Some spots would bristle at being called a dive bar, others wear it as a badge of honor. Meet some of the loudest, rowdiest, most fun establishments on the water.
Without doubt the root'n toot'n-nest dive bar on our list, Flora-Bama is like a nonstop beach party housed in a building designed by M.C. Escher. The all-wood, ship-like structure towers over the sand with multiple levels, stairways and decks most of them facing the big dance floor and stage. Live music happens daily, sometimes several times a day, and the crowd certainly isn't shy (clotheslines draped with bras hang from the balconies). Outside, a tent regularly hosts wet t-shirt and bikini contests. The annual interstate Mullet toss, where Florida and Alabama residents throw fish back and forth across the state line, is legendary. Flora-Bama has its own marina (251-980-5222, fishflorabama.com), or you can dock at nearby Holiday Harbor Marina (850-492-0555, myholidayharbor.com) just a short ride down the Old river.
Don't be fooled by the froufrou name. Bonita Bill's is a dive of the highest (lowest?) order. There's nothing fancy about the joint, which is open air, cash only and dog friendly, so wear your flip-flops and drive your boat right up to the pier. An authentic south Florida atmosphere draws a congenial crowd of locals (many live-aboard boaters have their sailboats moored in the pass out back) and returning customers who can't get enough of the cheap food and drink, daily entertainment and ocean breezes. The grouper sandwich is said to be one of the best anywhere. Dock at the restaurant or just a short dingy ride away at Pink Shell Beach resort & Marina (888-222-7465, pinkshell.com) for some pampering. You know, if you're into that sort of thing.
Bert's has had a colorful 70 years of history. One of its two buildings started out as a sweet shoppe in the 1930s. stories abound about the other building, the hotel, being a brothel and, later, a gentleman's club. If only the walls could talk. These days the waterfront hideaway is known for its ultra laid-back vibe, million dollar view, dockside dining, live music and a menu that features seafood platters, burgers and sandwiches, wings and homemade chips no fries. Bring your rod and reel and fish off the back deck. The village of Matlacha has a notable artists' community and is close by the cruising meccas of sanibel and Captiva islands. A good base of operations is Olde' Fish House Marina (239-282-9577, oldfishhousemarina.com), and it is less than a half mile walk from Bert's.
We all know what goes on in Key West. so, when we say the green Parrot is the oldest and divey-est bar in town, well, that's saying something. A shady ambiance operates in stark contrast to the sunwashed beautyof the nearby beaches. Add to that a serious curio fetish beat up guitars, placards and other old junk cover the walls a self-serve popcorn machine and Root Beer Barrel shots, and you've got yourself a funky oasis.A few tips: Don't wear a collared shirt (tourist!). Get there at 5:30 p.m. on weekends for the 90-minute sound check before the band really starts. And no snivelling. The marinas at the Bight are within walking and biking distance, including Conch Harbor Marina (305-294-2933, conchharbormarina.com).
It's so salty that you wouldn't be surprised to see notorious sailor and founder of Latitudes and Attitudes magazine Bob Bitchin sitting next to you at the bar. No, really, that's him. Along with owner/musician Eric Stone, Bitchin can sometimes be found hanging out here. Maybe it's the awesome pub food street tacos like you'd find in small-town Mexico and hog handles, which are smoked pork shanks rolled in a spicy jerk sauce. Maybe it's the dark n' stormy served in a tall glass or the signature dockside punch. Perhaps it's because of the adjacent live-aboard marina. Whatever. Just be there. Tie up at Dockside Tropical Bar or at Marathon Marina & Boatyard (305-743-6575, marathonmarinaandresort.com) and dinghy over. It is just on the other end of Boot Key Harbor.
This is as Old Florida as it gets. And by Old Florida i mean faded, tilting, seaside cabin built on two floating barges. What Alabama Jack's lacks in frills it makes up for in dependability: it's been a watering hole for boaters, anglers and bikers heading from Miami to Key West and back since 1947. Dawg, the bartender, has been there forever so stay on his good side if you ever want to come back. the huge, handmade conch fritters are a must, as are the homemade conch salad and lima bean soup. there's live music on the weekends, and there's no shortage of entertainment from the crusty old guys at the bar. stay at Ocean Reef Club (800-741-7333, oceanreef.com) for all the amenities this dive does without.
