After a 7 hour dive through some seriously heavy traffic and truly horrible road conditions, we finally made it to New England. So far, it was totally worth the trip. We rolled up to the KOA well before sunset with enough time to set up camp and make our way over to Noark, Connecticut, for what will surely be one of our most memorable family meals. Relying on a recommendation from Fodor's for a lobster "shack" right on the water, we couldn't resist. The guidebook said "Be prepared to ask directions," but they clearly weren't writing it for Brent. He had no trouble at all.
The line in front of the shack snaked on for several feet. We were about 30 people deep, but the lobster pots entertained the kids while the billboard sized menu kept us contemplating the simple but enticing selection of seafood for the entire 20 minutes that we waited. Finally, we made our way to the ordering window. We settled on a 3 lb. steamed lobster, a pound of steamed mussles, 2 bowls of chowder, corn on the cob, and two pb&js for the girls. We were given a number and pointed in the direction of the picnic tables out back right along the beach. We didn't have to wait long for the food. The mussles and sandwiches came out first. Abby and Ella would have no part of the seafood, but Aidan was a more than willing participant. He eagerly tasted his mussel and declared it the best food he had ever eaten and New England the best place he had ever been. Right then, he decided that he would someday live here. I can't blame him a bit.
30 minutes later, our steamed lobster was ready. The girls screamed in absolute horror as we picked the sweet meat from the claws. Aidan, seizing an opportunity, grabbed a claw and chased his sisters around the outdoor dining area. The place was nothing more than a yard full of plastic picnic tables, so we thought WHY NOT? It really was funny.
The combination of al fresco dining plus fantastic weather plus affordable lobster created a perfect night. So far Mystic is a keeper.
Tomorrow we will be touring the tall ships in the harbor as well as the Mystic Aquarium. Stay tuned and good night from New England.
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