By J.D. Chi
Amelia Island is a barrier island off the northeast coast of Jacksonville, Florida. It is south of the more well-known Golden Isles, which include Jekyll and Sea islands. Amelia Island offers a plethora of outdoor activities and includes a
resort area and 13 miles of spectacular
beaches. The only city on the Island, Fernandina
beach, features gorgeous turn-of-the-century architecture and a well-kept historic district.
From horseback riding on the beach to a
romantic stay in a bed and breakfast to a boat ride featuring dolphin and wild horse sightings, there is no shortage of things to do. Dining on Amelia Island ranges from high-end experiences to kitschy insider spots, while nightlife features the oldest continuously running bar in the state, the Palace Saloon.
Amelia Island is decked out for the Christmas holidays, and the annual Shrimp Festival in May draws more than 100,000 visitors annually. In the months in between, you'll find a Chamber music festival, a book festival, a Latin festival and any number of holiday specials.
Where to Stay
Amelia Island has two excellent resorts, the Ritz-Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation, both of which offer high-end beachfront accommodations in addition to top-notch service and dining. For those seeking a more personal experience, the Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association is composed of seven inns that offer intimate experiences. Budget travelers will find plenty of deals at locally owned hotels and motels, including the Amelia Hotel, Hampton Inn, Days Inn and Comfort Suites. A Marriott Residence Inn is scheduled to open in 2009.
Dining
In the historic district, you'll find more than 25 restaurants, ranging from the spectacular fare and service at Espana (Spanish and Portuguese) to down-home Southern cooking at the Marina. There is a wide variety in flavors and prices, though local favorites include T-Rays Burger Station (located in the Exxon Station at the corner of Beech and 8th), Island Barbeque (at the Sadler Road roundabout), Le Clos (South 2nd in the historic district) and Fancy Sushi (on Sadler Road).
Things To Do
Hiking at Fort Clinch State Park, enjoying a boat ride with Amelia River cruises or taking a carriage tour of the historic district all offer a fresh take on Amelia Island. The museum, a renovated jail, is full of information about the so-called "Island of 8 Flags," while the historic downtown features shops, galleries filled with offerings from local artists and plenty of ambience. Be sure to visit the tourism center at the old Train Depot on the corner of Centre and Front for information.
Christmas Tours
For 13 years, the Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association hosted a holiday tour of homes, but two years ago it was taken over by the local museum. Now, you have two opportunities to visit some of Amelia Island's grand dames decked out in their holiday finest. The bed and breakfasts run an annual "Cookie Tour" in November. Seven inns, most in historic buildings, are open to tour and give away favorite cookie recipes. In early December, the museum hosts a tour of decorated historic homes throughout the district. The Island also has multiple Christmas tree lightings, downtown and at the Ritz and Amelia Island Plantation, as well as a Christmas Pet Parade, a Christmas parade featuring Santa and Disney holiday character meals at the Ritz.
Shrimp Festival
While Christmas is certainly a special time of year on Amelia Island, the Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival is the biggest event of the year. On the first weekend of May every year, Centre Street in the historic district becomes a pedestrian area filled with craft and food booths, children's activities and music. More than 100,000 people attend the event annually. The weekend kicks off with a parade, replete with a cannon-shooting pirate-ship float. There is also a "landing of the pirates" event, a shrimp-boat parade and fireworks.
Special Events
Amelia Island is home to countless festivals throughout the year, including a three-week chamber music festival in June, a book festival in February, a Latin festival in the early fall and an art festival in November. The Island is also home to the Concours d'Elegance auto show, one of the most prestigious fine auto shows and auctions in the country.
Resources
About the Author:
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
