For times, locations and ticket prices, see the more information section under the story below.
"We're right here," says Dr. John Andrews pointing to a cartographer's map.
"It was a bustling port, he says of Cedar Key. "It was the main port between Pensacola and Key West."
On Florida's Gulf Coast, where the peninsula begins to bend west, you'll discover roughly 100 tiny islands with quite the history.
"When I was growing up, it was a working town," the retired physician says. "All the people living here were permanent residents."
Doctor John Andrews is at the heart of the of the Cedar Key Historical Museum. In fact, he had his childhood home moved to the museum and opened as an annex.
Cedar Key, once a bustling center of manufacturing for pencils, brushes made from sabal palms and seafood shipping is sleepy in 2015.
"When Tampa got a railroad, the port activity shifted," Dr. Andrews shares.
Cross the chain of bridges leading to Cedar Key and find one of the quietest spots in The Sunshine State.
"You won't find Starbucks here or anything like that, and we are trying to keep it that way, shares Daniel Smith of the Cedar Key Paddling company.
Rent a kayak and discover taking it slow on the water is the attraction.
"This is old Florida," Daniel shares inches away from the sandy banks of the Gulf of Mexico.
Daniel had a dream: start a kayak business where he could share his backyard.
"It's paradise out here, only if you like baby dolphins and manatees and stuff like that," Daniel says of his waterfront "office."
Cedar Key Paddling puts folks on the water, with only one rule: watch the tide.
"What happens if they get stuck in the wrong area?' I ask.
"They get to start their own 'survivor' show for a little while," Daniel jokes.
"Could that happen to us this afternoon?" I ponder.
"I have not lost anybody yet, and I will not start with you, either," Daniel reaffirms.
Folks can venture out on their own, or with a guide that Daniel provides. Rentals are done by the day, not the hour, so there is time to enjoy the water and the many islands.
After paddling, you're sure to be a little hungry. Head downtown and find a legend. It's common to find three generations eating in at Tony's.
The Chowder at Tony's is so renowned, that many folks can't leave the island without taking a can with them. The diner ships their chowder worldwide from Cedar Key.
Afterwards, venture down the street and do a little gallery hopping.
"A co-op is where anyone who has their work in here helps run the store," explains Donna Tanck from the Cedar Keyhole Artist Co-Op gallery.
Inside, find a treasure trove, stuffed with paintings, jewelry, ceramics and other pieces of art that reflect island life. Donna is the president of this Cedar Key gallery. She says Cedar Key's natural beauty attracts creative people.
"Everywhere you look, something needs to be painted, or a photograph that needs to be taken or something to write about," Donna shares.
Before you hit the road, and head home, dinner awaits. Steamers second-story restaurant is known for their fresh seafood, caught in the Gulf.
The sounds of love music join the view, from floor to ceiling windows and patio seating. Dash away from dinner just long enough to behold the sunset. In Cedar Key, the boardwalk provides a view of the fireball retiring for the evening.
"We like it like it is now," Dr. Andrews says about the quiet vistas.
About this destination
Where: Cedar Key, Levy County
Chamber of Commerce number: 352-543-5600
Email: cedarkeywelcomecenter@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cedarkey.org/
Parking: Free around town
Cedar Key Historical Society Museum:
609 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-5549
E-mail: cedarcedar@bellsouth.net
http://www.cedarkeyhistoricalmuseum.org/
Cedar Key Paddling Company:
352-665-1276
E-mail: dan_gator@yahoo.com
http://cedarkeypaddling.com
Tony’s:
597 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-0022
Sunday – Thursday from 11:00am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday from 11:00am – 9pm
E-mail: info@tonyschowder.com
http://www.tonyschowder.com/res.htm
Cedar Key Co-Op Art Gallery:
457 Second Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-5801
Daily from 10am – 5pm
http://cedarkeyhole.com/
Steamers Restaurant:
420 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-5142
info@steamerscedarkey.com
http://steamerscedarkey.com/
Accessibility Notes:
Kayaking: Cedar Key Paddling Company has launch sites without steps.
Tony’s: Street level dining.
Cedar Key Co-Op Art Gallery: Street level.
Steamers: Second story only. Steps to the second floor dining room.
GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 29.89601
Longitude: -81.31115
Latitude: 29° 53' 45.636"
Longitude: -81° 18' 40.1394"
Drive Times:
From Tampa: 2 hours, 40 minutes
From Orlando: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Tankful on Television
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Tankful on Demand
This story was part of the Florida on a Tankful Summer Road Trip. Catch the 30-minute special with Scott Fais now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.