Day 17, 18, and 19 Cedar Key

Cedar Key

It was an interesting drive to Cedar Key in that for the last 30 miles there was nothing. Cedar Key is at the end of a long road from nowhere, and is unlike any place I've been before. It's a very old hurricane spent town and might remind one of how Key West may have been many years ago. We checked into the Harbour Master Suites on the dock and I was stunned at the incredible view. Check out the room on their website. http://cedarkeyharbourmaster.com/ForgetMeNot.php . As you can see the town is walk-able and has quite a few restaurants and bars. Most of them aren't very good, but they are interesting. One of the reasons I wanted to go here was that I had read there was a little place called Tony's that had won the Super Bowl of Clam Chowder contests (Boston) three times. And, obviously that was the first place we went, and it was very, very good.  I tried quite a few bowls around the area, and they all seem to try and imitate Tony's, but don't quite match up. Tony's is small (seats 54) and can be hard to get into on the weekends. Cedar Key is the second biggest producer of farmed clams in the country so clams are a mainstay around town. We just had four dozen clams and they were easily the best I've ever had. The small island - less than 1000 residents - has an interesting history, both before and after the Civil War, so the little museum is a worthwhile side trip.  If in the area be sure to go, and definitely stay at the Harbour Master with a waterview room. Three days here is more than enough time to see everything, although I would have liked to go kayaking and fishing. It's a beautiful and fun place, and if in the area I would come again.