Amelia Islander - February 2018

Amelia

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ISLANDER FEBRUARY 2018

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261-2501

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Located on the Campus of Baptist Nassau 2 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

18 hole Arnold Palmer designed course 10 Minutes from Amelia Island Affordable Rates Great Conditions Full Practice Facility Rentals Available PGA Instruction Available Full Clubhouse Amenities Friendly Staff

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The 23rd Annual

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance March 9-11, 2018

Honoring:

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Emerson Fittipaldi

Celebrating 70 Years of Porsche and 60 Years of N.A.R.T. Featuring Auburn, IMSA GTP, Martini Racing, Jaguar E-Type, and the Ferrari Daytona Benefiting The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation For Advance Tickets & Event Information, visit: www.ameliaconcours.org Photo Courtesy of Jeff Zwart

ERIC CORBETT Production Manager NMLS: 314937 904-206-0052 ecorbett@primelending.com lo.primelending.com/ecorbett

MITCH O’CONNER Loan Originator Associate NMLS: 378521 904-557-9905 moconner@primelending.com lo.primelending.com/ecorbett

ELAINE RITTER Team Loan Originator NMLS: 1500093 904-557-9908 eritter@primelending.com lo.primelending.com/ecorbett

MEGHAN NORMAN Team Loan Originator NMLS: 1681212 904-557-9913 meghan.norman@primelending.com lo.primelending.com/ecorbett

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9900 Amelia Island Parkway, Suite 400 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 &HUWDLQ UHVWULFWLRQV DSSO\ 1RW DYDLODEOH LQ DOO DUHDV 3OHDVH FRQWDFW \RXU 3ULPH/HQGLQJ ORDQ RI¿FHU IRU PRUH GHWDLOV All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. ©2018 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. (NMLS: 13649) Equal Housing Lender. PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in FL. V010918

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“

Millions of birds migrate each year through Florida to the Caribbean and Central America, making Amelia Island, with its variety of ecosystems, a birdwatching mecca.

Amelia

Florida has long been a very hospitable habitat for birds. Before its extensive settlement, the Florida peninsula was an untamed landscape of swamps, marshes, and a mix of other terrain, with plenty of water and a variety of feeding grounds, making it a perfect home for birds. Our ornithological record of Florida began in the late 18th century when William Bartram began a series of expeditions in the Southeast, which included a visit to Amelia Island, to classify the state’s extensive wildlife. Famed ornithologist John James Audubon visited Florida in the 1830s, cataloguing Florida’s bird species, and immediately interest in the peninsula’s exotic birds began to grow.

By the mid-19th century, the fashion in hats for women was to showcase the feathers of several species of herons or egrets, which created a huge demand for them in New York and other fashion capitals. Soon, hundreds of thousands of Florida’s birds were destroyed for their feathers, causing populations to plummet. In order to save the decimated species, the Audubon Society was founded in 1896, and bolstered by a growing public outcry, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was passed in 1913 to end the trade in feathers. Soon the first national wildlife refuge in the United States was opened by President Theodore Roosevelt at Pelican Island, right here on Florida’s Atlantic coast near Vero Beach.

As visitors can attest, Florida is a great place to encounter a number of fascinating and exotic bird species. Millions of birds migrate each year through Florida to the Caribbean and Central America, making Amelia Island a birdwatching mecca. With its variety of coastal, marsh, and maritime forest ecosystems, it is a splendid location for bird watchers.

One local photographer, Stephan Leimberg, has been patiently applying his photographic gifts to capturing many of Amelia Island’s most beautiful birds in their natural habitats. We are thrilled to be able to share with you this month some of Steve’s gorgeous photographs, many of which are available in his coffee table book, Birds of Amelia. Many thanks to Steve for sharing his wonderful photos, and to Dickie Anderson for her story on Amelia’s exotic birds and where to find them.

In addition this month, we have a wonderful travelogue feature from Dickie Anderson on her recent trip to the remote and captivating Hebrides Islands; a feature on the Network of Women, started by a local entrepreneur to help women network for success; and a preview of the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise’s Wine & Food Tasting Gala, which raises money for local charities. We also have a great “Backyard Adventure” on paddling through the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and much, much more.

