’re talking $5 off martinis, half-off bottles of wine, and craveable Italian small plates like steak & cheese sliders, crispy calamari, truffle fries, and more.

đź•“ Happy Hour Hours

  • Tues–Wed: 4–6 PM

  • Thursday: ALL NIGHT LONG

  • Friday: 4–6 PM

That’s right—Thursday is a marathon, not a sprint.

Whether you're sipping a cocktail with friends, sharing a pizza during date night, or just kicking back with a cold draft and some garlic bread, Marcello’s delivers an experience that’s equal parts laid-back and unforgettable.

🎯 Pro tip: Grab a seat early and explore the full bar menu—this is Happy Hour done right.

đź“Ť Marcello’s Italian Eatery – 477 Main Street, Monroe, CT
More info at MarcellosItalianEatery.com or call 203-268-7811

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Hit up NYC’s top attractions without blowing your budget

Feeling the itch for a city adventure? Pack a bag, grab a Metro-North ticket (or hop in the car), and head to the Big Apple for a weekend full of iconic sights — all while saving major cash.

Right now, you can snag an NYC Explorer Pass on Groupon that gives you access to 10 attractions for one flat price. Choose from over 90 top spots including the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, Edge at Hudson Yards, the Statue of Liberty ferry, and more.

It’s flexible, it’s digital, and it’s way cheaper than buying individual tickets — especially if you’re doing a whirlwind weekend tour. Use it all in one day or spread it out across a full getaway.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

A NEW RESTAURANT IN NEW BRANFORD

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

How a factory breakroom became one of the state’s most beloved theaters

In the small village of Ivoryton, a building originally built for factory workers’ downtime transformed into a legendary launchpad for summer theater. The Ivoryton Playhouse officially opened its curtains in 1930 with a performance of Broken Dishes, fresh off its Broadway run.

The building itself had a much earlier start, constructed in 1911 as a recreation hall for employees of the Comstock & Cheney Company, once a global powerhouse in ivory manufacturing. But as the industry evolved, so did the use of the space — and New York producer Milton Stiefel, while vacationing nearby, saw potential in its bones.

Big names like Katharine Hepburn, Cliff Robertson, and Norma Terris eventually graced its stage. Today, the Playhouse’s elephant logo quietly nods to its ivory-trade roots — a reminder of how this little theater in a factory town became a Connecticut cultural gem.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

đź’° CT Invests $18.8M to Revive Blighted Properties

Connecticut is pumping nearly $19 million into cleaning up 23 contaminated sites across 19 towns, aiming to unlock over $200 million in private investment. Projects range from new housing units in New Haven to transforming abandoned industrial spaces in Hartford and Windsor Locks into vibrant community and mixed-use developments.

🏀 UConn Women to Face SCSU in Preseason Matchup

National champs UConn Women’s Basketball will host Division II Southern Connecticut in an exhibition game this fall. The Huskies are also set for a doubleheader with Boston College at Mohegan Sun, continuing their dominance after an explosive Final Four win over UCLA.

🏡 Bethenny Frankel Flips CT Mansion for Nearly $8M

TV personality and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has sold her renovated Connecticut estate for just under $8 million. The massive Greenwich home saw major upgrades before hitting the market — a classic luxury flip with serious ROI.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter — we’re glad to have you here! If you enjoyed it, feel free to pass it along to a friend, coworker, or anyone who loves staying in the know across Connecticut.

P.S. 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!

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