We had a wonderful stay at the Lobster Shack! The Tiki hut and outside grilling area with the marble countertops is beautiful and enjoyable and is where you want to hang. The canal is 17Ft deep, very clear most days with the tides, many fish schooling through and possible a manatee might grace through but they are quite. If you do bring a boat the boat launch is less than a mile away. The access to the Gulf or Atlantic is so assessable. Being seasoned keys area renters you can't beat the location for a nice slower pace area compared to your bigger keys like Marathon/Islamorada.Big pine key offers grocery store,phamacy/drug store and more.You'll sure see rosters, hens and chicks in the parking lot but if your lucky you'll see a key deer there also! Bucks are so cute. There is no "fast food" in the direct area but there is Trionos Taco, little yellow food tuckin the Hertz parking lot across from the Keys cafe(which is great also) and it is a must try/ have, Clint has great prices and his tacos or any of his food is nothing compared to a taco bell If you book we hope you enjoy your stay as much a we have..