Contributing Photographers William Raser, Elizabeth Wilkes, David Burghardt, Pam Bell, Sherry Carter, Stephen Leimberg

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

Contributing Writers Dickie Anderson, Michael Gass, Karen Miller, Betty Morrell, Julie Simmons, Teri Sopp

”

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. All editorial contents including maps and photographs are Copyrighted 2018 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

See you around the island!

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.

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features

FEBRUARY 2018 11 Cover Story BIRDS OF AMELIA

The southernmost of a chain of barrier islands running from South Carolina to Florida called the Sea Islands, Amelia Island is a great place for people to nest, permanently or seasonally, but it’s also a paradise for birds, home to an incredible variety of beautiful and fascinating species.

33 Hebrides Adventure In her latest “adventure travel” trip last fall, Dickie Anderson finds that the remote Hebrides Islands deliver loads of beauty, charm, and history along untrodden pathways.

41 Building a Foundation for Success Looking to create networking opportunities for women in Nassau and Duval counties, Jamie Bernard started the Network of Women to help women build relationships.

48 Party with a Purpose

76 Backyard Adventure

In its sixth year, the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise’s Wine & Food Tasting Gala is an island favorite that generates much-needed funds for local charities.

On a clear winter’s day, Karen Miller took to a canoe for an overnight paddling trip in the magnificent Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge with Okefenokee Adventures.

Amelia

ISLANDER FEBRUARY 2018 • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 2

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FEBRUARY 2018

inside 22

ABOUT THE COVER

31

55

22

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

24

Galleries & Antiques Amelia’s art galleries & antique stores

28

In the Neighborhood Profiles of area businesses and organizations

31

Beach Combing Great shopping on Amelia Island

36

Maps of the Island and downtown, with telephone numbers

37

Tide Table Tides at the Amelia River

38

Around Town What’s happening around Amelia Island

44

Snapshots Islanders out and about

51

Great Homes of Fernandina The Williams House, an antebellum home with a striking porch, original wrought-iron fence, and rich history, is now a luxurious bed-and-breakfast inn.

53

In the Garden With the weather beginning to warm, plants like Crepe Myrtle, Leucodendron, Gardenia, and Society Garlic will invigorate your garden with their vibrant colors.

55

Island Home After falling in love with Old Town, Bob and Maura Zawistowski built a home on Plaza San Carlo with views of the boats coming and going on the Amelia River.

62

Eating Scene Overlooking rolling sea dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, Salt uses simple elements

Great Egret Photo by Stephan Leimberg.

from earth and sea to create extraordinary cuisine that seduces all the senses with exquisite detail.

67

Open House Premium real estate offerings on and around Amelia Island

Amelia

ISLANDER FEBRUARY 2018 • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 2

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LET US STAY WITH ® YOU.

A world-renowned restaurant with a local address.

Join naƟonally acclaimed chef Rick Laughlin as he brings an unforgeƩable dining experience to guests and locals at our AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, Salt. To reserve a private kitchen table, please call 904-277-1100.

For dining reservaƟons, visit ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.

©

2017 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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8 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

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ISLAND e Antiques e Furniture e Treasures e Books e Garden Decor 1104 S. 8th St. • Fernandina Beach (904) 261-8887

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Little Blue Heron

Great Egret

birds A

melia Island offers a perfect habitat for some of the world’s most beautiful

of Amelia

The southernmost of a chain of barrier islands running from South Carolina to Florida, Amelia Island is a paradise for birds and a birder’s paradise.

and fascinating birds. An incredible

variety of birds choose Florida’s most northern barrier island for their home. It is estimated that more than 470 bird species have been identified in Florida, making it the state with the third largest different identified species in the United States.

The Island is the gateway to the eastern section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, a 2,000 mile-long

DICKIE ANDERSON PHOTOS BY STEVE LEIMBERG, UNSEENIMAGES.COM

trail developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Audubon of Florida, the Florida Park Service and Visit Florida.

