Cedar Key is a quiet little fishing village far away from the heavily trafficked sections of Florida. It was named for the red cedar trees which covered the islands, leading 2 pencil companies to set up shop there in the late 1800’s. (They were wiped out by a hurricane subsequently). It was also the western terminus of the first railroad to span Florida (from Fernandina). Today, Cedar Key is better known as a home for many artists and the main industries are tourism and farmed clams (which I suspect are actually quahogs).
The quiet village was particularly quiet on Thanksgiving day. We strolled through the old commercial section of town (about 1 by 4 blocks), and walked through the marina. We ate an interesting thanksgiving dinner at the Island Hotel. The entree was turkey, pork, or fish, served with cornbread dressing, tomato pie, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, sweet potato soufflé, green bean and bacon bundle, corn pudding, spinach soufflé, and mini muffins. We were astonished to each receive one plate containing the entree with all the sides arranged around it! The food was very good once we finished gaping and set to eating. Thanks to all those working on Thanksgiving for preparing and serving our meal.
Thus ended our visit to the town of Cedar Key. It is a great place to get away from it all, as long as you don’t plan on doing much once you get there!
Cedar Key RV Resort is a spectacularly well maintained campground only a few miles from Cedar Key in Sumner. The campground is filled with large live oak trees and sites have level concrete pads. Facilities are clean and well take care of.