Day Trips from Gainesville, Part 3

Long overdue, here is some information about day trips from Gainesville to The Suwannee River and Cedar Key:

The 266-mile Suwannee River flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. The Suwannee River meets the Gulf of Mexico in, aptly named, Suwannee, Florida after flowing through swamps, hardwood hammocks, salt marshes, and limestone banks. Fifty five springs feed the Suwannee as it winds its way to the Gulf. The Suwanne River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak off US 90 and is the perfect place to explore this notable waterway through various activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and boating. http://www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver/ Stephen Foster never had it so good.

Located just off the mainland off the Gulf side of central Florida, Cedar Key is a charming respite from the daily grind. Easily reached by driving out SR 24 from Gainesville, you'll pass through a several towns (Archer, Bronson, and Otter Creek). Note historic Rosewood as you pass by.

Cedar Key is noted for its clams, and several restaurants offer scrumptious fare using clams. Oysters fixed any way you can think of are also a favorite among restaurant goers. Cedar Key offers an arts festival in the spring and a seafood festival in the fall, and both are terrific events. I've purchased artwork at the spring festival and eaten more clams than I care to mention at the seafood festival.

Shopping and boating are the best ways to pass the time in Cedar Key. Just park your car and start wandering around the Key, and you'll find delightful shops full of unique artwork and clothing. There is also a launch ramp for you to put your watercraft in the water. Keep your boat in the channel, however, or you may run aground. We use to sail a 12-foot puffer boat around Cedar Key and the smaller keys close to Cedar Key, and I've had to pull up the daggerboard on more than one occasion when we sailed too close to shore. The waters are crystal clear and dolphins and sea turtles have been known to swim by an anchored boat.

Stay in Cedar Key for the sunset, and you won't be disappointed. Plan on having a cocktail and/or dinner around sunset at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Gulf, and you'll think you've found a slice of heaven.