Archie's started in 1947 as a military shed that served beer to soldiers stationed in South Beach. Then, in 1994, Patty McGee bought the place and put her heart and soul into making it a fixture of the local beach bar scene. The ramshackle assortment of palm trees, umbrellas and bar areas sits across from the Atlantic, with license plates on the walls inside and marine paraphernalia scattered all around. Archie's is known for its killer burgers, which you can wash down with $1 happy hour drafts. There's live music most evenings, plus the biannual Hogg Wild festival with all-day bands and vendors. Stay at the Ft. Pierce City Marina (772-464-1245, fortpiercecitymarina.org) located on the west side of the ICW, about a seven-minute drive away.
A weather-beaten, tin-roofed shack on the property of Rivers Edge Marina, Hurricane Patty's is supposedly haunted and definitely can bring the ocean to your table with a finger-licking bill of fare that includes low country boil, crab legs, seafood platters and a raw and steamed bar. That's in addition to a drink list that takes up two full pages in the menu: 36 different beers, handmade hurricanes, dozens of frozen concoctions and specialty cocktails. Local musicians perform throughout the week, from southern rock to zydeco to karaoke. sit in the dark, wood-heavy dining room or out back on the covered patio. You can dock right at Rivers Edge Marina (904-827-0520, 29riversedgemarina.com) on the west side of the iCW.
It's almost like a tale of two taverns. Outside, Lou's Blues is a tidy, bright, two-story building with a wood deck running along the back facing the Atlantic. There's an open-air bar upstairs and another at ground level. Inside, though, Lou's evokes a showbiz pizza meets biker bar feel, with a retro-futuristic raised stage, a dance floor, bric-a-brac décor, neon lights, and a wraparound balcony. Every night brings live music, dancing or some other form of shenanigans (dirty bingo, anyone?). The food menu is mostly pub grub burgers, sandwiches, apps but, hey, pub grub! Telemar Bay Marina (321-773-2468, telemarbay.com) offers a convenient berth on the iCW and is just a six-minute drive from Lou's Blues.
Are you cruising to the Bahamas this winter? Stop by some of our favorite waterfront bars.
As we welcome the arrival of spring, boaters are eager to christen the new season with activities ranging from a fresh coat of paint on the hull to a thorough inspection or a bottle of bubbly with glasses held high. But across the country, some seaside communities celebrate their return to the water with The Blessing of the Fleet, a ritual that turns to the heavens to safeguard mariners, pray for a bountiful catch and remember those who were lost at sea.
The ceremony dates back to ancient times and finds its roots in Mediterranean fishing villages. European colonization spread the practice around the globe, and Catholic immigrants brought the tradition to America about 300 years ago. During the 20th century, it became more widespread along North American oceans, rivers, lakes and bays, and other denominations absorbed the rite into their services.
The basic elements of the Blessing of the Fleet are quite simple: a priest or pastor offers prayers and a sprinkling of holy water to a variety of vessels including working boats, rescue vessels, trawlers, recreational craft, tugboats and even dinghies. Often in attendance are members of the Coast Guard in uniform, Knights of Columbus with their pointy hats and sabers, church choirs singing hymns and other groups.
Most Blessings of the Fleet take place in spring to kick off the fishing or shrimping season. Others are linked to religious holidays such as the Epiphany or Easter. Some Portuguese and Italian communities celebrate on Mother’s Day to honor Our Lady of Fatima and decorate the base of her statue with red flowers for living mothers and white blooms for the deceased. An anchor made of red and white blossoms is tossed into the sea in remembrance of those who perished beneath the waves.
A mass often kicks off the festivities, followed by a processional of officiants and the faithful from the church to the waterfront where an armada of boats is waiting to receiveblessings. Colorful flags, lights, streamers, banners, pendants and more decorate the fleet as they parade through the water. Friends and family line the shore, waving, cheering, singing, drinking and feasting.
