At the eastern end of the Panhandle, where the Gulf of Mexico takes a big bite out of the coast, is the area Floridians call “Big Bend.” A scenic 2.5-hour drive north of the white sand beaches of St. Petersburg, Cedar Key epitomizes the quiet, scenic beauty of Florida’s untouched landscapes, offering vacationers a unique view of what Florida looked like before development turned the Sunshine State into a popular vacation destination.
A place of quiet serenity, Cedar Key is a quaint small town sitting amidst 13 tiny islands that comprise Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. A remnant of a by-gone era, the historic town has a mid-1800s ambience; its charming boutiques, antique shops and galleries spilling out of interesting old buildings, some dating back to the Civil War. Modern amenities, taverns and restaurants are to be found along Dock Street; but the pleasant wrap-around lanai on the second story of the Island Hotel, an island mainstay since 1859, is the place to relax and sip a tall, cool glass of mint tea. If you plan to stay for dinner and the sunset, the hotel’s restaurant is known for its superbly-prepared seafood.
While it did a stint as a cedar mill and broom factory center in the early 1900s, Cedar Key has reverted to a pristine natural wilderness that begs to be explored. Cabbage palms and live oaks draped in filmy Spanish moss dot a landscape that is home to numerous birds, including white pelicans and eagles. An excellent hiking trail near town follows an old railroad bed and is well marked with signs identifying local plants. If you want to explore the islands, shallow waters and unexpected sandbars make renting a kayak or booking a tour on a shallow-draft pontoon boat your best options.
A visit to Cedar Key makes a delightful day trip and is within easy reach of beautiful St. Petersburg vacation rentals available on iTrip.net.