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- 1). Plan to make Fernandina Beach, a cozy Victorian town of moss-draped oaks, century-old storefronts and red brick churches a home base for your visit. Check out the historic downtown. Main Street remains quaint, without a high rise in sight. Historic homes are gorgeous and you’ll spot locals rocking on wide porches at dusk. Most everyone nods hello. Fernandina Beach is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, and the marina is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the spectacular views.
- 2). Got a yen for some pampering? Bypass beachfront resorts in favor of one of the several historic homes turned B&B. The Hoyt House is a gracious 10-room inn in a 1905 home with some amazing antiques and delicious homemade cookies. Unlike many others, Hoyt House has a pool, hot tub and bicycles. The staff is cheery and helpful. Another great option: The Amelia Island Plantation, a 600-unit resort with villas, houses, a luxury inn and four golf courses is a top choice for families and friends traveling together. The sheltering oaks draped with Spanish moss surrounding the resort are beautiful. Here you’ll find kids programs, seven restaurants, tennis, biking paths, excursions, a gym and a great spa.
- 3). Hop on a scooter and take a fun Segway Tour through the woods of St. George Island--about a half hour south of Fernandina Beach--and adjacent Kingsley Plantation, a former slave-holding cotton plantation. The two-hour tour eases through a forest of pines, wildflowers and native plants. Another great option is to take a horse carriage ride past red brick churches and beautiful old-style homes with gorgeous wide porches.
- 4). Paddle through some pristine beaches and marshes on a kayak from Amelia’s base near Big and Little Talbot parks. You can either rent a kayak or take a guided tour. Or for something different, ride the beaches of Amelia Island on horseback. The Kelly Seahouse Ranch in Amelia Island State Park will help you get started. Amelia Island, nestled between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal waterway in northeast Florida, is also a golfer's paradise.
- 5). Take a boat tour. Fishing and sailing charters are offered through Amelia Island Charter Board Association. Ready for a sailboat adventure? Voyager Ventures offers sailing cruises on a schooner. For lunch, grab a beachside burger at one of the many waterfront cafes.
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