Where to go, what to do in Cedar Key, Fla.

IF YOU GO

Want to take a spur-of-the-moment trip to Cedar Key, Fla.? Here's the info you need for the weekend of Oct. 30-Nov. 1:

GETTING THERE

Southwest has nonstop flights to Tampa from Dulles starting at about $300 and from BWI starting at about $320. US Airways has a one-stop flight from BWI to Gainesville Regional Airport, which is closer but pricier at $373.

WHERE TO STAY

Island Hotel, 373 Second St., 352-543-5111, http://www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com. This 10-room bed-and-breakfast in a 150-year-old tabby building with oak beams and wood floors had rooms available for the weekend, but it can fill up at the last minute. Rates start at $90.

We've stayed at the Lilac Sister on First Street, 352-543-6000. Rental apartments are available starting at $100.

The Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce provides a Web site with links to rental apartments, condos and cottages: http://www.cedarkey.org/lodging.php.

WHERE TO EAT

The Island Room, 192 E. Second St., 352-543-6520, http://www.islandroom.com. Upscale seafood restaurant with water view. Not related to the Island Hotel. Dinner entrees from $10.95 to $27.95.

Frog's Landing, 420 Dock St., 352-543-9243, http://www.frogslanding.net. Casual seafood and drinks, such as the Frogarita. Offers live music and waterfront decks that hang over the Gulf. Lunch and dinner entrees from $7.99 to $18.99.

WHAT TO DO

Kayak Cedar Keys, 8055 A St., 352-543-9447, http://www.kayakcedarkeys.com. Kayak to Atsena Otie Key. Three-hour rental rates start at $25.

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge: http://www.fws.gov/cedarkeys/atsenaotie.html

Manatee Springs State Park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings. Take a dip in the 72-degree water.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, 352-543-5600, http://www.cedarkey.org.

-- A.R.

*All flight and lodging information valid as of press time Thursday.