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While it may feel like the middle of nowhere, the Blackwater Inn has gained popularity serving two types of drive-by traffic.

Located on the west bank of the St. John’s River in the little town of Astor where State Road 40 crosses over on its way from Ormond Beach to Ocala, you can reach the restaurant either by car or boat; there are docks to tie off your boat while you enjoy the restaurant.

And while it’s name suggests otherwise, the venue is just a restaurant, although also on site is the more casual venue, William’s Landing, a festive pub on the second floor with great views of the river.

The structure features long glass windows overlooking the river, and is a good place to soak up the local atmosphere while dining on the amazing old-Florida menu. Fried oysters are a specialty, along with fish sandwiches, clam chowder, shrimp, catfish and scallops along with frog legs, chicken wings and crab legs. One of the house specialties is grilled quail. Many meals come with your choice of clam chowder or the salad bar, vegetables, baked potato or french fries, or rice pilaf, or hush puppies. The salad bar is loaded with fresh items, and there are also entrees for meat lovers such as prime rib and hamburgers, filet mignon and New York strip.

Want more than dinner and drinks? Capt. Ernie Brundage offers boat tours of the St. Johns River departing from Blackwater Inn. Seasonal offerings include four hours or a full-day trip running April through October. All rates include a boxed lunch and soft drinks. The leisure boat tours meander through the many tributaries of the St. Johns River. View exotic plant and wildlife such as bald eagles, manatees, and plant life, air plants, ferns and large cypress trees. Florida history dates back to ancient Indian and Spanish civilizations. Learn the history of the river from Native Americans to the European settlers, as well as the role the river played in the Seminole Indian Wars and the Civil War.

While Blackwater Inn isn’t a place to lay your head for the night, it’s only an hour drive from Orlando and just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach. You could even opt to say in Astor, which was named for founder William Astor of the New York Astor family.

If you go

Blackwater Inn

55716 Front St., Astor

352-759-2802

blackwaterinn.com