Amelia Island, Florida
June 2022
I lived on Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach), Florida for about 38 years before moving to Colorado. My husband and I visit Fernandina Beach at least once a year to visit family and friends. We decided this time while visiting Amelia Island we would be tourists.
Amelia Island, located on the coast of Northeast Florida is a hop, skip and jump to Georgia. It is the only United States location to have been under eight different flags. Thus, it’s known as the “Isle of Eight Flags”. Amelia Island flourished due to having the deepest natural harbors on the East Coast and the arrival of the railroad, thanks to David Yulee.
In the late 1800’s the island experienced the Golden Age. The Historic District preservation of Victorian homes and its many churches give you a glimpse into the past.
If I tell you where we’ve stayed, it’s because it passed the test: we’d stay there again.
Tips:
- The best time to visit Amelia Island is the winter months, December through March. We had to go in June otherwise I’d have waited till cooler months. Heat and humidity are not for me!
- Check weather before visiting. It’s hot and muggy most of the year. It was over 100 several days we were there.
- Take sunscreen (reef safe) and bug spray.
- If you are traveling with others and sharing costs, download the free app called Splitwise splitwise.com
It records expenses easily and splits them as you travel so when you settle up with your traveling companions at the end of your trip is hassle free.
We were in Amelia Island for a total of 5 days. We drove so I was able to take hang up clothes.
I packed:
- 2 short sleeve shirts
- 2 sleeveless shirts
- 3 pair of shorts
- Bathing suit
- Swim shorts (Lahaina Short by Athleta)
- Sun top full zip
- 1 sundress
- Chaco sandals for walking
- Strappy dressier sandals
- Hat (my favorite is a packable Wallaroo Victoria Fedora)
- Rain jacket
Tips:
- If flying carry extra pair of underwear and toiletries in a carry-on just in case you get stranded on one of your legs of travel.
Amelia Island: 6 nights
The Fairbanks B&B https://fairbankshouse.com/
Located in the Historic District of Fernandina Beach. An 1885 Victorian-era mansion, Italianate in design was the home of George Fairbanks and became known as Fairbanks Folly since his new wife didn’t seem pleased with the home. It’s hard to understand since the home is amazing.
The innkeepers, Rob and Yvonne, are awesome. They allowed us to check in early and gave us an overview of the place. I can’t say enough about this historic B&B which is walking distance to the downtown area. There is off-street parking with two electric car charging stations, complimentary bikes, beach equipment, a gourmet breakfast (which can be enjoyed in the dining room or on the porch), and a happy hour where you are served complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Rob and Yvonne are from California and have a deep passion for making sure guests are happy. I hope to stay here on my next visit.
Tips:
- Reservations in town may be needed for dinner.
- The breakfast is hardy at the inn. You might not want much for lunch.
Adventures: Size doesn’t matter on this island which is only 13 miles long and 2 miles wide. The island is full of history and things to do.
Several of the things I recommend I did when I was on the Island in the past.
- Amelia River Cruises. https://ameliarivercruises.com/
I recommend the Cumberland Island Tour. You will learn about the history of Amelia and Cumberland Island. You might get to see the wild horses on Cumberland’s shores and see dolphins swimming by.
Tips:
- Make reservations.
- Take sunscreen, sun shirt and hat.
- Check weather report
- Amelia Island Museum of History
Located at 233 S. Third Street in the old jail. This museum is often overlooked by tourists but shouldn’t be. Put it on your list of things to do during your visit.
The historical story starts 4,000 years ago with the Timucua Native American tribe to Spanish and French explorers, to pirates to the Victorian-era residents. The artifacts are in themselves fascinating but hearing the history through a one-hour docent-led tour will give you a deeper appreciation for this small yet rich in history island.
Tips:
- Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm/ Sunday 1pm-4pm
- Adult admission $10, Senior $8, Active military $8 and child (ages 5-7) $5
- Docent-led tours M-Saturday at 11am, 2pm, / Sunday at 2pm
- Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Home Tour. https://ameliamuseum.org/holiday-home-tour/
This event must be timed for the first weekend of December. The homes are decorated by local florist. There are docents in each house to share the history of the home.
Tips:
- Get tickets in advance.
- Fort Clinch State Park. https://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch
Located 2601 Atlantic Ave. Open 8am to sunset.
