Searching for an reasonably priced weekend getaway that’s excellent for singles, {couples}, or households with younger youngsters? In that case, I’ve bought a vacation spot you must take a look at! My husband, daughter, and I just lately spent three days in Amelia Island, Florida… and I can safely say that it’s a complete vibe.
Not conversant in Amelia Island, Florida? Similar right here! In truth, I had by no means even heard of the place till the tourism board reached out to say they might like to host us. We didn’t hesitate to say sure as a result of, regardless of many visits to the Sunshine State– I even rented a spot in Miami Seashore for a month earlier this yr– my Florida travels not often take me farther north than Orlando.
That is probably the case for you, too, so let me introduce you to Amelia Island, Florida. Named after Princess Amelia of England, Amelia Island is situated within the northern a part of the state and is barely a 40 minute drive from Jacksonville (which, enjoyable truth, is called after former US president Andrew Jackson). Identified for its nature, wildlife, sand dunes, and 13 miles of lovely seashores, the island is for folks from all walks of life on the lookout for a relaxed, but adventurous getaway.
Fortunately, touring to Amelia Island may be very straightforward inside the US. It’s a mere 2 hour flight from NYC, which makes it a fantastic weekend journey. If planes aren’t your factor, it’s additionally a brief scenic drive from main cities within the South (for instance, it’s a 2.5 hour drive from Savannah, Georgia).
Issues to Do in Amelia Island, Florida
Now that the place Amelia Island is situated, you’re probably questioning learn how to go the time as soon as there. So with none additional ado, listed here are my suggestions for issues to do in Amelia Island, Florida:
Horseback journey on the seaside. This was my absolute favourite expertise of my keep! I went to Kelly Seahorse Ranch and did an hour-long guided journey alongside the water. Whereas I’m an enormous fan of animals, views of the turquoise waters breaking towards the positive white sand made the journey all of the extra pleasurable. What an beautiful expertise.
Kayak tour. We stayed on the Omni Amelia Island Resort (extra on that later) they usually provide excursions of the marsh by way of kayak and SUP. The waters have been calm, so the kayaking was far more enjoyable that I initially thought it could be. 10/10 advocate.
Benefit from the seaside. As I discussed above, Amelia Island has 13 miles of seashores, so it was a no brainer to spend a while there. The waves are fairly calm and the water is comparatively shallow, which makes it an exquisite choice for teenagers to splash round in. The sand can be nice for constructing castles, or, when you’re my daughter, claw by way of the sand and throw it round. Talking of Kira, she liked the seaside SO a lot that she cried each time we needed to go away!
Discover downtown Amelia Island. Middle Avenue is tremendous quaint, photogenic, and has glorious boutique purchasing. When you’re there, take a look at the Museum of Historical past— it’s small however has numerous interactive shows that your youngsters are positive to get pleasure from.
Get a remedy on the Ritz Carlton. As somebody struggling to steadiness motherhood with a really busy profession, some self-care was much-needed on this journey! I had an Ocean Therapeutic Therapeutic massage remedy on the Ritz Carlton which included a 30-minute therapeutic bathtub, sea salt full physique exfoliation, and a heat salt stone therapeutic massage. All I’ve to say is that this: Oneika examined, Oneika permitted!
Eat at Timoti’s Seafood Shak. It’s no shock that Amelia Island has superb seafood given its location. Nevertheless, I’ve to shout out Timoti’s as it’s the bomb! With a mouth-watering menu that runs the gamut from clam chowder to lobster rolls, there are tasty treats for everybody (in addition to non-seafood choices for individuals who fancy them). There’s superior patio seating and Kira particularly loved the connected playground.
The place to Eat in Amelia Island
Talking of eats, there are not any scarcity of spots to get fabulous fabulous meals in Amelia Island. Along with Timoti’s, listed here are a couple of others it’s best to take a look at throughout your keep:
Kitchen 251. Positioned within the Amelia Island Marina, this informal spot was my husband’s favourite restaurant of the journey! It serves up Cajun fare and the portion sizes are giant– simply the way in which we like ‘em.
Lagniappe. The delicacies right here is distinctly Southern with a French Creole twist.
Coquina. This restaurant on the Ritz Carlton is nice for tapas, however you’ll be blown away by the seaside views.
Espana. The restaurant’s identify offers a nod to the nation of Spain but additionally options Portuguese delicacies. The meals is great and the patio is completely beautiful. We liked it!
The place to Keep in Amelia Island
Our dwelling away from dwelling for our Floridian getaway was none apart from the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Unfold out over 1,350 acres of nature, the resort provided the whole lot our little hearts desired. Whereas I like reserving lodging that’s proper on the seaside, little Miss Kira was such an enormous fan of the Omni’s splash pad that I’m going to make a acutely aware resolution to e book lodges which have one any longer! Since she will’t swim but, the pad was the proper method for her to chill down and have enjoyable. Even higher was having the ability to control her from our personal cabana which was proper subsequent to the pad… 😉 As I mentioned, our little trio completely loved our time on the Omni and advocate it in your subsequent journey to Amelia Island.
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The Takeaway
In order our weekend in Amelia Island taught us, Florida is SOOOOO way more than Orlando, Miami, and The Keys! Amelia Island is a good little vacation spot with a great deal of issues to do, so hopefully now it’s in your radar.
Have you ever ever heard of Amelia Island? In that case, have you ever been earlier than?
