TravelAwaits

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Swamp Specialities: 9 Places to Eat Alligator in Florida

Swamp Specialities: 9 Places to Eat Alligator in Florida

I’ve eaten many surprising types of meat during my global travels: horse, bear, kangaroo, scorpion, tarantula, donkey, and alligator.

Of all those memorable dishes, only one was served in the United States.

If you’re from Florida, you probably already know which one it was.

Alligator.

These cold-blooded lizards dot the state. Though most are concentrated in the Everglades region (in places like Alligator Alley, nonetheless), they can be found statewide.

But it wasn’t always that way. Once upon a time, alligators were nearly hunted to extinction in the United States. From the late 1800s until the 1950s, alligator hide boomed in popularity and led to overhunting. In 1967, the US made it illegal to hunt alligators and began protecting wetlands, helping save a species that’s been around for 200 million years.

Between 1967 and now, alligator populations have boomed throughout the Southeast. And rather than hunt them for hide alone, many alligators today end up served on plates—usually via farms.

Unsurprisingly, you can find alligator bites all around the Sunshine State, which is the US’s most alligator-ridden swamp paradise. From Fort Lauderdale to Destin to Jacksonville, here’s where to eat alligator in Florida.

Wait, wait, wait—what does alligator taste like?

If you’re going to eat alligator, you’ll probably see it listed as gator. Gator is often served up as ribs, nuggets, and ‘wings’.

I remember the taste being pretty mild and the meat a bit chewy. That’s because alligators are high in protein and low in saturated fat—which actually makes them a healthy choice compared to red meat. (Health-conscious travelers, take note!)

That being said, because alligators are predators, their meat isn’t nearly as delicate as beef or pork. It’s often served up fried and with a dipping sauce, usually as an appetizer.

9 places where you can eat alligator in Florida

*This list isn’t exhaustive by any means. If you’re heading to a small city or town in Florida, make sure to look up gator bites in your area! They’re probably served up at a local spot near you.

Dixie Grill & Brewery, West Palm Beach

Want a home-brewed craft beer with your gator bites? Look no further than West Palm Beach’s Dixie Grill & Brewery.

This beloved local haunt is known for its diverse menu—and its eclectic spirit. If you’re looking for a casual spot that’s full of spirit, unique bites, and friendly locals, make sure to stop by while you’re in town.

LuLu’s Bait Shack, Fort Lauderdale

LuLu’s Bait Shack has one focus: serve up the best in Cajun cuisine with some Mardi Gras flair. This is probably a good time to point out that the other US capital of gator is New Orleans—so you’ll see plenty of Cajun inspirations on this list.

At LuLu’s, you’ll get gorgeous views of Fort Lauderdale Beach while you snack on gator bites and sip on frozen daiquiris and other popular tropical cocktails. Gimme, gimme!

G&B Oyster Bar, Fort Lauderdale

As the name suggests, you can find the most acclaimed oysters in Fort Lauderdale at G&B Oyster Bar. In fact, this restaurant—though laid back—is known for its upscale seafood dishes.

Along with grilled snapper and craw claws, you can also order the slightly more elevated Alligator ribs dish. (Anyone who’s a little on the fence about how to eat alligator in Florida might want to start here.)

Shuck ‘N Dive, Fort Lauderdale

If LuLu’s doesn’t scratch your Cajun itch in Fort Lauderdale, head to Shuck N Dive. This Cajun restaurant has just as many authentic flavors and just as lively of an atmosphere. It’s also been around for almost 30 years, making it a bona fide favorite.

Instead of those bright cocktails, you can expect more hardcore NOLA favorites, from jambalaya to crawfish boils. And, of course, blackened gator tenderloin.

Fish on Fire, Orlando

This casual American eatery takes a slightly more Michelin approach to its gator bites. Only the most tender cuts of the alligator are used for its crispy bites.

These cuts are then marinated in buttermilk for hours before being tossed in Everglades spice and fried to a golden color. It’s one of the most popular forms of gator preparation—one that’s a bit more welcoming for first-time reptile-eaters.

