Amelia Island Enjoys Award-Winning Summer Summertime

07-08-2009

Marked by Awards, Designations, New Offerings

 

 

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (July 8, 2009) – On Florida’s Amelia Island, it has been a summer of the new and noteworthy, with several award-winning resorts, restaurants, retailers and attractions receiving special recognitions or offering new ways for visitors to enjoy the popular island destination.  From new kayak camps and ice cream flavors, to a chance to win a 7-night stay at the island’s newest hotel, Amelia’s visitor experience – and trophy case – just keeps getting bigger and better. 

 

Amelia Island Plantation Receives Palm Two Status One of Amelia Island’s luxurious resorts, Amelia Island Plantation, was recently awarded the prestigious Palm Two status by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), becoming one of only 26 properties to achieve the designation.  Amelia Island Plantation has shown a consistent devotion to cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources, including a resort-wide recycling program, use of biodegradable plastic bottles, and energy and water monitoring in its laundry operations.  For more information, visit www.aipfl.com.

 

Cumberland Sound Ferry Designated Official East Coast Greenway Connection The Cumberland Sound Ferry has been designated an official connection as part of the East Coast Greenway.  The ferry’s Bald Eagle, an 80-passenger ferry boat between Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Marys, Georgia, has been formally recognized as the final connection in the East Coast Greenway.  This connection now completes the non-stop cycling route from Maine to Key West, Florida.  The Cumberland Sound Ferry is equipped to accommodate bicyclists and pets alike.  To learn more about the ferry, visit www.ameliarivercruises.com.

 

Gold Tee Award Presented to Amelia Golf Resort The readers of Meetings & Conventions magazine have awarded the prestigious 2009 Gold Tee Award to Amelia Island Plantation.  The 2009 award was presented to only 74 domestic golf properties considered to be top destinations for golf and meetings.  Amelia Island Plantation has four golf courses, all of which are Audubon International certified sanctuaries.  For more details, visit www.aipfl.com.

 

Ritz-Carlton Employee Named National “Face of Travel”

Paco Saldaña, director of guest services at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, has been selected as the U.S. Travel Association’s national “Face of Travel.”  With more than 16,000 votes cast, Saldaña was selected as the official industry spokesperson in June.  He will share his message with media, policymakers and other stakeholders as a travel ambassador.  For more information on the “Faces of Travel” initiative and to download the winning video, visit www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com/facesoftravel.  To find Saldaña on Twitter and follow him throughout his travels, visit www.twitter.com/faceoftravel.

 

Windward Sailing Receives Award

Amelia Island’s Windward Sailing School 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.” For more information, visit www.windwardsailing.com.

 

Residence Inn by Marriott Opens with Incredible Giveaway Opportunity On August 15, the Residence Inn by Marriott on Amelia Island will officially open for business. With 133 suites with HDTV, complimentary hot breakfast, meeting space for up to 90 people, cozy fireside seating and Complimentary Manager’s Reception, the Residence Inn is a great new option for visitors.  To kick off their opening, they are offering visitors a chance to win a seven-night stay and local prize pack, which includes gift certificates to 11 local businesses such as Amelia River Cruises, Fort Clinch State Park, and Thyme World Cuisine.  Sign up for a chance to win at www.residenceinnameliaisland.com.

 

Amelia Island CVB Launches Value Card

Amelia Island is expanding its popular new Value Card program, offering visitors a wide range of discounts and incentives at more than 30 of the island’s most popular shops, restaurants and attractions. Guests will be able to enjoy the perks of the new card all over the island. Cardholders can enjoy a complimentary appetizer with dinner at The Crab Trap, 10 percent off any daily or weekly rental at Beach Rentals, 15 percent off non-sale items at Last Flight out and many more special offers. Value cards are available at the front desk at any Amelia Island lodging property.  For a full list of participants, visit www.ameliaisland.com/coupons.

 

New Ice Cream Flavor at Fantastic Fudge

Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge has developed a new ice cream flavor using their homemade fudge. The new flavor, Fudgetastic, debuted on June 25.  The vanilla ice cream includes a caramel swirl with caramel cups and their incredible, homemade fudge.  For more information on Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge, visit www.fantasticfudge.com. 

 

New Kayaking Camp for Kids

Kayak Amelia is offering a Kid's Kayak Day Camp in July.  The one-day camp, held July 21 and July 28, is open to children ages nine through 14.  Attendees will learn the basics of kayaking (paddle strokes, rescues), water safety, survival skills and navigation. The instructor is an American Canoe Association Level 3 Kayak Instructor, certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Classes will be limited to seven paddlers. The fee is $75 per person.  Call (904) 251-0016 for reservations.

 

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