This visit to the Dilly Dally Gally was not my first, as I had stopped in previously on other trips…read moreinto Cedar Key. I stopped on this particular day because I was looking for a Cedar Key magnet to add to my growing collection of magnets.
Dilly Dally Gally is a quaint beach gift shop located on Dock Street, right on the main drag of Cedar Key closest to the ocean. The building has a lot of charm of an older beach town spot, with worn wood and older structures. Though store has that charming appeal, but is modern and clean on the inside.
Around this area of Cedar Key, there are parking spots and smaller lots. However, this store specifically does not have their own lot. There are street spaces near the entrance. We visited on a Wednesday morning in July, and were able to grab a spot on the street very close. However, if you are going during an evening or a busier time, you might have to park farther away and walk to the store. There are sidewalks and it is generally very walkable around this area, so that should not be a big deal.
There were a few other customers shopping around when we visited, but it was in no way crowded. This store is a little narrow, as it is just the nature of an older building. However, even with others shopping, I still had plenty of space to roam and browse.
This store is what you would expect out of a beachside gift shop. They have Cedar Key-branded merchandise, some fun novelty items, general beach-themed clothing, along with jewelry and other handmade items. It is fun to move from room to room in the shop and look at everything they have to offer. There was a room with sale items, and plenty of options for both children and adults throughout. There were also various racks located on the dock areas outside, so there is no lack of merchandise here!
I ended up purchasing a ceramic magnet with manatees on it that reads "Cedar Key" to add to my collection, and commemorate this trip. We also bought a dish towel with a black lab on it to hang in our kitchen at home. The total for both of our items was around $17 or $18, which I thought was a great value. It seemed like the prices here were reasonable and fair for all items, considering this is a gift shop in a touristy area.
The ladies who were working on this day were very kind and pleasant to talk to. They gave suggestions and made conversation when we were checking out. We talked with them about the rebuild of Cedar Key after the storm that came through in 2024. It was interesting to hear some of this from locals.
As stated, I have visited this store before. We come to the area at least once a year to visit family that live in nearby Chiefland. At least once or twice while we are in town, we make our way down to Cedar Key to spend time. Being from the northern part of the country, I just adore this town and all its charm. It is a beach town, but not over commercialized or crowded. It would truly be a great vacation spot, and stores like Dilly Dally Gally help to make it what it is.
It was so wonderful to see this store still standing and operating after the storms that hit last year. It is clear a lot of surrounding businesses were not so lucky, but the Dilly Dally Gally remains. I hope for the community and businesses that the rebuild continues, and shops and restaurants start to return soon.
I would highly recommend stopping here if you find yourself near Cedar Key. Not only will you be supporting a small business, but helping to keep tourism and economy alive in this town that could use it after all that has happened. Plus, you will discover such a unique place if you have never been! Really enjoyed this visit to the Dilly Dally Gally, and I will be back during my next trip to the area.
