Cedar Key art photo by Steven Skelley
Five Things You Must See In Cedar Key
Cedar Key, Florida
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Located on a small island on Florida’s Gulf Coast about an hour southwest of Gainesville, you will find one of Florida’s best vacation treasures. The tiny seaside fishing village of Cedar Key offers visitors a glimpse of Old Florida that few get to experience these days. If a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and friendly people are what you’re looking for in a vacation location, Cedar Key is the place.
With barely more than two miles of area and fewer than 1000 permanent residents, you might drive right past Cedar Key. That would be a mistake. This is a special place with a unique feel and lots to offer the wise traveler.
Here are our Five Things You Must See In Cedar Key:
1. Gulf Side Motel
The Gulf Side Motel is the kind of place you want to stay in if you are a lover of nostalgia. It is one of the oldest motels in Cedar Key. It is also the only motel located on the waterfront.
The Gulf Side Motel offers “quaint rooms and efficiencies.” Efficiencies include fully equipped kitchenettes with basic dishes and cookware, a microwave, a toaster and a coffee pot.
All of the motel rooms are located on the ground floor except for the Honeymoon Suite. It is located upstairs with a view of the water from its balcony.
The Gulf Side Motel is within easy walking distance to the restaurants, gift shops and the historical district.
What is the biggest asset of the Gulf Side Motel? In our opinion, it is the private dock and porch swings overlooking the water where you can enjoy each beautiful sunset and the cool evening breeze.
If you are feeling nostalgic and want to stay in a historic lodging without all the bells and whistles and cost of a big chain hotel, the Gulf Side Motel in Cedar Key may be just what you are looking for.
For more information, visit http://gulfsidemotelcedarkey.com
The Gulf Side Motel is located at 552 1st St., Cedar Key, Florida 32625
Their phone number is 352-543-5308.
2. Tidewater Tours
There is nothing like a tour of Florida’s waterways and islands. If you are vacationing in Cedar Key, you’ll want to book a seat on the one of Tidewater Tours excellent boat tours. The tours are relaxing, educational and enjoyable in every way.
Tidewater Tours scenic boat tours explore The Cedar Keys and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuges. All tours include “comprehensive narration and a question and answer period.”
Captain J. Michael O'Dell and his staff share information about the tidal marsh eco-system, water quality, native and migratory birds, animals, marine life, the aquaculture industry and Cedar Key's history.
The Tours:
The Island Tour
* Explores the outer islands of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
* Usually encounters dolphins and various birds (depending on the season)
* Occasionally encounters manatees, sea turtles and spotted eagle rays
* Offers an overview of Cedar Key history and the natural aspects of the diverse ecosystem
* 1.5 to 2 hours
The Suwannee River Tour
* Travels the coastline for13 miles before entering the Suwannee River
* Extends six miles up the river including excursions into which run off the main channel
* 3 to 4 hours
The Coastal Marsh Tour
* Winds through miles of remote, undeveloped, unspoiled coastal marsh
* Appeals to those who experience satisfaction in knowing that they are traveling into areas where others seldom go
* Focuses heavily on our abundant population of migratory shorebirds
* 2 to 3 hours
The Vessels:
The Princess Annie is 32 feet long and 12 feet wide. She is Coast Guard inspected, rated for 34 passengers and handicap accessible.
The Megan June (the Suwannee River and Backcountry Safari Boat) is 27 feet long and 8.5 feet wide.
The Captain:
Captain J. Michael O'Dell has impressive credentials and training including:
* U.S. Coast Guard Issued Masters License
* Graduate Florida's Master Naturalist Program
* Member Friends of the Cedar Key's and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuges
* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permitted Guide
* Member National Audubon Society
* Member Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce
* Member Cedar Key Historical Society
* Advanced First Aid and CPR Certified
We enjoyed every minute of our Tidewater Tours scenic boat tour in the waters near Cedar key.
Tidewater Tours is located at 302 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625.
Their phone number is 352-543-9523
You can visit their website at http://www.tidewatertours.com
3. Tony’s Seafood Restaurant
When you have been crowned the best of the best for three years in a row, there is no denying that you have something really special. As soon as we took our first bites of Tony’s Clam Chowder, we knew that we were hooked. This is the best clam chowder we have had anywhere.
Tony’s Seafood Restaurant is a fifty-four seat eatery right in the historic Cedar Key downtown. The building looks like something you’d see on an old western movie set. It is the perfect setting for this quaint waterfront town three miles into the Gulf of Mexico.
Even though Tony’s offers diners a menu ranging from cheeseburgers to seafood to salads, the real centerpiece here is the award winning chowder.
In 2009, Tony’s Cedar Key Clam Chowder won the 28th Annual Great Chowder Cook-off in New England and claimed the title of Clam Chowder World Champion.
In 2010, they won again. In 2011, they were crowned Clam Chowder World Champion for the third straight year.
Publix grocery stores soon began stocking Tony’s Clam Chowder and shoppers around the state of Florida began preparing it at home. Not only do we love Tony’s Clam Chowder ourselves, we buy it for friends. Everyone has the same response, “This is the best I have ever eaten!”
