AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (March 10, 2010) – One of North America’s most popular island destinations, Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island continues to increase its visitor appeal with an array of exciting new green initiatives, renovations and hospitality awards.
The Addison on Amelia has received Green Lodging Certification from the State of Florida, becoming one of only a few bed and breakfast inns in Florida to obtain the certification. The 14-room Addison on Amelia maintains eco-friendly practices such as widespread use of compact fluorescent bulbs and LED lights, recycling centers in guestrooms and common areas, and a kitchen garden for herbs, greens and garnishes used at the inn. Read more about the Addison on Amelia’s environmental policies at www.AddisonOnAmelia.com/environment. For information about the Florida Green Lodging program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
Go Yoga Goes Green
Amelia Island’s Go Yoga was recently remodeled to be eco-friendly, and now offers a relaxing Oxygen Bar and Lounge. For the renovation, Go Yoga used eco-friendly products, including low VOC paints, sustainable and renewable bamboo flooring and recycled furniture from Tibet, Vietnam and Mexico. Additionally, the new Oxygen Bar and Lounge offers visitors the revitalizing benefits of 80 percent pure oxygen combined with aromatherapy. For more information, visit www.goyogainc.com.
Ritz-Carlton Completes Renovation
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has completed construction on its $22 million ballroom expansion. The new facility brings a state-of-the-art design and 11,000 square feet of additional meeting space to the luxury property, making it one of the largest conference hotels in the region. The expansion increases the resort’s available conference space to 35,000 square feet, including two sizeable function areas and a variety of smaller meeting rooms. Additional information can be found at www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.
New Bakery & Pastry Shop
New to Amelia Island, Patty Cakes Bakery and Pastry Shop along 4th Street in downtown Fernandina Beach is open seven days a week. With items ranging from $1 to $8, Patty Cakes Bakery offers everything from coffee and cookies to much more intricate dishes. Specializing in Italian pastry, they are known for their Cannoli and Sfogliatelle, a shell-shaped filled pasty. For more information, visit www.pattycakesflorida.com.
New Performing Arts Theatre
The Amelia Community Theatre unveiled its new theatre complex on February 20, with an open house and tour. The new, 144-seat theatre includes an outside walk-up box office, a catering kitchen, event space and a concession area. The first performance in the new theatre will be The Pirates of Penzance, which takes place April 8-24. For more information, visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
Amelia Island Awards
Amelia Island's Elizabeth Pointe Lodge was honored with the Donal A. Dermody White Glove Award from the Florida Superior Small Lodging Association (SSL). The White Glove Award is the SSL’s highest recognition for housekeeping achievement and requires that accommodators receive a 100 percent total housekeeping score in their annual review. The 25-room oceanfront inn is one of only 80 properties in the state to earn this year’s award. For more information, visit www.elizabethpointelodge.com.
Amelia Island Plantation recently received two distinctive honors. The resort has been recognized for its commitment to excellence in the meetings industry with the 2009 Planner’s Choice Award by the readers of Meetings News. Based on quality of service, Amelia Island Plantation was chosen among the best in the industry by more than 40,000 meeting, convention and incentive travel planners. Additionally, the Amelia Inn and Conference Center has been ranked a AAA Four-Diamond property, which they have received every year since 1980, making it one of the longest consecutive recipients of the prestigious award. For more information, visit www.aipfl.com.
The Golf Club of Amelia Island was awarded one of the 50 toughest courses for 2009 by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Summer Beach Resort, the Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach was designed by PGA Tour professionals Mark McCumber and Gene Littler. The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach is the only PGA Tournament course on Amelia Island, and offers guests 6,696-yards of challenging, beautifully landscaped golf that winds water and marshland. For more information, visit www.golfclubofamelia.com.
The Amelia Island Museum of History has recently been named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Amelia Island Museum of History, Florida’s first spoken history museum, is housed in what was once the county jail built in 1878 and in operation for 100 years. Here the history of the Isle of Eight Flags comes alive through exhibits, historical objects and archaeological finds. For more information, visit www.ameliamuseum.org.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic district. 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.