This historic fort was begun in 1847 to protect the coast of Georgia. Yep. Georgia is that close.
At the start of the Civil War, it was controlled by the Confederate troops but in 1862 it was held by Union soldiers. The fort was used during the Spanish-American war as a barracks and ammunition depot. There was never a direct conflict at Fort Clinch. With the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) the fort was restored after years of neglect. During WWII Fort Clinch was used for surveillance and communication. You can tour the fort and see guard rooms, a prison barrack, hospital, and kitchens.
There are reenactors and first-person interpreters that show you what life was like at the fort in the 1860’s during specific times of the year.
Tips:
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen
- $6 per vehicle
- Check out events before planning your trip so you can see a reenactment at the fort. https://www.floridastateparks.org/events
- Take a picnic lunch and eat at the picnic area. You might see deer, but I guarantee you’ll see mosquitoes.
- You can camp at the park. You will need reservations.
- The Beach!
This is reason most people travel to Fernandina Beach. For the beach. The beach is crowded in summer. And can be miserably hot. We call these days, ‘Dog Days’.
There are plenty of public beach access points. But they do fill up.
A hobby my husband like is searching for shark’s teeth in the sand near the water. Even though shark attacks are rare there are sharks. I don’t have an eye for spotting the shark’s teeth.
Tips:
- Sunscreen, hat, and a container for your shark teeth.
- Sand can get hot, have a pair of flip flops.
If you can’t find parking head to Peters Point Beachfront Park. 4600 Peters Point Rd. There is much more parking and amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables and showers.
- The mornings and evenings are less crowded. Beware of rip tides.
- American Beach. Located along the southern end of Amelia Island Parkway (A1A). You turn east on Lewis Street where you could drive on the beach, but I don’t recommend it. Go past Lewis Street and park at Burney Park and walk the beach.
Fascinating history: A.L. Lewis helped found and serve as President of the Afro-American Life Insurance company. He became Florida’s first Black millionaire. He purchased 200 acres of seashore along Florida’s northeastern coast in 1935. He called it American Beach. Celebrities such as Ray Charles, Hank Aaron, and Joe Lewis were frequently seen on the beach.
The woman who helped preserve this beach was known to me and locals as “The Beach Lady”. She was A. L. Lewis’ great granddaughter. She was an unforgettable character on the island with her kaftans and seven feet of dreadlocked hair. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/beach-lady
Tips:
- Riptides are dangerous at American Beach, so I don’t recommend swimming if you aren’t an experienced swimmer.
Dining: There are a lot of eateries on Amelia Island but some don’t get the hype they deserve.
- The Boat House https://boathousefernandina.com/
New to the Island. Inside outside seating. Good fried shrimp.
- Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant https://pablosmexcuisinefl.com/
A local favorite. Good margaritas.
- The Mustard Seed Café located inside Nassau Health Foods. 822 TJ Courson Rd
A great place for a light lunch. You can meals to go. Delicious wraps and soup.
- The Loop https://www.thelooprestaurant.com/
A local favorite. Not expensive but gotta try the Loop burger.
- The Happy Tomato Courtyard Café & BBQ https://www.thehappytomatocafe.com/
A local favorite. Love their salads and BBQ. Easy on the wallet. Cute area to sit outside.
Good seafood and Tapas. Good wines. Unique restaurant.
RECIPE:
Chocolate Chip Streusel Coffee Cake
Recipe courtesy of Fairbanks House BnB
STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
1 c brown sugar, firmly packed 1 pkg Pillsbury Yellow Cake Mix
½ c semisweet chocolate chips 1 8 oz carton sour cream
½ c chopped walnuts ¾ c water
2 tbsp flour 2 eggs
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, melted
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour 13×9” pan. In a small bowl, combine all streusel ingredients: mix well. Set aside. In large bowl, combine coffee cake ingredients at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at highest speed. Spread 2/3 of batter is greased and floured pan; sprinkle w/ half of streusel mixture. Repeat w/ remaining batter and streusel mixture. Bake 35 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit to this island that I called home for almost 40 yrs. I didn’t mention all the events held on this island so check out: https://www.ameliaisland.com/Festivals-and-Events
Contact me if you have any questions.
Enjoy!!