Take a PokéBreak on Amelia Island

Come take a PokéBreak on Amelia Island
 
What if you put Pokémon Go on pause...just for the weekend?  We invite you to take a PokéBreak on Amelia Island.  It’s a chance to disconnect from your screen and reconnect with friends, family, and the real-world fun that you can have only here.
 
Immerse yourself in a variety of events from an open-air, free concert to a Broadway favorite on stage, all even better when you look up from your phone and enjoy the moment. Packed with happenings from dusk ‘til dawn, your personalized PokéBreak will take you on a quest around Amelia Island, an adventure that will stay with you long after this particular game becomes a summer throwback.
 

Thursday, August 4

 
Sneak an extra day into your PokéBreak and kick off a long weekend on our shores. Leave your phone under the beach umbrella, take in the uncrowded beach, and take a dip in our warm Atlantic waters. 
Next, get your taste buds ready for a treat. Gain some “Experience Points” by trying out three tastings led by Chef Bill of Amelia Island Culinary Academy with the Downtown Amelia Chef-Owned Restaurant Tour.
 
Friday, August 5
 
Enjoy Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Segway and Birds of Amelia Tours with Nature Center Tours at Omni Amelia Island Plantation.  Get 10% off your purchase by mentioning PokéBreak. To reserve your spot, call 904.321.5082.

Power up and satisfy your appetite at Timoti’s Seafood Shak.  With your purchase of a tuna poke bowl and mention of PokéBreak, receive a free fountain drink. Kick back under the fans at a picnic table while the kids play on the pirate ship. Catch the sun and sparkle all weekend with real baubles from Bijoux Amelia, where visitors who mention PokéBreak receive 25% off their purchase. Set aside the digital gems to peruse the store's jewels, handbags and watches.

Kick off your Friday night downtown with Island Vibe at Sounds on Centre, Amelia Island's free, open-air concert series. Put down your phone and pick up your dancing partner or sit back and enjoy the music while Island Vibe makes you feel like a local.
  Put your searching skills to the test and join the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Ghost Tour. Amelia Island is home to more than twice as many ghosts as Pokémon, so you’ll be setting record levels if you spot them all. Let the tour take you through the historic district looking for ghosts while learning about the treasures buried on the island.
 
Plenty of restaurants are open allowing you to explore the historic district. Anything your taste buds desire can be found downtown. After your dinner adventure, level up and enjoy the simple pleasure of an ice cream cone from family fave, Fantastic Fudge.
 
End the night by stargazing instead of collecting stardust out on a comfortable blanket. Surround yourself with friends and family and challenge them to spot constellations or a shooting star.
 
Saturday, August 6
 
Stroll through the Fernandina Beach Market Place Farmer's Market. From arts & crafts to fresh produce, there is something for everybody to find and enjoy. Grab a bite and take home a unique island gift.
 
The Shrimping Eco Tour kicks off at 10am, giving you the chance to really “catch them all”. Similar to Pokémon Go, you’ll be able to identify your catch while learning about water creatures including the beloved local shrimp.
 
Relive a classic school recess at Villa Villekula, which will host sidewalk (2PM - 5PM outside 5 South 2nd St.) neighborhood fun with jump rope, double-dutch, hopscotch and sidewalk chalk. Then head inside for a sweet 20% discount on classic board games with the mention of PokéBreak.
Cool down with a good book at The Book Loft, which will offer 10% off young adult books during PokeBreak weekend. Saturday will also see the release of a new book by local author, Nancy Blanton, compete with Irish music and food from 3PM - 5PM.  That evening, unplug from the 21st century and travel back in time to the roaring 20s to find yourself in Amelia Playhouse for the stunning performance of "Chicago". Your mind will be blown by the cast’s live talent, making you never want to stare at a screen again. Tip: Book your opening weekend tickets fast.
 
Set astride and join the Mixology Tour for a chance to explore original drinks concocted by local bartenders. Sample them all and vote on your favorite potion.
 
Sunday, August 7
 
Celebrate Sunday-Funday by joining the Beach Bluegrass Jam at Slider’s Seaside Restaurant, where Down Yonder will take the stage. This is another great chance for all ages to come to eat, sing, and dance. Let the beach atmosphere surround you while you immerse yourself in nothing but relaxation before the beginning of the week.
 
For more August 5-7 events, check out our calendar. 

Where to Stay

Pick from a variety of accommodations, from resorts to camping. For a true getaway, step back in time with Amelia Island's historic B&Bs:

• Unwind at the Amelia Island Williams House, a grand bed & breakfast where you can unwind amidst traditions. Walk to all the downtown happenings from this quiet spot ensconed in Spanish moss. Enjoy 15% off a two-night stay during the week of August 5-12. Book online at www.williamshouse.com and place "PokéBreak" into the notes area, or reserve by phone at (904) 479-4801. The offer may not be combined with other offers/discounts or used for retail products.

• Take a PokeBreak for two at Fairbanks House. Look up, not down when you poke around the romantic storied past of the moss-draped Historic District and the Amelia River with your choice of a complimentary private carriage tour or two tickets aboard Amelia River Cruises when you book two or more nights in any room the weekend of August 5-6. Rates include daily gourmet breakfasts, evening beverages and hors d'oevres, as well as complimentary use of bikes, pool and beach equipment. Choose from romantic rooms, suites or private cottages, many with Jacuzzi tubs. Adults only, may not be combined with any other packages. Book online only with code POKEBREAK.

• Amelia Rentals & Summer Beach Resort Lodging is offering 10% off Aug 5-7 for for any vacation rental booking consisting of 3 or more days stay. Book by calling 855-245-4362

Can't resist the urge to document your awesome family weekend? Share your memories with us using #LoveAmelia. But really, savor the moment and come make memories.
 
 Contributed by Rachel Richardson.