11 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

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Tri-colored Heron

Roseate Spoonbills

It is not just Amelia Island and Florida that are fascinated by birds, National Geographic’s January 2018 cover story is “Why Birds Matter!” The magazine is partnering with the National Audubon Society, Birdlife International, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to declare 2018 the Year of the Bird – with stories, maps, books, events and social media content scheduled throughout the year.

This year is also the 100-year anniversary of the Migratory Bird Act. The act is a treaty signed between United States and Great Britain (Canada) to end the extensive commercial trade in feathers. Tens of thousands of birds were killed for their feathers used in fashion accessories. During this time the National Audubon Society was formed to protect birds. The act prohibited the hunting, killing, capturing, possession, sale, transportation and exportation of birds, feathers, eggs and nests.

So why do birds attract so much of our attention? They are a connection to the natural world. Birds do the thing we all

wish we could do but can’t. They can fly and see the world from above. Dedicated bird watchers are called twitchers. They travel long distances to see a species and to add a new bird to their “life list”. Many visit Amelia Island to add to their lists. One sought after bird is the Purple Sandpiper, rare and protected, who nests at the far north of Fort Clinch State Park.

It is small wonder that artists and photographers have found Amelia Island the perfect place to capture the beauty of the areas birds. One of the area’s most prolific photographers is Steve Leimberg, known as the Birdman of Amelia. He has photographed birds of all descriptions all over the world, but his favorite spots are close to his home on Amelia Island.

“Those of us addicted to bird photography are ‘studiers,’” says Steve. “We watch, anticipate, prepare, shoot, and repeat – and learn both patience, failure and humility – over and over.”

Graphic artists also find the birds of Amelia Island a focus. Susan Hitchcock, a graphic designer by vocation and

12 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

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“Think I’ll let that native land agent be my guide.”

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American White Ibis juvenile

Anhinga Starling

14 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

watercolorist by avocation, is drawn to coastal birds as subjects. Her watercolors are primarily birds she first photographs, and then paints. “I am entranced by the amazing variety of bird species native to the area,” says Susan.

“The birds I find along the beaches, on marshes, and on the docks offer a trove of visual inspiration.

Amelia Island loves its “show birds.”

The egrets and herons are favorites. They seem to pose – white, sometimes blue, elegant, with yellow bills and long legs.

They are dazzling as they take wing, and even as they go about their business of looking for the next meal in a peaceful marsh or at the water’s edge. Even the gangly, ugly wood storks, awkwardly balancing on branches in clusters, have a certain charm. A seasonal favorite are the strawberry pink Roseate Spoonbills, often confused with flamingos by novice bird watchers, who are fooled by their pinkish color.

Birds can also be entertaining.

Consider the anhingas and their lookalike cousins, the cormorants, who dive under the water, pop up like a jack-inthe-box, and find a place to spread their wings, looking like brownish angels on the nearby shore. Pelicans, both white (seasonally) and brown, can be found near the water either on the river side of the island or flying in formation along the ocean edge. A walk on the beach can bring the treat of spotting a variety of gulls, terns, sand pipers, and in season, skimmers. Other birds like owls, woodpeckers, eagles, and ospreys are harder to spot, but share the island with us and their other feathered friends.

Wild Amelia, an island non-profit organization, is a wonderful resource for those interested in both birds and the area’s unique habitat. The group offers a variety of programs and community www.AmeliaIslander.com

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More than a number It is a big picture A puzzle that needs to be assembled Now coming out in its third printing. A beautiful hard-cover coffee table book about the island filled with William Maurer’s watercolors and sketches of the island.

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LET’S TALK

Nicola Nichol, CFA (904) 305-2608 financialamelia.com

Registered Representatives oɈer securities through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advisors oɈer advisory services through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Financial Strategies of Amelia and Securities America are separate companies.

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Little Blue Heron

outreach events. Photography classes for all skills are offered throughout the year.

The organization sponsors an annual photography contest and presents a 3-day nature festival, held every May each year. The festival includes numerous nature tours led by area naturalists and park rangers, as well as popular nature photography workshops.

The Nassau County Bird Club conducts field trips eight or nine times a year, and typically once a month from September through April. The field trips go to locations good for bird species in each of the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. The club visits state parks, state forests, and other spots in Nassau and Duval counties. Field trips are announced by email to its members, and in the News-Leader and Fernandina Observer. The club has been in existence for almost 20 years, and over 180 species have been observed on these trips. Bill George is the leader of the club, and he can be contacted at birdbill5@aol.com.

