**Note: This was written after Hurricane Idalia ravaged Cedar Key in August 2023, leaving the item rebuilding from the storm surge and winds.  This post does not include the devastation in 2024 from Hurricanes Debby (Augusut) and Helene (September), and a fire on Dock Street.  Cedar Key residents are resilient and have been hard at work to reopen many of the businesses on the island.  Stay tuned for an update from Floridiana Magazine in the coming months.

 

The first thing you will notice is this isn’t one of my typical posts where I share the history of one of Florida’s small communities, or its small-town charm.  Instead, this is a story about how the resilience, spirit, and strength of an entire island community came together in just a few short months of Hurricane Idalia lashing out to rebuild and reopen. This is a story to show that Cedar Key is indeed open, and the welcome mat is out for visitors.

Lodging

Tide’s Pull at Cedar Key

There are plenty of places to stay on the island: beach front homes, quaint cottages, condos, an historic hotel, and a bed and breakfast. For our recent visit, we stayed at Tide’s Pull in the Old Fenimore Mill condos.  With a second-floor balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, we were treated to beautiful sunrises and dolphins frolicking in the waters. The balcony was a beautiful place to begin and end the day. Inside, the amenities were just as welcoming.  A king size bed, a spacious bathroom, well-stocked kitchen, dining area, and a comfortable living room made this the perfect home away from home. Tide’s Pull is also within walking distance of the playground and public beach, and if you’re up to it, it’s a nice walk to Dock Street.

Dining

When we made the decision to go to Cedar Key, we turned to social media for recommendations on food and it did not disappoint.  There was no way to get to all those places in a short time, but we did manage to get to a few of them.  And, unfortunately, a few of the restaurants we wanted to visit closed early, so they’ll be on our list for our next visit.  Because hours are fluctuating since the storm, it’s recommended to call ahead and find out when they are open.  Addresses and phone numbers have been included for your convenience.

Steamers Clam Bar & Grill 

Located on Dock Street, this is one of the island’s mainstays. We enjoyed dinner there on two separate occasions, and both times we were pleased with both the food and the service.

• 420 Dock Street
• 352-543-5142

29 North at 83 West 

29 North is located on the second floor at 83 West and offers picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico.  No matter where you are seated, there’s not a bad table in the house. 29 North does not take reservations and they only seat up to 8 guests at a table. The full-service dining is a pleasant experience with food selections to tempt any taste bud. Below 29 North is 83 West – a casual bar atmosphere which also serves food from 29 North.

• 310 Dock Street
• 352-543-5070

Big Deck Bar & Grill 

Big Deck was just reopening during our visit in November.  A great relaxed atmosphere with a full menu that includes appetizers and snacks, dinner entrees, and sandwiches. Seating outside.

• 331 Dock Street
• 352-543-9922

Annie’s Café 

A great go-to for a good lunch, with seating both inside and outside. We’ve eaten here a few times on various visits.

• 609 6^th Street
• 352-543-6141

Tony’s Seafood 

THE best clam chowder!  Tony’s is located in the historic Hale Building (est. 1880) on the corner of 2^nd Street and D Street.  Prior to Hurricane Idalia, they were a full-service restaurant.  Now they mainly serve their signature Clam Chowder, which is why visitors went anyway – right? Still a great place to dine.

• 597 2^nd Street
• 352-543-0022

2^nd Street Café 

This was our favorite place to grab breakfast. Fast and courteous service, along with great food, got our days started off on the right foot. We chose to sit outside, although there is indoor seating available as well.

• 434 2nd Street
• 352-477-5099

Shopping

When visiting a small community like Cedar Key, shopping in the local stores can lead to treasures.  Plus, it’s always nice to give business to the locals.  We had the chance to visit a few of the stores on our recent trip.

Salt Marsh Cottage

This was the first store we stopped in, and I’m glad we did.  I had a nice conversation with the lady working there that day. She recounted the impact of Hurricane Idalia on the shop and how the island community came together.

• 618 D Street
• 352-477-5100

Main Street Mercantile

Main Street Mercantile is located in the historic Lutterloh Building (est. 1872) and is home to a gift shop. I was directed there because I was looking for an ornament for my Christmas tree that had “Cedar Key” painted on it.  I was not let down.

• 457 2^nd Street
• 352-222-8585

Dilly Dally Gally

If you’re looking for any Cedar Key attire, I’d say the Dilly Dally Galley is a good place to go. Located on Dock Street, it is packed full of goodies.  From women’s apparel, to children’s items, to t-shirts, and jewelry.  You’re sure to find something you like there.

• 390 Dock Street
• 352-543-9146

Other Things to Do

Vacations to me are mostly about relaxing, so if you agree, Cedar Key is the place to go.  I’m content to drive around town, looking at historic homes, old churches, and wildlife.

Lighthouse Tour

Luckily for us, our trip coincided with one of the quarterly open houses of the lighthouse on Seahorse Key. We’ve been before, but it’s always fun to take another tour.

Check ahead to see when the 2024 open houses are scheduled.

Cedar Key Historical Society & Museum 

The Historical Society was formed in 1977 and the museum opened two years later in 1979.  A minimal fee allows visitors to take a step back into the history books of Cedar Key.

• 609 2nd Street
• 352-543-5549

Cedar Key Community Garden 

The Community Garden is tucked away on 2^nd Street between A & B Streets and is a fun find.  Started by a group of volunteers, the garden is home to many raised beds, featuring herbs, vegetables, and flowers.  It’s a quiet little spot is another example of community.

Fishing off the Pier 

Although we weren’t fishing, there were plenty of others who staked their claim on the pier, hoping to haul in their catch of the day. Of course, there’s always plenty of places offshore to drop a line.  If you don’t have your own boat, check into the fishing charters while you’re there.

Cedar Key feels like home to me.  I’m not sure why.  Maybe because I covered Hurricane Elena in 1985 while working at a Gainesville television station and witnessed first-hand the sense of community. Maybe it’s because the times I’ve visited, I’ve felt more like one of the townspeople than a tourist on the island.  Whatever the reason, this island is good for the soul and now it’s a part of my soul.

Please take a minute and watch the slideshow of some of the pictures I took on the island.  And please leave me a comment.

 

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