 |
 |
Amelia Island Tops Reader’s Choice Awards – Again!Amelia Island has done it again! The readers of Conde Nast Traveler have voted Amelia Island as one of the Top 10 North American Islands in the 2008 Reader’s Choice Awards. The island finished in the #6 spot, ahead of Hilton Head, S.C. and Sanibel, FL, making Amelia the highest ranked island in Florida. The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, a 25-room, oceanfront boutique hotel, was voted #2 among Top Hotels in the U.S. And The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a 444-room beachfront resort, was also named #15 among Top U.S. Mainland Resorts, up from its #21 ranking in 2007. |
 |
 |
|
10 Great Gifts from Amelia IslandNo matter how long the wish list, holiday shoppers will find it quick and easy to wrap it up on Amelia Island. Here are 10 great gift ideas, just to get you started.
Check out the Amelia Islander Magazine for a full 2008 Gift Guide. |
|
 |
|
An Island Hopping with Holiday ShoppingThis holiday season, trade the dreaded crazy crowds, long lines, and parking problems for a shopping experience that is enjoyable – yes, enjoyable! – on Amelia Island. With plenty of unique shops and boutiques from which to choose from, Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach is a welcome relief for stressed-out shoppers. Bijoux Amelia offers a collection of handbags, jewelry, and much more – all for under $15! Looking for a special gift for that special someone? Amelia’s Fine Jewelry is certain to have something to dazzle your darling. Twisted Kids and Twisted Sisters are two stores offering an array of clothing for women and children, with a twist. The Shops at Amelia Island Plantation include a variety of options for holiday shoppers, with clothing stores such as Chico’s and Last Flight Out, where visitors can outfit the entire family. And make sure to pick up something for your family’s furry friend at the Bark Avenue Pet Boutique – offering everything from collars and carrying bags to puppy spa products. |
|
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amelia Island Plantation Receives Several HonorsIn recent months Amelia Island Plantation has received several honors. Travel & Leisure Golf named the property one of the top three resorts in the U.S. for a family golf vacation. Additionally, Tennis Magazine has named Amelia Island Plantation as one of the top 50 resorts in the U.S. for 2008. Check out the award-winning Amelia Island Plantation at www.aipfl.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Days Inn & Suites
The Best Western at Amelia Island has changed flags to a Days Inn and Suites. The recently renovated property has added 8 suites with complete kitchens. For more information, visit www.daysinn.com or call 904-277-2300. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Area Temperature Averages
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Events
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Holiday Celebrations Galore
The holidays are always an exciting time on Amelia Island. If you’re on island during the month of December, be sure to check out some of the exciting events, such as the Historic Homes for the Holidays, Parade of Paws or the Union Holiday Encampment at Fort Clinch. Other visitor-friendly events include a Story Book Tea Party and the Fernandina Beach Lighted Christmas Boat Parade.
Amelia Island also offers a variety of ways to ring in the New Year. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is hosting a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, a Kids Celebration, and a Midnight Superstition Buffet. Or you can take you pick of New Year’s Eve Parties at the infamous Palace Saloon in downtown Fernandina Beach, or at the Falcon’s Nest at the Amelia Island Plantation. Additionally, guests at Amelia Hotel at the Beach can take part in their annual Champagne Toast, which includes complimentary champagne, and cheese and crackers. For a full list of fun December events on Amelia Island, visit our Events Page.
Dining Spotlight: Salt
For an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind dining experience, pay a visit to Salt, the signature restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, and Florida’s longest-running AAA Five Diamond restaurant. Leading his stellar culinary team, Chef de Cuisine Richard Gras has created a unique menu with seasonal changes each week. Foodies revel in incredible dishes like Peekytoe Crab Salad on a watermelon disc, Kobe Beef Rib Eye and a Trio of Sorbet and Créme Brule. Featuring an elegant oceanfront ambiance, Salt offers more than 500 wines and a growing collection of salts from around the world. Salt recently announced the 2009 Cooking Schools, which provide attendees with interactive, hands-on sessions. These two-day schools are presided over by Chef Gras and allow guests to master professional culinary techniques and experience new tastes. For more information about Salt, click here .
2009 Cooking School
Feb. 25-26
April 22-23
June 17-18
August 12-13
Dec. 16-17
Aphrodisiac Cooking
Fantastic Spring and Nutritional Cooking
Barbecue Around the World
American Barbecue (basting, smoking, grilling)
Holiday Classics