Amelia Islander - January 2016

Amelia

ISLANDER PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FERNANDINA BEACH, FL PERMIT NO. 104

JANUARY 2016

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“

Amelia

ISLANDER

Beginning years ago with principally a June season, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival has been transformed into a full slate of world-class concerts running from January through May.

Philip Kelly Deana Basile Kelly Publishers and Editors Tom Barrett Art Director Mark O’Day Advertising Sales

”

A new calendar year brings new changes, and undoubtedly we can expect that 2016 will be no different. While change is often unexpected, and perhaps not always welcome, we usually find what is good amidst the new things we experience. One change we can identify on Amelia Island for 2016 is with the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (AICMF). Beginning years ago with principally a June season, the AICMF has been transformed this year into a full slate of world-class concerts running from January through May. With a line-up featuring some of the finest classical music talent in the world, the festival runs now through the heart of Amelia Island’s busy season, ensuring that this season’s concerts will be enjoyed by a wider audience than ever before.

Having thrilled the island through the years with renowned talents such as Joshua Bell, Hilary Hahn, Lynn Harrell, and the Eroica Trio, the AICMF is raising the bar it has set even higher for its fifteenth season with a stellar schedule highlighted by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who appears this month in concert at First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach. It has been a pleasure to watch the AICMF develop into one of the country’s most well-respected chamber music festivals, and we look forward to this year’s season with great anticipation.

Artistic Director Christopher Rex makes each year an exciting musical adventure with innovative programming that always includes a few surprises. Upcoming concerts this season following Yo-Yo Ma’s Amelia Island debut include the Dover Quartet, Chris Thile, Anne Akiko Meyers, the American String Quartet, the Christiania Trio, and many more. As always, we owe a debt of gratitude to the many sponsors and volunteers who make the festival possible, particularly Executive Director Dr. Joseph Marasco. Joe has been instrumental in expanding the season and securing the community support that makes these extraordinary concerts possible. We are grateful to the many local businesses that have stepped forward to make this festival such a resounding success.

In addition this month, we take a look at Amelia Island’s popular Restaurant Week, returning for its eighth year. Now expanded to ten days, Restaurant Week is a great time to get of the house and experience special menus prepared by your favorite participating restaurants. Don’t miss the fun! Also, for everyone who loves to travel, we check in with Ange Wallace of Wallace-Pierson Travel, as well as a couple of experienced local travelers, to discover some hot vacation destinations for 2016. We also present another in our series of “Great Homes of Fernandina,” a “Backyard Adventure” that features a fascinating historic plant walk at Fort Clinch, and much more.

See you around the island!

4 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

Contributing Writers Dickie Anderson, Theresa Duncan, Jim Ewing, Kate Harris, Karen Miller, Betty Morrell, Julie Simmons Contributing Photographers William Raser, Elizabeth Wilkes, David Burghardt, Pam Bell, Sherry Garbarini, Stephan Leimberg

C O N TA C T U S Sweetpea Media, Inc. P.O. Box 16624 Fernandina Beach, Fl 32035 904-277-8012 islander@ameliaislander.com www.ameliaislander.com

Amelia Islander Magazine is published monthly (11 times a year - January and February is a combined issue.) All editorial contents including maps and photographs are Copyrighted 2015 Sweetpea Media, Inc. Reproduction of any material contained herein in any manner, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other artwork cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited materials. The cover and the magazine’s contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Amelia Islander is distributed free of charge on and around Amelia Island. Back issues may be purchased from the publisher for $2.00 each plus postage.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

features

JANUARY2016 11 Cover Story 2016 AMELIA ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival celebrates its fifteenth season with an exceptional program that runs from January through May, raising the high bar it has set through the years with a stellar lineup highlighted by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

29 Ready, Set, Enjoy!

35 Exploring the World

Returning for its eighth year, the always popular Amelia Island Restaurant Week has added three more days of great dining at outstanding local restaurants.

As Amelia Island residents make plans for 2016, many are deciding to include travel to exotic locations in Europe, South America, and even the Arctic.

41 Great Homes of Fernandina One of Fernandina Beach’s showcase Victorians, the William Bell house was built as a “bride house” for Bell’s wife and is now home to a popular restaurant.

64 Backyard Adventure A trained marine scientist, Lauri DeGaris is an artist, historian, and tour guide who offers fascinating plant walks across Amelia Island’s beaches and forests.

Amelia

ISLANDER JANUARY 2016 • VOLUME 29 • NUMBER 1

5 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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JANUARY2016

inside 20

ABOUT THE COVER

27

45

20

Everything Amelia The people, events, and history that make Amelia a special place

22

Galleries & Antiques Amelia’s art galleries & antique stores

24

In the Neighborhood Profiles of area businesses and organizations

27

Beach Combing Great shopping on Amelia Island

30

Maps of the Island and downtown, with telephone numbers

31

Tide Table Tides at the Amelia River

33

Around Town What’s happening around Amelia Island

36

Snapshots Islanders out and about

43

In the Garden Chinese Dogwood, Early Bird Crape Myrtle, Double Mint Gardenia, Jetstream Hydrangea, and Buddleia Bush make lavish additions to your garden.

45

Island Home Inspired by “tiny house living,” a new social movement in which people are downsizing the space they live in, Courtney and Nick Starrett built a cozy, little home.

50 Cellist Yo-Yo Ma appears at the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival this month.

Photo by Jason Bell.

Eating Scene With craft beer, fresh salads, and pizza rolls with homemade dipping sauces, Townies is a Fernandina favorite offering delicious pizza and so much more.

55

Open House Premium real estate offerings on and around Amelia Island

Amelia

ISLANDER JANUARY 2016 • VOLUME 29 • NUMBER 1

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Q

Raising

the

Bar

The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival celebrates its 15th season with an outstanding line-up of concerts.

M

BY KAREN MILLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AMELIA ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

F

rom its humble beginning as a small concert on Centre Street 15 years ago, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival has grown into a world-class phenomenon. Last season, over two thousand music lovers across northern Florida thrilled to an unparalleled cavalcade of great musicians at 14 memorable concerts.

Selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events, this year’s slate of highly acclaimed artists includes international sensation Yo-Yo Ma, the Dover Quartet, Chris Thile, Anne Akiko Meyers, the American String Quartet, the Christiania Trio, Andres Diaz, Wendy Chen, Chee-Yun, and Natasha Paremski in an all-star season that runs from January through May. In previous years, the festival was held in May, in a whirlwind month of concerts. “We realized that many of our ‘snowbirds’ leave the island in late April or early May, and were missing out on several or all of the concerts,” says Dr. Joseph Marasco, the festival’s executive director. “That’s why we decided to hold a winter and spring season, spreading the concerts out from January to May.” In addition to the new format, the festival has managed to acquire significant partners in their quest to bring the most sought-after headliners in classical music to the island. “This year, our main sponsors include CBC Bank, WestRock, Rayonier Advanced Materials Foundation, Florida Public Utilities, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Yo-Yo Ma

Resort, WJCT Public Broadcasting, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Keyboard Connection, Townies Pizzeria, and Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene,” notes Marasco. “We’ve also partnered with the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council this year to help make our festival a first-rate chamber music event, which includes training young musicians and helping drive economic development.”

YO-YO MA HEADLINES THE FESTIVAL IN JANUARY Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will make his first appearance in northeast Florida in 20 years to open the festival’s fifteenth anniversary season. Universally considered one of the world’s greatest cellists, he has made over 90 recordings and received 18 Grammy Awards. Yo-Yo Ma is acclaimed for his extraordinary technique, rich tone, and collaborations with musicians from other genres and cultures, which have reinvigorated classical music and expanded its audience.

Ma’s multi-faceted career is a testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences and to his personal desire for artistic growth and renewal. Whether performing new or familiar works from the cello repertoire, coming together with colleagues for chamber music, or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western classical tradition, Ma strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination. His January 14 concert will include Partita, Op. 31 by Saygun, Suites No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007, No. 2

11 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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PETER SCHAAF AINSLEY JOSEPH

Anne Akiko Meyers

in D minor BWV 1008, and No. 6 in D major BWV 1021 by Johann Sebastian Bach, Appalachian Waltz by Mark O’Connor, and Summer in the High Grassland by Zhao Jiping.

Ma’s performance is made possible in part by CBC National Bank’s festival sponsorship. “We deeply appreciate CBC’s sponsorship, which helped make it possible to bring an artist of Yo-Yo Ma’s international stature to Amelia Island,” says Artistic Director Christopher Rex. “CBC’s relationship with our festival extends back fifteen years to our inaugural season, when the bank became one of our first corporate sponsors. We are truly grateful for CBC’s ongoing support.”

The January 14 concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1600 South 8th Street. The concert is currently sold out, but some seating is available through the AICMF’s hotel and lodging partners. Call the AICMF office for more information at (904) 261-1779.

ANNE AKIKO MEYERS AT AMELIA PLANTATION CHAPEL The festival welcomes back Anne Akiko Meyers on January 31 at 5 p.m. at Amelia Plantation Chapel. Akiko Meyers is one of the most celebrated violinists embraced around the world today. Her passionate performances, purity of sound and deeply poetic interpretations, innovative programming and commitment to commissioning new works, her rare ability to connect with audiences from the concert stage, online, in television, and radio broadcasts, Meyers has actively maintained an extensive touring schedule for close to 30 years.

American String Quartet

In 2014, Meyers was the top-selling traditional classical instrumental soloist on Billboard charts. “Anne is a good friend,” says Rex. “She’s a rare combination of virtuosity and elegance. I can’t imagine celebrating our fifteenth anniversary without her.” Tickets are $45. Amelia Plantation Chapel is located at 36 Bowman Road.

A VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT WITH THE AMERICAN STRING QUARTET If you’re looking for a distinctive and romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart, consider an evening with the internationally renowned American String Quartet. Recognized as one of the world’s finest quartets, the American String Quartet has spent decades honing the luxurious sound for which it is famous. The Quartet celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2014 and, in its years of touring, has performed in all fifty states and has appeared in the most important concert halls worldwide. The Quartet features Peter Winograd, violin, Laurie Carney, violin, Wolfram Koessel, cello, and Daniel Avshalomov, viola. Their presentations of the complete quartets of Beethoven, Schubert, Schoenberg, Bartók, and Mozart have won widespread critical acclaim, and their MusicMasters Complete Mozart String Quartets, performed on a matched quartet set of instruments by Stradivarius, are widely considered to have set the standard for this repertoire.

Formed when its original members were students at The Juilliard School, the American String Quartet’s career began with the group winning both the Coleman Competition and

12 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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13 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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BRANTLEY GUTIERREZ COURTESY OF DOVER QUARTET LEA GALLARDO

Dover Quartet

Chris Thile

the Naumburg Award in the same year. Individually, the members devote additional time outside the Quartet’s active performance and teaching schedule to solo appearances, recitals, and master classes. “The American String Quartet appeared our first year,’ says Rex. “We are thrilled to welcome them back for our 15th anniversary.” The program includes quartets by Mozart and Ravel, along with Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata Quintet, arranged for String Quintet with Rex as the second cello. The special Valentine’s Day concert will be performed on February 14 at 5 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Avenue. Tickets are $45.

DOVER QUARTET AT AMELIA BAPTIST CHURCH The Dover Quartet has been named the AICMF’s first Quartet-in-Residence. The acclaimed ensemble will perform on February 19 at Amelia Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m., and will participate in the Festival’s education outreach programs. Featuring Joel Link, violin, Bryan Lee, violin, Milena Pajaro-van d Stadt, viola, and Camden Shaw, cello, the Dover Quartet is holding a Master Class on February 20 at 11 a.m., also at Amelia Baptist Church, which is free and open to the public.

The Dover Quartet catapulted to international stardom

following a stunning sweep of the 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition, becoming one of the most indemand ensembles in the world. The Quartet—which draws from the musical lineage of the Cleveland, Vermeer, and Guarneri quartets—studied at the Curtis Institute, where they were Quartet-in-Residence from 2011-2013. They currently are Quartet-In-Residence at Northwestern University. Amelia Baptist Church is located at 961167 Buccaneer Trail, and tickets for the February 19 concert are $45.

CHRISE THILE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND On February 28 at 5 p.m., Chris Thile will perform at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 5 p.m. Superstar mandolinist, singer and songwriter, Chris Thile will replace Garrison Keillor as host of A Prairie Home Companion this year. He is known for his work in the acoustic folk/progressive bluegrass quintet Punch Brothers, and the progressive acoustic trio Nickel Creek.

A 2012 MacArthur Fellow, Thile has been awarded numerous Grammys over the years, most recently in 2011 for Goat Rodeo Sessions with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, and fiddler Stuart Duncan. Tickets are $60.

14 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Fresh Produce • Cut Loose Click • CMC • Tommy Bahama Neon Buddha • Pure Handknit French Dressing

Vera Bradley

Pineapple Patch 201 Centre St. • Historic District 321-2441 15 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

COURTEST OF AICMF

Sam Haywood

SAM HAYWOOD AT PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH On March 13, Sam Haywood, piano, will perform at 5 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Chruch. Born in Australia, Haywood was a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition at the age of 13. Awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Julius Isserlis prize, he moved to Vienna to study with Paul Badura-Skoda. He has since performed in major venues around the world and has made several recordings, including one using Chopin’s own Pleyel piano. As a chamber musician, his partners have included Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis, with whom he is featured on the Musical Gifts album. Mr. Haywood is also a composer and artistic director of London’s Solent Music Festival. Tickets for the March 13 concert are $40.

