Where is Cedar Key?
One of the questions that our friends and vacation rental guests always ask is: "Where is Cedar Key?" It's a little hard to find on a map of Cedar Key - it's that small and secluded.This aerial photograph shows the town of Cedar Key, Florida - it's a very small place! The larger aerial is notated with the location of Tranquility, the marinas, shops, and other areas of interest. The canal or channel running in front of Tranquility goes between the open Gulf and the marina. You'll see fishermen, clammers, kayakers, pleasure boats, and a variety of travellers including dolphins and many, many large birds. It's fascinating to sit on the balcony and watch the world float and fly by.
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Aerial Photo - Click for Larger View
Cedar Key is about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, Florida. Gainesville is the home of University of Florida, also known as The Florida Gators. The drive out to Cedar Key from Gainesville is perfect for getting into the spirit of the island - there is little traffic on Route 24. Once you cross Highway 27, you'll feel like you're heading into the middle of nowhere. Isn't that why you're coming here?
We're assuming that you can navigate to Gainesville, Florida. Get off I-75 at Exit 384 and head west to Cedar Key. This is State Route #24.
Our favorite place for grocery stocking up is a Publix Grocery Store in a strip mall on the north side of SR. 24 at the intersection of SW 75th Street (aka Tower Road). They offer an excellent selection of staples and gourmet items. There is also a small liquor store in the same mall. It’s also a good idea to top off your gas tank here as gas prices increase as you head west and away from the highway.
There’s plenty of other shopping near I-75 in Gainesville. There’s a large shopping center along with many chain restaurants on SR 24, just east of I-75. Stores include Target, Walmart, ABC Liquors, Lowes, etc. One exit north of SR 24 has a large shopping mall (“The Oaks”) which has a JC Penney, Rich’s, Sears, and the usual mall type stores.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (noted on map) is a beautiful and relaxing place to stop if you have time. They offer paved paths amongst lovely plants. This is definitely a "must see" if you have a couple of hours.
Onward to Cedar Key...Take State Route #24 southwest for approximately 50 miles. You will cross-over State Highway 27/41 in Archer, Alternate 27 in Bronson, and US 19/98 in Otter Creek. Continue until you encounter a stop sign in the village of Cedar Key. (Once you're out of metro Gainesville, it's a bit deserted looking, but that's the goal!)
On your right, about 9 miles outside of Cedar Key, you'll see Robinson Seafoods. It's a low yellow and white building with a large sign in front. This is an excellent place to buy fresh fish, clams, shrimp, and mullet dip. They're usually closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Keep driving past the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. (This is a nice two or three hour trip if you have the time!) You'll come to a series of bridges to get out to the island - open your windows and inhale, you're almost there!
Arriving in Cedar Key...At the stop sign, (Second Street) turn left and follow Second Street to the very end past the Cedar Key Beach. (Yes, the directions are this simple.)
Second Street dead-ends into two driveways, take the left fork into Old Fenimore Mill Condominiums. You've arrived!
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