Cedar Key is one of those off the
beaten path, old Florida small towns that many Florida transplants
yearn to see. It has a welcoming look and feel, different from any
other town in Florida. No tall buildings here, or for that matter no
chain hotels. Accommodations are down home Ma and Pa motels or home
away from home Bed & Breakfasts. Good fishing, good restaurants,
and exquisite scenery.
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| Cdear Key - photo by Ruth Tick |
According to the Chamber of Commerce
website:
"Cedar Key is one of the oldest
ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to
the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber
products to the northeast. Today it has become a haven for artists
and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their
work. Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse
the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the
world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters."
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| Cedar Key "Honeymoon Retreat" photo by Ruth Tick |
I discovered Cedar Key years ago while
living in Daytona Beach. I wanted to get away to an island
atmosphere, but didn't have the time to go all the way down to the
keys in south Florida. It is nearly a straight shot west from Daytona
Beach, with the added bonus of there being no interstate to drive.
The central Florida scenery is lovely. Not just old pines and
palmettos, but also hardwood hammocks and ranch land. And once you
get there, you will likely agree - west coast Florida is truly a
different world from the east.
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| Historic Church in Cedar Key - photo by Ruth Tick |
Old style Florida architecture provides a refreshing look back into Florida's history. It makes it easy to imagine the simpler times when Cedar Key residents gathered every Sunday there.
Cedar Key is about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, Florida; 135 miles
north of Tampa; and 130 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Florida. From
Gainesville, take State Route #24 southwest for approximately 50 miles.
You will cross-over State Highway 27/41 in Archer, Alternate Route 27 in
Bronson, and US 19/98 in Otter Creek. Continue until you encounter a
stop sign in the City of Cedar Key. Travel time from Gainesville to
Cedar Key is about one hour. For more detailed travel information, visit the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce site.
