May 6, 2022
Grab your closest girlfriends for a get-together in a picturesque place where you can reconnect. You do so much for your family and in your career — now it’s time to relax and indulge in a special escape of reliving memories and making new ones, all on beautiful Amelia Island.
Check into The Hampton Inn & Suites Harbor Front, your home away from home for the next three days and just steps away from all that historic downtown Fernandina Beach has to offer. Looking for a beachfront retreat? Try the Seaside Amelia Inn or Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. Or for those planning a luxurious getaway, book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island or Omni Amelia Island Resort.
Grab a bite at Café Karibo, home of the Turkey Cuban and “World Famous” Veggie Burger. Café Karibo also features seasonal, homemade soups and the always popular Shrimp Salad on croissant, made with fresh local shrimp! Dine on the patio under the oaks or have a seat in the cafe with an eclectic palette of colors and furnishings. Whatever you choose to dine on, just make sure it fuels you up. You’re about to go shopping!
Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach is full of eclectic and independent shops that stretch from the harbor-front, up and around Centre Street. Check out Twisted Sisters!, a boutique that offers ladies apparel, accessories, and gifts…with a twist. Pop into Amelia Linen & Wood for one-of-a-kind shabby chic furniture, collectibles, and home décor. For the latest in ladies’ fashion, stop in at Lori + Lulu or Pearl Boutique. Or, hit up one of several antique shops for that perfect Amelia memorabilia.
After a day of walking and shopping, dinner at Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro is perfect for a relaxing meal with your pals. Located in a restored 1900’s home directly across from the Hampton Inn & Suites, Joe’s has been serving up delicious local seafood and beef since 1998. If seafood and steaks aren’t your thing, they also offer up Joe’s specialty gumbo, a variety of salads, and yummy pasta dishes. Dine al fresco in the courtyard or in the main dining room. Joe’s offers everything you’ll need for a memorable dinner in a casual atmosphere.
After dinner, walk over to The Decantery, the island’s premier wine, craft beer and cocktail lounge. In addition to an exceptional rare and unique wine selection, The Decantery offers delectable homemade desserts and accoutrements. A great way to end your first day.
It’s all about you today, so soak it in.
Kick off day 2 at Garden Street Bistro where breakfast is served all day, every day. Not only do they specialize in original menu items, but they also have incredible freshly baked daily bread, burgers, crab cakes, wraps and daily specials. Sit inside or outside in the courtyard beneath wisteria vines.
Insider Tip: The Peach Mimosa is sooo good.
Venture to the south end of Amelia Island and indulge in one of two world-class resort spas. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island, offers the perfect place for a day of relaxation with friends. Completely unwind with their signature Heaven in a Hammock massage and experience the benefits of “zero-gravity” and touch therapy to promote balance and healing. Get rid of worries and enjoy pure bliss, if only for 50-minutes.
Meanwhile, The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Resort offers a relaxing and purifying Quartz Sand Table Massage, with the bonus of stimulating the metabolism, easing pain, and aiding in the sleep that women so covet and rarely attain… until now.
After your afternoon of pampering, take a stroll around The Shops at Omni Amelia Island for souvenirs from one-of-a-kind boutiques offering everything from fine art to tee shirts. Plant yourself in a lake-front rocking chair, sip on a cold beverage from Marche Burette and talk about the day. It’s been a good one so far. Looking for home décor? Don’t miss The Plantation Shop in the Palmetto Walk Shopping Village or Cape House in the Shops at Amelia Market.
Channel your inner Creole at dinner tonight. Lagniappe, translating to “a little something extra”, combines the traditions of the French Creole with unique twists on Southern culinary staples using only the freshest local ingredients. Should you wish to elevate your experience by imbibing on one of the many cocktails on the menu, you’ll choose from a range of both classic and new wave cocktails inspired by the eclectic spirit of the South.
Get back to nature and discover our island’s splendor.
Located in a former gas station, T-Ray’s Burger Station was named one of USA Today’s 51 Best Burger Joints in the US. They also happen to serve up a pretty delicious southern breakfast. Make your way over to T-Ray’s and order a Kitchen Sink Omelet. You won’t be sorry.
Amelia Island is home to enough trails and paths to give you a change of scenery each day. Egan’s Creek Greenway trail is a special ride to view nature at its finest, and the Amelia Island Trail system allows you to bike over 5 miles from Peters Point Beachfront Park all the way to Amelia Island State Park on the island’s south end. Bike Amelia can help you with a rental and even deliver them right to your hotel.
Somewhere along the way, your bike ride will ultimately take you near the beach, which is kind of what we’re known for, so get ready to soak up some vitamin D. There’s nothing better than spending the day with your best gals with the sand between your toes and a dip in the ocean.
If relaxation to you means getting in touch with your inner Yogi, I highly recommend signing everyone up for a group studio or SUP yoga class with Deb Cunningham. Deb has been sharing her wisdom and mindfulness on Amelia Island since 2011 and has motivated all yoga skill levels with her passion and warmth. If you can’t choose between the two, do both! This is what relaxation is all about.
Later in the afternoon, pick up your favorite beverage and head to the downtown docks for an Adult BYOB River Cruise. Viewing the island by water is highly recommended and Amelia River Cruises makes everything better with a storytelling captain and live local musicians on board. Try to spot the wild horses on Cumberland Island and ride by Fort Clinch State Park for a peak at the Civil War fort from the water. Make sure you take lots of selfies and tag us with #LoveAmelia.
It’s your last night and Salty Pelican wants to make it memorable. They feature fresh local seafood, buffalo wings, house made loaded potato spring rolls, Salty Pelican stuffed burgers, and a selection of craft beers and fresh cocktails. Live entertainment fills the air on the weekends. If you like oysters on the half shell, order them here. They’re delicious and the perfect way to end your Amelia Island girl’s getaway!
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Girls Getaway. Discover more and plan you perfect trip on www.AmeliaIsland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play.
Pictured above: Biking through Fort Clinch State Park Wellness is defined as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. Whether it’s […]
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