Amelia Island: Historic island escapes
Want active adventures for attendees?
In addition to conference facilities, the AAA Four-Diamond and Florida Green Lodging-certified Amelia Island Plantation offers a variety of nature tours and a nature center; other active amenities include championship golfing and excellent tennis facilities. EcoMotion Tours lead cross-terrain Segway tours of Fort George Island State Park. Private guided nature tours of the area’s scenic waterways are available from Amelia Island River Cruises & Charters, and On the Water Adventures. Kayak Amelia, in Talbot Islands State Park, offers eco-tours.
Want to meet in a place with history?
Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in America. In addition to costumed reenactments, attractions include fishing, Civil War-era structures, a beach and picnic areas. The Florida House Inn is the oldest operating hotel in Florida; in addition to conference facilities, the inn offers arts and crafts, dance and music workshops. Le Clos is a French restaurant in the historic district specializing in Provençal cuisine; the 1906 cottage also has space for private dining, parties and meetings. Meeting and event space for small groups and corporate retreats are available in historic B&Bs such as the Williams House and the Hoyt House.
Want educational activities?
The Amelia Island Museum of History offers walking tours of Historic Fernandina Beach. The Old Towne Carriage Company gives narrated horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district. Sunset sailing cruises are available on the Voyager, a replica of an 1840s schooner. Photography tours are available of Big Talbot Island State Park’s Skeleton Beach.
Want attendees to experience the island’s wild side?
Wintertime is the best time to spot birds such as great blue heron, great horned owl, bald eagle, snowy egret, wood duck, painted bunting, hummingbird, osprey, king fisher, purple sandpipers and jaeger marsh pelicans as they stop by the island on their migratory route; schedule bird-watching cruises, or canoe or kayak excursions early in the morning or in late afternoon for best viewings. From May to October, sea turtles lay eggs on the beach at night. The Windward Sailing School lets landlubbers get close to the dolphins, sea turtles and manatees swimming off the island’s coast.