The Black Sheep on Broadway, Ocala

The Black Sheep is a cozy but modern gastropub serving up American favorites. They offer alligator tail as an appetizer, which is also battered and fried until golden brown.

On weekends, you can also catch live entertainment at The Black Sheep—it’s one of the most popular eateries in downtown Ocala.

Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill, Cocoa Beach

Billed as a ‘Fish Camp’, this Cocoa Beach staple celebrates everything old-timey in South Florida. Unsurprisingly, their alligator dishes (yes, plural) highlight the restaurant’s kitschy atmosphere and unique approach to dining.

I’d go for the alligator sliders if I were you—that’s a pretty rare offer in terms of gator eats.

JT’s Seafood Shack, Palm Coast

Assuming you can find this cozy little spot off Old Scenic Highway A1A in Palm Coast, you’re in for a treat. This seafood shack specializes in refreshing seafood and American dishes, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Though not technically seafood, they do offer gator tail. (It looks like it’s only available when it stock, so call ahead if you’re heading there specifically to eat alligator.)

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, Winter Park

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen offers three locations, so check the website if you’ll be in Brandon Altamonte. In Winter Park, you can order two different gator dishes off the appetizer menu.

The first is a gator, shrimp, and cheesecake (like a crabcake, not a Little Debby cake) and classic gator bites.

1 Month in Italy: Tips, Budget, & More from a 72-Year-Old Traveler

According to UN Tourism, France topped the list of most-visited countries in the world in 2024.

Following France, Spain, the US, China, and Italy topped the list. Historically, Italy has landed higher on the list, having topped European travel destinations multiple times over the last three decades.

On one hand, Italy’s longstanding popularity as a tourist destination bodes well for travelers—we have plenty of recommendations to sift through. On the other hand, the sheer volume of opinions and suggestions can be overwhelming… and might even lead into tourist trap territory.

If you want a closer look at what it’s actually like to plan a trip to Italy, I’ve got a case study for you. In September 2024, my dad, Larry, went on a month-long trip to Italy with his wife, Cindy.

At age 72, he has some travel experience in Europe and the Caribbean, but not much—and he hadn’t spent more than a week out of the country before his trip to Italy.

Want to know his unfiltered take on spending a month in Italy? Here’s a breakdown of his experience, including tips, favorite experiences, budget, and more.

One month in Italy—why spend a whole month on the trip?

Larry ended up in Italy for a month because he had the chance to rent a friend’s condo, which is located in Lucca, Italy in the Tuscan countryside. Opportunities like that don’t come up often, and they were able to save a bit on a two-floor, two-bedroom condo, which cost $1,500 for the month.

Larry and Cindy decided to use that Lucca condo as a base to explore other parts of the country. They decided to visit Italy in September because they heard the weather would be good and, more importantly, the condo was available.

During their month-long trip, Larry and Cindy visited Milan, Locarno (in Switzerland), Florence, Pisa, Montepulciano, and Rome. They also spent a good amount of time cycling the countryside, even making the journey from Lucca to Pisa on bike.

Before leaving, he was worried about getting bored—and missing his dog

Larry has lived his whole life in Saint Louis, Missouri—he’s not much of a traveler and usually sticks to his routine. That was one of his biggest anxieties prior to going on the trip: finding his rhythm and even getting bored. A month-long trip isn’t a casual getaway, after all.

Aside from the length of the trip, Larry was also a bit apprehensive about leaving behind his chihuahua, Greta. The pair say that if they go back to Italy (which seems likely), they’ll bring her along.

Lastly, he was worried about spending. Though Larry and Cindy had budgeted $10,000 for the trip, it was hard to estimate what they’d end up spending on food, trips, and more.

Don’t underestimate how much you’ll spend in Italy

And speaking of budget… Larry could have kept his spending to a minimum in Italy had he not tacked on pricier trips. A four-day getaway in Milan ended up adding thousands to the trip’s final budget—which wasn’t entirely unexpected but is still worth mentioning.

Without that expensive adventure in Milan (which included a day trip into Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino), he thinks they would have spent only $6-7,000 of their total budget. That includes airfare and the price of their Lucca rental.

