Atlantic Fishing Pier Celebrates Renovations

On March 28, the Atlantic Fishing Pier at Fort Clinch State Park will celebrate the completion of a year-long renovation project. The popular fishing pier underwent nearly $2 million in extensive repairs and renovations, including reconstruction of the boardwalk from the parking lot to pier using recycled composite decking, installation of solar lighting, upgrades to the restroom, and installation of a Universal ADA access from the boardwalk to the beach and pier. The reopening celebration event will offer information about marine conservation, fishing tips and much more. For more information, visit www.ameliaisland.com/memories/view/44/Fort_Clinch_State_Park.

Amelia Feels Free with Monthly Artwalks and Community Concerts

Two new free monthly events have started on Amelia Island, giving visitors a chance to experience the island's local arts and music scene. The Historic Fernandina Business Association is kicking off its 2009 Sounds on Centre lineup on March 6. Taking place the first Friday of every month (March through October, except in May), each Sounds on Centre event includes a free community concert in the downtown historic district on Centre Street, between 2nd and Front. On the second Saturday of every month, the new Artrageous Artwalks give visitors a chance to explore 14 art galleries. It is a strolling showcase of some of Amelia Island's most spectacular art pieces, including photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. For more information on these and other events, visit www.ameliaisland.com/events or www.ameliaisland.com/art.

Katie Ride For Life

Get your feet in gear for a great cause: Organ Donation Awareness. The 5th Annual Katie Ride for Life, sponsored by the transplant center at Mayo Clinic, is scheduled for April 18 at the community center at 2500 Atlantic Avenue. The Katie Ride is a cycling event for all skill levels, and is held to raise awareness on the importance of organ donation. For the first time ever, Katie's Ride for Life is also offering a 5k and 10k walk through the beautiful Fort Clinch State Park. Riders and walkers will raise funds for a unique high school organ donor education program. Visit www.katierideforlife.org,for more information and starting times. Hotel packages available!

More Pedal Power

Amelia Island is great for cyclists of all ages. Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island Plantation are both crisscrossed with trails for anyone who wants to peddle though the island's scenic natural landscape. Egan's Creek Greenway is another great location for peddling. Hoyt House, the Fairbanks House and several of the island's other Bed and Breakfast inns offer complimentary bicycle rentals to their guests. Visitors can also rent bikes, which includes a helmet and lock, at Beach Rentals and More. Prices start at $7 for a two-hour bike rental. Call (866) 665-2395 for more information. For a guided cycling tour, try Kayak Amelia's ecotours. Cycling routes are available for trails on Ft. George Island in the Talbot Island State Park, and for Fort Clinch State Park.

Come Stay in Beautiful Amelia Island For 2 Nights & Get the 3rd Night Free or Stay For 3 Nights & Get the 4th Night Free!

SIGN UP
FOR A FREE
VACATION GUIDE

Shrimp Festival Among Top 20

The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival was recently chosen by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events for Spring 2009. The wildly popular annual event takes place May 1-3, 2009. For more information, look for the April Amelia Island E-newsletter, or visit www.shrimpfestival.com

Island Accommodator News

Several of the island's hotels, resorts and inns have rolled out new offerings and services for guests. Check these out, then come check in!

Through a recent partnership, the historic Florida House Inn is now offering additional oceanfront lodging at the Amelia Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast, complete with all of the amenities, services, and top management provided by the Florida House Inn since 1857.
Amelia Hotel at the Beach has revamped its Web site. Flying under the hotel's new logo, the new site lets visitors enjoy a new attractions page, and a photo slideshow of the hotel.
Redquartz Development/Atlanta will become an equity owner in the Amelia Island Company, will allow for much needed capital infusion. A major part of this partnership will include the continued ownership of the Cooper family and continuity in management and operation of the resort.
The Fairbanks House is now offering Gourmet Baths to their guests, with a choice of Citrus, Milk and Lavender, Herbal or Rose, starting at $25.
The Amelia Island Williams House offering themed monthly packages for travelers looking for interesting getaways and great value with discounts.

Correction from February E-newsletter:

Kayak Jacksonville and On the Water Adventures are offering a six-hour Cumberland Island experience for $150.00 www.privateislandexcursions.com

Area Temperature Averages

	March	April	May
High	71	76	83
Lo	52	58	66

Upcoming Events


March 10 - 11	Amelia Island 6th Annual Home & Garden Tour

March 13 - 15	Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

April 3	Sounds on Centre

April 3 - 5	"Glorious Rutter!" Island Chamber Singers Spring Concert

Make sure to check out the list of upcoming events on Amelia Island.

Dining Spotlight: The Happy Tomato

The downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach is home to a collection of cafes and eateries as diverse as the town's steady stream of visitors. One local favorite is the Happy Tomato Courtyard Cafè and BBQ, which serves up delicious down-home specialties, including soups, sandwiches and Richard Bolton's famous barbeque. Come try one of the two house favorites, the pulled pork or the chicken salad. Enjoy the great food indoors or outside in the courtyard. The Happy Tomato is located at 7 South Third Street, in the block north of Centre Street. For more information, visit www.thehappytomatocafe.com.