GoSouth / Florida
Amelia Island has something for everyone – whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a food connoisseur, you will find something to fall in love with on the Island.
Photo / The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island has something for everyone – whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a food connoisseur, you will find something to fall in love with on the Island. In addition to the highlights catering for everyone, the Island can also claim one unique historical fact. It is the only place in the USA to have experienced life under eight different flags of dominion, which explains the tagline ” Isle of Eight Flags.” Its proximity to vital shipping lanes and its wonderful weather caused it to be a prize worth fighting for, with the summation of “the French visited, the Spanish developed it, the British named it and the Americans tamed it.” This variety of history has shaped every aspect of the charming seaport village, from the Victorian era architecture to the white, immaculately kept beaches.
Amelia Island Historic Tours
Amelia Island is full of rich, deep history, and one way to discover all its treasures is to take an historic tour. Known as the ‘Isle of Eight Flags,’ Amelia Island has been claimed under eight different entities since the first flag was flown back in 1562 by the French. The “Eight Flags” tour to learn more or tailor make your own.
Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours
Tours filled with history, laughs, great food and fun cocktails! For the budding gastronomist, the “Booze and Bits” tour serves up the best the island has to offer. In search of the perfect drink? Then the “Cocktail Tour” is for you. Cocktail classes coming soon. In the meantime, at. Drink. Discover. Cheers!
ameliaislanddowntowntastingtours.com
Riptide Sports
Adrenaline junkies stop here! Head on over to Riptide Sports and take advantage of everything from boat tours to water sport lessons. They will have you laughing at crazy facts about wildlife and entertained with local lore, no matter your age. If you want to stay on dry land, take a bike or walking tour, or simply rent an umbrella and a comfy deck chair for some quality time with your toes in the sand.
Photos: Mindy Scarlett
The Boat House
An unmatched local restaurant experience that encourages the exploration of shareable dishes and refreshing cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere. Sign us up! One of their best-selling sharing plates is the BBQ pork/mac and cheese egg rolls, which pairs well with the hillbilly fried chicken sandwich. If you like to be pleasantly surprised by what looks like standard dishes, then The Boathouse is for you. The menu expands to incorporate all the favorites such as seafood, burgers, salads, and a long list of cocktails, wine, and beer.
Stephanie’s Sugar and Spice Café
If you need a caffeine pick-me-up, this is the place to go! This charming little cafe/market offers coffee and tea, (both hot and iced), along with an incredible line of fresh baked goods. Soak up the sun on the outside patio while you enjoy your munchies. Look for the pastel pink and find your “happy place.”
stephaniessugarandspicecafe.com
Story & Song Neighborhood Bookstore Bistro
When you get tired after a morning of exploring, an afternoon of relaxing among books might be just what’s needed. This small bistro offers a limited menu of hot food which compliments the case full of delectable baked goods. The outdoor patio offers a comfortable place to relax before browsing through their charming variety of reading material and gift items. Eat, drink shop and repeat!
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
For a boutique style stay, this hotel offers amazing views of the ocean and white-powder sands of Amelia Island. Palm trees frame one of Florida’s most relaxing vacation spots, chock-full of first class amenities at an affordable price.
Hoyt House
One of Amelia’s premier bed and breakfast properties, Hoyt House is a 1905 Victorian mansion that offers romance, elegance, and hospitality for their adult-only guests. Just steps away from the city’s dining and shopping options, past guests have rated it 10 out of 5!
Eight Flags Antique Market
In business for over 30 years, the largest antique and consignment store in the area has over 10,000 square feet of primitive, vintage and designer shopping. With 35 dealers and hundreds of consignors, if they don’t have it they will find it for you. But you can find them on Facebook.
Twisted Sisters!
Ladies apparel and accessories, home décor and seasonal offerings make this shop run by a small but mighty group of women, one not to be missed. And be sure to give Kitty a pet when you’re in the store. She may just be the friendliest of the sisters!
To read this story in its entirety, subscribe now to the print edition for the full article or get instant access to our interactive digital edition.
