Enjoy an Unforgettable Fourth on Amelia Island

It's Independence Day and time to exercise your right to a fabulous summer escape to Amelia Island! Join all of us for a memorable Amelia Island Fourth of July vacation, complete with fireworks at Fernandina Beach, a free community concert in historic downtown, and a picnic on the beach. As the "Isle of Eight Flags," Amelia Island is proud to fly the American Flag on July 4th and all year round. Next time you're in town, take a tour with the Amelia Island Museum of History learn about the seven other flags that were raised and lowered over our little island prior to our current stars and stripes. You'll see that this is one island getaway worth fighting for! Plan your trip by visiting www.ameliaisland.org.

Drink in the Island's Liquid Assets

Amelia Island offers a wide variety of options for visitors to make waves this summer. On the Water Adventures gives guided creek and river tours of Amelia Island and Cumberland Island and offers private charters on the O.A. Bloxom, a fully-restored 84-foot, 1901 oyster boat. Amelia Island River Cruises gives cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway, letting visitors kick back and watch for sea birds, dolphins and manatees. To paddle through the wilds of Amelia's lush backwaters, stop by Kayak Amelia for guided tours or adventure on your own. Anglers can easily find a fishing charter that caters to their specific needs, taking them to hotspots to reel in redbass, trout, flounder, tarpon, and more. For more information on the outdoor adventures waiting for you on Amelia Island, click here.

Tiny Footprints in the Sand

Carbon footprints, that is. At just 13 miles long and two miles wide, Amelia Island offers big adventure in one small package - perfect for green-minded visitors who want to put it in park and save some gas. If you must, you can drive the length of the island in just 30 minutes, but many visitors prefer peddle power. The Addison on Amelia, Ash Street Inn, Fairbanks House and other bed and breakfast properties on island offer guests complimentary use of bicycles during their stay. Bikes are a great way to explore downtown Fernandina Beach or to cruise the scenic shoreline. And of course, the island's natural setting provides plenty of eco-adventure, from kayaking and hiking, to river cruises and much more.

Amelia Island Plantation Goes Green

Amelia Island Plantation has received the coveted Green Lodging destination certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The first accommodation on the island to receive this coveted designation, Amelia Island Plantation offers a resort-wide recycling program, which includes glass, plastic, aluminum and newspapers, plus electronics. The resort shows its commitment to being "green" through its use of automatic and low flush water fixtures in guest and public restrooms, low energy and long lasting fluorescent lighting resort wide, the Project Planet linen and towel re-use program, and clean and green pest control and housekeeping products, as well as many other initiatives.

The Amelia Island Plantation is now one of more than 170 Green Lodging properties in Florida. The voluntary state program encourages motels and hotels to adopt practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. For information on the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.