CHRISTIANA TRIO AT PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH On April 10 at 5 p.m., join the Christiana Trio at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church featuring David Coucheron, violin, Julie Coucheron, piano, and Christopher Rex, cello.

David Coucheron, who plays a 1725 Stradivarius, joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Concertmaster in September 2010. He has performed as a soloist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Sendai Symphony Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. His recordings with his sister, pianist Julie Coucheron, include “David and Julie.”

LEA GALLARDO

PANOS DAMASKINIDIS

Christiana Trio

Julie has established an international career, regularly touring Europe and America as a freelance soloist and chamber musician. She has won first prize in all the national competitions she has attended, in addition to winning prizes in Italy, Germany and in the United States.

Christopher Rex, in addition to being the general and artistic director of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Principal Cellist in 1979, the same year in which he became the first cellist ever to win the string prize in the biennial Young Artists Competition of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Since then he has appeared as recitalist and chamber musician across the nation.

Tickets for the April 10 concert are $40.

ANDRES DIAZ AT PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH On April 16, Andres Diaz, cello, Wendy Chen, piano, and Chee-Yun, violin, will be performing together at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m. at Amelia Plantation Chapel. Since winning the First Prize in the 1986 Naumburg International Cello Competition, Diaz has exhilarated both critics and audiences with his intense and charismatic performances. He has earned exceptional reviews and was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, as well as a generous grant from the Susan W. Rose Fund for Music in 1998.

Chen became the youngest winner ever of the National Chopin Competition in 1990, was one of the inaugural recipients of the Irving S. Gilmore Young Artists Award, and

16 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Savannah Grand

a spectacular assisted living community

Savannah Grand is an assisted living and memory support community nestled amongst scenic oak trees located just one block from the beach.

• Three Delicious Meals a Day • Housekeeping, Laundry and Maintenance Services • Vibrant Activities Program Complimented by Many Events • Transportation for Outings and Medical Appointments • Private Suites Offering Several Floor Plans • Personalized Service Plans for Each Resident

Call us today, stop by for a visit, join us for lunch, or all of the above!

1900 Amelia Trace Court • Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.321.0898 • www.SavannahGrandAmeliaIsland.com Assisted Living Facility License # 9108

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Proud Sponsors of the Never-Ending Childhood 5 South 2nd Street Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach (904) 432-8291 villavillekullatoys.com 17 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

Raleigh

Amelia Island

Charleston

Cameron Village

213 Centre Street

King Street

Mon-Thu 10-7, Fri & Sat 10-8 and Sun 12-6

www.AmeliaIslander.com

NICOLA BETTS

Wendy Chen

LEA GALLARDO

CHEHO LEE

Andres Diaz

ANDREA JOYNT

Chee-Yun

Natasha Paremski

was named a Presidential Scholar by the National Foundation for the Arts. Since then, her career has flourished, adding Young Concert Artists International Auditions and Washington International Competition to her numerous awards.

Chee-Yun’s flawless technique, dazzling tone and compelling artistry have enraptured audiences on five continents. Charming, charismatic and deeply passionate about her art, Yun continues to carve a unique place for herself in the ever-evolving world of classical music. She plays the Stradivarius “Ex-Strauss” (Cremona, 1708), which is on loan through the generous efforts of the Samsung Foundation of Culture of Korea and the Stradivari Society of Chicago, Illinois.

Tickets for the April 16 concert are $45.

NATASHA PAREMSKI AT AMELIA PLANTATION CHAPEL On May 2, Natasha Paremski will dazzle concert-goers at Amelia Plantation Chapel at 3 p.m. With her consistently dynamic performances and flawless technique, Russian-born pianist Paremski thrills audiences with her astounding virtuosity and interpretive abilities. She was awarded several prestigious prizes at a young age, including the Gilmore Young Artists prize

in 2006 at the age of 18, the Prix Montblanc in 2007, and the Orpheum Stiftung Prize in Switzerland. In September 2010, she was awarded the Classical Recording Foundation’s Young Artist of the Year. Tickets for the May 2 concert are $40.

A MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT WITH THE DOVER QUARTET The Dover Quartet returns on Mother’s Day, May 8th with a concert held at the historic Nassau County Courthouse at 3 p.m. Tickets are $45. The Beth Newdome Fellowship Artists wrap up the festival with concerts held at the Boys and Girls Club on May 17, Savannah Grand on May 19, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on May 22. Featured artists are Riana Anthony, cello,Emily Bradenburg, viola, Julia Bradenburg, violin, Leah Latorraca, violin, and Anastasia Rizikov, piano.

“We’re very proud of our line-up this year,” says Rex. “Our artists and programs exemplify what we’ve set out to do with our Festival, providing high caliber chamber music in celebration of our 15th anniversary.” For more information about the concerts and artists and to purchase tickets, visit www. ameliaislandchambermusicfestival.com or call (904) 261-1779.

18 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Happy New Year from Artistic Florist To another year of special memories and beautiful smiles.

2016 HOLIDAYS January 1 - New Year’s Day February 14 – Valentine’s Day March 8 – International Women’s Day March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day March 27 – Easter April 27 – Administrative Professional’s Day May 8 – Mother’s Day May 30 – Memorial Day June 19 – Father’s Day July 4 – Independence Day August 1 – National Friendship Day September 5 – Labor Day September 11 – Grandparent’s Day October 15 – Sweetest Day October 17 – Boss’s Day October 31 – Halloween November 11 – Veterans Day November 24 – Thanksgiving December 24 - Hanukkah December 25 – Christmas December 31 – New Year’s Eve

Live Here, Rehab Here.

We Care For The People You Love Complete Medical & Nursing Services Full Dining Services Wide Range of Resident Activities

1625 Lime Street 904.261.0771 www.qualityhealthamelia.com

(904) 261-5546 1430 Park Ave ~ Fernandina Beach www.artistic-florist.com wendy chen

Wallace Pierson Travel is proud to share an exclusive Silversea offer

Up to $500 Per Suite Off A Silversea Cruise booked by January 30, 2016!

Additionally...

Every suite, every port, every 2016 Asia Voyage aboard Silver Shadow includes: FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS. FREE WIFI. FREE 2-NIGHT PRE-CRUISE HOTEL. Fares starting at $4,550 per person. Included Economy Class Air plus transfers OR Business Class Air upgrade from just $1,999 each way

HARRIS TEETER SHOPPING CENTER CORNER OF FIRST COAST HIGHWAY AND SOUTH FLETCHER AVENUE

Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:30

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Applies to new full-fare bookings. Fares are capacity controlled and nd subject to change without notice.

Contact Wallace Pierson Travel and mention promotion WPT01 info@wallacepierson.com or call 904.261.5914

1401 Park Avenue, Suite A, Amelia Island, FL wallacepierson.com virtuoso.com/member/wallacepiersontravel

19 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

everything Amelia P E OP LE ,

P LA CE S,

HI STO RY

&

M O R E

LES DEMERLE BIG BAND SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT CONCERT ON VALENTINE’S DAY

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SERVE “FOOD FOR THOUGHT” ON FEBRUARY 4 Mark your calendars for “Food for Thought,” a gala event in February showcasing the expanded and renovated Fernandina Beach Library. “With creative dishes from twelve local chefs, costumed characters, art, and music, the event will be a feast for all the senses,” says Diane Kinney, Friends of the Library (FOL) events chair. “Everything will have a literary hook. The chefs are cooking up foods found in literature, such as stuffed mushrooms reminiscent of ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Actors from Amelia Musical Playhouse will portray related characters. It should be an unforgettable evening.”

Chefs from Bar Zin, Café Karibo, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, Espana, Lulu’s, Salty Pelican, Horizon’s, Pecan Roll, Amelia Island Culinary, Nana Teresa’s, Patio Place, and Adam Sears (formerly of Merge) will be participating.

Pianist John Singer will perform, local art will be displayed in the new community room, and commemorative plaques will be unveiled to recognize donors. “It’s been a long, but very rewarding campaign, and we’re ready to celebrate our success!” says Dee Torre, FOL campaign chair. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at www.fernandinaFOL.org, at the Fernandina Beach Library, or by calling (904) 321-6529.

Grab your sweetheart and join Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele for the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Valentine’s Day Big Band Bash Scholarship Benefit Concert to be held February 14 at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. The concert will be held in the Amelia Ballroom from 7 to 10 p.m. and features the Dynamic Les DeMerle 17-piece Orchestra, with vocalist Bonnie Eisele and a special tribute to Frank Sinatra with WJXT’s Sam Kouvaris.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails, meet and greet Les DeMerle Orchestra musicians, and to check out Silent Auction items for sale at the event.

Suggested dress is casual/elegant. Tickets are $90 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Amelia Island Jazz Festival Scholarship Program. Awarded annually to a graduating high school senior, this scholarship helps to pay college expenses to earn a major or minor in music, helping talented young artists pursue their dreams of becoming jazz musicians. For online ticket purchases and further information, visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the UPS Store in the Island Shopping Center or the AIFBY Chamber Of Commerce at Gateway to Amelia.

“AN EVENING OF STORY AND SONG” RETURNS In 2005, Donna and Mark Kaufman launched “An Evening of Story and Song” in Fernandina Beach and invited a few of their most talented singer/songwriter friends from Nashville to come for a visit and perform for friends and acquaintances. To date, they have hosted more than sixty such performances (usually three or four months apart), featuring some Grammy Award winners or nominees like Beth Nielsen Chapman, Gretchen Peters, Jon Vezner, Tom Kimmel, and many other recording artists.

This is strictly a labor of love for the Kaufmans, with one hundred percent of the money collected going directly to the artists. “An Evening of Story & Song” is made possible by the generous support of First Coast Community Bank and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

A performance on January 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Burns Hall at St. Peter’s features Harpeth Rising, a classically-trained trio of young women who fuse Folk, Newgrass, Rock, and Classical into a sound that is organically unique. A $20 donation is suggested (all of which goes to the artists). For information and reservations, call (904) 415-1388 or email EveningofStoryandSong@gmail.com.

20 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

thankyou

for trusting Watson.

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AMELIA SANJON GALLERY 218A Ash Street • 557-1195

GALLERIES

a n t& iques

ANTIQUES AND MORE 463146 SR 200, Yulee • (904) 548-6080 ART ON CENTRE 503 Centre Street • 624-7255

ANTIQUES AND MORE

BLUE DOOR ARTISTS 205 1⁄2 Centre Street • 491-7733 D’AGNESE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY 205 1/2 Centre Street • 261-6044 or 556-2014

PHOTOS BY SHERRY GARBARINI

HUNT’S ART & ARTIFACT GALLERY 361 Centre Street • 261-8225

S

usie Sergent, her daughter-in-law, Isa Westberry, and her granddaughter, Maegan Westberry, have been in the antiques and collectibles business for six years. In September 2014, Susie and Isa moved their shop next door into a larger shop at the corner of A1A and US 17 in Yulee. The shop plays host to over 50 vendors, and it has become so popular with locals and visitors alike that another 50 vendors are on a waiting list hoping to be part of their successful business.

For Susie and Isa, Antiques and More is all about customer service and attention to detail. Susie is an interior decorator, so designing a proper space that sells antiques and collectibles was second nature to her. “We made sure that our aisles were wide and roomy, in order to accommodate wheelchairs, baby strollers, and walkers,” says Susie. “Our store is very bright and cheerful. We have nice lighting, which is important when you’re shopping in a store like this.

Our shelves are clean and neat, and all of our vendors work together to keep their booths fresh and updated. We even have

a large seating area with reading material so people can sit and take a break from shopping if they wish.”

The store has many unusual pieces for sale, and Susie noted that her vendors sell what they love. “We have a vendor who specializes in Gone with the Wind collectibles,” she says. “We sell vintage gas pumps and signs. These days, mid-century furniture is very popular.

Shoppers are buying more collectible gifts for their families and friends rather than buying new things. That ‘one-of-akind’ gift is much more memorable.”

The three little owls that have become Antiques and More’s logo were painted by Susie’s granddaughter, Maegan. Susie’s and Isa’s husbands, Curtis Sergent and James Westberry, are extremely supportive of the work that the two women do, making this antique and collectibles shop a true family affair!

For more information, call (904) 226-0351 or (904) 548-6080, or visit www.Facebook.com/antiquesandm.

