Historic Blue Marlin Fish House

The laidback Blue Marlin Fish House is located in Oleta River State Park, right where the original Blue Marlin Smoke House stood in 1938. Back then it was a trading post where fishermen could barter their catch straight off their anchored boats. Now the grounds boast a picturesque setting for lunch. There's a nature center that details this history, a breezy eating area with a view of the Oleta River rolling by, and of course, a smoke house where most of the menu is, well, smoked. Blue marlin, salmon, and mahi-mahi are common residents at this smokehouse (and go for $6.25 a 1/4 lb., $12.50 1/2 lb.), and can be piled in sandwiches and wraps, atop salad with walnuts, grapes, and creamy tarragon dressing (all $10.95), or sitting pretty on a plate of loaded nachos ($13.95). Other house specials include fish tacos ($10.95) and a lobster burger ($10.95) that come with a side of fries, onions rings, or coleslaw. For those who don't have the taste buds of a mermaid, there's non-smoked fare like a foot long hot dog ($5.95), a homemade grilled cheese stuffed with tomato ($5.75), and kiddie favorites like burgers and chicken tenders. After lunch, you can walk a few yards, rent a kayak, float away, and give that mermaid your recommendations.