Be prepared to make a ‘home base’

For all its similarities with the US, Italy doesn’t operate like the US. Saint Louis and Lucca don’t have much in common—and it took Larry and Cindy a little bit of time to find their ‘home base’ in Lucca. The language barrier was more of a factor than anticipated, which made things like ordering taxis difficult.

Over the first two weeks, the pair spent a lot of time getting familiar with Lucca. They managed to find a few spots that suited them, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. Larry recommends dedicating time and energy to settling in—especially if you might return one day like he and Cindy plan to.

Plan your outings ahead of time—and always book tickets beforehand

Heading to Italy, Larry was apprehensive about getting bored. (Remember, he likes routine.) In reality, he and Cindy kept very busy. They explored Lucca inside and out, along with other areas. They also spent a lot of time cycling. That being said, he wishes they would have planned more outings ahead of time.

They didn’t make it to the East Coast of Italy, or Cinque Terre. Not only were train rides more expensive and longer than anticipated but many experiences and tours were already booked up.

If you’re heading to Italy for a month, you might think you have enough time to do things casually—but that’s not often the case. Book everything ahead of time.

His favorite experiences were in Lucca & Locarno, Switzerland

Larry ended up liking his time in Lucca the most, along with his day trip to Locarno, Switzerland. Along with setting up that home base in Lucca, Larry also enjoyed one of the more unexpected finds: the Walls of Lucca.

He highly recommends scheduling a tour if you’ll be in the area; it showcases ancient barracks, Renaissance architecture, and more.

He also enjoyed taking a day trip to Locarno, Switzerland, where his great-grandparents immigrated from in the early 1900s. It’s a breathtaking town on the shores of Lake Maggiore (and one of the best Lake Como alternatives out there).

The Newest (& Dumbest) TikTok Travel Trend: Airport Theory

Last year, it was rawdogging flights. This year, it’s showing up at the airport minutes before a flight and rushing to make it to the gate.

It’s a wild world of TikTok travel trends—and I’m not talking about more general vacationing trends like solo travel or sustainability. I’m talking about more involved fads that provide the foundation for clickable content.

TikTokers in 2024 were showing up for long-haul flights without any entertainment or comfortable items in their arsenals. The goal was to ‘rawdog’ the flight without watching any films, listening to music, powering down for a nap, or, in some extreme cases, even drinking water.

But as rawdogging lost its shimmer, new trends took over. One of my favorites was the aesthetics-driven security bin. Rather than toss their luggage into security bins to clear the x-ray machines quickly, TikTokers were putting together cute arrangements for the perfect photo op—something called the ‘aesthetic TSA tray’.

While rawdogging was partly a way for travelers to challenge themselves (sort of like a mini digital detox), the aesthetic TSA tray was purely for the visual.

This year, TikTokers are taking things in a totally new direction with the emerging trend called Airport Theory. And it’s dumber than all the rest.

What’s Airport Theory?

Airport Theory is a TikTok challenge in which passengers show up only 15 minutes before their flight. You read that correctly.

TikTokers are showing up at the airport with the hopes of clearing security and finding their gates before it shuts… with only 15 minutes to spare and a smartphone recording the entire escapade.

Unsurprisingly, many don’t make it on the plane—and there’s been a huge uptick in searches for ‘I missed my flight’, according to the New York Post. The hashtag ‘Airport Theory’ has also wracked up close to 500 million views on TikTok during this period.

But some actually manage the feat, and usually with only minutes to spare. Most who manage to make their flight are doing so for social media flex, but some feel that it’s also a way to challenge the traditional idea that you need to show up hours before a flight.

The best Airport Theory cases

Airport Theory isn’t a good idea, and I recommend you give yourself plenty of time to get through the airport before your flight starts. Again, you’re arriving early in case of disaster—not because you actually need an hour and a half to get through security.

That being said, this TikTok trend is endlessly entertaining. If you’re interested in seeing Airport Theory in action, check out these adventures:


Top 8 Places to Eat Spam in Hawaii

Of all the US’s peculiar food proclivities, Hawaii’s love of Spam might be the strangest.

