New England's 'Napa Valley Of Oysters' Has A Tasty New Trail That's An Easy Day Trip From New York City

It seems like every state with even a sprinkling of grape vines has its own "Napa Valley of Fill-in-the-Blank," but few places boast "The Napa Valley of Oysters." Enter Connecticut, a state home to New England's dreamiest getaways with cozy, timeless charm, and an unsung yet thriving oyster industry. Stretching from Greenwich to Stonington, the self-guided Connecticut Oyster Trail is part of an initiative spearheaded by Governor Ned Lamont to boost foodie tourism in the state with a focus on oyster farming. 

Visitors can use the tour's well-organized map to find farms, seafood retailers, and restaurants serving Connecticut-sourced oysters. The businesses range from humble oyster shacks with a no-fuss dining approach to sophisticated farm-to-table eateries or working oyster farms. "I want to make oysters in Connecticut the same thing that lobsters are in Maine," Connecticut's chief marketing officer, Anthony M. Anthony, shared with the New Haven Register. "It's a good goal to aspire to."

While Long Island and Massachusetts get plenty of oyster-loving attention, you might be wondering, "What makes Connecticut oysters so special?" Due to the aquatic environment of the Long Island Sound, Connecticut oysters have a distinctly sweet, briny flavor profile. The state's oystering history dates back to the colonial era, and many family-run farms have been in business for generations. The Connecticut Oyster Trail isn't just about sampling the freshest catch; it offers the chance to experience coastal life in its simplest form and to learn about where our food comes from. 

The Connecticut Oyster Trail includes 14 farms (some with their own shops), 10 seafood markets, and 21 restaurants. For an elevated farm-to-table menu and a wine list recognized by the James Beard Foundation, try Oyster Club in Mystic and dine on oysters from five local farms while seated in a rustic treehouse. Alternatively, Max's Oyster Bar in West Hartford serves New England seafood classics and an extensive oyster bar with offerings from both coasts. Whipping up something different, S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar in Mystic incorporates local oysters into its flavor-packed South American-leaning menu.

Most of the oyster farms don't give tours simply because they're places of work, but visiting them is still a memorable experience. Copps Island Oysters, in Norwalk, has a tiny lifestyle shop in the boatyard where visitors can browse a curated selection of coastal goods and, of course, oysters. If you plan to get local pick-up from an oyster farm, call or message ahead to confirm the retail hours.

Although the seafood markets on the Connecticut Oyster Trail have more standard hours, it's still a good idea to make sure your selection is available. The trail does a great job showcasing small, under-the-radar shops that normally escape notice. Take Darien Seafood Market, for example. This mom-and-pop seafood shop has a 4.6 rating on Google as of this publication, but it's the kind of place you likely wouldn't stumble upon off the trail. 

While the Connecticut Oyster Trail makes an easy day trip from New York City, many of the small towns are excellent weekend getaways. Mystic, a laidback, small town on Connecticut's scenic coast, is home to two top-notch restaurants on the oyster trail and Stonington Farms Shellfish, one of the family-run oyster farms featured in the film "Rising Tide to Table." These oysters are known for their deep cup, which means you get more oyster with each bite. Top your trip off with a stay at the nautically themed Whaler's Inn — the Mystic River views are the best in town  —and a wine tasting at Stonington Vineyards' secluded grounds.

Another excellent choice is Old Saybrook, an under-the-radar Connecticut beach town with scenic views and one of the state's oldest towns, dating back to 1635. Catch a show at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate, to locals) and head to Liv's Oyster Bar. The raw bar is consistently voted one of Connecticut's best, and the oysters are sourced daily from local farmers. Don't miss the bar's famous happy hour for the oyster promos of your dreams. Reserve a room at The James Pharmacy Bed & Breakfast to spend the night in a stately historic house built in 1790 that still stands today.