We lucked out upon arrival at our next stop, Key West. Well, where we camped was actually Stock Island. Brent and Jill booked a hotel 10-15 minutes away in actual Key West.
Boyd’s Campground didn’t have any waterfront sites when we called for reservations, but lo and behold, one opened before we got there. Good thing, too. There are many sites at this campground that are TIGHT. Tent campers and their vehicles are quite close to motorhomes, and it’s up to the campers to work out parking and exit strategies. If you score a waterfront on the peninsula of the campground, you stand a better chance of having a bit more room to breathe, and an easier chance of getting into and out of your site without a 6 point forward-reverse dance.
These two handsome guys relaxing at Boyd’s
Our neighbors are Giants fans, to say Superfans would not be an understatement!
I asked, and no, they’re not “officially” representing the team, nor are they compensated. If you’re a Jets fan, your argument is invalid with these folks.
The best thing about Boyd’s is its proximity to Key West. There aren’t many camping options for big rigs headed to the Southernmost Point. Nearby is Hogfish Bar and Grill. A marina waterfront place that doesn’t feel touristy at all. It’s actually located on old shrimp docks. Pretty decent eats and drinks, relaxed vibe, topped off with a wacky shell encrusted vehicle with mermaids, sharks, and ocean themed paint parked out front. I thought there was only one, but we later discovered an older, crustier Hogfish vehicle in town. This place feels like what Key West must have been like before it landed massive cruise ships.
Rawr
The beer was frosty, the tea was fresh brewed, the Bloody Mary was strong, and the food was yummy!
Their famous hogfish sandwich. Moist, flaky fish, grilled onions and mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and the rest you see. The salad was an attempt to feel a little better about eating the monster sandwich.
Fish tacos with all the fixings.
Hogfish and chips. Hot, crispy, and not too heavily battered. Perfect!
And for the non-fish eater in our group, a lightly breaded, perfectly seasoned chicken fried chicken with Hogfish’s version of country gravy.
Waterfront dining with these two.
There seems to be a theme in all of the Keys – these signs are EVERYWHERE.
OH! I almost forgot to tell you! We’ve been in Florida for over a week, wondering when we would ever see an orange grove. Well, we still haven’t seen an entire grove, but at least we saw our first orange tree! In Hogfish Bar and Grill’s parking lot, no less.
And now, off to explore Key West!