Cedar Key – Part 2

In my last post, I reviewed the history of Cedar Key and some of the current status of the island chain located some four miles out into the gulf. In this post, (part 2) we explore the main island some more and try some of the tasty fares at the local restaurants.

More Thoughts on Cedar Key

We have been exploring small out of the way places on this last hurrah in Florida. Trying to get away from the crowds and find the Old Florida with the rustic island charm. That pretty well sums up Cedar Key.

The kayak rental dude said that Cedar Key is like Key West back in the 1970’s. Pat and I did make our very brief visit to Key West in about 1974. We drove down with my parents and brothers and just visited for a few hours. We were staying in Marathon Key. I remember very little about the town except there were a number of tourists milling about. So, I cannot really compare. But it does make sense.

Of course, we have been back to Key West many times since that first visit in 1974. The town is still on a 2 by 4 mile island and still has much of the quirkiness. But, it has changed to be a tropical winter location for the very wealthy. Even a small cottage will cost a couple of million in the old town. Gentrification?

Cedar Key (CK) has little or no construction updates in the historic downtown. Any hurricane damage was repaired to appear in an original condition. That is to say rustic. Plenty of color around CK. It’s typical of the type of towns we like, being really rough around the edges, but with enough color and character to make things interesting. I would expect home prices to still be within a reasonable range.

Restaurants

It was something of a change of pace for us. Going out to eat three times in one week. Wow! It was just all the fresh seafood was too tempting. Even in the tailwinds of a pandemic. But I have been vaccinated, so there is that.

During this last year, we have rarely gone out to eat to avoid the China Virus. We may have done just that so decided it was time to return to a normal, but with a few cautions. It was great!

We ate at Steamers, Duncans, and Annies. With the best service and preparation at Duncans. Oh, and we also tried the award wining clam chowder at Tony’s. That was quite a story.

We were walking back to our car after walking all over the island and passed a shelter in a small park. It looked like they were setting up for a picnic. I did not pay much attention, but Pat noticed the sign. It was a fund raiser for the local food bank. All the local restaurants donated cups of their signature soups.

We bought cups of Tony’s clam chowder and tomato bisque from somewhere else. Actually, it was on a donation basis, so we also helped the community. Both were incredibly good.

Below are some photos from our walk about the island.

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Wrap Up

Thanks for following along! I may have one more part on Cedar Key, and the RV resort. Next on the travel plan is another small fishing village of Apalachicola, FL. Take care and God Bless.