Amelia Island, Florida

AMELIA ISLAND (June 2, 2009) – Florida’s great outdoors are never greater than when experienced with family and friends on northeast Florida’s Amelia Island.  Long treasured for its scenic vistas, pristine beaches and natural beauty, Amelia offers an idyllic setting for Florida-style outdoor fun and adventure this summer – from a sport fishing tournament, to guided river tours and miles of sandy beach. 

The Annual Nassau Sport Fishing Association’s (NSFA) Kingfish Tournament of Champions casts off June 18, 2009. The three-day event is one of the largest on the Southern Kingfish Association tournament trail.  Attracting the world’s best kingfish anglers to Amelia Island, the tournament includes a Saturday fish fry, award ceremony and other festivities. For registration and other Tournament information call (904) 607-4224 or visit www.fishnsfa.com.

Unlike much of Florida’s more crowded shorelines, Amelia Island’s beaches give plenty of room to stretch out and make the most of the sun, surf and sand.  On 13 miles of pristine white beaches, visitors can stroll at their leisure in search of shells and sharks’ teeth.  The island’s beaches are free to the public, making them the ideal playground sunning, kayaking, sailing, surfing, fishing and other activities. 

As captivating as her long, beautiful beaches are, Amelia’s sweeping shoreline is just the outer edge of the barrier island’s 26 square miles of natural appeal.  Inland, visitors can try On the Water Adventures for guided creek and river tours, and private charters on the new O.A. Bloxom, a fully-restored 84-foot, 1901 oyster boat.  Amelia Island River Cruises takes passengers along the Intracoastal Waterway, where they can kick back and watch for sea birds, dolphins and manatees.  They also run the Cumberland Sound Ferry Service, connecting Amelia Island with St. Mary's, Georgia.  Visitors can also paddle through the wilds of Amelia’s lush backwaters with guided tours at Kayak Amelia. 

The island's location and geologic composition has graced Amelia with a bountiful variety of plant life which forms a lush green backdrop for a wide variety of outdoor adventure.  Hikers and bikers can explore a six-mile trail through Fort Clinch State Park, taking in views of the tallest sand dunes in Florida.  State Park visitors can also roam self-guided nature trails to discover a selection of Amelia’s native plants and wildlife.  Amelia Island Plantation offers seven miles of trails throughout their 1,350-square-foot property, making it a scenic spot for walking, hiking and biking. Visitors can also take nature segway tours at Amelia Island Plantation or at EcoMotion Tours, at the nearby Fort George Island. Kayak Amelia recently added cycling eco-tours with routes available for trails on Fort George Island in the Talbot Island State Park and Fort Clinch State Park. 
 

Amelia’s shimmering waters are alive with redbass, trout, flounder, tarpon and countless other Florida fish, making the island a haven for anglers.  Visitors can choose from a variety of guided fishing tours, or just charter their own vessel for the day.  The island offers backwater, freshwater, surf and pier fishing, with two public piers and a fishing bridge at Nassau Sound.  Not surprisingly, Amelia is home to some of the area’s best fishing guides, and the Amelia Island Charter Boat Association happily arranges fishing charters to suit every angler's needs.

Every great summer day must come to an end.  Thankfully, when the day is done and it is time to go inside, visitors to Amelia Island can rest easy with a broad selection of hotels, resorts and bed and breakfast inns.  To pick the perfect home base for a summer beach vacation and for a list of spring and summer packages, visit http://tinyurl.com/qew4vt . 

About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  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.  Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island.  For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.

-Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-

MEDIA INFO:
Katharina Brierton Lane
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
(386) 677-7000
katharina@hayworthcreative.com