Antiques and More is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

22 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

ISLAND ART ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE GALLERY 18 North 2nd Street • 261-7020 JW FRAME GALLERY 1875-B South 14th Street • 310-6610 ISLAND TREASURES 1104 South 8th Street • 261-8887 LA TORRE’S GALLERY & GIFTS 206 Centre Street • 261-0444 MAURER FINE ART AT EIGHT FLAGS ANTIQUE MART 602 Centre St • 261-8276 MEAD’S FRAMERY & TROPHY Corner of A1A & Hwy 17 • 225-2195 OAK TREE GALLERY 432 South 8th Street • 316-4888 THE PICKERS MARKET 201 Alachua Street • 432-7048 THE PLANTATION SHOP 4828 First Coast Hwy • 261-2030 SWAMP ART, TOO 505 South 9th Street • (904) 321-3404 TRAILER PARK COLLECTIBLES 702 Centre Street • 491-4461

www.AmeliaIslander.com

galleries & antiques

Antiques and More 463146 SR 200 â&#x20AC;˘ Yulee, Florida 904.548.6080

door

OAK TREE G A L L E R Y

432 South 8th Street â&#x20AC;˘ Fernandina Beach Susi Sax (904) 316-4888 Fine Art / Creative Crafts / Local Talent / Classes

facebook.com/antiquesandm

MEADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

FRAMERY & TROPHY STORE

[ ] blue

6,500 sq. ft. of great ÇŁnds in our fabulous group shop. Over 45 vendors.

artists

gallery & working studios

205 1/2 centre street downtown fernandina beach 904.491.7733 www.bluedoorartists.com

Folk Art JunkĂŠ Collectibles

Trailer Park Collectibles

COMPLETE CUSTOM FRAMING AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Custom Framing since 1970 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of framed and unframed prints Member of Professional Picture Framers Association

Swamp Art, Too

225-2195 Corner of A1A & Hwy 17 â&#x20AC;˘ Yulee

A1A

HWY 17

Awards For All Occasions N

702 Centre Street 904.491.4461 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

505 South S h 9th h Street S 904-321-3404 Open Tues - Sat 10 am to 5 pm (Closed for siesta 1-3 pm)

n o J n a S

Amelia

Gallery

F I N E A RT 218A Ash Street Mon-Sat 10:30-5 Sun 10-4 or by appointment 904-491-8040 â&#x20AC;˘ 904-557-1195

LOCAL ART BY

Island Art Association

WILLIAM MAURER

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Local original art and prints available at Eight Flags Antique Market.

$ &R 2S *DOOHU\ RI 1DVVDX &RXQW\ $UWLVWV

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Commissions accepted.

(904) 261-8276 www.MaurerFineArt.com 23 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

in the neighborhood

Angel Watch Home Care

PHOTOS BY WILLIAM RASER

Ann Smith and Dana McCoy

D

B

enise Roberts Scheffer always knew she would become an accountant. She loved numbers and business, and she had a knack for tax and financial matters. When she decided to become a certified public accountant, she opened an office in Jacksonville, where she lived with her husband, Bob. However, the couple’s love for Fernandina Beach eventually caused Denise to close up shop there, and the Scheffers moved to Amelia Island full-time in 1989.

Denise’s accounting firm, located at Gateway to Amelia, offers full tax and accounting services for businesses and individuals, including tax returns, audits, payroll, business planning, and more. “Our primary goal as a trusted advisor is to be available to provide insightful advice to enable our clients to make informed financial decisions,” says Denise.

“We feel it’s extremely important to continually professionally educate ourselves to improve our technical expertise, financial knowledge, and service to our clients.”

Despite all her hard work, Denise and Bob are avid travelers, visiting Europe, Africa, and beyond. The couple also found time to renovate the Waas house in the historic district. Denise is fascinated with the history of the house, and she and her husband enjoy entertaining at home. How does she do it all? “My firm prides itself on professionalism, responsiveness, and quality,” says Denise. “We have a great staff, and I have a good balance between my work and my personal life.” For more information, call (904) 277-6572 or visit www.deniserobertscpa.com.

oth registered nurses, Dana McCoy and Ann Smith are the managers and operators of Angel Watch Home Care. Angel Watch has been providing services to residents of the community since 2003. Most people have visions of enjoying a new-found freedom during their retirement years, and when illness or other life changing events strike, it can be a devastating and emotional time. “As nurses and caregivers, we saw the need for caregiver services in our community to help during these stressful times,” says Ann. “Our caregiver service provides a variety of inhome assistance, including personal care, light housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation, respite care, and other services that assist with the activities of daily living. Angel Watch tailors their services to meet the needs of the client, offering help for a few hours per day or around-the-clock services.”

In 2010, Angel Watch expanded their services to provide home health, which includes skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social worker services, and home health aides. Angel Watch is Medicare certified and accredited, and their medical services are covered by most health care plans. Angel Watch recently merged with another home care provider and now offers even more services. “We are dedicated to provide our patients with the best quality care and are committed to staffing devoted, compassionate, and professional individuals,” says Dana. Angel Watch Home Care is located at 1869 South Eighth Street, Suite A. For more information, call (904) 491-3222 or visit www.angelwatchhomecare.com.

Denise Roberts Scheffer, CPA

Denise Roberts Scheffer

24 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Unique Antique Smalls • Home Accessories & Gifts Outdoor & Upholstered Furniture An Island Tradition for 37 Years!

(904) 261-2030

www.theplantationshop.com

Cucina South

A Neighborhood Italian Bistro

DINNER ONLY Tuesday thru Sunday 5:30PM to 9:30PM Indoor and alfresco dining

Thank you for your continued patronage! lunch tues - sat 11:30 - 2 happy hour ~ tues - sat 4 - 6 dinner mon - sat 5:30 - 10

select wines / craft beers local artisan cheeses & charcuterie saketini’s / american bistro cuisine alfresco dining / private dining

4924 ½rst coast highway 904.310.6620 • www.barzin-bistro-winebar.com palmetto walk shopping village

Napoletana style pizza Salads | Pasta Fresh Seafood Braised Meats 904.432.7920 4828 First Coast Highway Palmetto Walk Shopping Village CucinaSouth.com

4 9 2 4 F I R S T C O A S T H I G H WAY ~ A M E L I A I S L A N D

English and French Antiques

PALMETTO WALK

SHOPPING VILLAGE

Happy New Shipment!

Nassau Jewelry Co. Your Custom Jeweler

Join Wallace Pierson Travel at our 7th Annual

LUXURY TRAVEL SHOW Wednesday, February 24, 2016 At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island World-class suppliers and a Virtuoso representative will join our team to answer all your questions and share with you today’s cutting-edge travel experiences.

Wallace Pierson Travel is dedicated to educating and advising Savvy Travelers!

Wallace Pierson Travel is excited to have the following Virtuoso suppliers attend the show:

Regent Seven Seas • Seabourn • Tauck • Medjet Assist Travelex Insurance Services • Azamara Club Cruises Lindblad Expeditions • Rocky Mountaineer • Italian Dreams, Inc. Kurtz-Ahlers & Associates • Ponant • Silversea • Belmond Amawaterways • The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island • International Expeditions Zegrahm • Quark • Inn at Palmetto Bluff • Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal Cruises • Micato • The Haven by NCL • Natural Habitat • Scenic Cruises Alpine Adventures • Classic Vacations • Backroads

$15 per person all to benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation datio Contact Wallace Pierson Travel to RSVP info@wallacepierson.com or call 904.261.5914 4

APPRAISALS JANUARY 7TH

1401 Park Avenue, Suite A, Amelia Island, FL wallacepierson.com virtuoso.com/member/wallacepiersontravel

rickjeweler@gmail.com 904-277-1993 1743 South 8th Street

Let’s start with a blank page

Fernandina Beach

No assumptions

9 - 5 Tues - Sat.

No pre-conceived notions Just you, and your goals LET’S TALK

financialamelia.com 904.305.2608

Owners Rick & Nadine Nichols

Nicola Nichol, CFA Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, Nicola Nichol, CFA, Registered Representative.

Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Financial Strategies of Amelia and Securities America are separate companies.

26 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

beach combing

Superb Soap Make your bath a dream come true with this Swedish Dream Sea Salt soap and candle set. Soap bar is 122 grams ($6.95). The Soywax 80hour, 10 ounce candle burns clean ($24.95). Made in USA. Available at Trailer Park Collectibles, 702 Centre Street. (904) 491-4461.

Outstanding Oils Radiant Rubies Make someone special shine with something beautiful, like these 14K white gold, ruby, and diamond eternity band ($520); 14K white gold, ruby, and diamond band ($589); and 18K white gold and ruby bezel set band ($375). Available at Lindy’s, 202 Centre Street. (904) 277-4880.

Olive Amelia has a wide selection of fine olive oils and balsamic vinegars for every occasion. They will bottle them for you in three sizes: 750 ml ($24.95), 375 ml ($15.95), and 200 ml ($10.95).

Stop by for a sample! Available at Olive Amelia, 809 Beech Street. (904) 310-3603.

Distinctive Desk This beautiful La Costa Live Edge Writing Desk from Sligh by Lexington has a solid Trembesi liveedge top, which offers a striking juxtaposition to the contemporary polished stainless base with a Mahogany drawer unit ($4,499). It is brand-new and can be seen at Lott’s Furniture, 1112 S. 14th Street, (904) 261-6333.

27 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

NEW Trina Turk Designer Handbags Hobo • Mary Frances • Brahmin Sondra Roberts • Helen Kaminski Michael Kors • BCBG

• Over 6,000 square feet of brightly lit space • More than 40 dealers displaying their specialties • Outdoor patio filled with garden pots, iron décor and yard art • Complimentary coffee, lemonade and treats, and good music.

Designer Jewelry

Franz • Jaime Rocks • Brighton • Jayden Star HANDBAGS • HATS SCARVES • JEWELRY GIFTS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN Bring in your hotel key to receive 20% OFF any full priced item.

114 Centre St., Fernandina Beach

Featuring

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm • Sun: 12pm - 5pm

904-261-6993 Mon-Sat 10-6

201 Alachua Street Corner of N. Second and Alachua Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach

Handbags and Jewelry

Look for our in-store specials found only on Facebook.

904.432.7048

Eye care for your family.

Great eye care begins with regular eye exams.

Our one-on-one approach makes Amelia Eye Associates the eye and vision care providers of choice.

Our featured frames include: Tom Ford John Varvatos Prada • Gucci Maui Jim • Tiffany Costa Del Mar Ray Ban • Coach Lucky • Oakley

We are dedicated to providing high-quality service in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Dr. Gerald W. Koss, II Board Certified Optometrist 1411 S. 14th St., Suite G | Fernandina Beach (904) 321-1333 | www.ameliaeye.com 28 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Pan Seared Scallops from 29 South

ready, set, enjoy!

Returning for its eighth year, the popular Amelia Island Restaurant Week has added three more days of great dining at outstanding local restaurants.

BY KAREN MILLER • PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

F

rom fine dining to charming bistros, local favorites, a blend of ethnic influences, and the area’s freshest seafood, you’ll find it all during Amelia Island’s eighth annual Restaurant Week, held from January 22 through 31.

The ten-day culinary showcase of top Amelia Island restaurants will feature a selection of the island’s most popular dining establishments. Guests can enjoy Restaurant Week dining for lunch and dinner, with different restaurants participating in each meal. Both lunch and dinner will offer a special fixed (prix fixe) menu, along with their regular restaurant menus.

In 2008, the Amelia Island Tourist and Development Council started Restaurant Week in order to boost business, which was usually slower in January, especially for local eateries. “Restaurant Week saves many restaurants during the off season,” says Chef Scott Schwartz, owner of 29 South Restaurant. “It gives many the impetus to

come dine on the island and experience some of the food from the talented chefs that represent this small town.”

In its eighth year, Restaurant Week has become so popular that the event has expanded to ten days instead of seven, and since the restaurants are sure to be filled to capacity, diners are encouraged to make reservations well in advance.

Participants will pay $12 for a prix fixe lunch, and choose from either $19 or $31 for a prix fixe three-course dinner.

Diners can choose from a multitude of gourmet entrees, such as Snapper en Papillote, Duck Risotto, Blackened Salmon, Shrimp and Grits, and many more, all created by Amelia Island’s talented chefs.

Over 25 restaurants will be participating in Restaurant Week, and there are a variety of lodging partners who are promoting special stay packages during the ten-day event. The RitzCarlton, Amelia Island will be holding a continued on page 63.

29 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

2016 PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS 29 South Alley Cat Bar Zin Beech Street Bar & Grill Brett’s Waterway Cafe Cafe Karibo Coast Crab Trap Cucina South Espana Restaurant & Tapas Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen Hola Cuban Cafe Horizons Jack & Diane’s Café Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro LaMancha Restaurant Le Clos Restaurant LuLu’s at The Thompson House Oceanside Pi Infinite Combinations Sandy Bottoms Surf Restaurant and Bar The Ritz-Carlton Restaurant The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill Verandah

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Downtown Points of Interest 1 2

16

Amelia Island Visitors Center ~ 277-0717 • Monday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm City Hall ~ 277-7305 • Police/Fire/Ambulance (Emergency 911.

