Business or pleasure, Amelia Island is the close-to-home perfect getaway

Business or pleasure, Amelia Island is the close-to-home perfect getaway

AMELIA ISLAND, FL - Located off the northeastern coast of Florida, Amelia Island is offering three new water experiences available to visitors during the coming summer months, along with renovated hotel rooms, additional meeting space and new restaurants.

Recently chosen as one of the top 10 North American Island’s by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Amelia Island is a popular choice for summertime fun.

Making Waves

On the Water Adventures ( www.onthewateradventures.com ), which gives guided creek and river tours of Amelia Island and the Cumberland Islands, recently acquired the O.A. Bloxom, an 84-foot, 1901 oyster boat. Originally a buy boat in the oyster industry, the Bloxom has been refurbished and converted for use as a private yacht. Featuring sleeping quarters for four couples, two hot water showers, and a full galley, the ship is a truly unique option for cruising and exploring the waters surrounding Amelia Island. Visitors can charter the Bloxom for daytrips, sunset dinners, or overnight voyages.

The Cumberland Sound Ferry Service is scheduled to begin service during summer 2008, offering a scenic transportation option from Fernandina Beach’s Centre Street on Amelia Island to Osborn Street on St. Marys, Ga. The service will run three ferries per day, with the first departing at 10 a.m. The reasonably priced ferry service will be just $15 roundtrip and will leave either location every 90 minutes. Departures from Amelia Island are timed so that passengers can then catch a second ferry from St. Marys to Cumberland Island.

First Coast Excursions is now offering private, chartered dinner cruises from the Fernandina Harbor Marina. The luxury yacht The Infinity is docked in Jacksonville, but will charter customized private parties from Fernandina. The Infinity offers catering options and can accommodate up to 140 guests. For more details, visit www.jaxcruise.net .

Plenty of Room

In April, Amelia Hotel at the Beach completed a $2 million renovation, making it a competitive option for smaller meetings and events on the island. The hotel completely renovated its rooms, including the addition of microwaves, mini-fridges, and more to each. Additionally, Amelia Hotel at the Beach added meeting space, bringing its total available space to more than 2,100 square feet. Visit www.ameliahotel.us for more information.

The Amelia Island Williams House also recently announced completion of a new meeting and event room. The versatile new 450-square foot conference room can be arranged in a variety of ways to accommodate groups of up to 40 people. Custom food and beverage service is available, including breaks, hors d’oeuvres, and buffet or sit down meals. The space works well for luncheons, bridal showers, family reunions, group retreats, team building, or other gettogethers.

An adjacent courtyard provides expansion space if needed. Visit www.williamshouse.com  for additional information.

New Restaurants Sizzle

Amelia River Golf Club has opened its new clubhouse restaurant, operated by Amelia Island Plantation. The restaurant accommodates up to 40 people and is located at the course’s clubhouse. The golfer-friendly menu includes a wide variety of hearty sandwiches, salads and burgers, including the signature beer-steamed bratwurst.

Located at Gateway Center, Thyme is brand new on the island, offering dinner nightly with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu offers an eclectic mix that is primarily, but not limited to, Italian, with features items such as Roast Leg of Lamb, Chicken Marsala, Risotto, and Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Butter. Thyme also features an international wine list rich with options from Italy, Spain, and more, a selection of specialty martinis such as Italian Wedding Cake, Biscotti Martini, and a Mozzarella Martini.

Jade’s Bistro is another recent addition to Amelia Island, and is located on Sadler Road in Fernandina Beach. Offering modern Thai and Chinese cuisine, Jade’s offers dine-in and take-out options for the entire family. Menu items include Pad Thai, Mango Shrimp, Mongolian Beef, and other well known favorites such as Sweet and Sour Chicken and Moo Shu.

Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island.

For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.org .