AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (October 6, 2010) – Amelia Island is helping forward-thinking families make their holiday travel plans with a fun-filled calendar of seasonal special events. Located just off Florida’s northeastern-most coastline, Amelia enjoys slightly cooler winter temperatures without losing her sunny, sandy appeal. The island is a favorite setting for outdoor fall festivals, evening strolls on the beach, and carriage rides under twinkling lights and decorations.
Upcoming events on Amelia Island include:
November 1-3: Tom Jones "Watercolor Painting and Landscape Techniques" Workshop
In addition to daily demonstrations, Tom Jones’ "Watercolor Painting and Landscape Techniques" Workshop will instruct aspiring artists on: painting more dynamic skies, adding textures to the landscape, layering for depth, placement of color to make a more exciting painting and painting the center of interest. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040 for registration and pricing.
November 6: Veteran’s Parade
From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. visitors and locals alike will line Amelia’s historic Centre Street as the island honors American’s veterans with its annual parade. For more information, call (904) 261-8473.
November 6-7: Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
Held the first weekend of every month at Fort Clinch, this event offers visitors a chance to see firsthand how soldiers lived at the fort during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Soldiers and civilians also offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
November 12-14: Nicholas Simmons, "Acrylic/Watercolor Mixed Media" Workshop
The Nicholas Simmons "Acrylic/Watercolor Mixed Media Workshop" will concentrate on concepts and techniques for which Simmons is noted: diversity in subject matter, large scale paintings, fluid acrylic used as transparent watercolor, unusual textures such as Nicholas' popular "batik" technique, computer-aided design; composition, poured watercolor; and creative photography for obtaining unconventional reference shots. For registration and pricing, visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040.
November 13: Artrageous Artwalk
Held every second Saturday, the Artrageous Artwalk opens the doors to some of Amelia Island's incredible art galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. Visitors can peruse 12 different galleries in downtown Fernandina and other nearby locations. The Artrageous Artwalk is free of charge, and takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.ameliaisland.com or call (904) 277-0717.
November 13: History of the American Soldier
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Fort Clinch State Park will host a full day event to salute our Armed Forces on Saturday, November 13. Enjoy a day filled with military history and review military displays from the Revolutionary War to present day while interacting with living historians from each major U.S. Military conflict. Period music and firing demonstrations will also highlight the experience. Regular park admission applies. In addition, fort admission is one canned food item per person, which will be donated to the Barnabas Food Pantry. For additional information, contact the park at (904) 277-7274 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
November 13-14: Petanque America Open
Visitors can join close to 200 players on Amelia Island for this unique event. Petanque is a simplified version of an older outdoor bowling game, the goal of which is to toss or roll a number of hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball. Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball when all balls are played, wins. Training clinics will be held on Friday, November 12. For more information, visit www.petanque-america-open.com.
November 20: Holiday Cookie Tour
Cookies, Christmas and Critters take center stage on this year’s Holiday Cookie Tour of Inns. Amelia Island's bed and breakfasts are housed in the area's most breathtaking and historically significant structures. Tour these decorated gems while sampling cookies, collecting recipes and benefiting our local animal shelters. For more information on where to buy tickets, visit www.ameliaislandinns.com.
November 22: December 28: Gingerbread Pirate Ship Returns
The USS Amelia will dock again in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. At 17 feet long and 12 feet high, the gingerbread vessel is a tribute to the legends and lore of historic Amelia Island, ruled briefly by the privateer Luis Aury in the early 19th century. A team of six pastry chefs, led by Executive Pastry Chef Sheldon Millett, log more than 350 hours on the creation of the ship. The gingerbread foundation is made from 1,200 pounds of flour, 900 pounds of sugar, 3,000 eggs, 435 egg whites, 300 pounds of shortening, 15 gallons of milk and 14 pounds of holiday spices. Complimentary tours are held throughout the month. Additional information is available at (904) 277-1100.
November 24: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Guests will enjoy holiday refreshments, live entertainment and the lighting of the 50-foot holiday tree in the courtyard of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island at 5:30 p.m. The entire resort will glitter with the illumination of more than 400,000 lights, casting a beautiful glow on the lavishly decorated premises. The ceremony concludes with a holiday firework display. Bruce Hamilton, co-anchor of The Morning Show on WJXT-TV 4, will serve as Master of Ceremony. Additional information is available at (904) 277-1100.
November 24: Holiday Character Dinner
The public is invited to join Santa, elves, reindeer and some of Christmas’ most famed holiday characters that will be present to share a dinner that ignites the festive spirit in children, young and old. The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Talbot Ballroom. The cost is $49 per adult and $25 per child (ages 5-12), and reservations are required. Additional information is available at (904) 277-1100.
November 25: Thanksgiving Day Feast at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a traditional meal with all the trimmings will be offered in the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom during the resort’s annual Thanksgiving feast. The event features a lavish buffet, live music, and children’s games. The cost is $89 per adult and $45 per child (ages 5-12), and reservations are required. For more information, call (904) 277-1100.