Police non-emergency 277-7342. Fire non-emergency 277-7331 Amelia Community Theatre ~ 261-6749 Amelia Island Musuem of History ~ 261-7378 Public Library ~ 277-7365 Fernandina Harbor Marina ~ 491-2090 Post Office ~ 261-4848 Nassau County Courthouse ~ 321-5709 (Sheriff 911; non-emergency 225-0331) Fernandina Little Theatre ~ 277-2202

6 10 11 12 13 14 15

St. Michaels Catholic Church ~ 261-3472 First Presbyterian Church ~ 261-3837 Memorial United Methodist Church ~ 261-5769 Trinity United Methodist Church ~ 277-6859 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church ~ 261-4293 First Missionary Baptist Church ~ 261-4907 New Zion Missionary Baptist Church ~ 261-0010

3 4 5 7 8 9

Downtown Churches

TO ST. JOHN’S RIVER FERRY 30 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

JANUARY 2016 TIDES AT THE AMELIA RIVER Day

Low

1 FRI 8:09 AM 8:32 PM 2 SAT 9:05 AM 9:21 PM 3 SUN 10:01 AM 10:10 PM 4 MON 10:55 AM 11:00 PM 5 TUE 11:47 AM 11:49 PM 6 WED 7 THU 8 FRI 9 SAT 10 SUN 11 MON 12 TUE 13 WED 14 THU

12:37 PM 12:37 AM 1:25 PM 1:24 AM 2:10 PM 2:09 AM 2:53 PM 2:54 AM 3:35 PM 3:37 AM 4:17 PM 4:22 AM 5:01 PM 5:10 AM 5:47 PM 6:01 AM 6:37 PM

Last Quarter

High

Day

1:44 AM 1:57 PM

15 FRI

2:33 AM 2:45 PM

16 SAT

3:27 3:38 PM

17 SUN

4:23 AM 4:34 PM

18 MON

5:19 AM 5:29 PM

19 TUE

6:11 AM 6:22 PM 7:00 AM 7:10 PM 7:46 AM 7:57 PM 8:31 AM 8:42 PM 9:15 AM 9:27 PM 9:59 AM 10:13 PM 10:43 AM 11:00 PM 11:29 AM 11:49 PM 12:17 PM

20 WED

Low 6:58 AM 7:32 PM 8:01 AM 8:30 PM 9:08 AM 9:31 PM 10:13 AM 10:31 PM

21 THU 22 FRI 23 SAT 24 SUN 25 MON 26 TUE 27 WED 28 THU

High

Day

12:41 AM 1:08 PM

29 FRI

1:37 AM 2:03 PM

30 SAT

2:38 AM 3:04 PM

31 SUN

6:37 AM 6:54 PM 7:25 AM 7:38 PM

First Quarter Full Moon

8:18 AM 8:27 PM

High 12:20 AM 12:33 PM 1:01 AM 1:14 PM

Open 6 Days a Week

1:46 AM 1:59 PM

3:44 AM 4:09 PM

4:51 AM 11:17 AM 5:15 PM 11:30 PM E 5:55 AM 12:17 PM 6:16 PM 12:28 AM 6:53 AM 1:15 PM 7:13 PM 1:23 AM 7:45 AM 2:07 PM 8:04 PM 2:15 AM 8:34 AM 2:55 PM 8:53 PM 3:03 AM 9:18 AM 3:39 PM 9:38 PM 3:47 AM 10:01 AM 4:19 PM 10:20 PM 4:29 AM 10:40 AM 4:58 PM 11:01 PM 5:11 AM 11:17 AM 5:35 PM 11:40 PM 5:52 AM 11:55 AM 6:14 PM

On the first of the month, the sun rises at 7:05 a.m. EST and sets at 5:24 p.m. EST. On the last day of the month, the sun rises at 7:22 a.m. EST and sets at 5:35 p.m. EST. Daylight hours decrease an average of 1.4 minutes per day.

New Moon

Low

Richly historic narrated sightseeing boat tours and sunset cruises.

Reservations recommended.

Daily Nature / History Tours 10:30am Cumberland Island Tour 2:30pm Beach Creek Tour

JANUARY Weather Avg. High 65 degrees Avg. Low 48 degrees Avg. Precip 2.73 inches

New Destination Tours Get off the boat in Georgia ~ $150pp Cumberland Island $125pp Cabin Bluff $75pp St. Marys Available for private charters & special events.

AmeliaRiverCruises.com

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate, Amelia Islander Magazine shall not be liable for any damages of any kind resulting from use or reliance on this chart.

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11 South 11th Street, Amelia Island 31 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

(904) 206-5600

Toll Free (877) 263-5428 RESERVATIONS ONLINE at www.AmeliaHotel.com

www.AmeliaIslander.com

MONTEGO LIMOUSINE SERVICE Driven to be there for you.

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In addition to the Town Car Signature L, we now offer the first of its kind next generation 2015 Luxury Utility Vehicle with seating for up to 7 passengers plus luggage.

We are the preferred choice for: JAX Airport • Mayo Clinic Local Island Service • Night out

Steve Leimberg 904.491.0474 UnSeenImages.com Steve’s fine art photographs can be purchased at The Island Art Association,The Omni Plantation Guild and Gallery, Amelia San Jon Gallery, BarZin Restaurant, and Wines by Steve on First Coast Highway.

Beaches

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around town

JANUARY

2016

JANUARY 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, FEBRUARY 3 Rumba and Waltz Classes

JANUARY 13 Women, Wealth & Wine

Ballroom Amelia offers Tuesday Rumba classes at 7 p.m. and Saturday Waltz classes at 11 a.m.

Cost is $12 per class or $48 for the 4-week series.

Located at 1897 Island Walkway at RAD Studios. No partner necessary. For more information, call (904) 225-0148.

An informal group of women who meet to discuss financial and related issues affecting us all. Come and ask the questions you have always wanted to ask and get insight into the questions you haven’t thought of yet. Financial answers and ideas over a glass of wine. Begins at 5:30 p.m. For more info, call (904) 305-2608.

JANUARY 6 Brown Bag Lunch

JANUARY 14 Newcomers Club Coffee

Dillingham and Susan Raab. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for January 31, which is at 2:30 p.m. Held at Amelia Musical Playhouse, located at 1955 Island Walkway. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at www.ameliamusicalplayhouse.com or by calling (904) 377-3455.

JANUARY 22 - 31 Sixth Annual Amelia Island Restaurant Week

The Amelia Island Museum of History hosts a Brown Bag Lunch presentation the first Wednesday of every month at noon, on a variety of subjects. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call Gray at (904) 261-7378 ext 102, or gray@ameliamuseum.org.

The Newcomers Club of Amelia Island hosts its monthly coffee on the second Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Women who reside in Nassau County are welcome to attend. For more info, contact Betty at (904) 432-8599 or brobinson1940@gmail.com or visit newcomersclubofameliaisland.com.

Restaurant Week is the premier dining event held annually on historic Amelia Island. Spend 10 days touring some of Amelia Island’s finest restaurants, and dining on a variety of traditional and eclectic menu offerings. For more info, visit www.ameliaislandrestaurantweek.com or call (904) 277-4369.

JANUARY 6 Amelia Knitting Group

JANUARY 14 Yo-Yo Ma in Concert

JANUARY 29, 30 Awkward Silence Jax

The world’s most famous cellist kicks off the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival’s 15th season at First Baptist Church, 1600 South 8th Street at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $100. For more information call (904) 261-1779 or visit www. aicmf.com.

The sketch comedy troupe returns to ACT’s Studio 209 stage, 209 Cedar St. at 8 p.m. Show contains adult humor and is recommended for those age 18 and over. Tickets are $15 and available at www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org or by calling (904) 261-6749.

JANUARY 15 Third on 3rd

JANUARY 30 Evening of Story & Song

Meets from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Mustard Seed Café. Knit with great company and grab a snack.

For anyone who would like to get together and share their love of knitting and sewing. No commitment, attend whenever you have time.

JANUARY 6, 13, 20, 27 Community Networking Luncheon Each Wednesday, join other business people at The Journey Church from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bring your own brown bag lunch, network with others, share events, and see a short informational video. For more information, call Karen Werling at (904) 556-9549 or email her at karenwerling@teamwerling.com.

JANUARY 8 - 10 Blown Sideways Through Life This one woman show for adult audiences will be held at 7:30 p.m. on January 8 and 9, and 2:30 p.m. on January 10 at Amelia Musical Playhouse, located at 1955 Island Walkway.

Tickets are $15. Call (904) 377-3455 or visit www.ameliamusicalplayhouse.com.

JANUARY 9 Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk A free event on the second Saturday each month in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participating galleries offer a diverse selection of art. For information, call (904) 277-0717, or visit www.ameliaisland.com.

JANUARY 10 Good People A staged reading and discussion at Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar Street, featuring a drama with adult subject matter written by David Lindsay-Abaire. Not a ticketed show; donations will be accepted at the door. For more information call (904) 261-6749.

The Amelia Island Museum of History offers a presentation on the third Friday of the month, at 6 p.m., based on a variety of different topics related to the history of the island. Cost is $5 per person (free for members). For more information, call (904) 261-7378, or visit www.ameliamuseum.org.

JANUARY 18 6th Annual One Day, One Dollar Clearance Held at Fifi’s Fine Resale, specially marked items throughout the shop will be $1 for this one day only sale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 1853 South 8th Street. For more information, call Jessica Miller at (904) 277-4430.

JANUARY 21 Writers By The Sea Writers and friends meet the third Thursday of each month upstairs at the Fernandina Beach Library for program and discussion. Registration is at 6 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Nadine Vaughan Williams at nvaughanwilliams@gmail.com, or Nancy Blanton at blantonn@msn.com.

JANUARY 21 - 23, 28 - 31, FEBRUARY 4 - 6 Camelot This musical, based on the King Arthur legend, features a live band and is directed by Jill

33 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

Performance at 7:30 p.m. at Burns Hall, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, featuring Harpeth Rising, a classically-trained trio of young women with a unique blend of instruments and voices. $20 donation requested at the door (100% of which goes to the artists). For information and reservations, call (904) 415-1388, or email EveningofStoryandSong@gmail.com.

JANUARY 30 Franciscan Earth Corps Meeting If you have the feeling you can do more for others and the environment, this invitation is for you! Join the second meeting and discover how you can make a difference by serving your community! Meeting will be at 5:15 p.m. at Yulee United Methodist Church located at 86003 Christian Way.

JANUARY 31 Anne Akiko Meyers in Concert One of the most celebrated violinists performs at Amelia Plantation Chapel at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival’s 15th season. Cost is $45. For more information or to purchase tickets call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.aicmf.com.

To have your event featured here, email all of the information to calendar@ameliaislander.com.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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www.AmeliaIslander.com

3

exploring the world

As Amelia Island residents make plans for 2016, many are including travel to exotic locations in Europe, South America, and even the Arctic.

BY KAREN MILLER

A

melia Island is among the top world-class vacation destinations in the world. Aren’t we lucky to live in a place that most people would call paradise? From our elegant resorts, sun-drenched beaches, and moss-draped oaks to our historic downtown and Civil War fort, Amelia Island is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the South. So where do Amelia Island residents go on their vacations?

Ange Wallace, president of Wallace Pierson Travel, is always happy to discuss the latest travel trends. Wallace explains that while local residents are fairly eclectic in their travel destinations, Europe, especially the Mediterranean and Baltic regions, is still the top region for travel. “Cruising these areas is still the most popular way of visiting,” says Wallace. “River cruising in Europe is hugely fashionable, which has lead to an explosion of companies offering these types of cruises. River cruising

offers the traveler access to much of what is most interesting in Europe since rivers were actually the early highways. And one advantage is you have the convenience of unpacking once and exploring many of the cities by docking right at city center.”

Italy is one of the most popular countries for land touring either by package tours, villa vacations, or custom explorations by train, car, or private car with driver. Multigenerational travel is very popular with today’s travelers. Grandparents and grandchildren, or all three generations, are enjoying traveling together. “While Disney has been one traditional destination for ‘multigen’ trips, today many families are cruising together, and expedition cruising is becoming wildly popular to places like Alaska, Baja, Galapagos, Costa Rica, and Iceland,” says Wallace.

“There is so much to be learned and experienced on these trips!

Continued on page 63.

35 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

snapShots AT THE TREE LIGHTING AT THE OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT

ANDY & ALEX THORNQUEST WITH MIKE & CYNTHIA SHELTON

CAROL CREVASSE AND CANDACE SCOTT

LAURA JOMANT WITH JAKE & KAREN SHUFORD

BECKY & NORMAN SPIRT

AT THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY’S HOLIDAY HOME TOUR PREVIEW PARTY

ANNE KELLY, SHARON LENNON, ROBBIE & REBECCA CROSBY CARLA FOREMAN, AND ALLAN LENNON WITH FRANCIS LOTT

JOY FINCH, SANDY CARROLL, AND DENISE SMITH

ANNE KELLY, BOBBY ARMSTRONG, AND PHYLLIS DAVIS

AT THE ANNUAL PAJAMA PARTY IN DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH

JUDY AND SHELBY BURNSED

SHERRI, GIAN, ANTONY, STEFAN, AND RICK SIMONETTI

TAINA CHRISTNER, JUDY GULLEDGE, JUDY WALKER, AND INGRID KOLB

WILLIAN BUTLER, EMILY MATTHEWS, ELLIE LAWSON, AND SHANE BUTLER

AT THE SAVANNAH GRAND HOLIDAY DOOR DECORATING PARTY

GAYLEA WITH GALYE L.SAUERS

JANE & PAUL MANGIAMELE WITH MADELINE

JIM AND HILDAH

36 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

LACIE GIBSON AND CATHY HENDRIX

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AT THE AMELIA TREE CONSERVANCY’S ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

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JO-ANN LEIMBERG AND TRUDI RICHARDS

BERTA ARIAS, STEVE LEIMBERG, AND CAROL BECK

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AT THE PETANQUE AMERICAN OPEN AT THE FERNANDINA BEACH MARINA

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TRACY & WAYNE OVERBY

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38 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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SHOPS AMELIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIGNATURE SHOP Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, ladies and kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparel, gifts, & souvenirs.

BOBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE COMING SPRING 2016 Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steak & Chop House has continually been recognized as one of the best steakhouses in the country, and continues to serve up the high caliber of service and steaks.

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HARRISONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MERCANTILE Fashion trends, casual wear and accessories for men and women featuring Brighton, Tribal, Polo, Tommy Bahama and more.

MARCHĂ&#x2030; BURETTE

Amelia Spatacular Pamper yourself during Amelia Spatacular with a month of special pricing at both The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Plantation & The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island. From January 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;February 10, enjoy a 50-minute Swedish massage, cleansing facial, or mani/pedi combo for just $99.

Kick off the month with our spa open house on January 11, 4-8pm.

Enjoy complimentary mini services, wine, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, preferred spa pricing and gift bags. Space is limited, call (904) 432-2220 to RSVP!

SPROUTING PROJECT DINNER JANUARY 16 â&#x20AC;˘ 6PM â&#x20AC;˘ Monthly dinners offer Southern-inspired farm-to-table dining in a unique setting â&#x20AC;˘ Held at our aquaponic greenhouse, organic garden and collection of beehives â&#x20AC;˘ $99 per person with cash bar â&#x20AC;˘ Seating is limited, call (904) 432-1466 for reservations

RESTAURANT WEEK FINALE DINNER

An old-fashioned gourmet food market & deli offering wine, spirits, gourmet cookware, wine accessories & gifts.

MONKEY BARREL An upscale childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing and toy store featuring Le Top, E-Land Kids, Bailey Boys, Thomas the Tank Engine, Papo and more.

NATURAL SLICE A family-friendly, surf inspired pizza joint and retail shop serving fresh ingredients on hand-tossed dough.

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PLANTATION ARTISTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUILD & GALLERY Gallery of local artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work featuring workshops, demonstrations and lectures.

RED OTTER OUTFITTERS A lifestyle apparel and footwear boutique featuring Patagonia, The Northface, Southern Tide, Chaco, OrthaHeel and many more.

SHOE VISIONS

JANUARY 30 â&#x20AC;˘ 7PM

Located within Harrisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercantile, offering the best in footwear including Vanelli, Naot, Donald J Pliner, Arche and more!

â&#x20AC;˘ Join us at Sunrise CafĂŠ for a culinary event created by our master chefs â&#x20AC;˘ Enjoy a four course dinner with wine pairings for just $75 per person â&#x20AC;˘ For reservations, visit opentable.com or call (904) 432-1467

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The ultimate indulgence for your body, mind and spirit. Offers an array of aromatherapy candles, oils, lotions and jewelry.

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Check out our blog for current news and stories about all that is happening on Amelia Island and the

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Are you looking for a ´rm that is commited to providing ´nancial solutions and personal service? You can rely on us for:

food, history, and more. Three new stories every week.

Convenience • Highly Personal Service Quality-focused Investment Philosophy Pamela Brown, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Kim Harding-Boylan Financial Advisor

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40 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Address: 801 Beech Street Date built: 1869 Built by: Captain William Bell

G R E AT H O M E S O F F E R N A N D I N A

The William Bell House

BY DICKIE ANDERSON • PHOTO BY JAN JOHANNES

O

ne of the Historic District’s showcase Victorian beauties is the elaborate building on the corner of Beech and Eighth streets. For many years, it operated as the Beech Street Grill. Described as East Lake and Chinese Chippendale, the house, like so many Victorian houses in the Historic District, is a mix of many different styles and periods depending on the whims and ideas of the builders. The house was built by William Bell, one of the Bell brothers, as a “bride house” for his wife. The elegant house has seen many uses, including a boarding house, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

This showcase Victorian beauty experienced many improvements when the Coker family opened their famous C House. At one time, three shotgun houses were added to increase the number of gift shop options for island visitors.

The small cottages are very like the small shotgun houses located throughout the Historic District. A shotgun house, a narrow, rectangular domestic residence, usually is no more than 12 feet wide, with rooms arranged one behind the other and doors at each end of the house. It was the most popular style of house in the South from the end of the Civil War through the 1920’s.

Captain William B. Bell and Captain James Bell, identical twin brothers born in 1841, emigrated from Scotland. They both signed up for the Confederate States Navy at Wilmington, North Carolina at age 19. After the war, they came to Fernandina which was a thriving seaport where river pilots could make a very good living. The Bell brothers were successful river pilots and, like many other pilots, invested in real estate and built houses during the island’s Golden Age. Captain James Bell built a beautiful home in Fernandina’s Old Town at 212 Estrada Street. The house, known as the Captain’s House, enjoyed great celebrity when it was used for the 1988 filming of The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.

There are stories that the two were so much alike they could dress in each other’s clothes and fool their wives.

They lived in Old Town, where most of the river pilots lived, but built houses in “new” Fernandina. The elaborate gingerbread trim and carpentry details are evident in many of their houses. They are buried side by side in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church cemetery.

Reprinted with permission from Dickie Anderson’s book, Great Homes of Fernandina. The revised and expanded edition is available at The Book Loft, Books Plus, the Amelia Island Museum of History, and by visiting www.ameliaislander.com.

41 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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42 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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in the garden Buddleia Bush

opulent offerings Chinese Dogwood, Early Bird Crape Myrtle, Double Mint Gardenia, Jetstream Hydrangea, and Buddleia Bush will make lavish additions to your garden this year.

BY BETTY MORRELL

A

New Year is upon us and resolutions are flying left and right, but how many of them are really kept? Here’s one I never seem to follow through with: keeping with my garden weedfree, shrubs well-trimmed, flowers deadheaded, plants fertilized, tired plants taken out, and new plants incorporated in the exiting beds. The only thing I seem to accomplish is adding new plants! So with that in mind, let’s sit back and do some “armchair” gardening while we look at some new plants.

Let’s start off with the Empress of China Dogwood (Cornus agustata). It’s an evergreen Chinese Dogwood with loads of flowers. Each branch holds up to one 150 blooms. It grows up to 18 feet high by 15 feet wide. This Dogwood, a Southern Living offering, will grow in part-shade to full sun.

The Early Bird (Lagerstroemia) is a new series of Crape Myrtle, a real beauty in lavender, purple, and white. The Early Bird Crape Myrtle starts flowering in May, often as soon as Mother’s Day. They will bloom in lavender, white, or purple for one hundred to one hundred twenty

TIP O F T HE M O N T H Bare root roses can be planted in January and February. Prune to knee high in February. Knock-Out Roses can be trimmed almost any time. Cutting them way back makes them thick and bushy.

days of color. They grow five-to-eight feet high by up to four feet wide, and they’ll thrive in full sun to part-shade.

I mentioned previously that I would share information on the new Double Mint Gardenia. This Gardenia has a clear white, double two-inch-diameter flower, which blooms in the spring and again in summer through fall. Double Mint grows to a maximum of three feet in height and width, making this compact plant perfect for smaller spaces like foundation plantings, patio containers, and anywhere you want to fill your garden with the heavenly fragrance of gardenias. You will truly enjoy this plant.

The new Jetstream Hydrangea is a spectacular new Oakleaf introduction (Hydrangea quercifolia PP). This

43 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

Hydrangea has a dense, compact, nonflopping habit, and it branches nicely at the base in production. The lustrous dark-green foliage is resistant to leaf spot and turns a fantastic orange-red in autumn. Flowers held high on strong stems are a beautiful white color, aging to pink. Jetstream is a classic, native flowering shrub for the garden, grouping and massing. Exfoliating tawny-brown bark adds winter interest, as do the dried flower heads. This plant, bred by Plant Introductions, Inc., can grow in full sun to part-shade. You will love having this plant in your garden as an addition to your existing Hydrangeas.

For Butterfly enthusiasts, the Buddleia Bush is very popular, and there are three new additions to the collection.

My favorite, Funky Fuchsia, is roundedto-upright with dark green foliage, which is gray underneath. The branches are adorned with rich reddish pink inflorescences, which are very fragrant.

I hope you’ll enjoy these new plants.

Happy New Year to all, and Happy Gardening! Please send your gardening questions to me at bamorrell@aol.com.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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44 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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island home

COURTNEY SLIPKO

ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

Below: An affirming quote reminds the Starretts of their reasons for living “tiny.”

Right: Located on a rural four-and-a-half acre parcel of land in Nassau County, the Starretts’ tiny house is a nature-lover’s dream.

Bottom: Because of the location of their tiny house, Courtney and Nick spend a lot of time outside, enjoying nature.

living tiny “Love grows best in little houses, with fewer walls to separate Where you eat and sleep so close together, you can’t help but communicate Oh, and if we had more room between us, think of all we’d miss Love grows best, in houses just like this” (Sung by Doug Stone, lyrics by Mickey Cates and Donald Ewing II)

BY KAREN MILLER

C

ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

ourtney Slipko-Starrett became a minimalist after she graduated from culinary school, while traveling to various resorts around the country where she worked as a pastry chef.

Nearly everything she owned fit into her car, and it gave her a feeling of profound freedom. So when she met Nick Starrett, who would eventually become her husband, she drew him into her world of minimalist living.

“The Tiny Life,” and tiny house living, is a new social movement in which people are choosing to downsize the space they live in. People of all ages are joining this movement for many reasons, but the most popular intentions include

environmental concerns, financial concerns, and the desire for more time and freedom.

Courtney owns Bliss Cakery & More, located just off Amelia Island on A1A, and Nick works for a manufacturing company. A busy young couple, the two watched other young families take on great amounts of debt with mortgages and car payments. “We didn’t want that kind of life,” says Courtney. “That’s when we decided to build a tiny house.” The two sold everything they had, including Nick’s boat, and used that money to build their tiny house, completely debt-free.

45 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

The typical American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas a small or tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet. Tiny houses come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but they enable simpler living in a smaller, more efficient space.

Courtney and Nick perused many plans for different types of tiny houses, and eventually came up with their own design.

They built their tiny house on a special trailer which they purchased from a company called Tiny Home Builders, and then towed the home to a four-and-a-half acre parcel of land in Nassau County.

Surrounded by pine, oak, and palmettos, their tiny house has become a nature-lover’s dream home. “We have seen deer

COURTNEY SLIPKO

ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

Right: Tiny homes are all about making the most of a small space. A sizeable sofa doubles as another bed for visitors.

Below left: A small staircase leads up to the couple’s sleeping loft. Beneath the loft are custom closets.

Below right: A ladder leads to yet another sleeping loft, giving the home the feel of a country cottage.

ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

island home

and bobcats here,” says Courtney. “The former owners of the property have spotted black bear, too, and on one rare occasion, a Florida panther.”

Most of the materials used to build the tiny house were purchased from local building supply stores, and Nick built the house entirely on his own. “The home’s siding is made of rustic cedar timber,” says Nick. “And we used leftover pieces of the siding for parts of the interior of the house, like the closet doors.” Tiny homes are all about making the most of a tiny space without the house appearing crowded. A small staircase leads up to the couple’s sleeping loft. Beneath the loft are the closets where Courtney and Nick keep all of their clothes.

46 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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island home

In the kitchen, their pantry consists of a set of shelves where they keep their non-perishables, along with a small refrigerator and propane stove, purchased from an RV supply store. A sizeable built-in couch doubles as another bed for visitors, and a second loft sleeps two more. The bathroom is surprisingly large for a tiny house, housing an animal water trough as a bathtub. The house is charming and tastefully decorated, with the feeling of a country cottage.

The Starretts built a small deck on one side of the house and a fenced area for their two pet pigs, Autumn and Claude, and their dogs, Boss and Captain. A flock of free-range chickens roams about the yard. “We hope to have a permaculture garden,

COURTNEY SLIPKO

ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

Left: Courtney and Nick keep possessions to minimum, avoiding clutter with creative storage ideas.

Bottom left: The bathroom is surprisingly large for a tiny house. Natural and artificial lighting warm the room.

Below: An animal trough makes a whimsical bathtub.

too, and eventually install a solar energy system,” says Nick.

“Part of the tiny life is about being as self-sufficient as possible.”

Tiny house living is not for everyone, Courtney and Nick agree, but for them, it works. “Because of the location of our tiny house, we spend a lot of time outside, enjoying nature.

We also communicate more, because we are always together in a tiny space,” says Courtney. “We have friends over for bonfires, and they love it here. People are always asking us about our tiny house, how we built it, and why we decided to go tiny.” For Courtney and Nick, living tiny in Nassau County is providing them with a wide-open and beautiful future together.

48 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

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49 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 2016

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eating scene

Townies Pizzeria With craft beer, fresh salads, and pizza rolls with homemade dipping sauces, Townies is a Fernandina favorite offering delicious pizza and so much more.

BY KAREN MILLER • PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

M

att Klabacka and his son fell in love with Townies Pizzeria when they first visited it in 2011. In fact, they loved it so much that Matt invested in the restaurant, and eventually took full ownership of Townies in 2014. His nephew, Robby Ward, became general manager, and their new team was on their way to making Townies Pizzeria a Fernandina Beach favorite.

