Hummock Island, Westport

Since 1857, the Northrop family has owned a tidal salt pond in Westport, in the middle of which sits an island. On that small patch of private land, the Northrops built a house, while in the waters surrounding it, they anchored the family business: an oyster farm.

To tour the farm, current-day visitors board a boat to cross Sherwood Mill Pond. As they approach the island, observant passengers catch a glimpse of the hundreds of cages devoted to oyster cultivation bobbing in the water beyond. They can also see the cages from the veranda of the house, where they learn how to shuck while hearing about the history of Hummock Island, its sustainable farming methods, and the local oystering trade.

Before leaving, guests get to try some of this small business's product inside the house, which functions as a tasting room. And once they're gone, they can seek out some of the restaurants Hummock Island partners with to bring their quality oysters to diners' plates.