Amelia Island
Just about 100 miles to the north of our area is one of the most sought after and desirable locations in the world. Savvy travelers consistently rank it among the top island getaways in North America, continuing a fascination that spans more than four centuries. The tiny, treasured land mass is one of the southernmost of the Sea Islands that stretch from South Carolina to Florida and offers a truly spectacular Floridian View. Join us this and every month as we discover A Broader View in on less than a tank of gas from home. Come with us as we explore one of the Top 10 North American Islands, Amelia Island.
We made the journey for the fabulous 16th Annual Concours D’Elegance in mid-March, the premiere event of its kind on the east coast. More than just a car show and concours, it is truly an incredible weekend celebration of automobile design, the industry and its history. One of our favorite events across the state, we can never get enough of this showcase of rare and elegant cars in this idyllic destination. Truly a must view event that should be on every car enthusiasts annual calendar.
Getting There
Amelia Island is located just outside of Jacksonville, FL (around 120 miles from Daytona Beach and a few less from the Flagler area) – the short distance coupled with beautiful weather made it the perfect time to bring out the convertible and take a leisurely topless drive up I-95 north to our destination. After riding for a couple of hours lost in the vastness of my vacation playlist on the iPod, we decided to take the scenic route. We drove aboard the Mayport Auto Ferry and with that $5 splurge; we crossed over the St. Johns River and continued on A1A over Big and Little Talbot Islands onto Amelia.
History
The only community in America to have experienced life under eight different flags of dominion, Amelia Island is rightly known as the Isle of Eight Flags. Characterized by stately Victorian-era architecture, this beautiful and charming seaport village played a prominent role in shaping Florida’s history. The seeds of the island’s long struggle were planted in 1562, when Frenchman Jean Ribault first landed on the “Isle de Mai” (Island of May). After a swap with Spain, British loyalists established plantations for the King and named the island “Amelia” after Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II. Enjoying her simple innocence and peaceful nature, many visitors would be shocked to learn of Amelia’s checkered past, when she was little more than a playground for smugglers, pirates and other ruffians, all fighting over her. Eventually Amelia’s town of Fernandina was forced to clean up its act when it ceded to the United States in 1821.
Downtown Amelia
Once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, the charming downtown of Fernandina Beach has escaped the commercialization of the 20th century. Today, the town boasts a beautiful 50-block historic district with many original structures dating back to the late 19th century, including many Victorian-style mansions and Victorian cottages. Take a stroll through the heart of the shopping district and peruse books from The Book Loft or eat delicious fudge at Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge.
For a unique perspective of historic downtown, take a horse-drawn carriage ride while listening to a narrative of the historic district. Guides entertain with tales of new and old, revealing the past of the people and inns that shape Amelia’s distinctive story. A special treat for children and adults alike, there are not many things that can take you back in time like the sound of hooves echoing down the street of downtown Fernandina Beach.
What to Do
After the car show, we were in search of a water experience that was up close and personal so we went to see the fine folks at Kayak Amelia. The three hour trip includes a ½ kayak fitting on the beach and basic safety instruction coupled with paddle instruction and a balance drill on water. Then we were on our way, the remaining two hour trip around the salt marshes of Talbot Islands State Park brought us face to face with herons, egrets, a couple of manatees, crabs and even a dolphin - don’t worry though the waters are too salty for a face to face alligator encounter.
After conquering the water, some time on land was needed. Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved forts from the 19th century. Daily tours with period re-enactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for everyone that visits. The State Park also offers popular beach activities and fish enthusiasts can take to the pier for excellent surf fishing. Nature lovers can hike or cycle a six mile trail through the park and observe native plants and wildlife.
No trip to Amelia is complete without a horseback ride along the pristine shore. Vastly different from the horse power on our local beaches, this is a truly a fabulous experience. Located on a 200 acre preserve where you can see dolphins, shorebirds and other wildlife, Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers one of only a handful of beach horseback riding opportunities in the nation. The gentle and well-trained horses and professional guides give visitors a fun and novel way to enjoy Amelia’s fantastic white-sand beaches.
While on the beach at any time during your visit, take a moment to collect a shark tooth that rides in just as the waves break on the shore. Keep an eye out for these little dark triangles which make fun take home reminders of your day in the sun.
