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- 🎃 Phantom Fest, Guilford Fair & Mystic Garlic Weekend
🎃 Phantom Fest, Guilford Fair & Mystic Garlic Weekend
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Happy Wednesday! 🍂 Fall is in the air, and we’ve got some of the season’s best events lined up for you — from haunted thrills and classic fair fun to a flavorful festival that’s all about garlic. Here’s what’s happening across Connecticut this week:
🎃 Haunted thrills & sweet savings at Phantom Fall Fest
🎡 Rides, music & circus fun at the Guilford Fair
🧄 Garlic-packed bites & family fun in Mystic
📗 This Month in CT History: Connecticut Ratifies the 19th Amendment
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Haunted Houses, Scare Zones & Ticket Deals You Don’t Want to Miss
Lake Compounce comes alive this fall with its annual Phantom Fall Fest — family-friendly by day, terrifying by night. Trick-or-treating, pumpkin treats, thrill rides, haunted mazes, and roaming monsters make this one of Connecticut’s top Halloween experiences.
Big savings are available too: Groupon discounts up to 62% off, student deals, group rates, and a 2026 Season Pass that includes the rest of 2025 free. The festival runs weekends from September 20 through October 26.
👻 Ready for the scare of the season? Click here to see all the discounts and details.
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Rides, Music, Circus Acts & Food Galore All Weekend Long
The Guilford Fair is back September 19–21, bringing one of New England’s best family events to the Fairgrounds. Enjoy rides, animal exhibits, competitions, live bands, and the world-famous Flying Wallendas circus act.
Admission is $15 for adults and kids 12+, with discounts for seniors, veterans, and military. Kids 11 & under are free, and parking is $10 on-site.
🎪 Grab your friends, bring the family, and make it a weekend to remember.
Bold Flavors, Live Music & Free Admission
Get your garlic fix at Olde Mistick Village’s 18th Annual Garlic Festival on September 20–21. This free foodie event serves up garlic-inspired eats, farm goods, baked treats, artisan crafts, and live entertainment — all in a festive village setting.
With dozens of vendors and family-friendly fun, it’s one of Mystic’s most flavorful weekends of the year.
🧄 Come hungry, leave happy — garlic lovers won’t want to miss this.
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Hard cider flights, charcuterie, growlers & more — up to 53% off!
Looking for the perfect fall outing with friends or a cozy date idea? Arrigoni Winery in Portland has you covered with a Groupon deal that combines crisp hard ciders, charcuterie, and take-home goodies — all at nearly half the price.
Choose from packages for two or four people, each including cider tastings, glasses of your favorite pours, charcuterie boards, and souvenir growlers filled to go. You’ll also get keepsake glasses to remember the day.
Nestled along scenic Route 66, this family-owned winery offers rustic New England charm with vineyard views, an inviting tasting room, and plenty of outdoor seating to soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a fun group outing or a romantic escape, it’s a flavorful experience that blends local craftsmanship with warm hospitality.
But don’t wait too long — this deal is popular, and spots are filling up fast.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
September Evening Lecture Series (2025) at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport) - Graduate student Keelyn Kotecki shares her research on bats and their ecosystem importance at 7:00PM.
Chris Munch at Hartford Funny Bone (Manchester) - Enjoy Chris Munch's unique comedy personas in a night filled with laughter.
Senior Mornings at Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury) - Enjoy the museum in a quiet environment every Wednesday morning.
A Chorus Line at The Goodspeed (East Haddam): The Goodspeed presents a dazzling 50th anniversary production of A Chorus Line, making its long-awaited debut on the East Haddam stage.
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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
CONNECTICUT RATIFIES THE 19TH AMENDMENT — AND SECURES WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE
In September 1920, members of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association finally saw decades of tireless advocacy pay off. After more than half a century of rallies, petitions, and even arrests, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.
At first glance, the decision might have seemed symbolic. Tennessee had already become the 36th state to ratify, which technically guaranteed the amendment’s passage nationwide. But when Tennessee’s vote came under legal challenge, Connecticut’s sudden shift — led by Governor Marcus Holcomb, a former opponent — provided the decisive backup that ensured women’s suffrage would stand.
For Connecticut’s suffragists, who had battled powerful political figures determined to block reform, the moment was nothing short of triumphant. Later that year, five women were elected to the state legislature — and by 1921, the Suffrage Association proudly dissolved, its mission complete.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
🚨 Connecticut Officials Push EPA To Tackle Massive Sewage Spills
More than 400 million gallons of raw sewage from Massachusetts cities have flowed into the Connecticut River this year, raising major health and environmental concerns. State leaders are now urging the EPA to step in, citing the decades-old combined sewer system as the culprit.
🥤 Milkshake Factory Expands Into Darien & Stamford
Sweet news for dessert lovers: the family-owned Milkshake Factory, known for its hand-spun shakes and premium chocolates, is opening in Darien’s new Heights Crossing and later in Stamford. The popular chain, which began in Pittsburgh, is bringing its signature menu and dairy-free options to Connecticut.
🏀 UConn Legend Ray Allen & Wife Eye Connecticut Return With Organic Eatery
Shannon and Ray Allen’s fast-casual restaurant grown — famous for healthy, organic meals served with drive-through convenience — is considering a comeback in Connecticut as part of a nationwide franchising push. The couple has already received 100 franchise inquiries since May.
🍳 Danbury Family Diner Closes, But Hints At A Return
Beloved comfort food spot Danbury Family Diner has shut its doors at the Danbury Fair Mall after four years. But fans shouldn’t lose hope — owners teased it’s “not goodbye,” sparking rumors of a possible comeback in the future.
Thanks!
Thanks for spending time with today’s newsletter! We hope it sparked some inspiration to get out, try something new, and make the most of what Connecticut has to offer this week. Share it with a friend who loves exploring too!
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!