Amelia Island

NATURAL WONDERLAND

BY SUSAN B. BARNES

JUST OFF the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, lies an island that, while developed, remains in harmony with its natural environment. Canopiesof live oak trees cloak the roadway and embrace visitors. To the east, waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash onto the beach, while the Intracoastal Waterway winds its way along the western side, creating a haven for wildlife and ideal opportunities for viewing. Throughout the island, a myriad of activities keeps families busy and provides ample opportunities to sit back and relax.

A FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER…

GRAB THE kids and hop onboard a cruise through the waterways that wind through, and along, Amelia Island, or bait a hook and bring in the catch of the day on a fishing expedition. Kayaking and horseback riding are also popular with the families that visit the island each year.

Amelia Island has a year full of events that are welcoming to visitors and locals alike. Take, for instance, Fernandina’s July 4th & Families Festival, or Fiesta de Santa Maria, which celebrates the historic Latin culture and heritage of Amelia Island, in September. And in December, ring in the holidays with the fifth annual Fernandina Beach Lighted Holiday Parade or the 17th Annual Historic Christmas Tour of Bed & Breakfast Inns. A recently introduced program at Amelia Island Plantation, Family Tee, allows the entire family to hit the links together. Available through September, Family Tee offers parents the opportunity to introduce their kids to the game of golf.

Racquet Park, Amelia Island Plantation’s tennis complex, also invites families to play together. In fact, children under the age of 15 play for free with a paying adult. The pros at Racquet Court can even arrange group tennis tournaments.

Romantic horseback riding at sunsetKIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

SOMETIMES KIDS want to hang out with those their own age. Amelia Island Plantation recognizes that, and offers supervised, age-appropriate programs for kids between the ages of three and 19. For those in the younger age group, themed days include Military Monday, Pirates Tuesday, Wild Wild West Wednesday, Tie Dye Thursday, Fiesta Friday, Under the Sea Saturday and Sizzling Sun Sunday.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island also offers a supervised program specifically geared to children ages five through 12 with activities and events that will keep the kids entertained while their parents enjoy some time to themselves.

GROWN-UP TIME

VACATIONS SHOULD incorporate kidfree time as well, and there are plenty of options here. Amelia Island offers everything from private golf and tennis lessons to world-class spas, fine dining and even the perfect spot for a nightcap or to dance the night away

History buffs will delight in knowing that the island was named for King George II of England’s daughter Princess Amelia in 1735 by James Oglethorpe, the British Governor of Georgia. They will also enjoy downtown Fernandina Beach, a once vibrant, Victorian seaport village. Today, the town boasts a 50-block historic district with original structures dating back to the late 19th century. Those interested in architecture will enjoy strolling the streets and gazing at the Victorian-
Great golf getawaystyle mansions and cottages.

With 72 championship holes to play, the courses at Amelia Island Plantation are a golfer’s paradise. If you’re ready to better your game, just make an appointment and a golf pro will help you better your swing, drive the ball further and improve your game overall.

Amelia Island offers two world-class spas in which to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, sightseeing or simply lounging by the ocean.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Spa offers a wide array of treatments, from massages and facials to baths and a stylish salon. Signature treatments include “Salt” at the Spa, consisting of a margarita salt scrub and wrap, a Vichy massage and aromatic margarita salt pedicure, along with a signature margarita to imbibe; Seashell Serendipity, a massage and facial combination that incorporates seashells and ocean sounds; and the hour-long Heaven in a Hammock, a massage that creates the sense of weightlessness and floating via a swaying hammock.

The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation is the perfect way to unwind after a day of enjoying all of the island activities Twenty-five rooms are available in which to indulge in any of the inviting spa services and all of the products used in the spa are clean and green, meaning that the treatments are free of chemicals and artificial preservatives. In keeping with Amelia Island Plantation’s commitment to preserving nature, the products used are all earth-friendly.

When it’s time for dinner, the Amelia Inn’s Ocean Grill is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner for two. Gaze out the windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean while sipping a glass of fine wine or champagne. The master chefs will present a meal that will tantalize even the most discerning taste buds. If you’re looking for a French dining experience, make reservations at Le Clos in the historic district. In this 1906 cottage, diners will indulge in delectable fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.

After dinner, head to the Falcon’s Nest and dance the night away. Decorated in an aviation theme, the Nest is a popular end to a day of golfing, tennis or just relaxing by the pool. Or, for a bit more history, head to The Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach, the oldest saloon in the state of Florida. The Pirate’s Punch is not to be missed.

GOING AU NATURAL

WHEN CHARLES FRASER decided in 1971 to develop the 1,350 acres that would become Amelia Island Plantation, he wanted to do so in a way that would be “in harmony with nature.” To do so, Fraser partnered with Ian McHarg, and together they designed a development plan that would protect tidal marshes, oceanfront dunes, grasslands and savannahs. In addition, they designated a 40-foot wide strip of natural vegetation to serve as a buffer to all waterways so that they would remain unspoiled wildlife refugees, travel corridors and food sources.

A terrific way to experience the beauty of Amelia Island is by taking advantage of the classes and excursions offered by the Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center. A staff of naturalists will lead you on a kayak tour through the marsh, or through the maritime forests, marsh boardwalks and beachside paths on a Segway. The center also offers a bike hike, woodland walk, and outings to view the birds, flora and fauna of Amelia. At night, go stargazing or join an owl prowl.

The 1,086 acres found at Fort Clinch State Park offer pristine beaches and dunes, nature trails, a fishing pier that extends 1,500 feet into Cumberland Sound, and the only campgrounds found on all of Amelia Island. Birding, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities within the park

AMELIA ISLAND offers something for everyone, for a long weekend, a week or even a month. Take your time exploring this magnificent island and find out foryourself what it means to be in harmony with nature.

CALL IT A DAY
WHERE TO STAY

Whether oceanfront or within the historic seaport, everyone visiting Amelia Island will find the perfect place to stay—somewhere that fits both their price and comfort range.

The Amelia Inn features 249 all-ocean-view rooms with balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Those looking for a bit more room to spread out can select a one-, two- or threebedroom villa with a resort or ocean view within the Amelia Island Plantation (www.aipfl.com). And, if you’re bringing the entire family along, animalfriendly accommodations are available.

The oceanfront Ritz- Carlton, Amelia Island (www.ritzcarlton.com) has 444 sumptuously appointed rooms, including 42 suites.

The island also has a plethora of bed and breakfasts, from the elegant The Amelia Island Williams House (www.williamshouse.com), an antebellum mansion built in 1856, to the 25- bedroom, oceanfront Elizabeth Pointe Lodge (www.elizabethpointelodge.com), a Nantucket shinglestyle home built during the 1890s.

WHAT TO DO

Fort Clinch State Park
www.floridastateparks.org
The Palace Saloon
www.thepalacesaloon.com

WHERE TO EAT

Le Clos
www.leclos.com
Ocean Grill
www.aipfl.com/restaurants