Amelia Island

Amelia Island is an island off the coast of Florida, near Jacksonville. Amelia is the island's name, Fernandina is the beach on Amelia Island. It's a historical area where many of the original settlers arrived. I've spent some time there and I really like it. It's a good mix of Florida and the southern barrier islands (like those in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina). There's a neat historic downtown area as well as a few parks. Also there's a nice beach and good walking/biking paths on the island. But keep in mind that it's a fairly large island that would take most of the day to bike from one end to another (north and south). There is a wide range of places to stay, from B&Bs to the Ritz Carlton. Below is some information that I've gathered to help you plan a vacation.

Visitor website - http://www.ameliaisland.com/

B&B's in the Historic Downtown:
Fairbanks House - Higher end but historical - http://fairbankshouse.com/
Hoyt House - also higher end and historical, nicer - http://hoythouse.com/
Florida House Inn - cheaper than the other B&Bs, eclectic style rooms - http://www.floridahouseinn.com/
more of an inn than a bed and breakfast

There are also other condo rentals, resorts and hotels available in the area.

Restaurants:
Cafe Karibo - funky, unique, great vegetarian options, brunch: http://www.cafekaribo.com
also has Karibrew Brew Pub and Grub attached: http://cafekaribo.com/post/8
Happy Tomato Cafe - simple, casual, outdoor dining and bbq: http://www.thehappytomatocafe.com/
Sliders Seaside Grill - beach front dining, beach food, casual, has a playground for kids: http://www.slidersseaside.com
My favorite Amelia restaurant downtown: 29 South - every meal we've had there has been good (lunch and dinner), the staff is nice and they have outdoor seating. I imagine it can get busy though. http://www.29southrestaurant.com/

Activities:
As I said, there are lots of sidewalks for walking or bike riding. I recommend renting a bike for a day just to explore the island.
Down toward the south part of the island, there is a neat beach area if you want to check it out. It's past the Ritz Carlton. It has older homes and once we saw a turtle down there.
You go near the intersection of A1A and Amelia Island parkway and off the parkway there's a road called Julia Street. Go down that road till you reach the beach. If you're riding your bike around that area, it's a neat place to ride around.
There are also a few options for horseback riding on the beach: http://www.happytrailswalkers.com or http://www.kellyranchinc.net/ or others: http://www.ameliaisland.com/area-services/entertainment/leisure/land-and-beach/

Further south, on Amelia and some other islands are some state parks - Big Talbot Island State Park, Little Talbot Island state park and Fort George Island State park. Also I want to check out this place, next time I'm there - the Kingsley Plantation - http://www.nps.gov/timu/historyculture/kp_visiting.htm

Some day trip ideas -

• St Augustine (click to see my recommendations for St. Augustine)
• Jacksonville (waterfront) http://www.visitjacksonville.com/
• Itchetucknee Springs is a couple hours drive (for tubing down a spring-fed river) - http://www.floridarambler.com/florida-canoeing-kayaking-paddling/cool-idea-this-may-be-floridas-best-river-for-tubing/
• even Orlando is only 3 hours away
• Cumberland Island National Seashore is north in Georgia and would be a nice day trip http://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm

Amelia is a nice, laid back island that I recommend. It's fun for a long weekend or get away. The island has everything you need if you don't want to leave or there are some interesting places that are not far to drive to. Hope you enjoy!