THE SHORT TRIP to
Cedar Key is well worth the drive. Traveling west from
Gainesville down a 29 mile stretch on SR 24, off of
U.S. 19, will bring you directly to this quaint little
fishing island surrounded by the beautiful Gulf of Mexico,
famous for being the United State’s top producer
of farm-raised clams.
A State Museum full
of artifacts and history, along with the Cedar Key Historical
Society Museum, is located along the small old-fashioned
streets of downtown. A winding walk through the island
brings you to many gift shops, local restaurants and
lodging.
Visitors come from
all over to shop for unique hand-made gifts, without
the hassle of parking problems. For those who would
like to ride instead of stroll, golf carts can be rented
by the hour, day or month as an inexpensive and convenient
way to get around the island. Cedar Key even has an
airport with small craft airplanes coming and going.
A taxi is on hand for those who need a ride into town
and back to the airport.
Events are held throughout
the year. Many people enjoy the 4th of July Annual Clam
Festival at the City Park, with fireworks over the Gulf.
In October, you can enjoy a two day Seafood festival
and the Birding Experience. A Star Gazing event is held
in February. One of the most popular events, the weekend
Art Festival, is held in April.
Fishermen looking
for the “Catch of the Day” come to Cedar
Key and launch their boats at the City Marina and head
out into the sparkling Gulf water. Others enjoy fishing
from the Big Pier, located on Dock Street. This is a
favorite activity for many visitors, as well. There
are local Charter Captains who will show you the best
fishing spots, and tour guides to take you out to other
islands surrounding Cedar Key. For even more adventure,
canoes, kayaks and boats can be rented from local vendors.
In April 2004, a
renovation of the City Park and Playground was completed.
Now children have new state-of-the-art play equipment
to enjoy. The restrooms, containing showers, have also
been renovated. The City Beach, adjacent to the park,
with soft white sand is a great place to relax, swim
and sunbathe.
For those who enjoy
a beautiful walk through natural environments, the Cedar
Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail was opened on May
31, 2004. While strolling down the nature trail, it
may be interesting to note that this path was used by
the railroad from Cedar Key to Fernandina Beach during
the years 1861 to 1932.
After a leisurely
visit to charming Cedar Key, many people enjoy feeling
relaxed, and rested.
Most visitors return for an occasional dose of the simple
life, others return to buy or build homes and live on
the quaint little island of Cedar Key. G
Our thanks to
the Cedar Key Beacon for contributing to this story.
For more information, please call the Cedar Key Chamber
of Commerce at (352) 543-5600.
fishing
from the Big Pier, located on Dock Street. This is a
favorite activity for many visitors, as well. There
are local Charter Captains who will show you the best
fishing spots, and tour guides to take you out to other
islands surrounding Cedar Key. For even more adventure,
canoes, kayaks and boats can be rented from local vendors.
rested.
Most visitors return for an occasional dose of the simple
life, others return to buy or build homes and live on
the quaint little island of Cedar Key. G