What to Eat
With more than 40 distinctive restaurants, Amelia Island serves up an enticing array of flavorful options. One of our favorites is Salt, located at The Ritz-Carlton. With an impressive allure as one of few restaurants that achieved the AAA Five Diamond status, it offers 42 variations of salt, harvested from every corner of the world. With a unique menu with seasonal changes each week, it is one of our favorites in the state.
The menu is extensive, featuring a number of fresh seafood offerings and favorites. I opted for the four course Chef’s Adventure Tasting menu with wine pairings, and was blown away. The meal featured a chilled heirloom tomato soup; a flawless pappardelle pasta (with the most delectable scallops, prawns and lobster) Scottish salmon with bacon, fennel and watercress and finally New York Strip with green asparagus, Georgia grits and a quail egg. After four courses and four glasses of wine I was both stuffed and giddy. I almost passed on dessert, but ordered the Chocolate Mocha Souffle with coffee ice cream and Kahlua anglaise, strictly for the purposes of informing you. It was divine.
For a more local flare you must check out Joe's 2nd Street Bistro. In the heart of the historic district is this restored 1900s home. The island-inspired dining room hosts a beautiful brick fireplace, but we suggest sitting on the covered porch. Eating here is the closest experience that I have had to eating at my favorite chef’s house. I love the grilled leg of lamb rubbed with black pepper, garlic, and herbs and served with tomato mint salsa, potatoes, and cotton fried onions. Don’t skip on dessert where the apple bread pudding is absolutely perfect.
Where to Shop
Amelia Island is home to an eclectic collection of local stores, shops, galleries and boutiques. As I strolled down Centre Street was a refreshing break from my usual shopping experiences filled with mass commercialization and parking lots the size of airport hangers. The quaint shopping district blended local flavor and modern convenience with its Victorian past, offering something for every taste. Check out The Shops at Omni Amelia Island Plantation – a unique offering of trendy boutiques, children’s clothier, home décor and holiday shopping coupled with the Shops’ shady, moss-draped oaks and reflective lagoon make even window shopping magical.
A must visit is the French Market Antiques, Accessories & Gifts where beautiful antique furnishings shipments arrive direct from France. The shop owners take buying and research trips to France and England to bring many of the finest and most interesting pieces we have seen.
Where to Stay
The island is home to a surprising mix of accommodations, each with its own unique character, amenities and comforts, but all sharing a brand of Florida southern hospitality that is pure Amelia. From luxurious oceanfront AAA Four-Diamond resorts to the charm and personality of a historic bed and breakfast inn or the privacy of a beachfront, you will find many wonderful places to relax after a day on the Island.
Our choice has always been the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island. With a more understated elegance than its sister properties across the world, this resort offers every luxury yet it feels accessible and unstuffy. Each of the beachfront resort’s 444 spacious guest rooms provide breathtaking views of the ocean, and feature trademark luxuries such as plush bathrobes, marble baths, and 24-hour room service. Amenities include championship golf, a four-court tennis complex, state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, and indoor and outdoor pools. You can also enjoy the resort’s many restaurants and lounges during your stay.
Also at the top of its class is the 1,350-acre Omni Amelia Island Plantation which overlooks the Atlantic to the east and marshland and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. The resort features 249 oceanview guest rooms. The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation offer one, two and three-bedroom villas. Throughout the property, all of the accommodations feature private balconies or patios with beautiful views of the ocean, tree canopies or marshlands. Guests enjoy access to endless outdoor activities, including 54 holes of championship golf, 23 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, nature trails for hiking and biking, and 20 swimming pools.
With seven charming inns on the island, each of the bed and breakfasts on Amelia offer their own distinct character. Whether it’s a Victorian mansion or a Nantucket shingle-style lodge, some are located in the heart of downtown Fernandina and offer a historic glimpse into the island’s colorful past, while others put guests directly on the beach. Each award-winning property offers a daily breakfast, varying from gourmet cooking to a casual breakfast basket, and most also offer an evening social hour.
Characterized by secret gardens, shady courtyards, porch swings and rockers, fountains, stately architecture, and distinctive décor, the island’s B&Bs are treasured as much for their historic beauty and significance as the unsurpassed service they provide. All of the inns provide quick and convenient access to the island’s beaches, restaurants, shops and recreational sites, and many offer complimentary bike, movie, and beach equipment rentals.
A charming and luxurious destination, Amelia Island offers a Floridian view unlike any other in the state. The upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. Next time a free weekend presents itself in the near future, leave the office a little early and make your way to Amelia Island. You will thank yourself for it.
