Cedar Key "The Nature of Real, Live Florida"

While visiting a recreational paradise, the heart of Florida's Nature Coast, you can experience "The Nature of Real, Live Florida". You will most likely not find a more remote area of Florida to explore.

This is a small, relaxed, island community located three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Rich in small town flavor, it is said time has stood still here, its located in Way Key, the largest island in the Cedar Key's.

It is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber product to the northeast.

A Brief History:

In 1842, the local Native Americans considered it to be an area of misfortune when a hurricane that year devastated the area and so they left. This tiny city was known for being a timber mill town; it is a small fishing village that has stood the test of time.

It is one of the oldest ports in the area and became a leading supplier of timber and seafood to the northwest after the first railroad connection was established. During the Civil War, military forces occupied the area much like other coastal water towns at that time.

Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work.

Entertainment and Recreation:

Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local water.

Take the time to visit The National Wildlife Refuge which consists of 13 fragile coastal islands that you should not miss while visiting the area Atsena Otie is the original home of Cedar Key; it is a historic port and the center of pencil-manufacturing. Boats leave the Marina for trips to Atsena Otie, less than a mile away as well as Sea Horse Key. You will witness beautifully secluded islands.

The Museum State Park:

The Museum State Park provides you with the sensations of returning to the 19th century and its rich history. They display the collection of Saint Clair Whitman's Indian artifacts and seashells.

Local Festivals:

There are annual arts and seafood festivals such as the Star Party in February, the Annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts near the end of April, the Annual Clamerica Celebration in July, the hidden Coast Paddling Festival in September, the Annual Seafood Festival in October, and the Christmas Festival between November and December.

This area also provides lot of entertainment and recreational activities that you can enjoy such as kayaking, fishing, bird watching and wildlife observations as well as the delicious flavors of the local fresh seafood.

Accommodations:

Since this is such a small but beautiful area the accommodations are limited within the city. However, you may wish to arrange accommodations at the Island Hotel, the Harbor Master Hotel, and the Marina Motel, the local Bed and Breakfast or the Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club. Otherwise, you may wish to find accommodations in other nearby cities from Cedar Key. Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local water.

You're not likely to find a more remote area of Florida to explore.

The National Wildlife Refuge consists of 13 fragile coastal islands, and two in particular you should visit...

Atsena Otie, the original home of Cedar Key, historic port and center of pensil-manufacturing. Boats leave the Marina for trips to Atsena Otie (less than a mile away) and Sea Horse Key. You will witness beautifully secluded islands.