February 19, 2024
Last Tuesday (February 13), being Mardi Gras, I wanted fried oysters.
In looking at the restaurants in the area, Fiddler’s Steamhouse & Oyster Bar in Blountstown, FL got great reviews.
We decided to ride there and give them a try. We arrived at 2:00 pm, so they weren’t very busy. They did seem to have a steady stream of customers doing take away though. They had decorated for Mardi Gras. The restaurant felt welcoming and our waitress was friendly. The service was great.
Bruce and I decided to split our meals. I ordered a bowl of gumbo and he ordered the fried oyster basket. The gumbo was good and the fried oysters were delicious. We also splurged and bought the fried crab claws for an appetizer. I haven’t had fried crab claws in so long. They were delicious!
After eating, we walked across their parking lot to check out the old steam train engine and caboose.
Next to the the train, is a rails-to-trails trail, the combined Cross Seminole Trail and the Florida Nat’l Scenic Trail.
After we finished admiring the train, we walked a short way on the trail to a park. On the opposite side of the trail from the park were sleeping garden beds full of plants for pollinators.
We decided to walk down the trail.
We turned around when we got to Ridge Ave. We walked around town for a bit before heading back to the motorcycle. Notice that one of the historic markers is in English and Creek.
We rode the motorcycle to the Florida Trail Neal Landing Trailhead by the Apalachicola River. The river was high due to all the rain we’ve been having. As we were leaving the landing area, I spotted another historic marker by the maintenance building. Bruce pulled over so I could take a picture over his helmet.
We headed home with a stop at the Piggly Wiggly in Bristol,FL. From the outside, the store looked run down, but inside, it looked newly renovated. Their selection was surprisingly good.
They were also selling fresh oysters. It just wasn’t practical to buy them while riding the motorcycle.
Nox was happy to see us when we got home.
Blackberry Homestead 
I’m not sure that one sign is right. It says “Kids don’t float”, but I’m pretty sure I heard a clown say that they all float down here. 😆
I’m jealous of your delicious seafood meal! 🦀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was delicious! We had a lovely day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gumbo and fried oysters….delish! And fried crab claws to boot. Sounds like a fantastic Mardi gras👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a wonderful day. The food was just perfect for a New Orleans style Mardi Gras meal.
LikeLike
It is always so interesting how varied the different parts of the state are. Makes me curious now about the railway line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was an interesting small town. I loved the old courthouse, with the palm trees planted around it. It has been repurposed to be the sheriff’s office.
LikeLike
It is really a beautiful building and well-kept.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked that we discovered were the original courthouse was, near the river. It was by pure chance we decided to ride to the river. We also crossed over the Apalachicola River on a beautiful older bridge, Trammell Bridge, along FL 20. This part of FL is small town South. There are so many small towns and communities around.
LikeLiked by 1 person