AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (February 7, 2011) – Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island offers visitors and residents an array of enticing events to brighten their winter blues. From books and vintage cars, to films and gardening, Amelia Island hosts a calendar full of special events for visitors in search of entertainment. Visitors planning a trip to Amelia will find a wide assortment of hotels, inns, resorts, restaurants and attractions to help create a truly eventful getaway.
Upcoming events include:
Cabaret
(February 10-26)
The Amelia Community Theatre presents the Tony award-winning musical Cabaret. The performance will be held in new theatre at 207 Cedar Street on February 10-12, 17-20, and 24-26. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.
Artrageous Artwalks
(February 12, March 12)
Every second Saturday, Amelia Island holds an exciting Artrageous Artwalk. With 12 art galleries participating, the Artwalk will open the doors of some of Amelia Island's incredible art galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. Visitors can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina or Plantation Artists’ Guild and Gallery, located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. The complimentary Artrageous Artwalk will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more details, call (904) 277-0717 or visit www.ameliaisland.com.
Sunset Kayak
(February 13)
Watch birds fly in for the night as the sun sets over the scenic marsh at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. Naturalists will help guests identify species and share the unique aspects of their salt marsh habitat. All skill levels are welcome, but you must be at least eight years old to participate. The cost is $100 per couple, with single and double kayaks available. Space is limited. Additional information is available at www.omniameliaislandplantation.com or by calling (904) 321-5082.
3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
(February 18, March 18)
Each month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a presentation on the third Friday of the month. The presentations are on a variety of different topics, but each relate to the history of the island. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. For non-members, admission is $5. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for more information about the museum.
Amelia Island Book Festival
(February 18-19)
Offering two days of programs, socials and special events, this event invites book lovers and writers to mingle with noted authors and publishing professionals in a casual, friendly setting. Held at venues throughout Nassau County, Amelia Island and Historic Fernandina Beach, the festival offers many free programs and all ages are welcome. Tickets are sold for certain events. For more information, call (904) 624-1665 or visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com.
Sunset with Amelia's Birds
(February 19)
Join the naturalists at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and enjoy the spectacular view of the sun setting over the marsh. Guests will travel around the natural surroundings, spotting egrets, herons, waterfowl, and maybe even a bald eagle feeding and roosting. The cost is $10 per person and binoculars are provided for the event. Additional information is available at www.omniameliaislandplantation.com or by calling (904) 321-5082.
The Golf Club of Amelia Island Wedding Expo
(February 20)
Visit the Golf Club of Amelia Island from 1 to 5 p.m. for their fifth annual wedding expo. For more information, please visit www.ameliaislandweddingexpo.com or contact Lisa Presnell at (904) 277-0021 or email Lisa@GolfClubofAmelia.com.
Diane Farris Workshop
(February 20-22)
Diane Farris's "Making a Vision, Photograph Book" Workshop will allow students to take their own photograph, manipulate them into a story and then create their own bound book. Farris shows her work at the prestigious J. Johnson Gallery in Jacksonville. An "Early Bird Discount" is available if paid by January 19, 2011. Cost is $295. For registration and "Early Bird" pricing, visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040.
Amelia Island Film Festival
(February 24-27)
Now in its third season, the Amelia Island Film Festival will present screenings, workshops, lectures and exhibits at several venues throughout Amelia Island. This year, the theme is “Meet Me in Paradise.” Additionally, three actors will attend the 2011 festival to present their most recent films. The actors include Aaron Michael Metchik, David Keith and Kent Moran. For more information, visit www.ameliaislandfilmfestival.org or call (904) 335-1110.
Quilts by the Sea
(February 25-26)
The twelfth triennial quilt show will feature beautifully displayed quilts made by members of the guild, a judged show, viewer’s choice award, raffle of a dazzling quilt, craft and boutique items, merchant mall, silent auction, and appraisals. For additional information, please visit www.aiquilters.com.
Sounds on Centre
(March 4)
The Historic Fernandina Business Association presents this free community concert on the first Friday of each month (March through October) from 6 to 8 p.m. in the historic downtown on Centre Street between 2nd and Front Streets. Make sure to bring a chair and your dancing shoes. For additional information, visit www.downtownfernandina.com.
Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
(March 5-6)
Living history interpreters recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War Between the States. Held the first weekend of every month, these events give visitors a chance to see how soldiers lived during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, living soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Amelia Island Garden Show
(March 5-6)
Hosted by the Fernandina Farmers Market, the Amelia Island Garden Show will roll out nature's brightest colors for two days (March 5-6) at Central Park in Fernandina Beach. With growers and nurseries from around the state, the show will feature more than 50 vendors with a full assortment of flowers and plants, fruit trees and palms, orchids, herbs, container gardens, native plants, butterfly-friendly plants, shrubs and garden accessories. Get on-site expert advice on how to "green" your home, yard and garden, and enjoy short presentations and demonstrations at the "Ask the Expert" booth. Visit www.ameliagarden.com for more details.
Susan Oglive Workshop
(March 7-11)
At Susan Oglive's "Colorful Pastel Landscapes Workshop", students can expect to work both in the studio and on location (weather permitting), painting from value and color studies as well as plein air. Each day includes a demonstration and discussion to clarify the day's assignment. Students receive individual attention as they work. The cost is $495, but an "Early Bird Discount" is available if paid by February 7. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040 for registration and "Early Bird" pricing.
Gooding & Company Collector Car Auction
(March 11)
Gooding & Company, the internationally celebrated auction house, will be returning to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation to host its 2011 Amelia Island Auction. The auction offers an exciting presentation of extraordinary collector cars. The one day auction will take place at the beautiful Racquet Park located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. The auction will feature the Best of Britain, including the first 1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy imported to America. Additional auction information is available at www.goodingco.com.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
(March 11-13)
On Sunday, March 13, more than 250 classic production and race cars from seldom-seen private collections will be on display on the 10th and 18th fairways at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The three-day event includes road rallies, RM Auction of vintage cars, seminars, a black tie Gala Dinner and silent auction. The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is one of only two Concours that have more than one auction. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org.
Annual Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch State Park
(March 12)
Kids learn how to be responsible anglers, tie knots, cast and more during this free annual event. Kids receive a free rod and reel, and bait is provided. Guardians must attend. The event is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For details visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch or call (904) 277-7274.
Lois Griffel Workshop
(March 14-18)
Lois Griffel's workshop "Colorful Landscapes in Oils, Pastels (even Watercolor if desired)” is based on her book, Painting the Impressionist Landscape. Classes are open to artists of all levels. Beginning artists will be introduced to the joys of painting “en plein aire.” The workshop is also a great place for veteran artists lloking to advance their work. The cost is $625 but a discount is available if paid by February 14. Go to www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040 for registration and "Early Bird" pricing.
Confederate Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park(March 19-20)
Living history interpreters recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War Between the States. These events are held the first weekend of every month, giving visitors a chance to see how the soldiers lived during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, soldiers and civilians recreate garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Armand Cabrera Workshop
(March 21-25)
Armand Cabrera's workshop "Plein Air Painting on Amelia Island Workshop" will be held at a variety of scenic locations around Amelia Island and surrounding areas to give students a variety of experiences to enhance their artistic growth. Armand's workshops are a fun and intensive way to study the essentials of successful painting, no matter what your style or level. Cost is $650 but an "Early Bird Discount" is available if paid by February 21. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040 for registration and "Early Bird" pricing.
Additional events are available online at www.ameliaisland.com/events.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers on Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. 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. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