No two Blessings of the Fleet are the same. What makes them especially interesting and unique are the size of the seaside communities and the religion, culture, history, traditions and heritage of their people. Some small towns like somber, intimate ceremonies with only a handful of vessels and watermen receiving prayers. Others prefer a more boisterous celebration with thousands of well-wishers gathered for food, music, games, pageants, fairs, fish fries, races and lavish after parties. Many are attached to other regional maritime festivals such as seafood or holiday events.
If you’d like to witness a Blessing of the Fleet this season or join one and let your boat receive good thoughts for safe journeys, see the following list for some of our favorites across the country. Or contact your local marina to find out if a blessing event is taking place near you.
Tarpon Springs, FL
January 5
Every year on the day before the Epiphany, priests from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral bless the sponge boats and divers and remember those who lost their lives. Part of the ceremony includes tossing a cross into the water and young men jumping in and competing to retrieve it.
Detroit, MI
March 12 (second Sunday in March)
Hosted at this historic landmark and the oldest structure on the Detroit waterfront, Mariners’ Church has been a place of worship for seamen from around the Great Lakes since 1842. The annual ceremony invites boaters to bring their burgees, colors and pennants to receive blessings for safe passage, calm waters and fair weather on their nautical journeys.
Washington, DC
April 15
Since 1987 when the memorial was dedicated, waters from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes are ceremoniously poured into outdoor fountains at the memorial with a blessing to protect sailors, ships and crew.
Mount Pleasant, SC
April 30
As tribute to the shrimp and fishing industry, the event presents a boat parade, ceremonial blessing of the vessels, shad and shrimp eating contest, art exhibits, food and crafts vendors, and family activities in Charleston Harbor.
Put-in-Bay, OH
May 9
Sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, with blessings from the clergy from St. Paul’s Church and Mother of Sorrows Church, this 34th anniversary event aims to shield from misfortune ships, planes, water taxis and other service-related boats and aircraft.
Thunderbolt, GA
April 29
This festival celebrates the regional shrimp and fishing industry by offering prayer to safeguard local vessels and fishermen. Festivities include a morning boat parade, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, beer garden and other activities along the Wilmington waterfront.
Provincetown MA
June 22-25
Four days of music, parades, food, dancing, games and more celebrate Portuguese culture and seafaring heritage and offer a blessing by the bishop to decorated boats and their crew.
Gloucester, MA
June 22-25
The local Italian-American fishing community’s annual celebration honors the patron saint of fishermen with a parade, live music, road and boat races, Blessing of the Fleet, children’s activities, mass and a greasy pole contest (costumed contestants try to pull a red flag off the end of a heavily lubricated pole before falling into the water).
Boothbay Harbor, ME
June 25
Part of the Windjammer Days Festival, local residents remember those in the maritime industry who lost their lives to the sea and others who still earn their living on the water. The boat parade honors commercial fishing vessels.
Narragansett, RI
July 27-29
Attended by almost 30,000 people annually, this three-day festival includes a parade of boats, 10-mile road race, music, beer tent, food vendors, rides, and more.
Morgan City, LA
August 31 to September 4
To toast the shrimping and oil industry, this huge celebration features boat and street parades, blessing ceremony, a pageant to coronate the festival king and queen, a children’s village, 5k run, art show, carnival rides, fireworks, food and more.
Coltons Point, MD
October 7-8
Near the point where the Arc and Dove ships landed in 1634 carrying Catholic passengers avoiding persecution in England, the blessing of the boats of Southern Maryland’s watermen takes place with festivities such as exhibitions, food and craft vendors, boat rides, music, and fireworks.St. Clement’s Island Museum Blessing of the Fleet Coltons Point, MD October 7-8 Near the point where the Arc and Dove ships landed in 1634 carrying Catholic passengers avoiding persecution in England, the blessing of the boats of Southern Maryland’s watermen takes place with festivities such as exhibitions, food and craft vendors, boat rides, music, and fireworks.
Lake Superior whitefish. Beef on weck. Poutine. Cheese curds. You’ll find these regional favorites and more on the menu at seasonal shoreline spots, laidback lakeside destinations and white tablecloth waterfront restaurants throughout the Great Lakes. Here’s a sampling of our must-go places to eat like a local.
Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery
Look across Lakeshore Boulevard in Marquette, MI, to the bay beyond. This eatery is based in an 1872-built foundry, with its original brickwork and flooring and old-time photos that tell the story of this once booming industrial town. It is the place for fresh Lake Superior whitefish. The mild-flavored fish with its big meaty flakes is featured in appetizers like whitefish tater tots with a remoulade dipping sauce and entrees such as fried whitefish and black-pepper chips. “Our prep cooks cart fish down the block daily from Thill’s & Sons Fish House to create fan favorites like whitefish chowder and whitefish tacos,” says Andrew Hillary, executive chef and general manager. Most of the 32 beers on tap are Michigan-sourced. A covered patio offers outdoor dining with gorgeous views of one of the town’s original ore docks, the Marquette Yacht Club and Cinder Pond Marina beyond.
Where to Dock: Cinder Pond Marina
The open-air Miller-branded beer garden, part of a 1930s bathhouse building, offers spectacular views of the lake and Milwaukee skyline. A taste of Wisconsin is an appetizer of hand-breaded, deep-fried cheese curdspaired with house-made ranch dressing. Cheese curds are bite-sized pieces of curdled milk. “Our cheese curds have an amazing story,” says Luke Román, interim marketing and communications manager for the Milwaukee County Parks, which operates the restaurant with proceeds plowed back into the local community. “We utilize Clock Shadow Creamery located in historic Walkers Point. Some of the milk is also from the cows at the Milwaukee County Zoo.” Milwaukee’s German heritage shows on the menu, too. The Munich burger features a beef patty, topped with grilled bratwurst, beer-braised onions, red cabbage, muenster cheese, and Leinenkugel’s mustard sauce on a pretzel bun. Take a post-prandial stroll on the paved Oak Leaf Trail along the lake and back to the South Shore Park boat launch and South Shore Yacht Club.
Where to Dock: McKinley Marina
Seafood is the draw at this Harbor Springs, MI, dining spot whether you eat on the outdoor lakefront deck or inside, especially in the 12-seat, hull-shaped captain’s table illuminated by sailcloth light shades. “We are the only restaurant in town right on the water,” says Cristen Smith, general manager. “Whitefish and walleye are regional favorites.” Firm, flaky textured walleye is mild-tasting and ready to take on a variety of flavors. Stafford’s serves its flash-fried walleye with a tomato caper butter sauce. The chef also pairs it with a Great Lakes oak- planked serving of whitefish, with veggie sides such as duchess potatoes, julienne carrots, squash and grilled asparagus. The restaurant sits at the head of the municipal marina, where there are more than 40 slips for transient boaters available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to Dock: Stafford’s Pier Marina
Combine a silver- and china-set table next to floor-to- ceiling windows overlooking the Straits of Mackinac with classic American cuisine, and it’s a recipe for fine Great Lakes dining. The menu at this hugely popular Mackinac Island restaurant, located at the Hotel Iroquois in Michigan, features fresh local and regional ingredients, says Suze Oostendorp. “Our whitefish is sourced from Lake Superior, our produce comes from Presque Isle farms, proteins from a Detroit family butcher, and Detroit City Rye features in our signature Old Fashion Rye.” For lunch, try the Mackinac whitefish sandwich on homemade cheese-dill bread, or the smoked whitefish cakes with mustard vinaigrette as a pre-dinner appetizer. Call the hotel for reservations in advance to tie up at its private dock to dine. carriagehousemackinac.com
Where to Dock: Mackinac Island State Harbor
The sign outside of this Port Clinton, OH-based eatery says it all: Lake Erie’s Finest Perch & Walleye. Every room in the restaurant offers a lake view, plus a large outside patio dining area is scenic, especially at sunset. “We offer a fast-casual dining experience and specialize in fresh lake fish,” says Edmond Hoty, owner. “You can get yellow perch or walleye as a sandwich over a bed of waffle fries, or as a dinner with your choice of homemade onion rings, waffle fries, or fresh breaded mushrooms, with a side of coleslaw, roll and house-made tartar sauce. We have a breading pit where we bread to order in front of you while you’re waiting in line.” The Port Clinton Yacht Club, with limited guest dockage, is 1.7 miles to the east, with the Portage River Marina a mile and a half farther east. facebook.com/jollyrogerseafoodhouse
Where to Dock: Portage River Marina
From the lakefront patio at this family-owned, Hamburg, NY, restaurant (opened in 1949), the views stretch to the Buffalo skyline, Peace Bridge and Canada beyond. Three special sandwiches are best sellers. the Hoak’s Famous Fish Sandwich (featured at Friday night fish fry), the Original Buffalo Chicken with house-made buffalo sauce and a side of blue cheese, and, as Aileen Hoak-Lange (who owns the restaurant with brother Kevin) calls it, “Beef on Weck. It’s thin sliced and au jus dipped prime rib served on a Kimmelweck roll.” Kimmelweck rolls — hard, crusty and topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt — are a New York State signature. Sandwiches come with a choice of sides, including Hoak-Lange’s great-great grandma’s potato salad. It’s still the same recipe and only a few people have been able to detect the secret ingredient, she says. Dock at the 1,100-slip Buffalo Harbor State Park marina and drive 6.3 miles south on Route 5 to Hoak’s.
