Amelia Island Springs into Summer

A New Property, Enhanced Activities, Hotel Amenities for Visitors

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 19, 2009) – As summertime travelers return to Florida’s Amelia Island, they will be greeted with numerous new opportunities to enjoy the beloved barrier island.  Twice voted one of the top 10 North American Islands in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Amelia is a popular choice for hiking, biking, kayaking, river cruises and other outdoor adventure.  From extended ferry service and crown jewels to a new restaurant and hotel, summer guests will find even more ways to treasure Amelia Island. 

Cumberland Sound Ferry

The 59-foot vessel of the Cumberland Sound Ferry Service is extending its spring and summer services.  Sailing between Amelia Island and St. Marys, Ga., the ferry now makes three roundtrips, six days a week, including a late ferry on Saturday evenings.  The 80-passenger ferry is pet- and bicycle-friendly.  To make reservations, call (904) 261-9972 or (877) 264-9972.  The cost is $15 per person, round trip.  For more information, visit www.ameliarivercruises.com.

New Schedule (March 1 - August 31, 2009):

From Fernandina Beach, Florida:  10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. on Saturdays only From St. Mary’s, Georgia:  11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. on Saturdays only

A Jewel of an Exhibit

For a limited time only, The Amelia Island Museum of History will offer a dazzling exhibit of the British Crown Jewels.  While the original jewels never leave the Tower of London, the only sanctioned replicas will be on display at the museum.  For more details on the museum and the exhibit, visit www.ameliamuseum.org.

Salon at Amelia Island Plantation

The Salon at The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation has been named a FAB PRO Green Conscious Certified Salon.  Offered by the Florida Association of Beauty Professionals (FAB), the designation honors the Salon for its environmental commitment to the industry and to consumers. The FAB PRO Green Conscious Certification distinguishes businesses that are using eco-friendly procedures, technology and practices.  Visit www.spaamelia.com for more information on The Salon.

New Residence Inn by Marriott

Late this summer, Amelia Island will add a new Residence Inn by Marriott to its collection of award-winning hotels, resorts and inns.  The new hotel will feature 133 suites, including studios, and one- and two-bedroom suites, each with a kitchen and dining area.  Within easy walking distance of the beach on Sadler Road, the hotel will feature meeting space for up to 90 people, a putting green, complimentary Manager's Reception several evenings each week and much more. Visitors can begin making reservations for August 15 and beyond.  For more information, visit www.residenceinnameliaisland.com.

Upgrades at Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn Amelia Island @ Fernandina Beach recently added a new Business Center with two computers, two color scanner/fax/printers, and internet services. The Business Center is available at no cost to guests.  The hotel has also added new 32' flat screen, high definition televisions to each guest room.  For more details, visit www.ameliaislandhamptoninn.com.

Amelia Island Plantation Adds New Tennis Director, Junior Tennis Camps Kelly Gunterman has expanded his partnership with Amelia Island Plantation to work as director of tennis, offering tennis players of all abilities the opportunity to improve their strokes and strategy in the tropical environs of Florida. The Gunterman Tennis Schools have been rated in Tennis Magazine's "Top 25 Adult Tennis Schools”.  The Plantation will be offering junior tennis day camps weekly from June 29 to August 21.  The camps will be held Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for children ages 8-15. The cost will be $327 per week/$80 per day for the full-day program, or $175 per week/$45 per day for the half-day program. For more information on the camps or to register, call the tennis pro shop at (904) 277-5145.

Addison On Amelia Offers Dinner

Addison On Amelia, one of the island’s eight bed and breakfast inns, has started serving dinners on Friday and Saturday nights.  Classically trained in-house chef Grant Heaslewood has prepared a menu that features Ahi Tuna and Crab Cake appetizers, soup of the day, fresh salads and an entrée choice of Filet Mignon, Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon and Herb Roasted Chicken.  Dinner is served Friday and Saturday nights with seatings from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  For dinner reservations, call (904) 277-1604.

Williams House Selected for National Geographic Traveler Magazine Amelia Island Williams House was recently selected by the editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine to be included in the second annual "Stay List," featuring "129 Hotels We Love."  The new list debuted in the April 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler and includes 129 properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  For more information about Amelia Island Williams House, visit www.williamshouse.com.

-Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-

About Amelia Island

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 district.  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.[Back to Press Releases Main]