Cedar Key

This island community – named for the Eastern red Cedar tree — is a story by itself, dating back to even before the time pirates prowled off the coast and, as the legend goes, hid some of their treasure nearby. Artifacts collected around the area show human habitation going back to 500 BC.

The Seminole Indians lived here, and numerous pirates were said to have frequented the area. Aside from being the site of the state’s first railroad, Cedar Key boasts the title of No. 1 producer of farm-raised clams; shellfish is the biggest industry here.

A popular tourist spot, shops and restaurants line Dock Street, where kayak and paddleboard rentals or a fishing charter can provide exploration to the surrounding islands in the Gulf of Mexico. The George T. Lewis general aviation airport is also east of town.

The airport was used for air and sea rescue operations on World War II; it is miles from the Gainesville Regional Airport and 43 miles from the Ocala International Airport.