Where to Dock: Buffalo Harbor State Park Marina
Black North Inn Bar & Restaurant
In business for over 150 years and known for its breathtaking backyard lake view, visitors set their GPS to Point Breeze in Kent, NY, to dine here in the summer. “The menu offers local favorites like a beer batter fish fry served with coleslaw or applesauce, and Ritz Cracker breaded deep fried lake perch with basil pesto,” says Kristin Rowell, the owner. “Our beef on Kimmelweck, French dip, and hand-pressed burgers are also specialties.” While here, walk some 30 yards north to the replica Oak Orchard River Lighthouse to find a museum and gift shop. Climb the lighthouse keeper’s ladder to the third floor for a birds-eye view of the lake. A half-mile south on the Oak Orchard River, and a quarter-mile from Lake Ontario, Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina offers 80 slips. Several charter fishing operations are based here for those who want to catch their dinner.
Where to Dock: Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina
The early April opening of this nearly 80-year-strong, family-owned lakefront landmark is an annual rite of passage. It signals warm weather and eating outside on warm picnic tables is on the way for Oswego, NY. Seafood, fried chicken and burgers are mainstay entrees. Two appetizers offer something different: New York salt potatoes and poutine. The former is bite-sized white potatoes boiled in such briny water that the spuds emerge with a white crunchy coating. “Poutine is a Canadian delicacy, made of French fries topped with cheese curds and covered in brown gravy. We’ll often add some of our house-made Texas Hot Sauce, too,” explains Douglas Appleman, general manager. When the lake is calm, Appleman says many boaters drop anchor in the bay and wade in. Wright’s Landing Marina, three miles to the southwest, provides more than 200 slips, including for transient boaters.
Where to Dock: Wright’s Landing Marina
The Caribbean is well known for its clear blue tropical waters. But as rich as it is in beauty, the islands have an even greater wealth of his- tory. Luckily, museums are located across the region to share the stories and significant events that can provide glimpses of what maritime life was like throughout the years. Their exhibits, relics and archives will have you looking at the region in a whole new light.
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You can find this treasure trove of artifacts in the Atlantic Ocean 650 miles east of North Carolina, the nearest land mass to this collection of islands. The museum shows how maritime events shaped the history, people and culture of Bermuda. It is located at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard within Bermuda’s largest fort. Exhibits cover 500 years of the country’s history from how the German U-505 submarine was captured by the U.S. Navy and concealed in Bermuda to how sailing races from North America to Bermuda have influenced the development of ocean-worthy boats and blue water sailing. Be sure to experience the museum’s unique spaces by strolling through the two-story boat loft to catching a dolphin show at the Keep Pond Terrace to taking in the expansive ocean views at the flagpole.