WHERE TO SPOT AMELIA ISLAND’S VARIETY OF BIRDS Backyard Feeders A variety of feeders and seed can be found at big box stores or Ace Hardware.

Cardinals, titmice, Carolina wrens, Carolina capped chickadees, and finches are predictable visitors. Less frequent and seasonal are colorful painted buntings and bluebirds.

American White Pelican

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Egans Creek Greenway Preserve Egans Creek Greenway Preserve is a protected area of over 300 acres that runs north-to-south along Egans Creek.

Its grass-covered network of trails are shared by walkers and cyclists. Offering a variety of habitat, the Greenway is the home of wading birds like the American Wood Stork, herons, egrets, and the www.AmeliaIslander.com

many

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Peregrine Falcon

Great Blue Heron juvenile

Roseate Spoonbill. In addition, alligators, snakes, and bobcats may be sighted from a distance. There are several entrances, including one behind the Atlantic Recreation Center on Atlantic Avenue, and one behind The Residence Inn on Sadler.

Fort Clinch State Park (entrance fee required) A favorite spot for birders, the park offers various habitats, including beaches, dunes, maritime hammock, salt marshes, and a rock jetty. Birding trail maps can be picked up at Fort Clinch as well as other Florida parks, nature centers, and tourist information centers. The birding trail maps describe which species to look for at each site along the trail, as well as information about local bird watching programs and a calendar of events.

of the original Florida. It is the nesting grounds for a variety of shore birds and Bald Eagles are often sighted.

Continuing south on Heckscher Drive and across the George Grady bridge and Nassau Sound you will find Spoonbill Pond on the left side of the road. A boardwalk on one side allows birdwatchers to view large wading birds such as the endangered American Wood Stork, herons, egrets, and Roseate Spoonbills.

Continuing south the Great Florida Birding Trail continues with sites on Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands. These undeveloped barrier islands are popular for fishing, birdwatching and their beaches. Continuing south on Heckscher Drive you reach Huguenot Memorial Park (Jacksonville), another excellent spot noted for its bird populations.

Amelia Island State Park (entrance fee required) Located on the south end of Amelia Island the park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse

Cumberland Island National Seashore The next barrier island north of Amelia Island is Cumberland. Short day trips can offer additional opportunities to observes the areas birds. Cumberland Island National

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19 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Northern Cardinal

Great Horned Owl

Seashore can be reached by a ferry leaving from St. Mary’s, Georgia. The island is home to pristine maritime forests and wide marshes. Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island offers over 50 miles of trails and roads, as well as 18 miles of undeveloped beach.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge covers nearly a half million acres. The park offers a wilderness made up of islands, lakes, jungle, forest and prairie. Boat tours follow original Indian waterways. There are wilderness walkways and many opportunities to see a variety of birds.

RESOURCES Steve Leimberg – www.unseenimages.com Susan Hitchcock – www.colorsofcoastalbirds.com Wild Amelia – www.wildamelia.org Florida Birding Trail – www.floridabirdingtrail.com Cumberland Island – www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm Amelia Island State Park – www.floridastateparks.org/park/Amelia-Island Okefenokee Swamp – www.okeswamp.com Ft. Clinch State Park – www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Clinch Egans Creek Greenway – www.fbfl.us/104/Egans-Creek-Greenway Florida Audubon Society – www.audubon.com Florida Birding Trail – www.floridabirdingtrail.com

Stephan R. Leimberg is a prize winning professional fine art photographer and was the 2008 International Nikon – Popular Photography Mentor Series Grand Prize Winner and First Place winner in the Photography Section of the 2014 Amelia Island Shrimp Festival. His photo books include “Meet Me on Amelia Island” and “A Day on Amelia Island” and are available at island book and gift stores. “Birds of Amelia”, a coffee table book, is available by contacting the photographer directly. Steve works as a professional photographer for the Amelia Islander Magazine, First Coast Magazine, and South Island Living.

