Guide to Getting Away from the Sunnyside Traveler

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...

Recently, on a road trip to the Keys (that post is coming soon), we were able to stop in St Augustine, Florida. It was at least the 3rd time I had been there. Last time I had visited was with a great friend who was attending Flagler College. I remember having some pretty pictures of the town and it being very charming. But this last time I visited, I enjoyed it even more. I am working on plans to go back for a long weekend to relax and enjoy the old town. It is a great place to walk around and explore. Since it’s the “Nation’s Oldest City” the big focus is the history. There’s the old Castillo de San Marcos with a walking shopping district not far from the visitor’s center. The website for the City of St Augustine says in the, “Historic Colonial District, there remain thirty-six buildings of colonial origin and another forty that are reconstructed models of colonial buildings”. It’s a very touristy area but I think it’s done well. It’s not a huge town so you can stay downtown, near...