Thursday July 2, 2009
This 4th Make Amelia 1st
 If you’ve ever considered celebrating Independence Day on the pristine beaches of Amelia Island, this is the year to give it a go. Whether it’s your first time or an annual family tradition, you’re certain to enjoy Amelia’s patriotic side, as the island fires off an exciting weekend full of fun.
On Friday, July 3, enjoy Sounds on Centre, a free concert event on Centre Street in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. The Fourth of July is jam-packed with events all across the island: report for duty to experience the Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park, flip-flop over to the Beach Bash at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and shop the Fernandina Farmer’s Market. Throw on your red, white and blue for the Stars and Stripes Freedom Festival at Central Park and the annual fireworks extravaganza at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. The busy weekend closes on Sunday, July 5, with an “Evening of Story and Song,” featuring songwriters and entertainers Gary Culley and Mark Elliott. For more information, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
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Amelia Island CVB Launches Value Card
Florida’s Amelia Island is expanding its popular new Value Card program, offering visitors a wide range of discounts and incentives at more than 30 of the island’s most popular shops, restaurants and attractions. Guests will be able to enjoy the perks of the new card all over the island. Cardholders can enjoy a complimentary appetizer with dinner at The Crab Trap, 10 percent off any daily or weekly rental at Beach Rentals, 15 percent off non-sale items at Last Flight out and many more special offers. Value cards are available at the front desk at any Amelia Island lodging property. For a full list of participants, visit www.ameliaisland.com/coupons.
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Visitors Again Encouraged to “Pack Your Bags”
 Back by popular demand, the "Pack Your Bags for Amelia Island" program has returned for 2009. The program offers a room credit of up to $80 to offset checked baggage fees charged to guests by the airlines. Eight of the island’s resorts, hotels and bed and breakfast inns will participate in the program, which is valid from July 1 through December for guests staying three or more nights. For more information or to book your trip, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
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Gold Tee Award Presented to Amelia Golf Resort
 The readers of Meetings & Conventions magazine have awarded the prestigious 2009 Gold Tee Award to Amelia Island Plantation. The 2009 award was presented to only 74 domestic golf properties considered to be top destinations forgolf and meetings. Amelia Island Plantation has four golf courses, all of which are Audubon International certified sanctuaries. For more details, visit www.aipfl.com.
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Book Festival to Honor Bestselling Author
On Wednesday, July 15, New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank will be honored at a special luncheon presented by the Amelia Island Book Festival. The celebrated author will be speaking about the launch of her recent book, Return to Sullivans Island, a novel about aspiring writer Beth Hayes and her personal journey. The event will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.Tickets are available for $50 at Books Plus, Eileens’s Art and Antiques, The Golf Club of Amelia Island and the Chamber of Commerce Office. Large tables are available upon request for groups of 10. For more information, visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com or call (904) 556-6455.
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David Sanborn to Headline 2009 Jazz Festival
The Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival held October 2-11, has scheduled GRAMMY Award winning saxophonist David Sanborn as its headliner. On October 9 and 10, Sanborn will perform with DeMerle’s all-star group and vocalist Bonnie Eisele at the new thousand-seat auditorium of the First Baptist Church on 8th Street. Stay tuned for more information about the Jazz Festival in the September Amelia Island E-newsletter.
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Cumberland Sound Ferry Designated Official East Coast Greenway Connection
 The Cumberland Sound Ferry has been designated an official connection as part of the East Coast Greenway. On May 15, Amelia Island’s newest attraction was informed that the Bald Eagle, an 80-passenger ferry boat to and from Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Marys, Georgia, has been formally recognized as the final connection in the East Coast Greenway. This connection now completes the non-stop cycling route from Maine to Key West, Florida. The Cumberland Sound Ferry is equipped to accommodate bicyclists and pets alike. To learn more about the ferry, visit www.ameliarivercruises.com.
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Dining Spotlight: Sliders Seaside Grill
An island landmark, Sliders Seaside Grill is located at the roundabout on Sadler Road and South Fletcher Avenue. The casual oceanfront beach bar and restaurant is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, who can enjoy lunch or dinner and live entertainment on the outdoor patio overlooking the Atlantic. Sliders’ menu features Caribbean and seafood fare, plus crowd-pleasing favorites such as ribs, wings, burgers, wraps and more. Families will find a children’s menu with chicken fingers, hot dogs and other kid-friendly options. Sliders even has a playground where kids can play while parents enjoy the restaurant’s atmosphere. For more information, call (904) 277-6652.
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