His fine-art works can be seen and purchased at his studio by appointment by e-mailing steve@unseenimages.com

20 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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904-491-1515 www.AmeliaAudiology.com 21 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

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everything Amelia P E OP LE ,

P LA CE S,

HI STO RY

&

M O R E

ACT’S TEEN THEATRE TROUPE PERFORMS “MONOLOGUES AND MELODIES, NYC OR BUST!”

When Regan and Dan Westra opened Coastal Cottage in November 2016, they purchased a driftwood horse statue to use as a mascot in their store.

To name the mascot, they decided to hold a contest to benefit the Barnabas Center’s Empty Bowls event, with customers donating one dollar per vote for their favorite name in celebration of the new mascot.

But on the very same day Coastal Cottage opened its doors, tragedy struck Fernandina Beach when Nassau County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Oliver was killed in the line of duty.

Coastal Cottage employees wanted to do something for the Oliver family, so they donated their Christmas shopping money to Deputy Oliver’s family fund.

And when the naming contest ended, the name they chose was “Oliver,” submitted by Melody Dawkins, whose family had ties to law enforcement.

With the support of the Oliver family and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, “Oliver” stands as a tribute to a loyal and sadly missed friend of the Fernandina Beach community.

The Westras continue to hold contests featuring “Oliver,” donating the funds to other charitable organizations in the area. Those interested in donating to Deputy Oliver’s family fund should visit First Federal Bank of Florida at 1500 Sadler Road or call (904) 321-2337.

BALLROOM ON AMELIA HOSTS 2ND ANNIVERSARY DANCE PARTY

Amelia Community Theatre’s Teen Theatre Troupe, ACTeen, invites the public to join them for their fundraiser, “Monologues and Melodies, NYC or Bust!” on February 24 at 7:30 p.m. Troupe members will perform monologues and melodies along with special adult guest performers, including Lee Hamby, Jonathan Leonard, Marcus Rau, Julie Harrington, Jennifer Paulk, and Erin Gawera, all of whom have performed in ACT main stage musicals.

Tickets are $40 and include a reception before the performance featuring New York City delicacies, along with prizes, and the newly formed singing group, “Off the Record,” from Jacksonville. Funds raised will help each teen pay for a portion of their trip to NYC. ACTeen is a free youth theatre program created by ACT to help supplement the arts in the community for youth, ages 13 to seniors in high school. ACTeen is dedicated to teaching teens how to be well-rounded theatre people and offering them the opportunity to not only perform PHOTO BY ANDREW BRANTLEY CARROLL but experience and learn. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the reception and 7 p.m. for seating. Purchase tickets by calling the ACT box office at (904) 261-6749 or visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org. ACT is located at 209 Cedar Street.

Join Ballroom on Amelia on February 16 at 7 p.m. for their 2nd Anniversary Party, featuring Crescendo Amelia Big Band, held at Kraft Athletic Club, located at 961023 Buccaneer Trail. The Dance Party promises to be an evening filled with big band music for everyone’s listening and dancing pleasure, with everything from Sinatra to Latin song selections, perfect for dancing the foxtrot, waltz, tango, rumba, and more.

Crescendo Amelia’s repertoire brings to life the incredible legacy of big band and jazz music, complementing Ballroom On Amelia’s talented dance instructors and students, in celebrating their second anniversary. The Dance Party is open to the public.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and music and dancing will take place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Light snacks and setups will be provided; guests are invited to BYOB. Dress is business casual attire. There will be drawings for door prizes throughout the evening.

Advanced tickets ($20) will be available at Royal Amelia Dance Academy at 1897 Island Walkway by cash or check, and also be available at the door the night of the event, cash only. For more information, contact Ballroom On Amelia at (904) 6240886 or visit their website at www.ballroomonamelia.com.

