New England clambakes turn a day on the beach into an authentic seashore adventure. A wonderful tradition in the United States, New England clambakes date back to pre-colonial times, when Native Americans used this mode of cooking regularly. Today, New England clambakes provide a sense of tradition and have become ritual for families from coast to coast.

Creating a Family Tradition with New England Clambakes

Growing up, I still fondly remember the rituals my family and I kept every year. We would have treks into the woods during the Christmas season to watch Dad chop down the tree, and equally important was the annual family reunion clambake at Santa Cruz beach. Even though my parents had relocated from their childhood Northampton, Massachusetts, hometown to California's Silicon Valley, we never let go of this tradition.

Creating a clambake tradition gives children similar memories, and reminds them of their rich family history. Furthermore, clambakes are a wonderful way to hold family reunions, and at the same time, teach your children about the original settlers (and the original settlers before them!). Combining the two around the holidays is a wonderful way to help your children feel connected to nature and each other.

Perhaps you're worried that you wouldn't have time to cook and spend time with family were you to undertake a clambake. However, with modern clambake catering services, you can always opt to let someone else do the work. This will free you up to enjoy eating and socializing at your family clambake, and even let you off the hook when it comes to clean-up!