Fall Full of Festivals on Amelia Island

Fall is all about events on Amelia Island, with a colorful calendar of festivals and fun for visitors to experience - from literary to Latin, artistic to athletic. To discover more about Amelia Island and her eventful fall season, visit www.ameliaisland.com.

Fernandina Beach Celebrates Fiesta de Santa Maria

On September 20, the 5th Annual Fiesta de Santa Maria celebration will offer a colorful tribute to the town's Latin roots. The Fiesta celebrates the spirit of the Isla de Santa Maria - the name by which the island was known during the first Spanish reign (1565 - 1763). The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Fernandina. Visitors can enjoy a Piñata breaking, Latin-themed dishes, a street dance, and much more. For more information, please visit The Amelia Island Calendar of Events.

Fall Arts Festival Returns for Second Year

The 2nd Annual Amelia Island Fall Arts Show, will be held September 27 and 28, 2008, in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach and will feature a variety of fine art from juried artists from around the country. With more than 125 artists, the art show will turn downtown Fernandina into an outdoor art gallery. In conjunction with the art show, a number of, restaurants and saloons will participate in a Wine and Beer Tasting, where visitors can sample wines and beers from Europe, South America and across America. More details are at www.jandcoevents.com.

Book Festival - Read All About it!

The Annual Amelia Island Book Festival will open this year on October 2, with something for every reading taste. The event offers book lovers and writers dozens of talks and programs, including book signings, luncheons and great parties. With venues throughout historic downtown Fernandina Beach, this year's Festival will include 25 exciting authors, including New York Times Bestselling Author Steve Berry. The festival also offers hands-on activities for kids, such as an author treasure hunt, a create-your-own-book program, photo opportunities and more. For more information, call (904) 491-8176 or visit www.bookisland.org.

Jazz Festival Is Music to Ears

The Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival returns for its 2008 season, October 5-12, with a jazzy lineup of free and paid performances at venues around the island. The eight-day festival highlights an array of styles, including Dixieland, Smooth Jazz, Bebop, Big Band, Blues and Latin. This year's featured artists include Harry Allen, Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band, Dirty Martini featuring Jeff Rupert with vocalist Michelle Amato, Latino Impacto 10-Piece Latin Jazz/Dance Band, The 19-Piece US Navy Band Southeast and The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele and more. Tickets are now available online at www.AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com or by calling 904-504-4772.

B&B Fall Decorating Tour Offers Valuable discounts

Presenting the second in their trio of walking tours, the Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association (AIBBA) will offer a Fall Decorating tour on October 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring all things pumpkin, the tour offers an opportunity for visitors to tour the public areas of each of the seven bed and breakfast inns on Amelia Island. Guests will be "trick or treating" at the inns for coupons from a variety of area shops, restaurants, attractions and the bed and breakfasts. Upon entry at each inn, attendees will receive a goody-bag of coupons, including a $25 coupon from that inn and an assortment from local merchants. The participating inns include Addison on Amelia, Amelia Island Williams House, Ash Street Inn, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn, and Hoyt House. Tickets for the tours are $20 each or $30 for a combination ticket, valid for the October and November Tours. Find out more by visiting www.ameliaislandinns.com.

The Cumberland Sound Ferry Service

The Cumberland Sound Ferry Service, which started August 28, now connects Amelia Island with St. Mary's, Georgia. The Ferry will operate three to four round trips per day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday - on a limited schedule through the fall and winter of 2008 and a full schedule in the spring of 2009. The voyage will take approximately one hour and will feature a narration of the region's history, natural features and wildlife. The new ferry service will link the two areas and allow visitors to spend time in each of these historic cities. The fee will be $15 per person round trip. Tickets can be purchased at One North Front Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Amelia River Cruises & Charters at 877-264-9972 or www.ameliarivercruises.com.

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Don't Miss Out Atlantic Coast Triathlon at Amelia Island

The countdown is on for the first Atlantic Coast Triathlon at Amelia Island. The event will take place on October 4 with two opportunities to get involved. The Long Course Triathlon format consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run, while the Olympic distance "Ameliaman," which includes a 1.5 kilometer swim, 40 kilometer bike ride and 10K run. There are a limited number of spots available. Make sure to sign up today! Visit www.atlanticcoasttriathlon.com or www.drcsports.com to find out more.

Ritz-Carlton Adding Meeting Space

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has started construction on a $22 million ballroom addition. Upon completion in the fall of 2009, the new ballroom will add 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space to the property, making it one of the largest and most luxurious conference hotels in the region.

Area Temperature Averages

	September	October	November
High	85	78	72
Lo	73	65	56

Upcoming Events

September 20	Fiesta de Santa Maria

September 27 - 28	Amelia Island's Fall Arts Festival

October 3 - 5	The Annual Amelia Island Book Festival

October 4	Atlantic Coast Triathlon on Amelia Island

October 5 - 12	Amelia Island Jazz Festival

October 11	Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association Fall Decorating Tour

October 18	12th Annual 8 Flags Car Show

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

It's About Thyme for Great Italian

Located at the Gateway Center at the north end of the island, Thyme is a welcome addition to Amelia's impressive array of restaurants. Thyme serves up amazing views of the Intracoastal Waterway with every dish on a menu that is primarily, but not limited to, Italian. Featured items include Chicken Marsala, Risotto, and Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Butter. One of its most unique aspects is Thyme's selection of specialty martinis, such as Italian Wedding Cake, Biscotti Martini, and even a Mozzarella Martini. Find out more by calling (904) 261-3827.