Dinner at Salty Pelican Bar and Grill
Fort Clinch State Park
These cannons point across the St. Mary's River toward the Georgia islands.
This fort was built during the Civil War, and while it was built in a very strategic location, it never ended up seeing actual battle.
The St. Mary's River
After exploring the State Park, we built up an appetite and enjoyed lunch The Patio at 5th and Ash. We recommend their charcuterie as an app!
And then we made our way back "home" (we stayed at Amelia Surf and Racket Club A136, a 3 BR, 3 bath beach-front condo) to walk along the beach.
And enjoy the sunset!
I went to Amelia Island with three former college roommates. We are spread all over the country and wanted to try to get together. Unfortunately, the only time that worked for everyone was the MLK holiday weekend in January. So, since we knew it would be freezing in most areas of the country, we settled on Florida. Well...... this is what we got! There was a polar vortex that came up from the South, so Amelia Island, typically in the 60's this time of year was in the 20's and 30's! Brrrr 🥶
So, it definitely limited what we initially envisioned doing (biking, kayaking, etc).
But we bundled up and made the most of it and loved all the awesome trees and walking paths!
And made our way to American Beach on MLK day, which we felt was an appropriate way to spend the day! This was within walking distance of our condo and was founded by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida's first black millionaire as a resort community for African Americans during the time of the Jim Crow era and segregation.
Then we spent the rest of the day on a self-guided historic tour of downtown Fernandina Beach looking and learning about all the historic homes, having lunch and shopping. A delightful way to spend a non-beach day on a Amelia Island!
Here I am with my friend Kelli in front of Tabby House at 27 South 7th Street, whose outer walls are made of concrete and local shells.
And then, we lucked out because as we were walking by Williams House (at 103 South 9th St and now run as a 10-room B & B), the owner saw us looking at the home from the outside and invited us in! She said she planned to take the Christmas decorations down later that day, but we were glad we got to see it in all it's Christmas glory! It was cozy, charming and beautifully decorated.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church known as "The Jewel of Centre Street."
And then we made our way to "The Captains House", now more informally known as The Pippi Longstocking House due to this home being selected as the location for The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.
And then made our way back "home" again for one last walk along the beach and beautiful Amelia Island sunset before heading home the following day.
Logistics: Amelia island is about a 30 minute drive from Jacksonville airport. Cost varies depending on where you stay and what time of year you visit and what you decide to do. But there are many affordable ways to explore the island with many free or low cost beaches and state parks.
Verdict: I think I might be tainted because I visited in January.... and it was a very, unseasonably cold January weekend!! So, my January experience was No, you don't need to see Amelia Island before you die. But it was beautiful. I would describe it as Hilton Head and Jupiter Florida met and had a baby with a little Savannah sprinkled in there for history and southern charm. It was a great combo! And maybe if I went back in June-Sept, I'd have more of a "must-do" verdict 🤷
But with this visit of Amelia Island, I have now visited all of the Florida sights in the 1000 Places book!
