Spike the Great White Egret at Cooks

The Best of Cedar Key!

We're prejudiced - we have a strong list of Cedar Key favorites. One of our goals in having a condo was to be able to go on a Cedar Key vacation with a minimal amount of fuss - we have the grocery list already figured out, know what we need to pack, and know where to go for whatever. We do try new things each time we visit, but having our list of favorites makes a huge difference in getting into "island time". The fewer decisions we have to make, the faster we're on vacation! Here's our list of Favorites that we share with guests in Tranquility.

Beer selection: Unfortunately, most of the restaurants now have a dismal beer selection. Island Room at Cedar Cove and Dock Street Depot are your best bets - but that's pushing it... If you're serious about interesting beer (and we are) stop at ABC Liquors in Gainesville and bring your own out to Cedar Key. Local stores have a fairly limited selection, mostly standard American megabrews.
Cedar Key Birding - local: Tranquility's balcony or along the shore at Old Fenimore Mill are great birding spots for guests. However, good birding is also available along the causeway to the island and along the many marsh-bounded roadways. Bring your binocs and watch the mudflats at low tide for herons, egrets, storks, osprey and more!
Cedar Key Birding - by boat: Seahorse Key - a part of the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge. Rent a boat or take a ride via the Island Hopper or Lady Pirate (boarding at the Cedar Key Town Marina). Seahorse Key has a 300 foot buffer zone closed to visitors from March 1 to June 30 to protect the birds during nesting season. (Good binoculars will help you see some from outside the buffer zone.) In July you can still see many nests and young birds.
Cedar Key Fishing - Inshore: Old Fenimore Mill's dock is an easy choice for residents and guests - (but this is a private dock for the complex guests only). Or charter Captain Dan - our favorite inshore fishing guide in Cedar Key. Or try the big dock in town, where the catch is usually more varied - go at tide change, particularly when it's going out. Local guide services are available for working the "flats".
Cedar Key Fishing - Offshore: There are a number of charters available for offshore excursions out into the Gulf.
Cedar Key Sunday Brunch: The Island Room at Cedar Cove (right next door!) Try the crab benedict or the smoked trout plate for a real treat!
Cheap Breakfast: Annie's Cafe on Route 24 just outside of town - good ol' southern cooking that's tasty and reasonably priced.
Fancy Dinner Out: Well, Cedar Key really doesn't get fancy, but wear your dockers and sundresses... It's a toss up between The Island Room at Cedar Cove and the Island Hotel Dining Room. Either way, you'll be happy you went.
Special Stuff: Cedar Key Clams - The roasted clams at Sea Breeze Restaurant on Dock St. are just a slight notch above the others. But part of the fun is to try them at every single restaurant...; Crab Bisque - The Island Room at Cedar Cove. Get the bowl, you will definitely want more than a cup. They do offer this carryout - been there...; Palm Salad - Available at most restaurants. It sounds weird, but it's wonderful - try it! The best is at Island Hotel Dining Room.; Smoked Mullet Dip - It's great on bagels instead of cream cheese.
Fresh Seafood to Cook: Robinson's Seafood - about 8 miles out of Cedar Key on Hwy. 24
Cedar Key Sunset with Service: The deck at the Coconuts of Cedar Key at the corner of Dock and C St. Pull up a bench, have a beverage of choice and bring the camera.
Cedar Key Sunset au naturale: If you stay in Tranquility, sunsets from the balcony are breathtaking - just check out our photos! Otherwise, the Lewis Airstrip is an excellent place to see the sun go down. Drive or bike over SW Airport Road and park on the road next to the runway.
FloridaPets.net: FloridaPets.net offers pet-friendly information and resources for Florida residents and visitors. This site is great - especially for finding pet rules for beaches and other public areas!

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