Posted November 2, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Think east coast Florida and images of sandy beaches come to mind. But Jacksonville is also blessed with an ecosystem of salt marshes, creeks, and the scenic St. Johns River. You can easily spend a weekend or more exploring the largest urban park system in the country. Paddle the salt marshes in a state park, catch scenic sunsets from a riverside B&B, sip a fancy martini at the Landing, and never even miss the ocean.
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Kayak Amelia: Between the ocean and IntraCoastal Waterway lies a magical salt marsh ecosystem that Jacksonville's beach-bound visitors never see. Paddle the creeks on a guided tour ($55) with Kayak Amelia and you'll learn about ecology, history, and the dolphins and manatees that live in and around Amelia Island State Park. Kayak Amelia also leads bike eco-tours in other nearby state parks.
Stay
House on Cherry Street: Jacksonville's most picturesque sunrises might be over the ocean, but its best sunsets are on the St. Johns River. This charming riverside B&B is an ideal place to end the day. From the dock you can see herons gliding over the water and snowy egrets swooping back to their roost. Downtown attractions are only a short walk away. Antiques grace the inn's two guest rooms, $105 or $115 per night, which includes a full breakfast and afternoon tea.
Drink
Twisted Martini: Girls flaunting tans and guys flexing brawn flock to this swank martini bar at the Jacksonville Landing. Along the St. Johns River, high style and designer cocktails are standard issue at Twisted Martini. You can even get bottle service and VIP treatment in a specially designated chic lounge, but instead save the cash and opt for daily happy hour specials.
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(Photo: iStockPhoto/Purdue9394)
Posted May 22, 2009 by Kate Hamman
St. Augustine's rich heritage dates back to the Spanish Conquistadors of the 16th century, and now embraces a melting pot of cultures. Enter the historic district and find Victorian artifacts, Spanish-Cuban food, and English hospitality.
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Lightner Museum: Filled to the brim with Victorian artifacts, the Lightner Museum takes you back to daily life in the 19th century. Costumes, music instruments, and furniture from America's Gilded Age fill within the museum's three floors. Built in 1887 as the Hotel Alcaraz, the Spanish-inspired building is now a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the cafe area that once served as the indoor swimming pool. Admission costs $10.
Eat
Columbia Restaurant: Located on historical St. George street, the Columbia Restaurant serves elegant Spanish-Cuban inspired fare. Grab a seat on the balcony overlooking the street, and sip one of the restaurant's famed tableside-muddled mojitos before digging into a dish of Paella.
Stay
Penny Farthing Inn: For good old English hospitality in the heart of the historic district, the Penny Farthing Inn, built in 1897, thoughtfully combines Victorian-inspired decorations with modern-day amenities. Many personal touches welcome you, including a bottle of sherry in each of the eight rooms, free soda and wine throughout the day, desserts at night, and evening social hours. Rooms start at $129 for weekend stays, including breakfast. Rates are lower during the week.
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(Photo: Columbia Restaurant)
Posted May 6, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Once a Victorian seaport, Amelia Island has a fascinating past. Experience pieces of the island's history in the Fernandina Beach district, where you can stay in Florida's oldest operating hotel and drink at the state's longest-running bar. And when you get hungry, a funky restaurant will bring you back into the 21st century without charging too much inflation.
Stay
Florida House Inn: The Florida House Inn is the oldest surviving hotel in the state, and once housed famous guests like Ulysses S. Grant and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. These days, the hotel hosts a slew of different activities, ranging from Carolina shag dance lessons to bluegrass jam sessions. Ten of the 22 rooms come with fireplaces. Prices start at $109 per night, and include breakfast and free scooter rentals.
Drink
The Palace Saloon: The Palace Saloon is not only the oldest continuously run bar in Florida, but it also holds the title as the first hard-liquor joint to serve Coca-Cola. Once the gathering place of sailors and captains docked along Fernandina's harbor, the Palace still welcomes patrons with a thirst for adventure. Pull up a stool and order a cocktail as you listen to the live entertainment that plays daily.
Eat
Cafe Karibo: This eclectic restaurant may not be the oldest in town, but its broad menu is one for the history books. You can support the island's thriving shrimp industry with a plate of shrimp and grits, or sample items ranging from turkey meatloaf to seared ahi tuna. Eat inside or under the large oak trees on the garden patio. Dinner entrees start at $14.
To search for flights and compare prices to Jacksonville, which is home to Amelia Islands’s closest airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Amelia Island Tourist Development Council)
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