Pictured above: Shrimp Festival Parade

Amelia Island has always been a little bit “special” and we like it that way.  We love our pirates (both real and legendary) and have an entire club dedicated to them. We also celebrate our favorite crustacean each May with a huge 3-day shrimp festival. Wacky national holidays are right up our alley and you can help us celebrate by planning your upcoming summer/fall visit to Amelia Island during one of these National days.

June 1 — National Barefoot Day

Experience an unparalleled sense of calm and peace when you stroll along the 13 miles of pristine quartz sandy beaches of Amelia Island. Even better… experience it barefoot! Shelling and shark tooth hunting are time-honored traditions and kicking waves in the surf is just plain fun. Free those feet of the confinement of shoes and socks and take a walk on the wild side.

July 19 — National Daiquiri Day

Is there another drink that says summertime better than the frozen daiquiri? I think not. Lucky for you, they can be found just about everywhere there is a restaurant/bar… but Locals and Salt Life serve up some really good ones. Whether it’s strawberry, lime, banana, peach, mango or some other concoction, go ahead and order one of these summer slushies of yumminess. It’s five o’clock somewhere! 

Aug 15 — National Relaxation Day

It’s hard to believe we have to have a national day to tell us to relax but as busy as folks are nowadays, I’m not surprised. Relaxation comes in many forms but a spa day ranks right up there. Ease tension with a one-hour deep tissue massage, restore a youthful glow with a renewing facial, or balance your chakras with relexology — all of which can be found right here on Ahhmelia Island. 

Sept 6 — National Read a Book Day

“Magical worlds await in between two covers and a spine.” It’s true. There’s nothing like a great read and nothing better than a beach that beckons for a chair and a pile of books to enjoy under the sun. Visit The Book Loft or Story and Song Bookstore Bistro for everything from thrilling best-sellers and local lore to cooking and puzzle books. If one day isn’t enough, come back during the annual Book Festival held every February.

Oct 11 — National Sausage Pizza Day

Who doesn’t love pizza? Finally a national day to unite pizza lovers everywhere with not just any pizza but sausage pizza! Whether served thick or thin, hand-tossed or gluten-free, sausage pizza paired with an ice cold beer is just about as good as it gets. Amelia Island is loaded with pizza joints ready to take your order. 

Nov 18 — National Princess Day

Our island has so much history. It’s been under eight different flags and has gone through several name changes but, in 1702, the British gave the island its final name – “Amelia Island” – in honor of ​Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II. And, she never even saw it. So, in honor of National Princess Day, bring your own royal family to an island that’s named for real one.

Dec 15 — National Cupcake Day

Lets recognize the cupcake for what it is. A single serving treat topped with delicious frosting that can be eaten in two bites (maybe 3). They’re a miniature celebration and make us so happy! Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop specializes in made-from-scratch cupcakes that come in a variety of flavors using organic and imported ingredients and Bliss Cakery offers not only your standard cupcake but mini cupcakes as well (poppers)! Yesss.

Bonus Day:

Argh me hearties! Pack your bags, grab your lads and lassies, and sail the briny deep to Amelia Island to learn the vast secrets of this sacred day that will soon be upon us (and happens to be our favorite). We’re talking about National Talk Like A Pirate Day, September 19.

We’ll see you soon!