Tony's Seafood Restaurant is located at 597 2nd Street, Cedar Key, Florida.
Their phone number is 352-543-0022
Visit their website at http://www.tonyschowder.com
4. The Island Room Restaurant at Cedar Cove
If you are looking for an upscale dining experience in Cedar Key, we recommend The Island Room Restaurant at Cedar Cove. Chef Peter Stefani offers a wide variety of dishes featuring the freshest local ingredients available. They even grow their own herbs, salad greens and farm-raised, little-neck clams.
Appetizers include Steamed clams with Andouille sauce, Steamed clams with olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs, Baked Clams, Baked Oysters, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Cheesecake, Santa Fe Ravioli, Baked Brie with Mango Chutney, Escargot, Grilled Andouille Sausage, Bruschetta, and Shellfish Sampler for Two.
Soups and Salads include Crab Bisque, Stracciatella, Soup Du Jour, Classic Caesar, House Tossed Salad, Island Room Special Salad, and Island Room Spinach Salad.
Pastas include Linguini Alle Vongole, Fettuccini Pomodoro, Linguini Fini Scampi, Fettuccini Cardinale, Fettuccini Crab Carbonara, Linguini Fini, Fettuccini Primavera, and Fettuccini Alfredo.
Seafood Specialties include Crab Cakes, Grouper Savannah, Grouper Picatta, Shrimp Royale and Cedar Key Seafood Boil.
Meats include Ribeye steak, Black and Blue Seared Ribeye with brandy bleu cheese demi glace, Duck Breast, Duck Confit, Chicken Portofino, and Grilled Herb Chicken.
The Island Room is located at 192 E 2nd Street, Cedar Key, Florida.
Their phone number is 352-543-6520
Visit their website at http://www.islandroom.com
5. Dock Street
Dock Street is near the marina and is a great place to walk, souvenir shop, find a tour, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink or start your day with breakfast in a 1950’s themed diner.
Conclusion:
From one of Florida’s original ports to today’s Old-Florida vacation spot, Cedar Key has unique a history and feel. And, there is a lot more to enjoy than we were able to mention including parks, museums, nature trails and more.
For more information about Cedar Key attractions and events, visit the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce at http://www.cedarkey.org/visitors.html
Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2015 Sunny Harbor Publishing. PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: [email protected]
Slideshow photos by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong.
Keywords: Cedar Key, Tony’s Chowder, The Island Room, Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, Tidewater, Gulf Side Motel, Dock Street, Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, Family Travelers Magazine,
Cedar Key, Florida
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Located on a small island on Florida’s Gulf Coast about an hour southwest of Gainesville, you will find one of Florida’s best vacation treasures. The tiny seaside fishing village of Cedar Key offers visitors a glimpse of Old Florida that few get to experience these days. If a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and friendly people are what you’re looking for in a vacation location, Cedar Key is the place.
With barely more than two miles of area and fewer than 1000 permanent residents, you might drive right past Cedar Key. That would be a mistake. This is a special place with a unique feel and lots to offer the wise traveler.
Here are our Five Things You Must See In Cedar Key:
1. Gulf Side Motel
The Gulf Side Motel is the kind of place you want to stay in if you are a lover of nostalgia. It is one of the oldest motels in Cedar Key. It is also the only motel located on the waterfront.
The Gulf Side Motel offers “quaint rooms and efficiencies.” Efficiencies include fully equipped kitchenettes with basic dishes and cookware, a microwave, a toaster and a coffee pot.
All of the motel rooms are located on the ground floor except for the Honeymoon Suite. It is located upstairs with a view of the water from its balcony.
The Gulf Side Motel is within easy walking distance to the restaurants, gift shops and the historical district.
What is the biggest asset of the Gulf Side Motel? In our opinion, it is the private dock and porch swings overlooking the water where you can enjoy each beautiful sunset and the cool evening breeze.
If you are feeling nostalgic and want to stay in a historic lodging without all the bells and whistles and cost of a big chain hotel, the Gulf Side Motel in Cedar Key may be just what you are looking for.
For more information, visit http://gulfsidemotelcedarkey.com
The Gulf Side Motel is located at 552 1st St., Cedar Key, Florida 32625
Their phone number is 352-543-5308.
2. Tidewater Tours
There is nothing like a tour of Florida’s waterways and islands. If you are vacationing in Cedar Key, you’ll want to book a seat on the one of Tidewater Tours excellent boat tours. The tours are relaxing, educational and enjoyable in every way.
Tidewater Tours scenic boat tours explore The Cedar Keys and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuges. All tours include “comprehensive narration and a question and answer period.”
Captain J. Michael O'Dell and his staff share information about the tidal marsh eco-system, water quality, native and migratory birds, animals, marine life, the aquaculture industry and Cedar Key's history.
