Pictured above: Basket of Fried Shrimp from Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Amelia Island loves shrimp. I mean, we’re the “Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry” for goodness sake, and we dedicate 3 full days every May just to honor our favorite crustacean. Seafood, shrimp in particular, is a way of life in this part of the world and in honor of National Shrimp Day we would like to show you just how much we love ’em!

Shrimp Challenge

Shrimp love is spreading all over Amelia Island with the Shrimp Challenge. Yep, you can literally eat shrimp and win cool prizes. Here’s how it works: Dine at a partcipating restaurant. Order a signature shrimp dish. Rack up points. Redeem them for shrimp swag. How easy and delicious is that? Here are just a few of our favorite dishes and where you can find them but we encourage you to get out there and try them ALL!

Shrimp & Grits

• Lagniappe — Local shrimp sautéed with andouille sausage, Tasso ham and cherry tomatoes finished off with a cream sauce and served over a grit cake using Marsh Hen Mill grits out of Edisto Island, SC.
• Beech Street Grill — Made with tasso ham, local shrimp, sherry cream sauce, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and chives. (Pictured above)
• The Boat House — Served with tasso gravy and collard greens.
• The Patio at 5th & Ash — Old Charleston style recipe made with domestic shrimp atop cheese grits.
• The Sound Cafe — Mouth watering southern style shrimp and grits. Topped with salted onions.

Shrimp Salad Yumminess

• Marche Burette — Cajun shrimp salad, remoulade sauce and Sweet Grass Dairy gouda. (Pictured above)
• Story & Song Bookstore Bistro — Fresh locally-caught shrimp on a bed of greens, citrus glazed sweet potatoes and toasted almonds with house-made champagne vinaigrette.

Shrimp Ceviche

• The Tavern by AIBC — Fresh shrimp marinaded and spiced with jalapeno, hot radish, cilantro, and Florida lime juice and served with tortilla chips.

Shrimp Po Boy

• Salty Pelican — Lightly fried shrimp on toasty baguette with cole slaw, diced tomatoes, and spicy garlic sauce.

Shrimp Festival

For the last 58 years on the first weekend of May, we celebrate all things shrimp with a parade, fireworks, live concerts, arts & crafts vendors and lots and lots of shrimp. Scroll through the pictures below for some of this year’s highlights and then make plans to be here next year for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival!