Captiva trip

[brackish]

Going to Captiva Island next month.  Schedule demands that the trip down will be a "power drive".  However, I want to make the drive back more leisurely, maybe stopping at points of interest along the way.  Plan to take a couple of days from Captiva ending up in Mexico Beach on the Panhandle.  I've always had an interest in visiting places like Cedar Key, Suwannee, Steinhatchee, St. Marks, etc. just because I've never been there before.  

Anyone have a "must see" or "must eat here" along that west Florida coast route.

[skip1930]

My dad always had a soft spot in his heart for a Cedar Key adventure. He'd motor over in his Grand Banks , 'Turkey Trout', with mom.
I have never been there, but " I's luvs to go' ".

skip.

[HideAway]

Cedar Key is a special place - very much old florida in the good sense - artsy and beautiful.   It is not a good sailing destination and even if you launch at the city ramp I'm not sure you would fit under the bridge with the mast down.  Outside the only protection is the islands off shore.  The pier offers no protection from the Gulf.  There is a camp ground and motels etc.    Still its worth the trip

[Cruzin]

The entire area is really beautiful! I am in Crystal River and it is very nice area. It has a number of very nice springs at the headwaters of the river. There are a few waterfront restaurants that are easily accessible by water. The river gets very busy on the weekends. Cedar Key is a very cool place as well. Lots of cool little shops and waterfront restaurants. There is also a very cool museum. Steinhatchee is beautiful as well. Great seafood at Roy's Restaurant and it is right on the water, easily accessible by boat. Hope you have a great trip!

[brackish]

Thanks folks!  this is not a sailing trip, no boat following behind me, simply a driving trip.  My closest high school friend, who lives in Boca Raton has rented a place on Captiva, and they invited us down.  He is an ex sailor (is there such a thing?), who now has a Caribiana sea skiff, which he will bring to Captiva.

Probably should start making some sacrifices to the hurricane gods.