Norwalk Seaport Association Clambakes On Sheffield Island Offer Great Food, Fun & Sunsets

The Norwalk Seaport Association has been operating since 1978 as a non-profit environmental preservation and maritime educational organization offering a wide array of special events and community projects. In 1986, the Association moved to preserve the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and 3.5 acres of Sheffield Island from development. Since then, the Association has owned, restored and maintained the lighthouse, placing it on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1989, as well as being the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Friends group for the Norwalk Islands.

My visiting mother, my wife and I were thrilled to visit Sheffield Island for a Norwalk Seaport Association Clambake on June 21st. Islands run in our blood. My mother owns a beautiful small island that has been the subject of N.C. Wyeth paintings.

My wife grew up on the exotic island of Mindanao, and my wife and I have invested in island properties in her Philippine homeland.

Ferry passengers parked next to the Imax Theater at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium

and then approached the shaded cupola to await the Sheffield Island Ferry.

Some read the information placard.

Most waited in the shade,

including my mother

and my wife.

An enthusiastic crowd gathered, including some Fairfield County schoolteachers celebrating the end of the school year.

Everyone was relaxed, but excited, anticipating the evening’s adventure.

We were met by our dear friend Irene Dixon, my wife’s countrywoman and one of the most cheerful, nice and active people whom it has been our pleasure to know. Irene is the president of the Norwalk Seaport Association, the official appointee of Norwalk to the Western Connecticut Tourism Bureau, the vice president of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce (including running its Ambassador Program), a board member of the Maritime Aquarium, and winner of the 2012 Pineapple Award for excellence in tourism, service and hospitality from the State of Connecticut.

A Metro North train passed

about the same time our ferry showed up.

Everyone began to embark on the 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran that serves as the ferry to Sheffield Island.

As Irene talked to this attractive young lady, I realized I wasn’t the only media member present. Pictured is Conor Johnson of CT Bites with her mother.

It was a high-spirited boatload of passengers.

The captain and his crew readied the craft for departure.

We eased away from the dock and under the bridge that connects East and South Norwalk,

passing the Island Belle

and SoNo Seaport Seafood.

But why don’t I let my photos tell the tale of the trip to Sheffield Island?

Those of us who live in the New Haven area forget how narrow the Sound is in its inner reaches. The tower you see in the distance is on Long Island.

The trip went as smooth as silk, the scenery sliding by us.

And if your date

moves you like mine does, plant a kiss on her lips—it’s expected!

Soon, Sheffield Island drew in sight,

and we pulled alongside the dock.

There was an osprey nest on the roof of the dock’s seating area.

I spotted a swimmer in the water

as well as a flash of white just above the waterline of the dock, which I realized was a Frisbee. Everyone disembarked in grand fashion.

I retrieved the Frisbee, which was wedged into the slippery, seaweed-covered rocks much more tightly than I expected,

but then I couldn’t find anyone to play with me, everyone being caught up in the wonderful island adventure. The lighthouse beckoned,

as did the point.

We made our way to the tented dining area

beyond the lighthouse,

taking stock of our surroundings.

Some prepared for the possibility of bugs.

For being on an island, our dining situation was remarkably civilized.

Irene brought a couple of wines

but there was also lemonade, ice tea and water available.

While some socialized in clusters,

others dug right in.

We began with steamed clams and mussels.

I, and several others, went back for thirds. Great things were being prepared on the grill, visitors having chosen their entrées when signing up for the adventure.

And let’s not forget the lobsters, which of course were boiled.

There were other delights to which visitors helped themselves,

including corn on the cob,

coleslaw,

salad,

and grilled vegetables.,

As media guests, we got to try not only the lobster and various salads and vegetables

but also the steak

and barbecued pork.

Irene even taught us a trick for easily removing the lobster tail in one piece.

And let’s not forget the strawberry shortcake!

All in all, it was an incredible feast. Is this not the face of contentment?

After eating, many took the opportunity to explore the island further as the sun slowly sank in the sky. From here out, I’ll let my photographs speak for themselves.

Every summer, the Seaport Ferry in South Norwalk carries hundreds of hungry passengers to the historic 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse for the Norwalk Seaport Association’s famous Thursday Clambakes. A true New England dining experience, the evening allows participants to dine in the festive tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn, with tours of the lighthouse itself included in the cost. Roundtrip cruise and dinner is either $65 or $79 per person, depending on entree. Vegetarian options available. Advance registration only.
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Norwalk Seaport Association Clambakes
2012 SHEFFIELD ISLAND CLAMBAKE
FERRY SCHEDULE
THURSDAYS: June 14th – September 20th
Depart Dock Arrive Island Leave Island Return To Dock
6:00 PM 6:45 PM 9:15 PM 10:00 PM
Schedules are subject to change or cancellation without notice. The
Seaport Dock is located at the corner of North Water & Washington Streets in
South Norwalk. Ample parking at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium Parking Lot.
Please arrive at the dock 15 minutes before departure.
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For reservations please contact:
NORWALK SEAPORT ASSOCIATION
Phone: 203-838-9444
E-mail: info@seaport.org
Day Of Event (ONLY) Inquires Please Call 203-838-2898