Like many US food love stories, Spam’s origin is based on historic scarcity.

During WWII, the Hawaiian islands were occupied by tens of thousands of soldiers. Spam, a blend of pork with water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite, had a hefty shelf life and was used as a provision until the end of the war.

Even when the war ended, Spam remained focal in local food culture. Affordable, long-lasting, and easy to cook, Spam became a staple across the islands.

Today, you can eat Spam in Hawaii on the Big Island, Oahu, and Kauai, at chains and mom-and-pop restaurants alike.

And if you’re heading to Honolulu or close by, you absolutely need to try the state’s most iconic dish. Don’t worry, you won’t be eating it from a can.

What does Spam taste like? And how is it prepared?

Spam is usually billed as a salty blend between bologna and ham with a texture of the former. If you’re a fan of processed meats, you’ll love the salty pork flavors. Spam also has a slightly higher sugar content than similar products, which means it caramelizes beautifully with a crusty exterior and tender interior.

Spam can be prepared in just about any way imaginable. In Hawaii, you’ll notice it’s used often in fried rice dishes and as Spam musubi. Musubi is a small oval of rice with fried spam on top and wrapped in seaweed, which stems from Hawaii’s extensive Japanese culinary influences.

That being said, feel free to eat Spam in Hawaii however it calls out to you. I’d probably go for the musubi—it looks really good.

Best places to eat spam in Hawaii

Below, I’m listing out the best places on each island to sample Spam dishes. But know that you can find similar options on menus from island-wide chains like Zippy’s, L&L Barbecue, and McDonald’s.

Where to eat Spam on the Big Island

Café 100 (Hilo)

This famous institution has been around since 1946—meaning they’ve been around since Spam first hit shelves on the Big Island. Enjoy pure Spam fanfare with dishes like the grilled Spam burger or the Loco Moco, a famous dish made of rice, eggs, and topped with hamburger and brown gravy. In this case, the Spam is substituted for the hamburger.

Hilo Town Tavern (Hilo)

Just like Café 100, Hilo Town Tavern specializes in Spam dishes—and they’re usually on sale during the ‘pau hana’ or happy hour. Sample beloved dishes like Spam fries or substitute your burger with a Spam patty.

Iyasume Musubi (Waikiki)

As mentioned above, musubi is a popular way to eat Spam. At Musubi Café Iyasume, you’ll get a master class in this simple dish made from rice, seaweed, and Spam. As a fan of sushi, this would probably be my first stop on the hunt for great Spam, as you can order one musubi to try it out while also sampling other hits from the menu.

Where to eat Spam on Maui

Da Kitchen (Kihei)

Go early if you want a seat at Da Kitchen. This casual eatery is beloved by locals and visitors alike, serving up Hawaiian favorites like teriyaki and katsu. But don’t miss out on the Spam musubi. It’s a crowd favorite.

Tasty Crust (Wailuku)

Tasty Crust specializes in breakfast dishes, especially its famous pancakes. You can order up a traditional Hawaiian breakfast that comes with two large eggs and a portion of meat—including Spam, of course. You can also order Spam as a side dish with another breakfast order.

Star Noodle (Lahaina)

This famous and upscale restaurant is a passion project that focuses on Eastern and local flavors. You can sample unique dishes like star udon, adobo ribs, and—the star of the show—local saimin noodles with Spam. I’d also go for their ‘stars’, which are sort of like musubi and come with crispy pork belly, wagyu, and more.

Where to eat Spam on Kauai

Kountry Kitchen (Kapaa)

This institution has been serving up delicious breakfast plates and lunch meals since 1975. As with many other old-school Hawaiian restaurants, Spam is still featured on the menu. You can create your own omelet with Spam or order it as a side dish. I’m sure the staff have a few spare suggestions if you’re not sure which option to go with.

Mark’s Place (Lihue)

This no-frills restaurant serves up delicious seafood and meat dishes, from hamburger steaks to teriyaki beef. Though you can’t order Spam as a main, you can order Spam musubi as a side.

