Thursday, May 31, 2018

"Docktails and Oysters" @ Copps Island & Blessing of the Seaport Ferry

Have you ever tasted raw clams and oysters fresh off an oyster boat, visited a 4th generation oyster farm or witnessed the blessing of a fleet of boats?  Get ready for an unforgettable way to experience our shoreline at the Seaport Association's Copps Island "Docktails and Oysters"  on June 23, 2018, from 5 pm to 7 pm at one of Connecticut's most revered oyster companies, Norm Bloom & Son Oyster Farm in Norwalk.  




Tracing its origins back centuries to Mediterranean fishing villages, the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony hosted by the Seaport Association is based on a tradition meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season for the area's commercial fishing community as well as for the Seaport's vessel, C. J. Toth, that offers cruises to Sheffield Island from May through September. 



Over the years, the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony has evolved into a variety of festivities hosted by the Seaport Association and this year's new event, Copp's Island "Docktails and Oysters" promises a night of good food and drink among friends, old and new.  This New England style Luau has been organized to celebrate the treasures of our Connecticut coastline... clams and oysters!  The event will be held on Copps Island at Norm Bloom and Son, a fourth-generation family owned farm that provides some of the freshest and most luscious oysters and clams that you will ever taste! 



The fun doesn't stop there!  Expect to enjoy the tropical sounds of a ukulele trio, savor island-themed hors-d'oeuvres, and sip on beer and wine.  The Seaport Association has even concocted "one" special tropical drink,  called "Tropical Grace" to salute the "Grace P. Lowndes Oyster Boat. All of this is included in the cost of the ticket that helps to raise funds for the programs of the Seaport Association that include the preservation of our maritime heritage, the environment of Long Island Sound and to help children experience the 150-year-old Sheffield Lighthouse.  So, pull out your most colorful Hawaiian shirt and join in the fun!



This unique experience is limited to only 200 special guests so be sure to get your ticket early as this event is expected to be a complete sellout.  Tickets are $75 online and, at the door if space permits. This event welcomes adults 21 and up only.  For Tickets click here.  And, after this fantastically fun event, there is still time to explore all that Norwalk has to offer.


About the Seaport Association

Formed in 1978 by a group of local citizens the Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands.  The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper's Cottage provide a unique historical and educational landmark that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration of our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contribute to our quality of life.

It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, present, and future. As an Association, we are dedicated in our efforts to preserve our maritime heritage, the environment of Long Island Sound, and helping children experience our 150-year-old lighthouse on Sheffield Island.

About Copps Island Oysters

Norm Bloom and Son founded in 1994 have spent countless hours on the water doing what they love most, harvesting and farming oysters.  The Bloom family has been involved in the oyster business since the 1940s and today, Norm Bloom and Sons is one of the largest oyster farms on the east coast.

With an eye to the future, Norm Bloom and Sons have teamed up with marine biologists and local oystermen to preserve Long Island Sound in order to create a sustainable breeding and farming environment for the shellfish industry.  

Monday, May 28, 2018

Lighthouses at Night @ Bruce Museum Seaside Center & Cruise to Sheffield Island

If you love lighthouses you are in luck.  Photographer and author David Zapatka will discuss his images of Northeastern lighthouses and stars on Sunday, June 3, at 2:00 pm at the Bruce Museum Seaside Center in Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich. The presentation is part of the Fred Elser First Sunday Science Series at the Seaside Center, which includes family activities on lighthouses and stars from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Members of the Greenwich Astronomical Society will also be on hand to help with star charts and night sky activities.

David Zapatka


After seeing these images of the Sheffield Lighthouse and other lighthouses displayed at this event, visitors may want to take a cruise to Sheffield Island with the Seaport Association in Norwalk with their camera in hand!  The cruise to Sheffield Island is about a three hour "on the water" journey that offers a variety of angles and photo ops of the lighthouse. An additional bonus is the hour or so on the island that you can use to line up that perfect shot!  

 The Association's vessel goes out at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and runs every Saturday and Sunday in June and daily in July and August. For tickets and more information click here.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a Cruise to Sheffield Island

The Sheffield Island Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of Connecticut’s maritime history.  This historic lighthouse and light keeper’s cottage is located at the southern end of Norwalk’s necklace of islands on the west entrance of the Norwalk River in Long Island Sound. One of the best ways to kick of the season is to take a cruise on the C.J. Toth on Saturday, May 26, Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28. at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on all three days.  Tickets for this exciting excursion can be purchased in advance by clicking here or at the dock, space permitting.



This year is an extra special season for the Seaport Association because it is celebrating Sheffield Islands Lighthouse’s 150 Birthday!  Activated in 1868, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places was in service for thirty- four years before it was retired in 1902.  Today a visit to this gives visitors a first-hand experience on how important this lighthouse was to coastal and oceangoing shipping as these vessels plied their way on Long Island Sound, a major artery of communication and transportation.

A highlight of this journey is the cruise itself.   The cruise allows passengers to experience the beauty of Norwalk from the water with wonderful views of the shoreline, islands and the harbor. The fresh sea breeze and birdlife are enjoyed in the comfort of the Seaport’s modern vessel on the way to and from the island.

Reaching the Island, passengers take a tour of the ten-room light keeper’s cottage and the lighthouse that is furnished in period furniture giving visitors a glimpse of what life was like as a lighthouse keeper.  If the day is clear, the New York City Skyline can be seen.  Make sure to save time to look for shells, play on the lawns, and unwind with a picnic lunch on your own private island before heading back.

If you love nature and birdlife, don’t miss the chance to explore the Nature Trail through the Steward B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge. There is a wide array of bird and wildlife to be seen here including nesting herons, wading birds, shorebirds, terns and many others.  A special viewing platform enhances the viewing experience. Don’t forget to charge your cell phone up and to bring your camera and binoculars.



Round trip ferry tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 4-12, children 3 and under are free.  The boat leaves from the Sheffield Island Dock located at the corner of North Water Street and Washington Street in historic South Norwalk. Parking is available in the adjacent Norwalk Maritime Center Garage.  Be sure to wear comfortable closed toe shoes, and take note that for safety reasons flip-flops are not allowed.  Capacity is limited to 49 passengers, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended by visiting the website or visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3340649.

About the Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had a vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. 

The Norwalk Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands.  The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue which strives to increase awareness, appreciation and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contribute to our quality of life.

It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present and the future. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment and maritime heritage.