RomanceStay
Looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone? How about a trip to a peaceful barrier island where all the key amenities — fun activities, perfect places to dine or picnic, spa treatments, and strollable streets and shorelines — are right at your fingertips. Welcome to Amelia Island.
Check in to the Hoyt House in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, your home away from home for the next three days and the place where romance and history go hand in hand. Looking for a hotel on the beach? Book the Romance Package at The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge and treat your loved one to a romantic getaway to be remembered.
INSIDER TIP: If you were thinking of popping the question, this would be the time to do it. The Hoyt House is the best place for your engagement or elopement plans. It’s not their first rodeo.
The canopy of majestic oaks draped in Spanish Moss and twinkling lights make dining at The Patio at 5th & Ash a magical experience. Their diverse menu offers house made seafood, chicken and pasta dishes along with soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers.
Get to know Amelia Island a bit better by renting an electric bike for a day of island adventure. Pedego is located on the south end of the island and they will hook you up with a bike sure to make sure you feel like a kid again. The island provides a number of biking options from rugged trails winding past centuries-old live oaks and natural waterways to smooth scenic coastal paths, or even the beach. Hit the trails and pedal a while, then coast a while. What happens if you run out of juice, you ask? Well the short answer is, you can pedal. But the truth is your fanny will give out long before your electric bike does!
Indigo, nestled in a charming 1906 cottage in downtown Fernandina (formerly LeClos), introduces a fresh and elevated dining experience focusing on Southern coastal cuisine. For those craving indulgence, start out with the butter-poached Lobster Mac n Cheese followed by the sweet & tangy Beet Salad. Entrees of Duck, Filet, Salmon, Lamb, Snapper, and Sea Scallops all exemplify the chef’s commitment to exquisite flavors. Indigo is a must-visit restaurant for food enthusiasts and those looking for a romantic night out on Amelia Island.
Just a short walk from the Hoyt House is Aloha Bagel and Deli where diners can enjoy fresh and deliciously huge bagels in just about every flavor – served with just about everything you like on them! Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re in your favorite NYC deli. If you don’t make it for breakfast, they also serve sandwiches, specialty salads, and cookies/brownies all in a funky, cool and colorful building.
One of the most romantic things to do on Amelia Island is to stroll on the beach with the one you love. You’d be surprised at how many plans and decisions have been made simply by breathing in the sea salty air and listening to the rhythmic sounds of the waves lapping against the shoreline. Lucky for you, Amelia Island has 13 miles of pristine, wide open beach to choose from.
Who doesn’t love a picnic and what it stands for. It’s all about slowing down and taking time to pay attention to the food and to each other. Pair that with the natural beauty of Amelia Island and you’ve got yourself a scene right out of the movies. For a special occasion picnic, Luxe Picnics by Les has you covered with lavishly decorated, yet relaxed Bohemian picnics for small intimate gatherings. They take care of everything. You just show up and enjoy!
You’ve heard of miniature golf but have you ever heard of miniature bowling? The latest craze to hit downtown Fernandina Beach is Duck Pinz. It’s like regular bowling but mini. The duck pinz balls are smaller and there are no finger holes in them and the pins are shorter and lighter than traditional bowling. Since it’s pretty hard to get a strike, you are allowed 3 tries each turn. Other than that, it’s the same as regular bowling and it’s way too much fun. Also, did I mention that there’s a craft cocktail and bourbon bar upstairs overlooking the alley’s?
After hanging up your bowling shoes, walk next door to Cafe Karibo for a unique, casual and affordable gourmet experience. Dine under the oaks on the beautiful patio or have a seat in the cafe with an fun palette of colors and furnishings. Cafe Karibo offers an eclectic menu of steak, seafood, pasta, and salads.
INSIDER TIP: The Blackened Mahi topped with a Crab Cake is crazy good.
One of the most popular places to enjoy an ice cold beer is Mocama Beer Company. But, we’re talking breakfast, not happy hour. Enter Mocama Coffee. Housed under the same cool roof as the brewery, the coffee side utilizes state-of-the-art coffee making equipment to deliver premium espressos, drips, pour overs and other signature items. Wake up! Wake up! Lets get this day going!
On this, your last full day, let’s get in touch with mother nature. Set up a tour with one of the many kayak companies on Amelia Island. Paddle the swift tidal currents surrounding Cumberland Island or the calm, blackwater of Egans Creek or Yulee’s Lofton Creek. Amelia Island is blessed with a variety of exceptional bodies of water perfect for kayaking newbies or those hard core seasoned paddlers. Experience Amelia Island from a different perspective with fun and personable guides because nothing beats a day on the water with the one you love.
Burlingame Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach, is as cool as the restored 1940’s home it sits in. The small, seasonally changing menu created by a talented young local chef, makes sure that folks never get tired of the same ol’ same ol’. It’s relaxed fine dining coupled with an interesting and eclectic selection of wines, craft cocktails and beers.
INSIDER TIP: Try the Steak Frites served with Buerre noisette, caramelized onion & garlic, fresh herbs and roasted garlic aioli
After dinner, wrap up your night with a pub crawl in downtown Fernandina… or at least visit a couple of our notable bars before you turn in for the night. If you want intimacy, head to the Florida House Inn, the oldest active Inn in the state of Florida where the Mermaid Bar offers a small, intimate setting featuring local beers, boutique wines, and handcrafted cocktails. If it’s a livelier crowd you seek, the Green Turtle Tavern has live weekend entertainment, as well as the oldest bar in the state of Florida, The Palace Saloon. Cheers to forever dating!
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Romantic Getaway. Discover more and plan your perfect trip on www.AmeliaIsland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play. We’re looking forward to seeing you back here for years to come.