Florida’s annual Stone Crab Season runs from October through to May and fans of the tasty crab claws flock to Southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast region to find fresh-from-the-boat claws brought in daily to docks in Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City.
A favorite place to savor a serving of stone crab claws – typically served cold with a tangy mustard dipping sauce – is the waterfront seafood market district along the Barron River in Everglades City, known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World.
Another popular spot is the Old Naples Waterfront on the Gordon River and Naples Bay. Since the 1920s, seafood processing began on the site of Tin City and in the 1940s, just a stone crab claw's toss across the Gordon River, Combs Fish Company opened its doors where today fishermen still bring in their stone crab claws, which are immediately processed and served fresh next door at Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room.
This year, on October 29 and 30, the Old Naples Waterfront area again celebrates the opening of the season with the second annual Stone Crab Festival. The festival, organized by the Old Naples Waterfront Association, features music, children’s activities, a block party and plenty of specials in the restaurants along Naples Bay. Event venues include Tin City, Naples City Dock at Crayton Cove, Port O’ Call Marina, Bayfront Naples, Naples Bay Resort and Naples Harbour Yacht Club.
For more information on Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 1-800-688-3600 or visit www.ParadiseCoast.com.
For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.