Old Man Franks, Winter Haven, FL

Ice cold beers at Old Man Frank's

 It was that dreadful day...the day that you have to haul away all the debris after remodeling your home.  Imagine a six foot high pile of old linoleum, moldy wallpaper, rusty nails, etc.  Not to mention, the pile went through about six rainstorms.  

Three of Brian's friends offered (they weren't asked) to help reduce the pile.  Our day of debris could have taken two days; but because of the generosity of Mitch, Ryan and Hans it was over in only a few hours.

Which way will you go?

Now it was time for the boys and me to relax with oysters and ice cold draft beers.  We headed to a Floridian's favorite local spot-Old Man Frank's.  

As we walked in, we had a perfect view of boats cruising on the lake and heard a local artist singing an Eagles song in the background. Within two minutes we had our first round of Bud Lite drafts. It was the "sure sign of a good time. Here we go." 

There is much to do at Old Man Franks.  You can play a round of pool or darts.  Or even a game of volleyball in Lake Howard.
  

I prefer doing what I did that day...some major people watching.  You never know who will walk in and sit at the table next to you.

  

Volleyball court in Lake Howard

To the right of us appeared to be a group of twenty-somethings.  The guys sipped on beers while their cute blonde and brunette girlfriends laughed at their jokes.  

To the left of us was a group of bikers, who stopped in for a quick drink and a view.  Behind us were the retirees that moved down from the north to literally experience a "winter haven." 

Ceiling lined with vintage water skis while Ryan and Brian relax

The ceiling is lined with vintage water skis and wakeboards. If you want to see wakeboarding action, visit Old Man Frank's on Sundays during the summer.  

The legendary Bonifay brothers are known to make regular appearances.  Parks Bonifay holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the youngest water skier at just six months old. View the video to see for yourself!

He didn't stop there. Parks has traveled all around the world wakeboarding with endorsements from companies such as Red Bull.  He is considered to be the world's best wakeboarding freerider. 

Mitch sucking down craw fish

You can't go wrong with their food: raw oysters, clams, crawfish, burgers, wings, and even salad.  If you want to experience a true Florida delicacy, BBQ gator, visit Old Man Frank's on March 9, for their annual "Gator Crawl." 

At this third annual event you will get a taste of gator ribs, gator gumbo and swamp cabbage.  It is all for a good cause: Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful.  Last year this event raised $3,106. 

Whether you come on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Friday; by car, by boat or by wake board; just make sure you stay for the sunset.  

After your long day at the office or cleaning up debris, the best way to end it is with cold brewskies and good friends at Old Man Frank's.  

 Find Old Man Frank's on Facebook!