Where to Dock: Kings Wharf or Heritage Wharf
Turks and Caicos National Museum opened in 1991 to store artifacts found in the excavation of the Molasses Reef shipwreck, an unknown Spanish ship that sunk in 1515 on the Caicos Bank. The museum spans two locations: the Guinep House on Grand Turk Island, believed to be more than 180 years old and named after the large guinep tree on its property, and the Village at Grace Bay on Providenciales, where visitors can tour the Heritage House, an historically correct rendition of a typical 1800s Caicos dwelling. In addition to showcasing shipwreck artifacts, visitors also learn about the evolution of The Grand Turk Lighthouse as well as the rise and fall of the island’s salt industry. On Museum Day, the first Saturday in November, visitors can tour the exhibits for free, and in May, the Village at Grace Bay holds a “Back in the Day” event with activities reflecting historical life on the island.
Where to Dock: Blue Haven Resort & Marina
If you like to take in history outdoors, these exhibitions are for you. The trail consists of 36 stops across all three islands (Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands) and is best traveled via car. Each stop is marked by a road sign that shares a notable historic event or contribution related to the maritime industry. Learn how turtling shaped the islands’ early economy, how ships were cleaned and repaired before boat lifts by a process called “careening”, and hear stories of notable shipwrecks. If you prefer to learn Cayman Island history in one place, you can check out the Cayman Islands National Museum, housed in Cayman’s oldest surviving public building, which has a series of permanent and rotating exhibits.
Where to Dock: The Barcadere Marina
Completed 500 years after Christopher Columbus arrived on the island of La Hispaniola, the Faro a Colon (aka The Columbus Lighthouse) is one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular attractions. Constructed in the shape of a Latin cross spanning the width of two soccer fields, the lighthouse was created to recognize the first “encounter between two worlds.” It includes a mausoleum that houses Christopher Columbus’ remains as well as a museum displaying original and replica artifacts from the time of Columbus’ voyage. The lighthouse also has a library containing documents and maps displaying some of the earliest drawings of the Americas.
Where to Dock: Marina Zarpar
The Antigua Naval Dockyard, now named Nelson’s Dockyard, was built in the mid-1700s to serve as a strategic post and support the Royal Navy battle against the French and protect trade routes in the region. The dockyard officially closed in 1889 and reopened in 1961 as an historic site. In addition to exploring the dockyard, take advantage of the park’s 12 miles of hiking trails, two forts, and tours such as the “Rum in the Ruins” where you can listen to stories of the dockyard while sipping on a cocktail. If traveling by boat, get the best view of the gorgeous English Harbour and snag a slip at nearby Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, the only continuously working Georgian Era dockyard in the world.
Where to Dock: Nelson’s Dockyard Marina
Opened in 2020, the Bequia Heritage Museum includes the Boat Museum and Annexe that display and educate visitors about the boatbuilding and whaling industries as well as artifacts dating back to the period of the island’s European settlement. Vessels on display at the museum include a traditional Amerindian dug-out canoe and the decommissioned boat, Rescue, that was originally used for whaling.
Where to Dock: Bequia Marina
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Located in a mansion built in 1729 on the Waaigat inlet, the Curaçao Maritime Museum shares with visitors the story and events that influenced Curaçao’s involvement in the maritime industry. Learn how trade ebbed and flowed in and out of Curaçao’s ports, reflective of the events happening around the world to the arrival of the first cruise ship in 1901 from New York, sparking the cruise tourism industry until the 1970s when air travel took over as the primary way for tourists to visit the island. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace or take a guided tour.
Where to Dock: Seru Boca Marina
With a decent internet connection, you can visit the Grand Bahama Museum from the comforts of your remote anchorage or mooring. Bahamian history and culture are explored through digital exhibits ranging from the islands’ natural landscapes and the history of the port authority to the role the Bahamas played during the Golden Age of Piracy. Learn about the first recorded piece of mail sent from the Bahamas in 1761 and the evolution of mailboats. Or savor a dark and stormy while reading about the Bahamas’ role in the rum-running industry during U.S. Prohibition. The Grand Bahama Museum was originally housed at The Garden of the Groves but was unfortunately destroyed by weather and time. To reach a wider audience and share Bahamian history and culture, the museum decided to move to a digital platform.
Where to Dock: Grand Bahama Yacht Club or Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina
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