Why I keep going back to Black Hammock (and why you should too)

Pulling into the parking lot

I got there around 2pm and the lot was maybe half full. A few families with coolers, a couple of guys unloading fishing gear, and a lady with a chihuahua in a little life vest. You see alot of dogs there, which is fine by me.

The first thing you notice is the smell — not bad, just lakey. Cypress, mud, and a hint of fried food from the restaurant. There's a big wooden deck that wraps around the bar, and you can walk right up to the water. I grabbed a bench near the dock and just watched for a while.

The airboat ride — quiet and loud at the same time

I hadn't booked a ride ahead of time, but they had an opening at 3pm. The captain was a grizzled guy named Buck who's been driving boats since the 90s. He cracked a few jokes and then we were off.

The thing about airboats is they're loud as heck, but once you're gliding over the marsh it gets almost peaceful. We saw maybe a dozen gators, a few big ones, plus herons and anhingas drying their wings. Buck knew every gator by name — well, not really, but he had nicknames for the big ones like "Jaws" and "Grandma."

We went through a narrow channel where the reeds closed in overhead, and then opened up into the main lake. The water was glassy. For a few minutes Buck cut the engine and we just floated. You could hear birds and the distant hum of cars on 419, but it felt a million miles away.

Lunch (or late lunch) at the restaurant

After the ride I was starving. The restaurant has a screened-in porch and an inside area with a bar. I sat on the porch because the weather was perfect. I ordered the fried catfish basket with hushpuppies and coleslaw. It came out hot and crispy, with a side of tartar sauce that had just the right amount of pickle.

I also got a sweet tea, which was properly sweet — none of that half-sweet nonsense. The waitress, a friendly older lady named Deb, asked if I wanted dessert. I said no, but then she mentioned the key lime pie was made that morning. I caved. It was tangy and cold and perfect.

Just walking around

After eating I walked out to the little nature trail they have. Its not long — maybe a quarter mile — but it winds through some oaks and palmettos and gives you a different view of the lake. There's a bench at the end where you can sit and watch the birds.

I saw a few sandhill cranes near the parking lot, which is always a treat. They're so prehistoric looking, like little dinosaurs. One of them walked right past my car like it owned the place. Which, I guess, it kind of does.

Why I keep coming back

There's something about Black Hammock that feels honest. Its not trying to be anything other than what it is — a slice of old Florida with good food, friendly people, and a lake full of alligators. You don't get that many places anymore.

I've been there for birthday parties, for quiet afternoons alone, and for sunset dinners with friends. It always delivers. If you haven't been, go. And if you have, go again. I'll probably see you there.