Day 42 Cedar Key, Florida

The five hour drive from Seaside to Cedar Key was without traffic but very boring. We got there shortly after noon and checked in at Harbour Master Suites. We didn't get the water front room we rented the last time we were here, instead they put us in a huge suite that overlooked the town with a semi-water view. We dropped off our bags and went immediately to Steamers for a lunch of clam chowder and fried oysters. Later on, we stopped at Big Deck Bar for steamed clams and fish. I had a couple dozen clams and expect to get more tomorrow.

Cedar Key's an interesting place to visit. We were here 6 years ago and found it fascinating. It's a very small island that's known for clam and oyster aquaculture, and in my opinion, the oysters are pretty good and the clams are simply the best I've had. A small local place, Tony's Seafood Restaurant, is noted for winning the World Championship Clam Chowder competition three consecutive years, and I can tell you, it's really, really good and I believe it's a result of the clams. I will be going there tomorrow. Cedar Key has a population of only 800 and is really small. You can walk the town in an hour if you walk slowly. There's not much here except for a few restaurants and a convenience store. Most of the residences are either retired or watermen. We stopped at 83 West for a drink and talked to a guy who is the sole resident on an island that can only be reached by airboat. He built the only structure on the island and loves it, except for the summer deer flies. An interesting conversation.

Cedar Key