On a recent Tuesday evening, I invited my friend Dave Scott to join me for dinner at Townies. Dave is a blogger who writes about Amelia Island happenings and local eateries, making him a perfect dinner companion! I’ve always loved Townies’ pizza, but Dave and I were eager to try some of their other offerings. The restaurant carries a nice selection of craft beer, so we began our dinner with two brews: Mama’s Little Yella Pils for Dave, and for me, Schofferhofer Grapefruit Beer.

Little Yella Pils is a unique pilsner created with 100% pale malt, German specialty malts, and Saaz hops. Schofferhofer is light, fresh, and citrusy. We perused the menu and sipped our beer, while Townies’ staff prepared some of their most popular items.

We began with a Fresh Spinach Salad comprised of spinach, walnuts, dried cranberries, onions, bacon, black olives, bleu cheese crumbles, and topped with warm balsamic vinaigrette.

The salad, which is loaded with bacon, and has the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch, was delicious. We were also treated to a plate of Diablo Pizza Rolls that were stuffed with cream cheese and chopped jalapenos. These had a nice jalapeno flavor, but not too spicy, and they were served with a selection of dipping sauces: marinara, garlic butter, and ranch. I really like about Townies’ attention to detail. They make all their sauces from scratch using their own recipes. I especially enjoyed the garlic butter with these rolls. While I

was gobbling them up, Dave was digging into a plate of Dry Rub Chicken Wings. He particularly liked these, which boast a crispy exterior. Townies bakes their wings instead of frying, and they’re cooked to perfection.

Naturally, we had to share a pizza, and Townies’ staff prepared half a Flaco’s Original Veggie, and half a BLT. The BLT pizza was baked with marinara, cheese, and bacon, and then topped with mayonnaise, chopped romaine, and fresh tomatoes. Dave said the BLT reminded him of a “sink sandwich,” which is white bread with tomato and mayonnaise, and “eaten over a sink while it dribbles down your chin.” I was very fond of the veggie pizza, which was topped with spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, black olives, and extra cheese.

And to satisfy our sweet tooth, Dave and I shared an order of Cinnamon Monkey Bread, hot out of the oven and dripping with Monkey Icing. Delish! Townies has an excellent staff, and we especially enjoyed the company of Jordyn and Tori, who are very friendly and professional. The restaurant is community-oriented and invests at least $1,000.00 per month in community services, local sports, schools, and the arts. They also offer incentives to staff members to complete their college educations and stay on track for their long-term goals. Between their great food and welcoming staff, Townies Pizzeria is a winner! For more information, call (904) 2774755 or visit www.towniespizzeria.com. They are located at 819 TJ Courson Road.

50 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

dining out

Amelia Islander

dining guide 29 South ~ This eclectic bistro has it all; great ambiance, fantastic food, an extensive wine list and reasonable prices. The menu can best be described as traditional world cuisine with modern, whimsical twist, where award-winning executive chef and owner Scotty Schwartz paints a playground for the palette.

Choose from entrees including: lobster corn dogs with spicy horseradish ketchup spiked with ketel one vodka, seared scallops on green tea smoked thai curry nage topped with crispy calamari straws, and sweet tea brined smithfield farm pork chop on macaroni gratin with warm blackberry preserves. 29 South also features grilled pizzas, sandwiches, and nightly specials. 29 South Third Street, Historic Downtown, (904) 277-7919, 29southrestaurant.com.

Bar Zin ~ Inspired by 30 years in the hospitality industry and numerous trips to Napa and Sonoma, our philosophy at Bar Zin is quite simple: create a fun relaxed upbeat indoor / outdoor atmosphere where friends and families can enjoy creative, fresh American bistro cuisine. In addition, we offer a diverse beverage menu consisting of great wines, local brews, and Saki martinis. Whenever possible, it is our intention to utilize local farmers, local products, and local businesses to create a farm-totable style menu. Our vision was to design a neighborhood atmosphere where everyone will feel welcome, whether you are enjoying a full meal, appetizers, or just stopping in for a cold beverage; a place that will attract a diverse clientele which in turn makes it a place where everyone will have a relaxing and fun time. www.barzin-bistro-winebar. com. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. Major credit cards. 4924 First Coast Hwy at Palmetto Walk Shopping Village. (904) 310-6620.

Beech Street Bar & Grill ~ Located in a beautifully restored building from 1889, we believe that everyone should be able to have an exceptional dining experience at an affordable price. Whether you order smaller plates of street food inspired from trips around the country and world, or a handcrafted entrée made with fresh, local ingredients, we will exceed your expectations. Local seafood, hand-cut Florida steaks, house-made pasta, all created with Chef Charles’ unique twist, BSBG is everything but ordinary. At Beech Street Bar & Grill you can enjoy a casual night out with family and friends or a very special occasion in one of our event rooms. Unique brunch created every Sunday from 11am - 3pm, with live music. Happy hour and late night food and drink specials in our full bar. Plenty of free parking.

801 Beech Street, on the corner of 8th and Beech.

(904) 572-1390. BeechStreetBarAndGrill.com Brett’s Waterway Cafe ~ The only restaurant on the island where you can dine overlooking the

OPEN FOR LUNCH Tue – Sat 11am – 3pm DINNER Tue – Sat 5 – 9pm 5472 First Coast Highway at Park Place 904.321.2430 | horizonsameliaisland.com

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Top-rated Steakhouse & Seafood Restaurant on Amelia Island Classic Dining

Private Wine Room up to 12 guests Private Dining Room for up to 50 Large Groups up to 200 Lounge Opens at 5PM Dinner Daily at 6PM • Open 7 Days Attire is Resort Casual Reservations Recommended!

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51 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

Fresh ~ Organic Natural A Cafe for Conscious Eating Conveniently Located Inside Nassau Health Foods

Meals To Go • Office Lunches Open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 3pm 833 TJ Courson Road Fernandina Beach, FL

904-277-3141 www.nassauhealthfoods.net

www.AmeliaIslander.com

The only place in town where it’s good to have a cocktail on the beach.

Upstairs Available for Private Parties The Only True Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar on Amelia Island.

Open Mon - Sat at 11am, Sundays at Noon 2910 Atlantic Avenue at Main Beach 310-6904

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GOURMET GROCERY • DELICATESSEN JUICE BAR • KITCHEN WARES 503A Centre Street • Fernandina Beach 904-277-9779 www.picnicbasketfernandina.com

lunch ~ tues - sat 11:30 - 2 happy hour ~ tues - sat 4 - 6 dinner ~ mon - sat 5:30 - 10 4924 first coast hwy • 904.310.6620 www.barzin-bistro-winebar.com palmetto walk shopping village

52 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

Intracoastal Waterway, Brett’s offers a wide choice of seafood, chicken and beef with daily specials both at lunch and dinner. The view of the water, the impeccable service and the refined ambiance will enhance your dining pleasure. The large rectangular bar overlooking the Fernandina Harbor Marina is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink. Open seven days. At the marina on Front Street. (904) 261-2660. Open 7 days, Mon-Sat L, D, $$$, F. Café Karibo ~ Located on North 3rd St. just off Centre Street in the historic downtown district. It has a cozy interior with a funky, laid-back setting. It’s most striking feature is its naturally shaded outdoor dining patio. Great selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. Tasty nightly fresh fish specials, theme nights (Tue: Trivia with Angie. Prizes each night.), and live music in the patio most Friday and Saturday nights. Kid friendly. Vegetarian items on the menu. Open: 11am–9pm Tue thru Sat; Sunday 11am–8pm with lunch menu specials; Mon 11am– 3pm. Fresh-brewed beer available in the Café and in the brew pub—The Karibrew—located next door.

Food prices are relatively low-lunch average $10 pp; dinner $20 pp (generous portions).

Crab Trap ~ Nautical decor and friendly service makes for a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Dinner daily offers seafood—fried, grilled, broiled, or blackened—as well as steaks, chicken and oysters year round. Entrees $8.95 - $18.95. Call for seasonal hours. Beer, wine, and cocktails. Family owned and operated since 1979. 31 N 2nd Street, (904) 2614749. $$$ V/MC/D. David’s Restaurant ~ David’s Restaurant has an amazing steakhouse & seafood menu, upscale atmosphere, and professional service. Relax in our lounge and peruse the Martini and full bar menu, then enjoy mouthwatering creations like prime steaks, Filet Oscar, and our Signature 16oz. Grilled Ribeye, English Channel Dover Sole & Chilean Sea Bass. We have Vegetarian offerings as well. Try our dessert sensation, Chocolate Fondue for Two. Lounge opens at 5 pm, dinner begins at 6 pm.

Young Adult menu available. Happy Hour Sunday - Thursday 5 to 7 pm offering 1/2 price Cocktails and NEW Bar & Lounge Menu, New Martini Flights & delicious Port Flights. Reserve your Whole Alaskan King Crab 48 hours prior to arrival.

6-10 lb. average. All dessert & breads made on premises. Open 7 days a week. Nightly specials!

Reservations are highly recommended. Private wine room holds up to 12 & groups up to 50 in private dining room. Resort casual attire. 802 Ash Street. (904) 310-6049. Make your reservations online at AmeliaIslandDavids.com.

España ~ Featuring Old World cuisine from Portugal and Spain, España offers an intriguing menu in a comfortably elegant atmosphere in downtown Fernandina Beach. Owner/chef Roberto Pestana serves mouthwatering tapas like Grouper Ceviche, Portobello al La España, and Shrimp with Garlic, all served with España’s homemade bread.

Entrees include a classic Seafood Paella, and a variety of fresh local seafood and meats. España also features an extensive wine list and an excellent homemade sangria. Available for private parties. Reservations recommended. All major credit cards. Open 7 days.

(904) 261-7700. 22 South 4th Street. $$$, D, B/W. Fancy Sushi ~ We serve fine Japanese cuisine from our Hibachi grill, the best Tempura and the tastiest

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Teriyaki this side of Tokyo. We give you all the fine foods with the friendliest service you will ever have here in friendly Fernandina Beach. Come by and give us a visit and we’ll serve you with smiles and the freshest sushi that you won’t find anywhere but here at Fancy Sushi. Open 7 days. (904) 261-9855. 1478 Sadler Rd. Florida House Inn ~ Enjoy Southern cooking at its finest at Leddy’s Porch Bistro. Menu includes Southern Bistro Salads, Sandwiches, Soups, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, Fried Shrimp Po Boys, and much more. Black Board specials daily. The Florida House Inn is located just off Centre Street in the historic district of Fernandina Beach. The inn is the oldest surviving hotel in the state of Florida and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Open Wednesday – Saturday 11:30am - 2:30pm.

Sunday Brunch from 10:00am - 2:30pm. The mermaid Bar at the Florida House Inn is open nightly at 5pm. Daily drink specials and Open Mic Night every Thursday. 22 South Third Street, (904) 491-3322. L, $$, F Horizons ~ Where great food and good friends come together. The gourmet food you are always craving. You can visit us for a fantastic lunch or dinner or let us cater your event. We have gourmet items to please everyone in your group, including beef, lamb, seafood, chicken, and even gourmet vegetarian choices and also fresh pastries and desserts! 5472 First Coast Hwy. (904) 321-2430. www.horizonsameliaisland.com Jack & Diane’s ~ Jack & Diane’s remains the love of the locals for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Come explore “A world of Taste all in one Place” as it is affectionately known by guests from every corner of the globe. At the crossroads of comfort and quest, you will find each dish combines homespun recipes with global influences offering new discoveries in their signature concept of “adventurous dining”. The extensive five page menu presents such a great variety that they created a $5 tasting menu, so you can explore all your cravings at once. This cozy bistro nestled in a historic home circa 1862 offers a funloving, unique dining experience in what is now an artists’ sanctuary. Your senses will be filled with sights, sounds and tastes from the world over in this little island gem. Tastes that echo both tradition and adventure, it’s the memories a happy life are made of. jackanddianescafe.com Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro ~ Located in historic downtown Fernandina, Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro serves innovative cuisine in a relaxed, island atmosphere.

Enjoy fresh seafood, game, and specialty dishes in a charming 1903 home, or outside in a New Orleansinspired courtyard. Jacksonville Magazine Top 25.

Extensive wine list available. Reservations recommended. Major credit cards. 321-2558. Open seven days. D, $$$.

La Mancha ~ A Spanish and Portuguese restaurant with a Brazilian flare, blended for savory and bold flavors. We offer a mixture of contemporary and traditional authentic Spanish cuisine. Extensive beer and wine list and our famous sangria! Plenty of parking and catering available for large groups and parties. Check out our menu online at www.lamancharestaurant.net. Lunch Thurs - Sun 11am-2pm; Dinner Mon - Sun 5-10pm. 2709 Sadler Road. (904) 261-4646. Tue. – Half price

NEWLY REMODELED!

BEST SUSHI IN TOWN

JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI BAR DINE IN • CARRY OUT

Mon - Thu 11am - 10pm Fri & Sat 11am - 11pm • Sun Noon - 10pm

1478 SADLER RD • FERNANDINA BEACH (904) 261-9855

Everything B But ut Ordinary Fresh, local food with a twist & handcrafted cocktails Happy Hour & Late Night specials in Our Full Bar

Tu–Th 5–10p • Fr–Sa 5p–2a Su 11a - 8p ~ SUNDAY BRUNCH ~ 801 Beech Street • (904) 572-1390 BeechStreetBarAndGrill.com

AMELIA ISLAND - FLORIDA

LEDDY’S

PORCH

Southern Comfort Food Lunch Wed-Fri 11:00am-2:30pm Come try our fried chicken with a complimentary glass of bubbles!