The Tours:
The Island Tour
* Explores the outer islands of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
* Usually encounters dolphins and various birds (depending on the season)
* Occasionally encounters manatees, sea turtles and spotted eagle rays
* Offers an overview of Cedar Key history and the natural aspects of the diverse ecosystem
* 1.5 to 2 hours
The Suwannee River Tour
* Travels the coastline for13 miles before entering the Suwannee River
* Extends six miles up the river including excursions into which run off the main channel
* 3 to 4 hours
The Coastal Marsh Tour
* Winds through miles of remote, undeveloped, unspoiled coastal marsh
* Appeals to those who experience satisfaction in knowing that they are traveling into areas where others seldom go
* Focuses heavily on our abundant population of migratory shorebirds
* 2 to 3 hours
The Vessels:
The Princess Annie is 32 feet long and 12 feet wide. She is Coast Guard inspected, rated for 34 passengers and handicap accessible.
The Megan June (the Suwannee River and Backcountry Safari Boat) is 27 feet long and 8.5 feet wide.
The Captain:
Captain J. Michael O'Dell has impressive credentials and training including:
* U.S. Coast Guard Issued Masters License
* Graduate Florida's Master Naturalist Program
* Member Friends of the Cedar Key's and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuges
* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permitted Guide
* Member National Audubon Society
* Member Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce
* Member Cedar Key Historical Society
* Advanced First Aid and CPR Certified
We enjoyed every minute of our Tidewater Tours scenic boat tour in the waters near Cedar key.
Tidewater Tours is located at 302 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625.
Their phone number is 352-543-9523
You can visit their website at http://www.tidewatertours.com
3. Tony’s Seafood Restaurant
When you have been crowned the best of the best for three years in a row, there is no denying that you have something really special. As soon as we took our first bites of Tony’s Clam Chowder, we knew that we were hooked. This is the best clam chowder we have had anywhere.
Tony’s Seafood Restaurant is a fifty-four seat eatery right in the historic Cedar Key downtown. The building looks like something you’d see on an old western movie set. It is the perfect setting for this quaint waterfront town three miles into the Gulf of Mexico.
Even though Tony’s offers diners a menu ranging from cheeseburgers to seafood to salads, the real centerpiece here is the award winning chowder.
In 2009, Tony’s Cedar Key Clam Chowder won the 28th Annual Great Chowder Cook-off in New England and claimed the title of Clam Chowder World Champion.
In 2010, they won again. In 2011, they were crowned Clam Chowder World Champion for the third straight year.
Publix grocery stores soon began stocking Tony’s Clam Chowder and shoppers around the state of Florida began preparing it at home. Not only do we love Tony’s Clam Chowder ourselves, we buy it for friends. Everyone has the same response, “This is the best I have ever eaten!”
Tony's Seafood Restaurant is located at 597 2nd Street, Cedar Key, Florida.
Their phone number is 352-543-0022
Visit their website at http://www.tonyschowder.com
4. The Island Room Restaurant at Cedar Cove
If you are looking for an upscale dining experience in Cedar Key, we recommend The Island Room Restaurant at Cedar Cove. Chef Peter Stefani offers a wide variety of dishes featuring the freshest local ingredients available. They even grow their own herbs, salad greens and farm-raised, little-neck clams.
Appetizers include Steamed clams with Andouille sauce, Steamed clams with olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs, Baked Clams, Baked Oysters, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Cheesecake, Santa Fe Ravioli, Baked Brie with Mango Chutney, Escargot, Grilled Andouille Sausage, Bruschetta, and Shellfish Sampler for Two.
Soups and Salads include Crab Bisque, Stracciatella, Soup Du Jour, Classic Caesar, House Tossed Salad, Island Room Special Salad, and Island Room Spinach Salad.
Pastas include Linguini Alle Vongole, Fettuccini Pomodoro, Linguini Fini Scampi, Fettuccini Cardinale, Fettuccini Crab Carbonara, Linguini Fini, Fettuccini Primavera, and Fettuccini Alfredo.
Seafood Specialties include Crab Cakes, Grouper Savannah, Grouper Picatta, Shrimp Royale and Cedar Key Seafood Boil.
Meats include Ribeye steak, Black and Blue Seared Ribeye with brandy bleu cheese demi glace, Duck Breast, Duck Confit, Chicken Portofino, and Grilled Herb Chicken.
The Island Room is located at 192 E 2nd Street, Cedar Key, Florida.
Their phone number is 352-543-6520
Visit their website at http://www.islandroom.com
5. Dock Street
Dock Street is near the marina and is a great place to walk, souvenir shop, find a tour, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink or start your day with breakfast in a 1950’s themed diner.
Conclusion:
From one of Florida’s original ports to today’s Old-Florida vacation spot, Cedar Key has unique a history and feel. And, there is a lot more to enjoy than we were able to mention including parks, museums, nature trails and more.
For more information about Cedar Key attractions and events, visit the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce at http://www.cedarkey.org/visitors.html
Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2015 Sunny Harbor Publishing. PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: [email protected]
Slideshow photos by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong.
Keywords: Cedar Key, Tony’s Chowder, The Island Room, Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, Tidewater, Gulf Side Motel, Dock Street, Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, Family Travelers Magazine,
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