Amelia Island: Travel back in Time to "Old Florida"
In this part to my series of Florida's best island getaways, I share one of my favorite romantic getaways for couples in Florida, 'Amelia Island.' Today, with it's rich history, architecture, delicious southern food, and huge live oak trees, Amelia Island definitively represents 'Southern Charm,' but, it's past was not always so charming.
What you need to know about Amelia Island:
The moment you begin crossing over the 1-mile long bridge from the Florida coast to the island, you'll see yourself stepping back hundreds of years. The bridge crosses you over shallow brackish swampy waters filled with birds, fish and alligators.
(Left: Swamp waters of Amelia Island's western side, Right: Fresh water lakes on Amelia Island)
As you continue driving onto the island, the small road becomes canopied with magnificent 300-500 year old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and now you'll see road signs guiding you toward a Historical Florida site of the Kingsley Cotton plantation.
(Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks canopy the roads on Amelia Island)
As you drive further onto the island, you quickly understand the dark reality of Florida's past. You can easily see how the dangerous swamp that is now behind you and the Atlantic Ocean which lays ahead had both secured Florida's coast from Spanish Invaders, as well as imprisoned hundreds of slaves, whom could not swim and flee the work of their masters cotton plantations.
- Amelia Island is located approximately 2 1/2 hours North East of Orlando or about 173mi/278km on Florida's Atlantic coast of Jacksonville
- The island is easily accessible by car from the 1-mile bridge located outside of Jacksonville
- Amelia island is divided between the historic town of Fernandina and new beach town of 'Fernandina Beach' which only minutes away by car, offers all of the typical restaurants and shopping
Best things to do Amelia Island:
- Fort Clinch- A Florida Historic site, go back to the early 1800's and the time of the Civil War
- 'Old' Fernandina - Enjoy the 'Old Southern' architecture while strolling streets and having lunch, dinner or ice cream in Historic Fernandina
- Watch the Sunset at the Fernandina Pier and active Military Vessels from Amelia Island
(U.S. Submarine seen from Ft. Clinch, Amelia Island)
- Best Amelia Island Hotels: The island offers many hotels and resorts to choose from. The best resorts in Amelia Island come complete with all of the modern amenities, including golf carts to tour this island, as well as include good 'Ole' Southern Style food & Service'
(Amelia Island Resorts, complete with Multi Terraced Pools, Bars, and Multiple Restaurants)
If you have read my previous two posts regarding Top Island Getaways of Florida, you may have noticed I have not 'ranked' these 3 amazing Islands, as they cannot be fairly compared against one another, however I would categorize these Florida Island experiences as;
Best Florida Island for:
- Nature and Shelling- Sanibel-Captiva Islands (see full story)
- History- Amelia Island
- Culture, Shopping and Dining- Anna Maria Island (see full story)
The State of Florida has more than 4,500 Islands greater than 10 acres in size, and many more Islands that are smaller, or appear and disappear daily with the rise and fall of tides 'Disappearing Islands.' Because of urban sprawl, and the growth of high rise condominium and hotel buildings throughout Florida, commuters can easily miss driving over small bridges connecting mainland Florida with many of these tiny barrier islands which serve as vital homes to many of Florida's sensitive ecosystem. Please help to do your part to protect Florida's natural parks and waterways while visiting our beautiful state.
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