Brunch Sat & Sun ~ 10:00am-2:30pm $10 bottomless Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas!

MERMAID BAR Classic cocktails, great wines, craft beers, cheese & chacuterie Happy Hour ~ 5-7pm Daily Open Mon-Sat 5-10pm Available for private dinners, catering, celebrations, & more.

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE ~ Southern comfort food, a cool vibe, and interesting cocktails at a great price.

22 SOUTH THIRD STREET 904-491-3322 • FLORIDAHOUSEINN.COM

53 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 7am – 8pm • 7am – 9pm Fri/Sat Early Bird Specials • Beer & Wine Open 7 Days 1120 S. 14th Street • (904) 432-8400

NEW MENU! • LIVE MUSIC EVERY DAY! Trivia Tuesday • Wings Wednesday Bingo & Kids Eat Free Thursday Chef’s Special Friday & Saturday • Lobster Sunday Indoor and Outdoor Dining • Daily Specials & Entertainment Tons of TV’s for your Sporting needs!

Open at 11:00 am • 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. • 261-5711

~ Flavors to Savor ~ Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner 321-1444 708 Centre Street • Downtown Fernandina Beach

Intimate Fine Dining Open for Lunch & Dinner 6 Days a Week Closed Tuesday

ine Jacksonville Magaz

Top 25

14 South Second Street • 321-2558 Find us on Facebook and Trip Advisor!

When patronizing our advertisers, please mention you saw their ad in the

sangria; Wed. – Ladies Night – All you can drink sangria with entree purchase; Thu. – Free dessert, Local’s Night at 10% off with proff of residency; Sun. – All you can eat paella, live Spanish guitar music from 6-9pm!

Lulu’s at the Thompson House ~ Lulu’s is more than just a sandwich shop! The dinner menu changes nightly to showcase the best available fresh, local seafood. Lunch features sandwiches, po’ boys, salads, and a wide selection of seafood “little plates.” Open for lunch and dinner Tues - Sat. Sunday Brunch from 10:30am - 3pm. Beer and wine available.

Major credit cards. Reservations recommended. 11 South 7th Street. Located in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. www.lulusamelia.com.

(904) 432-8394.

The Mustard Seed Cafe ~ Located inside Nassau Health Foods, The Mustard Seed is Amelia Island’s only organic eatery and juice bar, with an extensive, eclectic menu featuring vegetarian and vegan items.

Daily specials include local seafood, organic chicken and fresh organic produce. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, and soups are available—all prepared with The Mustard Seed’s impeccable style. Popular items are chicken or veggie quesadillas, grilled mahi or salmon over mixed greens and tuna melt with Swiss cheese and tomato. Open for breakfast and lunch, 8 am 3pm. Mon -Sat. NassauHealthFoods.net. 833 T. J. Courson Rd. (904) 277-3141.

Sandy Bottoms ~ Casual dining, lunch and dinner menu, outside beach bar, tables and chairs in the sand on the beach, live entertainment almost every night, feet from the ocean. We offer seafood, sandwiches, salads, and home made pizzas. Full bar inside and outside.

Sliders Seaside Grill ~ The Caribbean on Amelia Island! Slider’s offers fun dining for the whole family!

Exotic seafood and steaks served to order are the specials of the house. Enjoy a beautiful oceanfront view inside, or on the patio, located steps from the beach. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 1998 S. Fletcher Ave. at Sadler Rd. (next to the roundabout).

277-6652. L, D, $$, F. The Surf ~ Dine indoors or out on our huge, sundrenched deck with views of the ocean just across the street. The extensive menu features delicious seafood, steaks, burgers, wraps and salads. Daily specials include all-you-can-eat wings on Thursdays and $5 Bloody Marys on Sunday. Casual, fun atmosphere.

Take-out and catering available. Reserve the lower deck for your next private event. Open daily from 11 a.m. 29 TVs throughout. WI-FI available. Full service bar. For our entertainment line-up, visit www.thesurfonline.com. 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 2615711. L, D, $$, F. Townies Pizzeria ~ Townies is the “Locals’ Choice for Island Pizza”. All of our food is prepared fresh to order. Townies uses real cheese, only the finest quality ingredients, and fresh local produce. Unlike the big pizza chains, our sauces don’t come out of a paint can. Pizza! One Luv! 819 TJ Courson Road.

(904) 277-4755. Order online at TowniesPizzeria. com or call!

Amelia Islander Magazine B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner. $=Entrees under $10, $$=Entrees up to $15. $$$=Entrees over $15.

F=Full bar, B/W=Beer & Wine 54 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Luxury on the Intracoastal Waterway

This sophisticated and architecturally designed home is located at Amelia Island Plantation. With views of the marsh, Intracoastal, and Long Point Golf Course from the rustic boardwalk and backyard, you enjoy a harmonious blend of the outdoor setting with interior appointments. This home boasts an open floor design with comfortable spaces, high ceilings,

and exquisite detail. The stylish new interior uses the latest color palettes for warmth and texture. The gourmet kitchen has top-of-the-line stainless appliances, a center island, and granite counters. Along with the interior, the exterior has recently been redone, and the home comes with a one year builder’s warranty.

For more information on this exceptional property, contact Becky McRae with Amelia Island Plantation Real Estate at (904) 654-2210.

55 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

We are the sales and listings leader in Amelia Island P lantation.

1601 Sea Dunes Villa Oceanfront 3BR, 3BA 1st floor furnished villa, Hardwood floors, Andersen sliding doors and well-appointed living and dining rooms. Kitchen has stainless appliances, granite. $698,000

1 Green Winged Teal Just a short walk to the beach from this spacious 4BR, 3BA home. Vaulted ceilings with skylights, fireplace and a wet bar. Located near the Omni Hotel. $595,000

220 Amelia by the Sea Oceanfront 3BR/2BA 22 3BR/2BA, 2nd floor floor unit with plantation shutters. Private pier. Ocean views, outdoor fire pit, BBQ area, oceanfront clubhouse and pool, tennis courts. $469,000

11 Willow Pond Tastefully remodeled 4BR, 3.5BA with stunning views on cul-de- sac in AIP! Interesting architectural details, extensive use of bead board, custom wood ceilings and moldings. $819,000

1781 Mariners Walk k Charming 3 BR BR, 2 BA villa villa. 5 minute walk to o beach. Features new dishwasher, enclosed sunroom, brick paved patio.

Includes 2 parking spaces. $245,000

Lot 22 Hickory Lane Large home site in Cedar Point community at end of quiet cul-de-sac. AIP offers many amenities such as fishing, the beach and shopping. $249,000

Call (904) 277-5980 Or visit www.AmeliaIslandRealEstate.net ©Amelia Island Plantation Real Estate. All Rights Reserved. Amelia Island Plantation Real Estate is a registered trademark licensed to Amelia Island Plantation Real Estate Services, LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. If your property is listed with another real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

TROXEL

TEAM

Pat Troxel (904) 556-3228

Pam Troxel (904) 556-1258

James Miller (904) 557-5720

Ellen Myers (904) 556-0472

www.TroxelTeam.com • pdtroxel@msn.com 95365 SONOMA DRIVE $229,000 Beautiful home in Woodbridge with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and an office. Open floorplan, granite countertops, double ovens, stainless steel appliances and a drop dead gorgeous landscaped backyard with screened porch, paver patio and arbor.

107 SEASIDE RETREAT $875,000 4th floor oceanfront villa with unobstructed views of the beach and marsh views from the master bedroom. Only two units per floor and elevator opens to villa’s private foyer. Spacious kitchen and living room with built ins and master offers sitting area and wrap mourned balcony. Two parking spaces under cover and storage unit.

1676 REGATTA DRIVE $799,000 Fine quality and exquisite details define this fabulous home on the 8th green of The Golf Club of Amelia Island. Cedar shake exterior and interior offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Carrera marble counters in the kitchen, high end Jenn Air stainless steel appliances, plantation shutters, large master suite and fantastic floorplan.

95011 PINEY ISLAND COURT $600,000 Spectacular marsh and Intracoastal Waterway views highlight this home situated on a .75 acre site.

Open floorplan is perfect for entertaining or enjoying farm to table dining from your own greenhouse and raised planters!

Guest suite over garage has living room, bedroom, full bath and office. Main house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.

31 MARSH CREEK ROAD $695,000 Stunning renovation on Oak Marsh’s 14th fairway on beautifully landscaped lot. Wood flooring in most areas, open floorplan, cedar clad vaulted ceilings. Double- sided fireplace units, elegant dining and spacious living, wet bar and wine chiller. Granite counters, dual fuel pro range, Kitchen Aid French door refrigerator & fan hood. Outdoor space and lovely golf views!

2762 JEAN LAFITTE DRIVE $665,000 Tropical paradise within a short walk to the beach. 4 BR, 3 BA and a stunning outdoor living space with summer kitchen, screened heated pool and spa and outdoor fireplace and sitting area at the edge of the Greenway. Gorgeous kitchen with granite, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, wood floors, large master suite, and an attractive paver circular drive.

Excellence... yesterday, today & tomorrow.

311 CENTRE STREET • AMELIA ISLAND • (904) 261-0347 • CBAMELIA.COM

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

TE TERRI TENNILLE 904-415-1002 90

Douglas F. Mackle PA, MRP Realtor-Associate Direct (904) 753-3332 dfmackle@gmail.com

Phoebe Mackle Kromann, MRP Realtor-Associate Direct (904) 556-4442 phoebekromann@gmail.com

95046 SALINAS COURT ~ $250,000 The best of Woodbridge is this 4BR, 2BA pond-side home just minutes from Amelia Island. New exterior paint and rain gutters.

Kitchen features Corian counters and stainless appliances. Secondfloor bonus room/office or 4th bedroom. Peaceful surroundings and ideal location near shopping and island amenities. Seller offering a 1-year Home Warranty Protection Plan. MLS#67917 95046SalinasCourt.com

17 RED MAPLE RD ~ $899,000 4BR, 3BA home with vaulted ceiling great room opening to a 57’ x 30’ deck and golf course views. Large bedrooms and owner’s suite with intimate sun room. Low maintenance landscaping enhances this beautiful executive home in Amelia Island Plantation. Ancient oaks frame the back deck, which overlooks 4th green of the Oak Marsh course. Real hardwood floors throughout.

MLS#65666 17RedMaple.com

3024A SOUTH FLETCHER AVE ~ $695,000 Affordable 3 BR, 3 BA home offers magnificent OCEANFRONT living with garage, shared in-ground pool, and private beach walk-over.

Close to all shopping, medical, and amenities. Large bedrooms, each with bath. Low HOA fees. New roof in 2012. Seller offers a $5,000 carpet or flooring allowance with acceptable contract. One-year Home Warranty Protection plan provided to buyer. MLS#67334 3024ASouthFletcherAvenue.com

JOSIE DEAL 904-415-1952

Rated #1 Agents by an Independent Lab Email: amelia4sale@aol.com Cell: (904) 415-1002 • Office: (904) 261-0347

B-302 B 302 THE LANDINGS LA 3 BR/3.5 BA third floor villa with Intracoastal views. Travertine floors in living area and hardwoods in master. Kitchen has wine cooler and refrigerator drawers in island. Storage unit, boat slip/lift, garage parking. MLS#67025 $1,250,000

BURNHAM 1984 BURN NHAM LANE NH 3 BR/ 3.5 BA Amelia Park home with spacious porches and lake views. Kitchen opens to family room with fireplace. Living room could be office or 4th BR. Tile and hardwood floors. New appliances, heat/air, gutters. MLS#64774 $474,900 LAND FOR SALE

95484 Captains Way ~ Golf Course Views, Summer Beach - Golfside North gated community. MLS#66014 $312,000 Dunewood Place ~ Golf Course frontage, no HOA fees, partially cleared.

MLS#64733 $275,000 95224 Shell Midden Lane ~ 1 acre on lake. Brady Point Preserve, a gated community. MLS#65573 $200,000 Lot 26 Cayman Circle ~ 2.25 acres. Just off Amelia Island. MLS#66016 $64,900 Lot 5 White Street ~ Beautiful lot in Old Town MLS#51666 $89,900

Excellence... yesterday, today & tomorrow.

311 CENTRE STREET • AMELIA ISLAND • (904) 261-0347 • CBAMELIA.COM

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

EXCLUSIVE Communities on Amelia Island THE PRESERVE AT SUMMER BEACH Two spec homes available now!

Lot/home packages starting in the upper $500s

COASTAL OAKS

Coastal cottages adjacent to Amelia Park Lot/home packages from the $300s www.coastaloaksamelia.com

SUMMERWOODS

Walk to the beach!

Condominiums from the upper $200s www.summerbeachamelia.com

Offered by The Jasinsky Team Bruce Jasinsky 904-753-3672

Justin Jasinsky 904-753-3235

Brittany Jasinsky 904-583-3500

Shannon Smith 904-753-3935

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Claudia

watts BROKER-ASSOCIATE

Contact Claudia today for market insight!

