Swamp Hospitality: Discovering the Soul of Florida in Chokoloskee
Smallwood Store Chokoloskee, FL
By Steve Turk
When most people think of hospitality, they picture luxury hotels, pressed linens, and polished silverware. But a recent trip to the edge of the Florida Everglades reminded me that hospitality isn’t always about refinement — it’s about authenticity.
I call it Swamp Hospitality, and I found it in Chokoloskee, a tiny town surrounded by mangroves, marshland, and history.
From Miami to the Mangroves
I left the city behind and picked up my dad for a day of exploring. Our plan was loose: head west through Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve, then on to Chokoloskee. The further we got from downtown, the more the Everglades took over — quiet, green, still.
History You Can Feel: The Smallwood Store
We arrived at the Smallwood Store, a wooden structure built in 1906. It served as a trading post for generations and still holds much of its original character.
Stepping inside felt like walking into the past. It’s more than a museum, it’s living Florida history. Weathered floorboards, old photographs, and artifacts told the story of the people who once relied on this place as a lifeline.
A Meal Made with Heart: The Indian Burger
Outside, something new was happening: a pop-up food stall from members of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes. They were cooking fry bread fresh over open flame, stuffing it with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. They called it the “Indian Burger.”
It was a simple meal, eaten by the water on plastic chairs. But in that moment, it was one of the most memorable hospitality experiences I’ve had in a long time warm, welcoming, and made with heart.
A Hidden Gem: The Rod & Gun Club
On the way out of town, we stopped at the Rod and Gun Club, a historic lodge where presidents, authors, and rockstars have stayed. From Truman to Hemingway, the walls of this Old Florida hotel hold countless stories.
With its dark wood interiors and mounted fish, it felt frozen in time. It’s the kind of place that reminds you: Florida has layers. And some of them are beautifully untouched.
Legends, Lore, and Loop Road
Next, we pulled into the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters a roadside attraction dedicated to Florida’s mythical version of Bigfoot. Strange? Absolutely. But another piece of culture that makes this part of the world what it is.
Then it was back onto Loop Road, a rugged 24-mile stretch of gravel through the Everglades. Due to drought, the wildlife was sparse this time around, but we still spotted a few gators and got the Bronco nice and muddy before heading home.
Wrapping It Up: Juice and Reflection
Before returning to the city, we stopped at Palacio de los Jugos for a mango smoothie and a classic Cuban sandwich. The perfect end to a day that was anything but typical.
What Is Swamp Hospitality?
Swamp Hospitality isn’t curated. It’s not about uniforms or scripted greetings. It’s about real people, making real connections, through food, stories, and places that time almost forgot.
This day reminded me why I love this industry. Not because of what it looks like, but because of how it makes people feel.
There’s a whole other kind of hospitality out there — if you’re willing to look for it.
🎥 Watch the Full Adventure Here
About the Author:
Steve Turk is a hospitality entrepreneur and founder of The Hospitality Mentor. He travels the world uncovering stories of culture, creativity, and service, always chasing the next great guest experience, even in his own backyard.
