September 1, 2009

Fido-Friendly Fun

For many people, leaving their furry friends behind can mean a sad start to an otherwise great vacation. That’s why an increasing number of resorts and hotels on Amelia Island are adopting pet-friendly policies. A leash is all that’s needed for visitors to trot their dogs along more than two miles of sandy shore at Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch State Park . And leashed animals are also welcome on Amelia River Cruises and the Cumberland Ferry , providing fetching views of the island and mainland. Visitors can bring their dogs along to explore the island’s numerous nature trails, appealing wild life, bike riding, and charming streets of downtown Fernandina, where a stop at Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique on 8th Street is a must. Several of Amelia’s cafes and restaurants provide open terrace dining options for pet owners, too, so there’s really no reason to leave Fido at home.

Windward Sailing Receives Award

On Amelia Island, the sailing is great all year long, and the award-winning Windward Sailing School can make your sailing dreams come true. Windward recently received the “Outstanding School” award from the American Sailing Association (ASA). Each year, the ASA awards the top 20 schools based on surveys sent to students after completing their sailing certification. Two of Windward’s instructors, Charley Weaver and Tony Jones, also received awards for “Outstanding Instructor.”

To set sail, visit www.windwardsailing.com.

Amelia’s Pirated Past

Before Fernandina became the destination of choice for vacationers looking for a quiet escape, the seaside port was a haven for pirates, scallywags, and black-hearted buccaneers. In the 17th and 18th centuries, legislation outlawed importing European goods and slaves into U.S. ports. However, Fort Clinch had not yet been built and Old Fernandina was too far away from any enforcing government agencies, making Fernandina a pirate’s paradise. There are plenty of tales of infamous pirates such as Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Calico Jack Rackham, and Captain Morgan as they operated from Fernandina, passed through town, and drank at local taverns. Many locals claim the ghosts of these pirates still haunt the island as they protect their buried treasure and patrol the harbors. Modern day Fernandina embraces her piratey past with salty street names, pirate parades, and a festive celebration each year on September 19 for National Talk Like a Pirate Day.

2009 Jazz Festival

The 2009 Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival kicks off October 4 with a free Jazz concert featuring a 19 piece United States Navy Big Band. Bring a blanket to cozy-up at Amelia Park Town Square and enjoy a Big Band blast in the warm Amelia air. Never one to sit out a good party, the Historic Palace Saloon is hosting a Latin Jazz concert on October 8 at 7 p.m., where guests will dance to a sizzling salsa band. On Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, the legendary David Sanborn and the famous Dynamic Les DeMerle Band will perform in the headline concert at the First Baptist Church. Attendees of the concert are invited to attend a Jazz Jam session following the performance, featuring a jazz trio at the Church’s Hall. The music festival concludes on Sunday with a Dixieland Jazz Brunch at the Beech Street Grill in downtown Fernandina.

Tickets and a full schedule of events are available at www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.

The Big Game

This year, Halloween is going to scare up one of the biggest rivalry games in all of college football, as the national champion Florida Gators take on the consistently ranked Georgia Bulldogs at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville. Amelia Island is offering some great holiday game-weekend options for ferocious fans or those who want to avoid them. Whether its orange and blue, or red and black, all fans are welcome to attend the inaugural Great Southern Tailgate Cookoff , along the waterfront in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Cooking and preparation takes place on October 30 with the competition and awards ceremony being held October 31. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, the world's largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts (visit ameliaisland.org for more information). For a pre-cookoff celebration, attend Amelia Island Plantation’s “Frat Bash ” with live music and traditional tailgate favorites from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on October 30 (tickets available through the Plantation). Can’t score tickets to the game? No problem. Just take a seat and watch the action at one of the island’s popular sports bars, or visit Eight, The Ritz-Carlton’s upscale sports bar, which will also be broadcasting the game. Whether you’re a Gator or a Bulldog, Amelia Island is the perfect place to cheer on your team.

Seaside Salute

Active duty, reserve and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families can now take advantage of savings of up to 40 percent through a special Seaside Salute on Amelia Island, Fla. Voted one of the Top 10 North American Island's in Conde Nast Traveler's “Reader's Choice Awards” for two consecutive years, Amelia Island is an ideal location for a welcome home celebration, leisure trip or family getaway. Thirteen of the island’s award-winning resorts, inns and hotels are offering an arsenal of special offers and discounts.

Specific details are listed at ameliaisland.com/seasidesalute.

Amelia Island on the Web

Keep up with the latest news, discounts, and events on Amelia Island by becoming a fan of her new Facebook page or following her on Twitter . These social media outlets provide information on weather, accommodations, and exciting updates from the island. Check back frequently for new promotions and chances to win Amelia Island vacations.

Revive, Refocus, and Renew

Relax your body and mind next month as the Ritz-Carlton hosts renowned yoga-instructors Deborah Williamson and Mark White. The event begins on Friday, October 2 with a DJ spinning live music during the Power Yoga Party , where White will lead guests through a revitalizing 90-minute yoga practice. Throughout the weekend, a number of discussions will be held for both novice and experienced yoga fans. Morning and afternoon workout sessions will be offered on Saturday and Sunday with packages available for guests wanting to experience a variety of classes.

For more information, contact Melanie at (904) 707-2572.

Brett’s Waterway Café

You won’t find a better view on the island! Situated on the beautiful Fernandina Harbor on the Amelia River, Brett’s Waterway Café offers a casual atmosphere with some of the freshest, finely prepared food in town. Owners Brett and Tip consistently deliver quality food to guests, keeping them coming back for more of the restaurant favorites, including fried green tomatoes, herb crusted beef tenderloin, and pan roasted grouper. An extensive wine list and signature martinis provide the perfect pairing for the café’s cuisine.

Visit www.brettswaterwaycafe.com to check out the menu – and the view!