Sometimes I get a bit frustrated explaining that where I live is by no means anywhere close to Key West and as a matter of fact it`s about 555 miles away! And, no it`s not part of Siesta Key or Longboat Key either! It`s all alone out there in the gulf about two and a half hours north of Tampa. Still many have never heard of Cedar Key and aren`t quite sure of how to get here. So, I will give to you my three favorite routes in order of convenience and then that of price. Since the Gainesville Airport (GNV) is closest at about an hour and a quarter I prefer to USE that whenever possible, They have a great website FLYGAINESVILLE.COM that will show the flight schedules of participating airlines, car rental companies and location maps. The biggest drawback is that it is a regional airport and it doesn`t draw all the major airlines plus the ticket prices usually run a bit higher than its competitors. My next choice is the Tampa Airport (TPA) at about a two and one half hour drive time but to me it`s a rather nice relaxing one especially when you pick up the Sun Coast Parkway route 589 that is practically right outside the airport exit and saves the hassle of stop and go traffic on a large portion of Rt. 19. It is a toll road but well worth the few dollars spent So, even with an early flight out it`s always fun to get a hotel close to the airport the day before and enjoy the surrounding Tampa Bay area shopping, beaches, and restaurants. All major airlines compete and prices are usually much less than Gainesville. Orlando (MCO) is my third choice simply for the fact it`s a bit further away in driving time(close to 3hr) but price wise comparable to Tampa. Again, what fun to arrive early or perhaps add on a trip to Disney World or surrounding attractions!
So, check out prices on websites such as Expedia.com or Orbitz.com and don`t forget the individual Airlines websites too to get the best deals for your dates of travel and definitely look often and shop around since rates change frequently.
Now, get out your map of Florida and find Cedar Key, then get on the computer and check out prices or perhaps do as we did and simply take a road trip that somehow ended us up in... Cedar Where?. Sally Findlay | 