Last Chance for Family Fun before School Starts

It's sad, but true: the kids will be heading back to school this month, which means time is running out for some memorable summertime family fun. Lucky for you Amelia Island is ready and waiting for your to hop over for an action-packed weekend getaway. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and miles of sandy beaches - Amelia Island has plenty to keep even the most active of kids happily and busily entertained. But who said a vacation can't be educational, too? Bring the kids to roam the battlements at Fort Clinch State Park for a living Civil War history lesson, or take a walking tour of historic Fernandina Beach with the Amelia Island Museum of History. To plan your end-of-summer weekend escape, visit www.ameliaisland.org.

Pack Your Bags for Amelia Island

Make sure to check out Amelia Island's newest travel incentive program - "Pack Your Bags for Amelia Island". With many airlines starting to charge for checked baggage, Amelia Island has created the "Pack Your Bags" program, which offers visitors a room credit up to $80* on stays of three or more nights at eight participating island hotels, resorts and bed-and-breakfast inns. The promotion ends September 30, so get packing!

*Restrictions apply

Amelia Island Reels Off Inaugural Film Festival

On September 25, the Amelia Island Film Festival will reel off its inaugural season - a weekend celebration of film screenings, workshops, lectures, exhibits and more at venues across the island. Running through September 28, 2008, the film festival plans to screen more than 40 films, including 16 shorts and 15 features, consisting of student, independent, documentaries, Sci-Fi, and classic films. Some of the titles include Sunshine State, Rebel Without a Cause and Lonely Hearts. Visitors can attend individual screenings for $10 each, or purchase a Festival Pass for $100 per single and $150 per double. Student passes are available for $25. For more information, visit www.AmeliaIslandFilmFestival.org or call 904-335-1110. Action!

Songwriters Festival Puts Music in the Air at Amelia Island

On August 27th, the first Annual Amelia Island Songwriter Festival will begin with a local songwriter jam at 5 p.m. at the Florida House Inn. The event lasts through August 31st and allows undiscovered and newly discovered songwriters to network with other songwriters and industry professionals. The festival also offers seminars and workshops specifically designed to improve songwriting skills. Open to individuals, duos, and groups who write and perform original music, the Songwriter Festival will hold a minimum of nine songwriting contests featuring a variety of topics and a Grand Event where "Song of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year" will be named. The Festival also offers performances by established professional songwriters such as Jim Brickman, Shanna Banana and Jason Blume and many more. The event will take place at various venues on Amelia Island like the Palace Saloon, O'Kane's Irish Pub, Wicked Davey's, Frisky Mermaid, Sandy Bottoms, and the Plantation, giving visitors a great opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Fernandina's historic district during their stay. For additional details and tickets visit www.songwriterfestival.org.

Report for Fun at Fort Clinch State Park

On the first weekend of each month, history comes to life through a Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park. The Garrisons recreate fort life during the Civil War, giving visitors a chance to witness powder artillery demonstrations and marching drills, as well as soldiers going about daily activities such as cooking in the fully-functional Civil War kitchen or cleaning a load of laundry. Fort Clinch State Park also offers visitors swimming, fishing, full-facility camping, and more. Check out the Amelia Island Calendar of Events for the next Fort Clinch Union Garrison.