Florida Gulf Coast-Cedar Key to Naples

In a few weeks we will be exploring Florida's Gulf coast from Cedar Key south to Naples. I know there are a number of posts already around specific areas, and we will make use of all of those references. Are there other worthy places? Good food, anywhere along the coast, is something we can work into our schedule. What are your favorites?

There are some good "Old Florida" fish houses along the coast. If you're in the mood to cut out to the coast around Venice there is a nicer drive that ends in Placida The Fishery Restaurant. They were just getting back in business when we were there in November. From there you can tour through Punta Gorda and see Charlie's devastion first hand.

It's a bit north of Cedar Key, but the town of Steinhatchee is about as "old Florida" as it gets these days. Once upon a time I was sent (by the U. of FL) to work in a state-built clinic in Mayo, Florida (yes, we all called it "the Mayo Clinic") where there were then no practicing physicians in 4 adjacent counties. There was one restaurant in town which, if it's still there, would definitely qualify as "roadfood", but we also used to head down to the Gulf coast at Steinhatchee for some excellent seafood and I remember the setting as exceedingly picturesque. Haven't been there in so long, I can't recommend any of the currently existing restaurants by personal experience, but I'd bet one or more of them have good seafood: http://steinhatcheenetwork.com/ . I'd also bet that very little south of Cedar Key has escaped being turned into "New Florida".

My parents spent many winters in Crystal River, FL. When visiting them ,we never missed going to Peck's Old Port Cove Restaurant. Pecks is an "old Florida" seafood restaurant with great what I call "Southern fried seafood." That part of Florida doesn't have a beach, but salt flats & many small islands. Peck's is on State Rt 494 east of US 19. 494 winds through the salt flats & islands for about 9 miles & you will see all kinds of wild life. If possible make sure not to miss the sunset. I know the west coast of Florida is known for sunsets, but the ones I witnessed at Peck's are the most beautiful I've ever seen.