Amelia Island, Florida
From its shimmering Atlantic sunrises to its stunning Amelia River sunsets..there's no place else quite like Amelia Island. The southernmost of the 'Golden Isles' chain of barrier islands, Amelia's beaches are its most alluring attraction. Its 13 miles of pristine beaches, framed by 40 foot dunes capped by sea oats, are rated among America's ten most beautiful,
The Island's meandering salt marshes and moss covered trees host more than 250 types of birds. Marine and other wildlife range from bobcats and red foxes to alligators and manatees.
Fernandina.. Once a bustling Victorian seaport, picturesque downtown Fernandina Beach now harbours a treasure trove of history, antiques, fashions and collectibles. Multi coloured brick buildings dating from 1873 to 1900, gas lantern replicas and wrought iron benches and cobblestone walks lead to the shrimp boat-anchored marina.
Fernandina Town
One of the most colourful watering holes on Centre Street, is the Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest, with original features. circa 1878. Also Florida's first cross-state railroad had its terminus in Fernandina Beach and laid the tracks for a quarter century of wealth and prosperity, the Old Railroad Depot (1899) is located at the end of Centre Street. Also Florida's oldest surviving tourist hotel, built in 1857 is in Fernandina. The oldest structure on the Island is the Lighthouse (1839), the lighthouse still works.
Fort Clinch, Amelia Island
The First New York Volunteer Engineers toiled to complete this Civil War Fort, overlooking Cumberland Sound in 1864. Along with live interpretations at the fort, it is an 1,086 acre outpost of pristine beaches and dunes, nature trails, ponds and salt marshes.
Once you have visited Amelia Island, and enjoyed its charm and beauty and of course those wonderful beaches, you will always want to come back again and again.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton head became colonised in 1521 when the Spanish entered Port Royal Sound and made contact with the native Indians, but wasn't named 'Port Royal' until the French visited in 1562. Hilton Head had visitors and occupiers from a wide variety of Countries, including the British and in 1698 Irishman John Bayley, took title to a barony of 16,200 acres. The British, I am sorry to say landed in 1813 and burnt all the houses!!. Finally the Union troops invaded in 1861, in the 'Battle of Port Royal.
Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island grew from there, with extensive logging in the late 40's and early 50's, and eventually with electricity coming to the Island in 1957 by the Palmetto Electricity Company, and also a two lane turn bridge to the mainland. Hilton Head then prospered, and now is a major tourist centre.
Hilton Head Island, Coastal View.
Hilton Head with its wildlife reserves, sports (Tennis and Golf), The 'Family Circle Cup' Tennis championships were played at Hilton Head for a long time. Also the is the 'Heritage Classic' Golf Tournament held at the Golf Club near Harbour Town, has a lot to offer the visitor. Also a wonderful selection of restaurants and good accommodation.
Sunset at Hilton Head Island.
