Want to make an upcoming dinner unforgettable? If you’re searching for a unique experience that’s so much more than just sitting down to eat, you’re in luck. Here are a few places in Florida where your meal is served with a side of adventure:
1. The Jungle Queen River Cruise, Fort Lauderdale
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises has actually been in business since 1935. In the 1950s, it grew and added more and more attractions, including dinner and a stop on a "tropical isle," along with a vaudeville show. Guests can choose between shorter and longer cruises, including a 4-hour dinner cruise with live entertainment and a delicious all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner.
2. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle, De Leon Springs State Park (near DeLand)
This popular restaurant is so much more than your typical breakfast spot. First of all, it's located in a state park, so a visit here is just the beginning to an unforgettable day. Secondly, the sugar mill was replaced with a flour mill, so these flapjacks are the freshest around. Finally, guests love the experience of preparing their own breakfast on the built-in griddles found in every table.
3. The Boat In The Moat, Solomon's Castle, Ona (Central Florida)
Solomon's Castle is a medieval-style castle was built entirely by Howard Solomon himself, utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials. The shiny exterior of the castle was made from discarded printing plates, and the "bricks" on the road to the front door were stamped onto the cement. Guided tours of the castle are both fascinating and fun. On site, there is also a restaurant called The Boat in the Moat, located inside Howard’s hand-built replica of a 16th-century ship.
4. Pontiki Boat Cruises, Jupiter
Pontiki Boat Cruises provide entertaining and scenic boat rides on the intracoastal waterways of beautiful Jupiter. These boats have slides and giant floating "lily pads" to play on, as well as tables with bar stools. All of the drinks are included in the cost of the cruises, and if you want to take a longer cruise, you can even bring your own food.
5. Cap's Place Island Restaurant, Lighthouse Point (South Florida)
Part of the Cap's experience is taking the special ferry to get there, since the restaurant can only be reached by its motor launch. Broward County's oldest restaurant, it began life as a 1920s speakeasy and casino, with its own rum-running operation. Stepping inside Cap's Place is like walking back in time, straight into an Old Florida gem.
6. The Dining Room at Little Palm Island, Key West
This romantic restaurant is located on a private island, making it the perfect combination of beauty and seclusion. The restaurant is part of a resort on a private island off of Little Torch Key, but off-island visitors are welcome with reservations. The experience begins with a trip to the island on a remake of a 1933 luxury boat. The views from this restaurant are only matched by the upscale cuisine.
7. Seminole Gulf Railway Mystery Dinner Train, Fort Myers
This three-and-a-half-hour round trip takes visitors over the Caloosahatchee River and back to Fort Myers, while travelers enjoy a five-course meal and an interactive mystery show. Visit
semgulf.com to make reservations.
8. Wind & Wine Sunset Sail by Danger Charters, Key West
Danger Charters in Key West hosts many different types of adventures, including fishing trips, snorkeling experiences, and even weddings. The most romantic trip they offer, however, is probably the Wind & Wine Sunset Sail. The selection of food and drinks is surprisingly fancy for a scenic cruise, with five kinds of beer and eight wines from all over the world, including four reds, three whites and one sparkling variety. The food is an impressive spread of hors d’oeuvres including a variety of fresh fruit, specialty cheeses, summer sausage, Caprese skewers, and more. The 65-foot schooner is large, yet still feels intimate because cruises are limited to 23 people.
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