Selling the Amelia Island Lifestyle since 1995...

311 Centre Street • Amelia Island

Email: claudia.watts@coldwellbanker.com Cellular: 904.556.4000 • Office: 904.261.0347 Website: www.claudiawatts.com

DEEP WATER ON SOUTH AMELIA ISLAND $1,285,000

Marcy Mock Amelia Island ~ Nassau County Board of Realtors Top Producer

~ Featured Listings ~ CARLTON DUNES AT SUMMER BEACH

Located north and adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

These fabulous oceanfront condominiums feature beautiful custom appointments, large square footage and membership to The Golf Club of Amelia Island. Oceanfront and golf course views are incredible!

These units start at $1,750,000.

OCEAN PLACE AT SUMMER BEACH

Set off the beaten path, yet a stone’s throw to all your Island conveniences. This water front property boasts 106 feet of gorgeous westerly exposure overlooking Amelia’s salt marsh, deep water access into the Amelia River, a 1-acre tree-laden pastoral-feeling lot, plus wonderful appeal with a main house and detached carriage house. Call Claudia today for your personal tour. MLS #61375

Located on the south side of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. These wonderful condominiums offer the per- fect get-away. Competitive pricing, fabulous floor plans, beautiful views, as well as rental potential have made Ocean Place a “must have” for potential owner-investors. These units start at $589,900 and are direct oceanfront.

Rent a beautiful Ocean Place unit.

View virtual at www.vrbo.com. #224773

Come & Enjoy Our Five Diamond Neighbors

MARCY MOCK

Excellence... yesterday, today & tomorrow.

311 CENTRE STREET • AMELIA ISLAND (904) 261-0347 • CBAMELIA.COM

5456 First Coast Highway Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-261-0624 office 904-753-6500 cell

www.marcymock.com

Scan this code with your smartphone.

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

LAILY SCHLEGEL, CNE (904) 415-8256

Lailysellsamelia@gmail.com

To view more properties, visit www.LailySchlegel.com.

IMPRESSIVE VIRTUAL TOUR ON EVERY LISTING

FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE, MARKET KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND DEDICATION CONTACT LAILY!

5 DUNES ROW This exceptional property is one of the few remaining oceanfront home sites on South Amelia.

Situated within a secluded, gated enclave of just a handful of homes in the exclusive AIP Resort.

MLS#67015 $1,500,000 www.lailyschlegel.remaxagent.com/67015

3204 FAIRWAY OAKS VILLAS Convenient single story villa in gated community of AIP Resort.

Walking distance to the community pool, golf course and clubhouse and Property Owner’s Club.

Bathrooms and kitchen recently renovated. MLS#65256 $198,000 www.lailyschlegel.remaxagent.com/65256

96002 BRADY POINT ROAD 3 BR, 3.5 BA home overlooks Amelia River. High ceilings, stone, marble, walnut wood. 4 car garage.

Pool and spa with outdoor kitchen.

Office/art studio, bonus room and over 3,000 sq. ft. of under building space. MLS#67372 $1,825,000 www.lailyschlegel.remaxagent.com/67372

406 BEACHSIDE VILLAS Villa features split floorplan with 2 Master suites with oceanfront balcony. From breakfast nook you can step out onto the large and deck perfect for family gatherings, and garage parking & private storage room. MLS#67891 $975,000 www.lailyschlegel.remaxagent.com/67891

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Call Pam

Meyer

904.415.0303

Or Visit www.AmeliaIslandProperties.com

WATERFRONT PROPERTY, GOLF HOMES, HISTORIC HOMES, & MORE Peaceful Views 4 BR/3 BA home overlooking pond on cul-de-sac. Large master suite and two BRs downstairs, private bedroom and bath upstairs. Living room plus family room with fireplace. Open sliders onto screened porch to create large indoor/outdoor living space. Large kitchen with upgrades.

Downstairs bath handicap equipped. 20” tile plus carpet. Community pool. MLS#67635 $399,900

Walk to the Beach Walk to the beach from this lovely 3 BR/ 3 BA home in popular Sea Grove. Courtyard-style entrance opens to an easy-flow floor plan filled with natural light. Full tile downstairs with bamboo floor in the bonus room. Luxurious master retreat opens to porch and features a beautifully remodeled Romanstyle bath and separate jacuzzi tub. Dual tiled and screened porches.

MLS#65234 $510,000

Rare Lakefront Townhome Located in popular Natures Walk, this 2 BR/2.5 BA townhome on the lake offers an extra room which could be another bedroom, plus a spacious loft. Scenic lake views from the living and dining rooms, kitchen and master suite. The large deck at the lake’s edge provides the perfect outdoor living space. MLS#66747 $215,000

Coastal Condo Charming coastal designer decorated condo is ready to enjoy! Beautifully appointed with 20” ceramic tile and carpeted bedrooms, beadboard walls in kitchen and baths, and new sliders opening to covered balcony. Easy walk to the beach, plus pool, tennis, and boat storage. Allows pets and short-term rentals. Extra storage available downstairs Not to be missed! MLS#64881 $124,900

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Antje Wortman, LLC Realtor-Associate, CIPS, TRC (904) 624-4372 antje.wortman@gmail.com

When calling about the properties featured in this Open House section, please mention you saw the ad in the 96171 LANCEFORD LANE ~ $874,900 Priced below appraisal! Perfect for Executive Entertaining!

Share your stunning marsh views with friends and family.

Enjoy breathtaking vistas, evenings around the fire pit, fish from your own dock, and take your boat out at high tide.

This 5 BR, 5 BA home has everything from built-ins, 2 laundry rooms, hickory hardwood floorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even a 2 story screened-in porch so guests can enjoy private evenings on their own balcony. Must see! Vacant, ready to sell and close quickly! MLS#66036

Amelia Islander Magazine. www.ameliaislander.com

When patronizing our advertisers, please mention you saw their ad in the Amelia Islander Magazine

Explore from page 35.

Villa rental in the Caribbean and Central America or all-inclusive resorts are also popular ‘multigen’ vacations.”

Amelia Island residents Bobbie and Bill Smith traveled with their children and grandchildren to the Galapagos last year.

“We believe exposing our grandchildren to other parts of their world makes them more engaged with world events and the care of our planet,” says Bill. “Travel makes them responsible global citizens.”

Expedition travel is gaining rapidly in popularity both in the US, Canada, Mexico, and abroad. “The Arctic is one destination that is just coming into its own,” says Wallace. “Easy air travel and amazing wildlife like polar bears, narwhal whale, beluga, walrus, along with astounding ice formations and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba are the kinds of things today’s travelers are looking for.

Companies like Lindblad Expeditions, Natural Habitat, Backroads, and Micato Safaris are being booked by many of our Amelia Island travelers.”

Sheryl DeGrove traveled to Churchill, Canada with Nat Hab to experience a longtime desire to see polar bears. “Seeing the huge animals as close as three feet away while I stood up on the bumper of the open viewing area of the Polar Rover is forever imprinted on my memory!” exclaims DeGrove.

“Tauck Tours is another local favorite for river cruises as well as tours,” says Wallace. “Many of our customers prefer Tauck’s small group departures or the Tauck Culturious trips. The National Parks trips are especially attractive to locals this year as the U.S. Park Service celebrates its one hundredth anniversary!”

For more information about travel trends, call (904) 261-5914 or visit www.wallacepierson.com.

GreatHomes

REVISED & EXPANDED SECOND EDITION

OF FERNANDINA

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES FROM AMELIA ISLAND’S GOLDEN AGE

By Dickie Anderson | Photography by Jan Johannes

Greom at es H

REVISED & EXPANDED SECOND EDITION

OF

FERNANDINA

s Golden Age Architectural Treasures from Amelia Island’

VU

This revised & expanded second edition features 25 homes in Fernandina Beach’s Historic District, highlighting when each home was built, by whom, the original owners, and their part in Fernandina’s earlier history, as well as architectural highlights.

Includes an introduction by Amelia Island historian, Ron Kurtz, as well as a map showing the location of each house and driving tour.

g

Ready, set, eat from page 29.

Kick-Off Dinner on Thursday, January 21 at 6 p.m., featuring “A Tribute to Amelia Island Cuisine.” The event begins with a wine reception with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a five-course dinner. Cost is $72 per person, and a wine pairing upgrade is available.

Reservations should be made in advance by calling (904) 277-1087.

To wrap up the festivities, join the Omni Amelia Island Plantation on January 30 for a four-course “Outlaw Dinner,” which will highlight different ingredients that have been “outlawed” at some point in recent history.

Each course will be paired with a complementary wine and moonshine cocktail. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Featured ingredients include foie gras, which has been banned in both California and Chicago for many years, and absinthe, which was banned for over ninety-five years as it was thought to be a mind-altering hallucinogenic. Cost is $75 per person.

Space is limited, and reservations can be made online on www.opentable. com or by calling (904) 432-1467.

Also throughout the ten-day event, the Amelia Island Culinary Academy will be hosting several cooking classes, and Marlin & Barrel will be doing tastings of their local spirits. “We love Restaurant Week,” says Tim Seyda, owner of Bar Zin and Cucina South. “It’s a great way to showcase our restaurant to new business and treat our regular customers, as well.” For more information, visit www.ameliaisland.com/yummy.

To make a reservation, be sure to contact individual restaurants in advance.

DICKIE ANDERSON

$15.95 Published by Sweetpea Media and Amelia Islander Magazine

PHOTOGRA PHY BY JAN JOHANNES

Available at Amelia Island gift and book stores, including Books Plus and the Book Loft, or contact Dickie Anderson at dickie.anderson@gmail.com.

63 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

backyard adventure

a plant walk through history

BY KAREN MILLER • PHOTOS BY SHERRY GARBARINI

L

auri deGaris is a special lady. Formerly a marine scientist, Lauri has a great love for ocean environments. But she’s also an artist, a historian, a tour guide, and a breast cancer survivor who spends many hours exploring the beaches and maritime forests of Amelia Island. Lauri’s beach and forest walks helped her heal after her cancer diagnosis, and she has created a series of “Peaceful Moments” videos for other cancer patients to watch when they are feeling stressed or anxious.

When Lauri told me about all the remarkable historic and edible plants she’s come across during her healing walks, I begged her to share her knowledge with me. When I asked her why she calls her walks “historic,” Lauri points out that nature has played an important role in our local history, from

Clockwise from left: broom sedge; wax myrtle; prickly pear

what people ate and how they built their homes to what industries developed.

We begin at Fort Clinch State Park early one morning near the pier, in what Lauri calls the coastal zone. Within minutes, Lauri has identified a dozen edible and useful plants which

have had an historical impact on how early, native, and African American people lived. Sea oats, now endangered, are an edible grain that was once used as food for people and livestock.

Sedges, or grasses, found throughout coastal environments, were used by indigenous people to weave baskets and to make tea. Sea grapes were (and still are) used to make jam or simply to eat. Prickly pear was also used for jam, and its green flesh produces a healing salve which can be used in poultices. Lauri points out that all these plants also hold sand and dunes in place, an important role on a barrier island.

As we move away from the beach, the grasses and oats give way to low shrubs. Lauri points out milk thistle, formerly used by lactating mothers to increase milk production. Then she shows me smilax, or sweet briar, whose tubers were once dried and ground to make flour. A dozen varieties of daisies, in the chamomile family, are used to make tea. Dog fennel is an herb which has a licorice flavor. As we approach the maritime forest, shrubs give way to palm trees, which have been used throughout history for thatching roofs, weaving into twine, and even for food.

Lauri shows me wax myrtle and bay, both used for making candles, and broom sedge, used for making brooms and brushes. Curly blue, a delicate plant that looks like a wild orchid, has medicinal qualities and was used for tea. Pine trees were used in dozens of ways, from making tea to building houses. Oaks, hardwood maple, and hickory are also found in the maritime forest, fine building materials which can also be used for fuel in fireplaces and stoves.

Lauri’s plant walk gave me a new look on life that morning. Not only on how nature shapes our history, but also how it can heal. “We are connected to everything,” says Lauri. “Our history is not just ‘human’ history. It is woven out of nature and our natural resources.” Lauri offers beach and historic walks, and other educational tours. She is also a partner with the City of Fernandina Beach. For more information, call (904) 477-8900 or visit www.discoverthisco.com.

64 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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JAC K S O N V I L L E O R T H O PA E D I C I N S T I T U T E

Excellent orthopedic care.

Close to home.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute is pleased to announce its newest location at Baptist Medical Center Nassau where Gregory Smith, MD, welcomes board-certified physician Megan Manthe, MD. Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute is the sports medicine team chosen by the pros — and we’re here to provide a full range of state-of-the-art care to your whole family. We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Smith and Dr. Manthe to JOI, making it easier than ever to get the expert orthopedic care you need.

Using the most advanced technologies and techniques to heal muscles, bones and joints, their special areas of focus include: • Sports Medicine • Total knee and anterior hip replacement • Shoulder and knee arthroscopy • Pediatric injuries and fracture care • Fracture management • Hand surgery • General orthopedics

To make an appointment with Dr. Smith or Dr. Manthe, call 904.JOI.2000.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute 1250 South 18th St., Ste. 204 Amelia Island, FL 32034

JOI is proud to serve as Sports Medicine provider for:

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