Smugglers Cove!

Located just south of the Snake Creek Bridge at MM85.5 Bayside, Smugglers sits just off the Overseas Highway.

Easy to find with good parking, you won't go wrong fueling up here! Whenever we stop by, we have a good time and a great meal.

Right off the bat, we ran into Yvonne (a good friend who makes beautiful jewelry), and Angie (a great new friend).

It was a very relaxing day because we got there early and pretty much had the place to ourselves.

Ju ordered "Shrimp Quesadillas" with ice tea and I ordered the "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (mainstay) with a cold beer or two (another mainstay).

As a side note, Yvonne made an absolutely beautiful semi-precious stone necklace and donated it to my wife's "Susan G. Komen" 60 mile team.

The team auctioned it off to raise money for the cancer foundation. Special thanks to Yvonne and everyone else who donated time and money to the cause!

And yes, Julia, Amber, Shelene and Michelle went to Tampa Bay and they all completed the 60 mile walk!

After lunch, we were talking with Yvonne about life when 4 manatees, or sea-cows, stopped by for a visit.

They're amazing mammals. Easy going and friendly, it's sad to see the problems they have to deal with in their environment. You can see some prop scars on their backs in the photo.

Even with the scars, these animals looked healthy and good to go. They hung around for about ten minutes and then headed back out to Snake Creek!

You will often see wildlife at the waterfront restaurants. Manatee, dolphin, tarpon, needlefish, and tons of birds will join you for lunch or dinner.

So be sure to always carry your camera!

“My mother didn't really cook. But she did make key lime pie, until the day the top of the evaporated milk container accidentally ended up in the pie and she decided cooking took too much concentration." - William Norwich

If I forgot to mention it, lunch was excellent, the food, the service, the company, and the sea-cow visit.

So, when you find yourself around Snake Creek and you feel the need to refuel the body, stop by Smugglers Cove and enjoy!