Weekend Plans? How About Something Seaworthy

(photo from Robin Iversen Rönnlund, flickr.com)

Hurricanes, earthquakes with a chaser of a week of rain - maybe you need something fun to do this weekend? Here are a few watery options:

1. Norwalk Oyster Festival 

From September 9-11th come out for the Oyster Festival (Veteran’s Park, Fort Point Street and Seaview Avenue in East Norwalk, CT). It features an Arts and Crafts Show, performances by Fuel and Soul Asylum, tasty food options, BMX and MotoCROSS stunts and apparently - although I swear we had trouble finding them a few years back - oysters!

Sunday is Family Day where kids 5-12 are free with paid adult admission and there is a flat $15 fee for festival rides from 11am-2pm. There are also specials for kids and a free live show. There isn't parking on site, but parking info is available online.

Get your tickets here. Prices are:
- $12 for general admission
- $10 for seniors
- $10 special Friday admission
- $3 for children 5-12 (free for younger children)
- Free for US military on active duty and their families (needs ID!)

2. Marine Life Study Cruises 

On Saturdays in September and October at 1pm, the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium offers Marine Life Study Cruises for the very reasonable price of $20.50 (two dollar discount for aquarium members). You'll learn about the critters that live in the Sound and why it's one of our best natural resources. Cruises last two and a half hours and allows participants to collect marine animals from the surface to the murky depths. There's a very cool video microscope on the ship so you can get a better look and a "mud grab" to bring it back.

To take part in the cruise, you must be 42 inches tall and kids under 16 must bring along an adult. You can even get financial assistance by filling out this form and returning it to reservations@maritimeaquarium.org. Click here for tickets. If there is space available, you can get tickets on the day of. The ship sails just outside the aquarium's IMAX theater.

3. Greenwich Harbor Yacht Showcase 

In the mood for something a little fancier and schmancier? Put on your boating best and check out the Greenwich Harbor Yacht Showcase at the Delmar hotel and restaurant (500 Steamboat Road in Greenwich). You'll see power boats, sailboats, private planes, luxury cars and - you got it - yachts. Admission is free (although I'm pretty sure everything else is far from it). You can check out the exhibitors and enjoy a beer garden and some excellent food. I've attended a few events at the Delmar, and the food is amazing! The event benefits the 12 Metre Yacht Development Foundation.

If you're really interested in boating it up, join them on Friday the 9th for a Preview Party 6-8pm. It comes complete with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment but will set you back $75. That event benefits the Audubon Society. Ticket info is available here.

Stay dry everybody - or if you can't - at least have some fun!