In Connecticut, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour provides a triple treat: a 45-minute ferry ride on Long Island Sound from South Norwalk to the island, tours of the 1868 lighthouse, and a nature trail. After buying the 10-room lighthouse and three acres of the 52-acre island in 1986, the Norwalk Seaport Association restored the lighthouse with 19th-century furnishings and launched tours in 2000. The 40-foot light tower, decommissioned in 1902, provides clear-day views of New York 40 miles away. The rest of the island is the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Christmas in July (July 19-20), Haunted Lighthouse (Aug. 9-10), and Thursday clambakes (June 26-Sept. 25) are among the association's special island events.

Leaves from NSA dock, 10 Water St. (adjacent to Stroffolino Bridge), South Norwalk, 203-838-9444 or -2898 (weekends, holidays) for reservations, seaport.org. Adults $20, children 12 and under $12, 3 and under $5. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays through Sept. 28; daily trips June 23-Sept. 12. Tours subject to cancellation.