Cedar Key, Florida
It
takes some effort to reach the small, remote fishing village of
Cedar Key. The town is located on the Gulf coast, about
halfway between Tampa Bay and the "big bend" (where the panhandle
turns into the peninsula). There aren't any interstates that
come near here, and the closest major road is US Highway 19/98,
which is about 20 miles away from town.
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Cedar Key is at the western end of Fla. Rte.
24. The nearest large town, Gainesville, provides access
to Interstate 75. From the Tampa Bay area, the Suncoast
Parkway (toll road) is a great alternative to US Hwy. 19.
You'll easily save enough time and gas to be worth the $3 (more
or less) in tolls. |
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The drive from US 19/98 into town
is one straight shot, down a narrow 2-lane road. When you
approach the town, you'll cross several small bridges that connect
the small islands, all of which are just barely above sea level.
Cedar Key shows signs of its age, and that's a good thing
in a state where progress often wipes away history. For example,
the sign pictured above--clearly these haven't been made in a while.
Cedar Key's business district is just a few blocks long,
and only a couple of streets wide, and surrounded by small houses (no
multi-million dollar beachfront homes here). It's easy to spot new
construction: homes are built on stilts, to help protect against a
hurricane's storm surge.
At the edge of town you'll find a boat ramp (and the
wayside park promised by that sign), and right next door, a small strip
of tourist-friendly shops and restaurants.
With its off-the-beaten-path location, Cedar Key has
maintained a lot of its personality
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