Cedar Key, Florida is an Island and it is not a part of the Florida Keys, you know the ones, en route to Key West. This Key is located about an hour from Ocala, Florida and directly across the Florida map on the West Coast from Daytona Beach.

Cedar Key is a place of tides, clams, fishing and boating. It sets its own time and allows the visitor an opportunity to become a part of nature. As a matter of fact, this has almost become a colony for artists, as there are a number of galleries with works reflecting beautiful paintings from many area artists. This is a “put your feet up” community where you can get lost in time while reading one of your favorite books.

Cedar Key offers history going back over 200 years. The architecture of the past are reflected in the homes built of tabby and wood, with gables and porches, where generations of islanders raised their families and preserved the island lifestyle. There are two museums in the area; i.e., The Cedar Key Museum and the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum. Both are exceptional and loaded with historical facts.

Cedar Key is a place for an exciting walk with nature. Beautiful birds, Florida history, quaint little water canals, and boats available to the barrier islands just off the coast of Cedar Key to see pristine beaches and marshlands. For some reason there is a sound of quiet and a lack of cars honking horns and speeding up and down the roads. There is one “long” road in and one road out. Just an aerial view of Cedar Key will show you the beauty of this small island so undiscovered by the tourists. However, they are busy all the time especially now as they plan the October Seafood Festival. People come from all over the country to experience some of the best fresh seafood delicacies and a craft show of artists from the region.

By-the-way, Cedar Key has an airport and on the weekends it is one busy place. There is a Marina, many public facilities, rental opportunities for canoes, sailboats, motorboats, bicycles and golf carts. Shopping is a plus with boutiques, gift shops, convenience and grocery stores. And when you are ready for a picnic, the City Park is perfect. They also have a taxi service in town.

This community might not be New York, but it is “Central Park”. The natural beauty of Cedar Key embraces you the moment you cross the first bridge onto the island.
At that moment, “You have arrived!”