January 11, 2023
Planning a wedding can be some of the best times of your life and also some of the most stressful. Either way, the grand prize is your new spouse and after days/months/years of planning, it’s time to relax and recharge. Your happily ever after begins in a place where warm sea breezes and sunshine kiss your skin and soothing waves lap at the shoreline. Welcome to Amelia Island where the honeymooning is laid back and the scenery is spectacular.
Check into the historic Fairbanks House, your home away from home for the next three days and a romantic step back in time right in the heart of historic downtown. The Fairbanks House has several honeymoon packages to choose from but all include wine upon arrival, daily gourmet breakfast and evening social hour, complimentary use of bikes and beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, towels, etc.) and a dinner credit at your choice of three restaurants. If you’re looking for a beach front resort, try the Omni Amelia Island Resort or The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island both located on the south end of the island where dining, beaching, biking, shopping, and golfing are all at your fingertips!
Kick off your weekend with lunch at The Boat House located downtown on S 2nd Street. The Boat House is a relaxed and playful dining environment with live entertainment outside on the patio, which is where you should sit. Share some shrimp nachos to start and sip on a glass of wine or one of their signature cocktails. Just about everything on the menu is delicious but the Shrimp & Grits is a personal favorite along with the Southern Kickin Chicken Sandwich.
Insider Tip: Polish all of that off with a slice of pecan pie topped with vanilla bean ice cream.
No matter where you stay on the island, there is a bike trail nearby to get you from one place to another. Use your complimentary bike from the Fairbanks House or rent an electric bike for a day of island adventure from Pedego. The island provides a number of biking options from rugged trails winding past centuries-old live oaks and natural waterways to smooth scenic coastal paths, or even the beach. Hit the trails and pedal a while. Biking brings out the kid in everyone!
Hopefully your bike brings you to the beach where you both can breathe and relax. There’s nothing like the sounds of the surf, the warmth of the sun, and each other’s company to reminisce about your big day. Catch some rays, jump the waves or actually taking a surfing lesson. Whatever you do, make sure to take selfies and use #LoveAmelia when posting to Instagram.
It’s time for a date with your new spouse and Burlingame is just a short stroll from the Fairbanks House. The made-from-scratch menu is small by design to focus on a handful of exquisite dishes each season. Chef Chad realizes that dining out is about more than just the food on the plate – it’s an experience and memory. After dinner, share an ice cream cone from Island Time Frozen Yogurt, watch the sunset at the downtown docks, and get a friendly local to snap a picture of the two of you. It’s been a great day!
Start day two off the right way — with the most important meal of the day coming right from the dining room of the Fairbanks House. There’s nothing better than waking up to the awesome smells of bacon, coffee and all the culinary early morning delights that the kitchen can bring. Guests of the Fairbanks House are always well taken care of and breakfast is no exception. Load up. You’ve got a busy day ahead.
Insider Tip: At least one of you should order the Cinnamon Orange Pecan French Toast with Caramel Topping. SO good.
If you’re an equestrian lover, get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Take a horseback ride along the beach and watch for dolphin and other sea life while you stroll on horseback through the surf. How romantic is that? Tours for all abilities are offered through Kelly Seahorse Ranch or Happy Trails Walking Horses. If horseback riding isn’t your thing, then trade your afternoon in the saddle for an afternoon on a kayak. The folks at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions will have you paddling exclusive destinations that simply can’t be seen anywhere else.
After your beach ride, get a tasty cold beverage and a basket of fried shrimp from The Surf Restaurant & Bar where the sea breezes are as nice as the staff. Located across the street from the ocean, The Surf has been serving up fresh seafood and other yummy fare since 1957. Kick back on the outside deck, listen to live entertainment and take it all in. Life is good at The Surf!
The waterways surrounding Amelia Island are full of what romantic dreams are made of and the fine folks at Windward Sailing and Follow That Dream Sailing are here to help. Book a romantic sunset sail or catamaran cruise to take in the beauty of the island from the water – and don’t forget the champagne to celebrate with.
When asking locals about their restaurant favorites, the resounding response always includes España. Specializing in traditional flavors from Spain and Portugal, España features just-caught local seafood, an array of hot and cold tapas and their traditional paella, which is to die for. The always homemade sangria is full of fruit and is so refreshing on warm Florida days. A varied beer and wine list is also available. Choose to dine inside in the cozy main dining room or outside on the enclosed patio overlooking the garden.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while dining on Amelia Island’s most indulgent breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe. The “Morning Table” buffet will make sure you don’t leave hungry with choices of French toast, cold smoked salmon, eggs any way you want them, pecanwood smoked bacon and much more. You can dine in their spacious dining room, but for the best views, dine on the outdoor terrace.
Downtown Fernandina Beach is the perfect place to spend the day and pick up Amelia Island souvenirs to take home with you. Pop into Lindy’s boutique jewelry store for a one-of-a-kind original design or get an Amelia Island souvenir tee shirt at Harbor Wear. For a competitive game of miniature golf, head over to Gregor Macgregor’s Mini Links & Drinks to indulge in some of Florida’s favorite pastimes: a round of miniature golf, a tasty drink and beautiful scenery all right in the heart of historic downtown. Grab lunch at the Amelia Tavern and then head next door to The Alley for a brew. Take a Hydro Bike ride or Amelia River Cruise and experience the amazing views and marine life of the Amelia River. Lots to do or not do in downtown Fernandina!
It’s been an amazing few days on our storied island. Why not end it on a high note. Recognized with a AAA Five Diamond award, Salt, located at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, is the crème de la crème in dining experiences. Oozing romance, the view overlooking the Atlantic ocean is just a hint of what’s to come. Pan Seared Lamb Loin, Beef Tenderloin with fingerling potatoes, and Baklava with pistachio and goat cheese cremeux are just a sampling of the amazing fare.
Insider Tip: Since it’s your honeymoon, consider booking the Salt Chef’s Table Experience for breathtaking vistas of ocean and dunes.
After dinner, wrap up your night at with a drink in the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Lobby Bar featuring a curated list of small-batch spirits, infusions and classic cocktails created by expert mixologists. Sip on a smokey old-fashion or signature martini and talk about your time on Amelia Island and when you’re coming back. We’ve sure enjoyed having you here and we wish you a lifetime of happiness.
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Honeymoon Getaway. Discover more and plan your perfect trip on www.AmeliaIsland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play. We’re looking forward to seeing you back here for years to come.
Amelia Island offers a wide variety of angling opportunities for everyone from the beginner to the hard-core angler. It’s one of the best places to fish under the warm Florida sun.
There’s nothing quite as magical as a Florida sunset and Amelia Island paints a beautiful canvas of skyline colors to end the day. We’ve listed the best places to catch this glorious sight so you can capture the moment.
Take a look at the top 10 family-friendly things to do while visiting Amelia Island. Kid tested. Parent approved!
Take your very own Amelia Island Charcuterie Tour by visiting these dining establishments for their take on this festive board of meats, cheeses, and condiments.
Between the beach and the ocean, Amelia Island offers a myriad of ways to have fun on and off the water. Check out this Beach Lovers Itinerary and get packing!