Water view — Photo courtesy of drstarbuck/flickrThere are two things I can guarantee when my husband's sisters visit Boston: they'll want to spend a day at the beach and they'll want to eat a New England lobster. Sometimes the weather keeps us from the beach, but we always make sure we find them a lobster. A few years ago, my husband surprised me with a night of lobster under the open sky along the rocky coast of aptly named Rockport. We watched the sunset, got messy digging into a steamed crustacean, and simply enjoyed our meal at The Lobster Pool. We've been returning ever since and this year one of his sisters got to join us, and she got quite a treat!

The Lobster Pool lures seafood fanatics far and wide to enjoy their sweet succulent lobsters and other seafood. We like to dine al fresco on one of their picnic tables right along the water's edge to catch the best view of the sun setting. But indoor seating is available for those who prefer, and a seat on the rocks makes for a good spot to pop outside just in time to watch the sun plunge into the Atlantic.

Roaming the Rocks — Photo courtesy of Jessica PolizzottiOn a cool June night we pulled up just in time to find one last picnic table calling to us. Planting our stuff there my two year old quickly grabbed his famished Aunt's hand and dragged her onto the rocks for exploration, leaving my husband and I to gather a selection of seafood from the impromptu raw bar set up outside (so cool). Needing more to complete our meal, including that New England lobster, we ordered a sampling of seafood to share: perfectly balanced clam chowder, sweet soft shell steamed lobsters and expertly fried scallops got passed around. And finally, after sunset, with full bellies, and happy hearts we embarked on the short journey back to Boston. Free to Roam During Dinner — Photo courtesy of Jessica Polizzotti