Retirement Blog: Cedar Key

February 19, 2014

Cedar Key

Part of the forgotten coast, Cedar Key is one of those parts of "The Real Florida" that few tourists ever see.

Salt marshes and forests make up most of the area, attracting wildlife such as deer, bear, wild hogs, and birds, birds, birds.

The village itself is very quaint, with shops and restaurants occupying old buildings that once served other purposes. Styles from rustic unpainted and weathered, to tropical and gaudy, make for a very fascinating combination.

Golf carts share the streets with cars, adding to the relaxed attitude.

Boat tours ticket booths line one side of the dock area while restaurants line another. A beach, a park, and a play area for children complete the picture.

There is also a nice airstrip with a spectacular sunset viewing area at the end of the runway.

We had a picnic lunch in the park, visited a couple of the restaurants, and walked the streets, going in and out of the shops.

We also took one of the boat tours to the surrounding keys and islands. The boat ride ($26.00 per person) is a slow leisurely ride around a number of smaller keys in the immediate area. It lasts about 2 hours and is a great way to view all the migrating birds wintering in the area.

If you are lucky, as we were, you will get an escort by some dolphins.

Yep! Real Ones !

We found Cedar Key to be an excellent place to relax and become "Floridians" for awhile.

Tony's Seafood Restaurant has won "Best Clam Chowder in America" numerous times. Even the New Englanders in our RV resort agree. "Me Too !"

The girls even found a Quilt Shop

A nice daytrip to Homosassa Springs and Crystal River for another manatee visit, and a stroll through a sanctuary for injured creatures was an easy and enjoyable trip, especially with friends Glen and Hilda.