April 7, 2023
The best thing about a bachelorette weekend is being with your besties and going somewhere fabulous. If you’re looking for a great beach destination with less crowds, eclectic dining options, cool history and a quirky vibe, we’re the somewhere fabulous you’re looking for. Book your accommodations, grab your bride tribe, and head to Amelia Island for the ultimate pre-wedding getaway. Here’s a sample itinerary to get you excited.
LUNCH – Kick off your weekend with an al fresco lunch on the rooftop of SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK where the ocean views are as amazing as the company. Enjoy a wide array of specialty menu items including the Tuna Poke Bowl, Fried Shrimp, Authentic Street Tacos and Burgers that make your mouth water. Cool drinks like the Orange Jalapeno Margarita and Laid Back Lemonade will have you shifting to island time in no time at all.
DINNER – Channel your inner Creole at dinner tonight. LAGNIAPPE (pictured above), translating to “a little something extra”, combines the traditions of the French Creole with unique twists on Southern culinary staples using only the freshest local ingredients. Should you wish to elevate your experience by imbibing on one of the many cocktails on the menu, you’ll choose from a range of both classic and new wave cocktails inspired by the eclectic spirit of the South. Indoor or outdoor dining is available.
INSIDER TIP: The Shrimp & Grits and The Shrimp Mac n Cheese are outstanding.
There’s so much to see and do on Amelia Island that you’re gonna want to get started right away. Take a historic TROLLEY tour of downtown Fernandina and Old Town where you can learn about the pirates that once roamed this area, how we earned our name “Isle of Eight Flags”, and see mansions of bygone days. Also see the old Captain’s house where the 1980’s Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. If you’d rather hear about the spookier side of our island, take a nighttime trolley ghost tour and prepare to get scared. Or, see a different kind of spirit on a free tour of the MARLIN & BARREL CRAFT DISTILLERY where bourbon, rum, vodka, gin, cellos, and good times are handcrafted in the historic district. Later in the afternoon, pick up your favorite beverage and head to the downtown docks for an Adult BYOB River Cruise. Viewing the island by water is highly recommended and AMELIA RIVER CRUISES (pictured above) makes everything better with a storytelling captain and live local musicians on board. It’s all good stuff.
After dinner, make your way to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Lobby Bar. Oozing with sophistication and coziness all at the same time, the Lobby Bar is the perfect spot to talk about your upcoming nuptials while sipping a signature Smoked Old Fashioned or other handcrafted drink. The sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean aren’t too shabby either. It is The Ritz-Carlton after all. If you find yourself on the north end of the island, pull up a chair in the Principal’s Office Bar (pictured above), located in the lobby of the historic Amelia Schoolhouse Inn. With a fun vibe and a great bartender, this is one time you won’t mind going to the Principal’s office. Try the cocktail flight so you can taste several yummy creations.
BREAKFAST – Kick off day 2 at GARDEN STREET BISTRO where brunch is served all day, every day. Not only do they specialize in original menu items, but they also have incredible freshly baked daily bread, burgers, crab cakes, wraps and daily specials. Sit inside or outside in the courtyard beneath wisteria vines. Insider Tip: The Peach Mimosa is sooo good.
LUNCH – Picnics are a great way to celebrate good times and LUXE PICNICS BY LES does it year-round with their unique Luxury Picnic Set-Ups for all occasions. All picnic packages include 2 hours of picnic time, beautiful Boho decor/set-up, bluetooth speaker, selfie tripod, delicious food and Acqua Panna spring water. What a great memory for you and your friends!
DINNER – Enjoy a relaxing meal with your pals at JOE’S 2ND STREET BISTRO (pictured above) before a night on the town. Located in a restored 1900’s home, Joe’s has been serving up delicious local seafood since 1998. If seafood and steaks aren’t your thing, they also have Joe’s specialty gumbo, a variety of salads, and yummy pasta dishes. Dine under the stars in the courtyard or in the main dining room. Joe’s offers everything you’ll need for a memorable dinner in a casual atmosphere.
Step onto the coolest floating tiki bar you’ve ever seen complete with your own licensed captain, ice filled cooler, fresh water sink and a jammin Bluetooth sound system. Not only is CRUSIN TIKIS a whole lotta fun, it is a bachelorette party waiting to happen. However, if you’re a landlubber, the Downtown Cocktail Tour may be more for you. Likened to a “mobile cocktail party”, guests on this two-hour tour hear all about the history of four fabled watering holes and meet the fun, creative mixologists who will share their stories about the art and craft of mixing cocktails as well as a look at each bar’s history.
After dinner, walk over to THE DECANTERY (pictured above), the island’s premier wine, craft beer and cocktail lounge. In addition to an exceptional rare and unique wine selection, The Decantery offers delectable homemade desserts and accoutrements all in a super cool atmosphere. Take a load off and unwind before you hit The Palace Saloon right next door where you can dance the night away and sip on their famous Pirates Punch which will have you singing with the ghost of Uncle Charlie who supposedly haunts the place. Not ready to go home yet? Follow the sounds to the Green Turtle Tavern and listen (and dance) to live music in the courtyard. It’s always hoppin’ at the Turtle!
BRUNCH – A delicious brunch awaits at Leddy’s Porch located in the historic Florida House Inn. With a unique selection of breakfast and/or brunch items, Leddy’s Porch makes your tastebuds as happy as your eyes are to be dining in this notorious place so full of history. Built in 1857, The Florida House is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the state of Florida where the likes of Ulysses S. Grant, Henry Ford, Laurel and Hardy, and Mary Pickford have all laid their heads. Breakfast, brunch and bottomless mimosas are served on Saturdays & Sundays only. Insider Tip: Try the Fried Chicken & Waffles. You won’t be sorry.
Sadly, your weekend has come to an end and in between all of this fun will be some quality BEACH time with your best friends… which is kind of what we’re known for. Why not end it on a high note by taking an early morning beach yoga class with DEB CUNNINGHAM. There’s no better way to conclude your busy weekend than stretching out your muscles with your toes in the sand all while overlooking the ocean. Ahhmelia. These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Bachelorette Getaway. Discover more and plan you perfect trip on AMELIAISLAND.COM for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play.
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