Cedar Key

This rustic village sits at the tip of Levy County.  It is a step back to Florida as it used to be; a quiet town with a lot of old simple houses.  Of course there are new Mcmansions, but don’t let that distract you.

One thing really sticks out – you won’t find any Holiday Inns here.  There are no chain hotels. There are a lot of old Florida cottage like motels and a few upscale condos.  Nice and simple; just the way the 2 Chicas like it - sometimes.

The main strip is nicely preserved with old buildings and there is a dock area with lots of restaurants as well as an overlook area.

Check out the lighthouse and be sure to walk, bike, or golf cart your way through the handful of blocks.

Grab a fishing pole and spend some time fishing and when you get tired of that, do some bird watching at the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. 

Cedar Key has a large protected sanctuary that is home to all kinds of birds.  Some are rare, but there is no scarcity of birdwatching.

While out and about, check out the lighthouse.  It is customary to see huge osprey flying overhead, and Chica 1 spotted a barn owl sitting on top of a pier.

By now you’ve got to be hungry, so make sure to eat at one of the local restaurants. 

They all specialize in serving different gulf seafood dishes.  Clams are really a big deal here; they're a local speciality, so try some!

Don’t overlook the biggest draw in town – beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  Be sure to have your favorite drink in hand – preferably non-alcoholic and enjoy the free show!

The 2 Chicas checked out the Blue Desert Café. It was a really eclectic spot, decorated with a variety of items. There was money posted up on the walls, as were maps, rock and roll memorabilia, license plates, and different old replica metal posters. The food was simple and tasty.  Try the clam linguini.

Get out and explore the island.  There's a state park area that has artifacts from early settlers in the area. 

There are some interesting pieces like a cannon, an old home, a fishing boat, and a large salt kettle. 

There are informational markers sharing key facts about each item.

You never know what is around the bend so don't take this little island for granted.  Cedar Key is a real hippee, yippee place and don't you forget it!

Shell Mound Archeological Site

The drive out to the shell mound is quite solitary.  After exploring the boardwalk area, and waving to a solitary pelican, the 2 Chicas set out to find the mound.

So off we went, admiring the marshy plains and the expansive beauty of the gulf.

It is really something to stand right at the edge of the water and realize how small you are in relation to all you see.

It is also some kind of awesome to make a footprint in the sand and watch the water repetitively wash it away.  We are all a part of something so much larger.  

Anyhoo, if you are anything like Chica 1, you will look everywhere for the mound.  Eventually, if you stop for a minute, you will realize you are standing on it! 

The shells from this large mound at one point were being used for street surfacing, until other antiquities were discovered.

The mound was made from the shells discarded by the ancient folks after eating their meals. 

You’re walking on 6,000 years worth of dinner.  Umm....

There’s a fishing pier, boat ramp and hiking trail. It's a really neat area so if you get a chance, check it out.  You won't believe the beauty and serenity.

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