At the first curve we pass a grove of trees, through which we catch glimpses of a shabby, hulking block of structures. We round another corner, then catch a better view, a great ramshackle jumble of shacks and sheds and barn-like edifices looming above a small, clear lake. Down a short hill and we're sliding past the lake and approaching the parking area. In the lake, we see pedal boats churning away at the water while ducks and geese bob in their collective wake. Boardwalks and piers and docks and little sheds line the lakesides, crammed with families feeding ducks, or fishing, or sitting on swings and benches. Out in the middle of the lake is a small island playground, linked to the lakeshore by a floating bridge.
We walk to the front doors and make our way inside. We note that the shabby ocean-front aesthetic seen outside is applied to the interior design as well, with an abundance of nets, flags, and sails attached to walls and hanging from rafters, with a variety of nautical knick-knacks and doo-hickeys covering all visible surfaces. Signage featuring bad nautical puns abounds.
Seating is plentiful and varied. Some tables are located on large balcony patios overlooking the lake. The menu features both freshwater and saltwater varieties of fish, reflective of the varieties of fish and seafood available in the Carolinas. Adjacent to the main dining room is a small play area - a make-believe pirate ship with cannon pointed toward the lake.
We're seated at a booth near the play area. After our orders are placed, the boy goes off to play pirate for a few minutes. We laugh about the fact that we come here so often, but the boy loves the place so much, and the fact is that we do, too.
Sounds a little like the old Hungry Fisherman, although it was never quite that cool. Boy, I did love that place, though!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a total Hungry Fisherman rip-off, but Hungry Fisherman on steroids. Like a cross between Hungry Fisherman and Tom Sawyer's Island at the Disney parks.
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