Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bus on the move in December

Taylor Shellfish Walrus & Carpenter Picnics start in December.

Several years ago, I had the good fortune of spending an evening bathed in moonlight, taking in the sound of the sea, the cool winter air, and more than my fair share of fresh shucked oysters and wine. And I won't lie--it's stuck with me.

Maybe this is just a regular weekend night for you, but I thought it was a pretty magical experience. And I'm forever grateful to the man with the plan--Taylor Shellfish champion Jon Rowley--for inviting me on the trip. Jealous? Don't be. The good news is that now you, too, can partake in this what is certain to be memory-making experience. Just sign up to take part in the Walrus & Carpenter Low Tide Oyster Picnic at Taylor Shellfish Farms oyster beds in Shelton.

The picnics are inspired by the Lewis Carroll tale of the same name, about a walk on the beach in which the central characters eat every single oyster in sight. Which we all know is pretty poor stewardship, but if you promise to leave a few for the rest of us, for $75, Taylor Shellfish will provide round trip carriage, all the oysters you can eat, and a pairing of award-winning wines. You'll also be treated to Xinh’s oyster stew for the bus ride home.

There will also be plenty of time to mingle with and learn from Taylor’s bivalve experts. This is an incredible oyster-eating experience, you’ll be slurping the sweet, plump bivalves on Totten Inlet at low tide under the moonlight all the while pinching yourself trying to be sure it’s really happening. Picnics start at 6:30 p.m. on December 7 & 21, January 7, February 6 & 17. Grab your wellies and book to your tickets now as these trips are sure to sell out quickly.