Amelia Island 2013 and a WINNER

 

After our whirlwind trip to my favorite place Savannah (click HERE & HERE), J & I rented a car and drove down I-95 to Amelia Island. The drive is an easy one at only about an hour and a half.

We first stopped in Downtown Fernandina Beach for lunch at Brett’s Waterway Cafe. We love how the cafe sits on the water and makes for breathtaking views.

After a cocktail and fuel lunch, we visited some of the shops along the main street. I was not too impressed with the caliber of shops offered as it looked like the recession of 2008 had hit them pretty hard. Many storefront were emptier than the last time we were there.

We did venture into one cute shop, Twisted Sisters on Centre Street, where I picked up these two letters, “R” & “J”. These will be perfect to use on my burlap stockings at Christmas time.

We then proceeded to check-in at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. As I stated in an earlier post, the last time we’ve been to Amelia Island was back in 2009, so we were happy to see that the Amelia Island Plantation was purchased by Omni and renovations and additions had been made to make the resort more modern.

Omni spent over $100 million to add rooms and conference spaces. The pool area and restaurant were also added. It is stunning.

You cannot beat the Amelia Island Plantation for scenery, but the main hotel was starting to look a little dated. We were immediately impressed with the addition made which included the new foyer and lobby. The view from the entrance to the pool and the Atlantic was breathtaking.

My favorite part of the foyer area was the driftwood installation on the ceiling. I wish I would have taken more photos of the changes made.

In the past we stayed in the main part of the resort. This year, J decided to “treat” us to a private villa at The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation, Turtle Dunes. There are a number of villas (condos) on the Plantation property all belonging to the Amelia Island Plantation resort. The villa was located just a simple ride through the winding streets surrounded by towering oaks filled with Spanish moss and palmetto trees.

I adore the East Coast beaches, for the oaks and palmettos add that “way back when” type of feel.

The Villa at Turtle Dunes sat directly on the Atlantic. Our views were breathtaking. Sleeping with the sliding door wide open is a real treat to me. The sounds of the waves cannot be beat by a sound machine. Rest and relaxation were easily attained.

We enjoyed meals, cocktails, the beach, and our condo at the Omni.

Chair service was available at the resort. For just $10.00 each per day, the resort staff delivered our beach chairs and placed each in its appropriate spot on the beach for 9:00 AM. At 5:00 PM, resort staff picked up the chairs. I love the ease of a top-notch resort.

If you enjoy golf, this resort is for you.

In coming days, I will share more of the restaurants and shopping in Amelia Island.

I highly recommend Omni Amelia Island Plantation and The Villas on Amelia Island Plantation when visiting Amelia Island, FL.

Congratulations to Diana of Nana Diana Takes a Break, winner of my latest give away House Proud, the book. Please email me your mailing address, and I’ll place it in the mail today. Thanks for following and commenting, Diana! I can always count on you for a good laugh. xo Thanks to all those who entered for your chance to win. The book is available at Amazon.com.

Traveling Amelia Island, y’all!