AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 13, 2010) – Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island continues to expand its far-reaching vacation appeal for visitors. One of the country’s most popular island destinations, Amelia has recently added a new hi-tech treasure hunt, several activities for children, and a selection of additional spa, attraction and accommodation offerings. Two of the island’s award-winning accommodators have also recently received state “green” certification and national media recognition.
New Geocaching Challenge Sends Visitors on “Treasure” Hunt on Amelia Island
Building on the growing popularity the activity, Amelia Island has launched a new geocaching program for visitors. The Amelia Island Geocaching Challenge gives visitors a great way to explore many of the island’s most popular sites by way of a high-tech, GPS-based treasure hunt. Upon check-in at any of eight participating hotel and lodging partners, visitors can pick up an official entry form and start searching for six CVB-approved geocaches hidden in various locations around Amelia Island. Go to www.geocacheamelia.com for more information and a list of Geocache Challenge lodging partners.
New Online Calendar Features
The Amelia Island Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has modified its online Calendar of Events available at www.AmeliaIsland.com. The calendar now allows visitors to download events straight to their calendar and receive RSS feeds and weekly email updates of new events.
History Garden
The Amelia Island Museum of History has begun planting their new History Garden. The garden is located on the southwest side of the museum and contains historically relevant trees and plants, as well as region specific flora. The garden should be completed in May. For more information about the Amelia Island Museum of History, visit www.ameliamuseum.org.
Fairbanks House Renovates Gardens
The Fairbanks House, in downtown Fernandina Beach, has renovated their landscaping to be eco-friendly, Florida native and drought-tolerant. The re-landscaped acre of grounds continues the property’s quest for expanding green practices, inside and out. They’ve also added a butterfly garden to the backyard with adirondack chairs to create a calm space to spend a lazy summer afternoon. For additional information on the Fairbanks House, please visit www.fairbankshouse.com.
Family Nature Camp Offered at Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island Plantation has unveiled a unique Family Nature Camp, offered July 30 through August 1. The camp offers the perfect blend of adventure and discovery, providing the opportunity to explore, experience and investigate nature through a variety of activities. From crabbing and nature crafts to scavenger hunts and kayaking, the fun never ends! The cost of the camp is $250 for a family of four and $50 for each additional member. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate and space is limited. Special room rates are available for nature camp attendees. Call (904) 321-5082 to book the camp and (866) 213-5045 for room reservations.
Amelia River Cruises Unveils Educational Tours for Kids
This summer, Amelia River Cruises is offering shrimping demonstration tours and Eco/Nature or Exploratory Tours geared toward children's day camps, extended summer camps and school groups. The expanded programs are designed to educate and entertain children throughout Florida by exploring the rich history, amazing wildlife and rustic landscape that surround us in this unique corner of the world. The tours will be offered year-round upon request. Pricing is determined according to the type of tour desired, but ranges from $12 to $15 per person. Interested schools, camps and other children's organizations should contact Lori Hoerl, Director of Marketing and Operations, at (904) 321-7372 or lorbell1@aol.com.
Get the Point at The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation
The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation is now offering acupuncture, courtesy of Board Certified Physician Wolfgang Luckmann, who provides a 60-minute consultation and treatment to guests for $80 by appointment. The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation is a full service, holistic spa offering 20 treatment rooms overlooking the lagoons and meditation garden. The Spa is a member of the Green Spa Network and features “clean & green” products with a full menu of holistic services used to improve the health and wellbeing of guests. Private consultations and appointments can be set by calling (904) 610-9489.
New Spa Ritual at Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island has announced a new spa ritual that incorporates citrus salt made at the resort. Used as an opening ritual prior to each spa service, spa therapists hand peel and dehydrate the peels of grapefruit, lemons, and oranges and infuse with pure, mineral-rich Himalayan salt to create a scrub that is an antioxidant with a delightful citrus scent. Spa treatments will open with the new ritual, consisting of a foot scrub and warm towel therapy. For additional information about the spa, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.
New Residence Inn Goes Green
The newest accommodator on the island, the Residence Inn - Amelia Island, has recently been accepted into Florida’s Green Lodging Program. The Residence Inn is now one of five Amelia Island green accommodation options. For more information about the Residence Inn, visit www.residenceinnameliaisland.com.
Amelia Island Plantation Recognized in Media
Amelia Island Plantation was recently recognized by USA TODAY, Golf magazine and Golf Digest. The Plantation was the only resort in the United States to be included in USA TODAY‘s list of top ten “great resorts for a warm-weather escape.” Golf magazine named the resort a Silver Medal Winner in their Premier Resorts 2010 issue. And Golf Digest put the Plantation’s Ocean Links course in the #3 spot in their list of “America’s Top 50 Courses for Women.” For more information about Amelia Island Plantation, visit the Web site at www.aipfl.com.
-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.