Inside the US’s Potential New Travel Ban—What Does it Mean for Travelers?

Over the last week, news of a possible travel ban has hit headlines.

The potential ban includes a list of 43 countries divided into three tiers based on potential security threats. All recommendations come from the POTUS cabinet, but the final list hasn’t yet been finalized.

So, what does the travel ban actually mean? And will it have any impact on your upcoming trips when it’s finalized? Let’s dig in.

What is the travel ban?

Here’s the gist of the travel ban: the US wants to limit the number of tourist and student visas in certain countries that may pose a security threat. That means the travel ban would affect non-Americans coming into the country.

The only ‘reverse travel ban’ in which the US doesn’t allow its citizens to visit is placed on North Korea.

Officially, countries end up on the list because ‘vetting and screening information is so deficient’, meaning that the State Department can’t reasonably ensure that any nationals entering the US aren’t a security threat. But some countries have ended up on the list in a roundabout fashion; though its citizens might not pose a threat, the country might still accept nationals from other banned nations.

Currently, State Department regional bureaus are reviewing the list of 43 countries before they will be finalized on Friday, March 21.

Which countries are on the travel ban list?

The travel ban list includes three tiers: ‘red’ countries in which citizens are entirely banned from visiting the US, ‘orange’ countries where citizens are limited from entering, and ‘yellow’ countries that must improve their security policies or face being placed on the orange or red lists.

  • The red list includes Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.
  • The orange list includes Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Turkmenistan.
  • The yellow list includes 22 countries from Africa and the Caribbean, including Angola, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Zimbabwe, and more.

Will the travel ban impact upcoming trips for Americans?

Aside from barring you from entering North Korea, the proposed travel ban won’t have a major impact on American travelers. Instead, it’s likely to complicate travel into the US for citizens with partners, families, and friends who were planning on visiting, immigrating, or accessing higher education in the country.

I’d also like to point out that I’ve traveled to some of the countries listed and know many people who are from the countries facing travel bans. I’ve traveled to Cuba, for example, a country on the red list. I was welcomed by locals and treated fairly by every official I met during my week-long trip.

I also have friends who are Syrian, Iranian, Venezuelan, Russian, Belarussian, and Cameroonian; I doubt any of them would ever pose a national security threat if they chose to visit the US.

My point is this: don’t let the travel ban keep you from exploring the world or supporting foreign travelers who want to explore the US. Remember, the list is based on a country’s ability to screen its citizens thoroughly before they apply for a visa to visit or study in the US, not whether or not a country is safe.

If you’re worried about whether or not a country is safe to visit, check out the Department of State’s travel advisories page. And don’t forget—the US sometimes ends up on travel advisory lists, too. Clumping entire countries into rigid categories isn’t always an accurate reflection of what you’ll experience there when traveling.

How to Explore Sites & Activities from FX’s Shogun in Japan

In 2024, Shogun took American audiences by storm.

The historical drama follows one of the most bloody and intriguing periods in Japanese history: an era of feudal power grabs and political moves, known as the Edo period.

The Japanese-language series is based on the 1975 novel of the same name, which follows a shipwrecked Englishman as he attempts to navigate a complex world under a powerful feudal lord.

Though fictional, Shogun is based on actual feudal practices and traditions from Japan’s iconic period of samurai warriors. Most importantly, the series is set in real locations that you can still experience in Japan today. Even characters, events, and plot twists are closely based on real-life figures from the era.

While most tourists in Japan are focused on the hyper-modern marvels of Tokyo, there’s another world waiting just below the neon lights—one that will transport you to the feudal world of the 1500s as depicted in Shogun.

Want a Shogun guide for your next trip to Japan? Here’s what you can’t miss in terms of famous locations from the series, along with the best samurai-themed activities in Osaka.

Important places from Shogun that you can visit (aside from Osaka)

Best Shogun-themed things to do in Osaka

With a handful of highly rated city tours available, you can get out and explore Osaka at your own pace. Some tours are also tailored toward your specific interests, so be sure to mention your love of Shogun. I recommend starting with the tours listed below.