November 25: Thanksgiving Grand Buffet at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
To celebrate the holiday season, Sunrise Café/Ocean Grill at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is serving up a lavish Thanksgiving feast from 12 to 7 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy a traditional holiday dinner of turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings, and then pose for a free 5 x 7 family photo to take home. The buffet is $50 for adults and $19.95 for children 12 and under. For seating times, call restaurant reservations at (904) 321-5050.
November 26: Holiday Celebration at The Spa & Shops at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Celebrate with the Shops and Spa at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort as they light the Christmas tree to mark the start of the holiday season. From 5 to 9 p.m., the night will be filled with carousel rides, train rides, live entertainment, and cookies and cider. There will also be an opportunity for guests to have their picture taken with Santa. Enjoy refreshments and activities by purchasing a wrist band for $5 per person. For more information on this celebration, call (904) 491-4646.
November 26: Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest
Proving that some people will do anything for a special discount, the Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest is snuggling back into the holiday shopping season once again in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Held on “Black Friday”, the Pajama Party Sale invites shoppers to slip into their footed pajamas, bunny slippers, and other assorted sleepwear to enjoy special deals and discounts, along with fresh juice, coffee and pastries to fuel their shopping spirit. Shoppers entering the PJ contest are eligible for “Best Dressed Individual Shopper in Pajamas” and “Best Dressed Shopping Group in Pajamas.” Visit www.ameliaisland.com for more information.
November 27: Holiday Family Fun at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Enjoy some holiday family fun at The Spa & Shops at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors will enjoy horse & carriage rides, carousel rides, entertainment and a special viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” under the stars. For additional information, call (904) 491-4646.
November 27: Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City of Fernandina Beach and Historic Fernandina Business Association will host the official City of Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 27, 2010. The ceremony will be held at the foot of Centre Street. Santa Claus will arrive earlier in the afternoon and will be available to take pictures with the kids, pets – and kids at heart. For more information, visit the Calendar of Events at www.ameliaisland.com or call (904) 277-7325, x222.
November 27: Santa’s Holiday Arrival
Santa and Mrs. Claus make their first appearance of the season at 11:30 a.m. with an official arrival to the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, offering refreshments and carriage rides. Additional information is available by calling (904) 277-1100.
November 27: Gingerbread Creations Workshop
In addition to the 17 foot long, 12 foot high gingerbread pirate ship on display in the lobby, guests can get into the holiday spirit by creating their very own gingerbread masterpiece at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Children receive a chef’s hat, apron, diploma and photo. Reservations are required. The cost is $35 per child, ages 5 and up. Additional information is available by calling (904) 277-1100.
December 3-4: Holiday Home Tour in Historic Fernandina Beach
Tour five of Amelia Island’s loveliest, private homes in Fernandina Beach’s historic district during the Amelia Island Museum of History’s fourth annual celebration of the holiday season. New in 2010 will be the opportunity for guests to enjoy an authentic Victorian Tea in the splendid Bailey House which will be specially decorated for the holidays. Homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit www.ameliamuseum.org or call (904) 261-7378, ext. 100.
December 4: Parade of Paws
On Saturday, December 4, Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique will be holding their 10th Annual "Parade of Paws" down historic Centre Street. This annual tradition is a furry favorite, giving owners a chance to showcase their precious pets at their very best. Interested pet owners can pre-register at Redbones starting November 1 or sign up the day of the parade. For more information, please visit www.redbonesbakery.com or call (904) 583-0776.
December 4-5: Union Holiday Encampment
The Fort Clinch State Park Holiday Encampment is a gathering of re-enactors decorating the fort for Christmas. Volunteers in Civil War era costume place fresh greenery on the mantle, put up and decorate a period Christmas tree, and portray daily life as it was in the winter of 1864. The ladies string berries and popcorn on the tree while cheerful fires burn in the fireplaces and soldiers answer questions about what it is like to be stationed at Fort Clinch. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
December 4, 11, and 18: Santa’s Story Book Tea at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
A holiday storybook performance by Santa adds an exciting twist to the traditional afternoon tea, featuring sandwiches, sweets and a souvenir photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus for every child. The cost is $39 per person, ages 5 and up, and reservations are required. For more information, call (904) 277-1100.
December 11: Land and Sea Parade
Enjoy the Fernandina Beach Land and Sea Parade. The Lighted Land Parade will start at 6 p.m. and will run on Ash Street, 2nd Street and on Centre Street. The Lighted Boat Parade will start about 30 minutes after the end of the Land Parade and will be held at the Fernandina Beach Marina – Water Front. For more information, visit the Calendar of Events at www.ameliaisland.com or call (904) 277-7325, x. 222.
December 11: Artrageous Artwalk
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December 25: Christmas Grand Buffet at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
From 1 to 5 p.m., families and friends will gather at the Sunrise Café/Ocean Grill at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort for the annual Christmas Grand Buffet. A popular tradition for visitors and residents alike, the Grand Buffet is the ultimate celebration of fellowship, family and outstanding food. The Grand Buffet is $50 for adults and $19.95 for children 12 and under. For seating times, call restaurant reservations at (904) 321-5050.
December 31: A Gala New Year's Eve Celebration
From 9 p.m. through 1 a.m., enjoy lavish food, an open bar, music, dancing, and fireworks at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Cost is $150 per person. Price includes gratuity but not tax. For more information, call (904) 277-1100.
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-