COURTESY BALLROOM ON AMELIA

SHERRY CARTER

COASTAL COTTAGE NAMES STORE MASCOT TO HONOR FALLEN DEPUTY

22 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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Pick up the Amelia Island Map & Guide for information on great food, fun things to do, and fabulous places to rest. www.ameliaislandfloridamap.com 23 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

1408 Lewis S

N O W H IR IN G | ch a e B a in d n treet in Ferna

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ANTIQUES AND MORE TREASURES, INC 463146 SR 200, Yulee • (904) 548-6080

GALLERIES

a n t& iques

ART ON CENTRE 503 Centre Street • 624-7255 BLUE DOOR ARTISTS 205 1⁄2 Centre Street • 556-7783

CASEY MATTHEWS FINE ART

D’AGNESE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY 205 1/2 Centre Street • 261-6044 or 556-2014

PHOTO BY CASEY MATTHEWS

FERN & DINA’S GALLERY & GIFTS 26 South 5th Street • (904) 261-5566

Rumble Strip

C

asey Matthews has been creating art since she was a small child; in fact, it’s all she’s ever known, and all she’s ever wanted to do. “My creativity begins with a constant state of awareness and appreciation for everything around me,” says Casey. “I’m always noticing patterns in nature and the way inanimate objects and shapes harmonize with each other.

I’m inspired by color, how colors interact, motion, flow, and organic repetition.”

Born in San Antonio, Casey moved to Amelia Island 17 years ago, initially creating art in her studio space at Blue Door Artists. But in February last year, she realized she needed a larger space to work in, so she opened her own studio and gallery at 813 South 8th Street. Many of her pieces are large commissioned works, up to nine feet in length, and they can be found in private, corporate, healthcare, and hospitality locations. She is a prolific artist and works on multiple pieces at once, inspired by the coastal community in which she resides. Her art can be found in galleries throughout the United States, from Boston. Charlotte, and Atlanta to Delray Beach, Austin, Birmingham, and New Orleans.

Casey creates rich paintings with multi-media surfaces that are both visually intriguing and full of energy.

They incorporate expressive color, fluid movement, and strong elements of design. The work combines emotional content, observation, technique, exploration, and reinvention. She has developed a series of gestures and marks that make up a unique visual language. It is a vague form of communication in an attempt to achieve balance and beauty.

From a distance, her works impose a singular statement of color, composition and tone; viewed closely, they suggest a complex narrative that is multi-hued and textured.

For Matthews, it is important not to become complacent, and not to be afraid of challenge or risk. “My work is intuitive and process-driven,” she says. “I enjoy the drips and splatters – and the journey they inspire.” Casey’s portfolio can be found on her website at www.caseymatthews.com. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. For more information or to make an appointment, call her at (904) 556-1119 or email her at casey@caseymatthews.com.

24 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

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 MINE HILL TRADING CO. 5210 First Coast Hwy • 310-6823 MEAD’S FRAMERY & TROPHY Corner of A1A & Hwy 17 • 225-2195 OAK TREE GALLERY 432 South 8th Street • 316-4888 PLANTATION ARTISTS’ GUILD & GALLERY 94 Amelia Village Circle • 432-1750 THE PLANTATION SHOP 4828 First Coast Hwy • 261-2030 TRAILER PARK COLLECTIBLES 702 Centre Street • 491-4461

www.AmeliaIslander.com

galleries & antiques C A S E Y M AT T H E W S FINE ART

Custom Framing • Fine Art

Kathleen Maurer Framed acrylic on canvas

Monday - Friday 10am-5pm • Closed Saturday & Sunday 1875-B S. 14th St • 904-310-6610 • jwframegallery.com

[ ] blue door artists

gallery & working studios www.caseymatthews.com 813 S. 8th Street, Fernandina Beach 904.556.1119 (by appointment)

MEAD’S

Art Classes Explore our Gift Shop and Gallery

205 1/2 centre street downtown fernandina beach 904.556.7783 www.bluedoorartists.com

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For the wedding of your dreams...

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ameliaislandweddingsmagazine.com PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

A Neighborhood Italian Bistro

English and French Antiques

Unique Antique Smalls • Home Accessories & Gifts Outdoor & Upholstered Furniture 39 An Island Tradition for 38 Years!

(904) 261-2030 | Follow us on Facebook

and Instagram

DINNER ONLY Tuesday thru Sunday 5:30PM to 9:00PM Indoor and alfresco dining Salads | Pasta Fresh Seafood Braised Meats 904.432.7920 4828 First Coast Highway Palmetto Walk Shopping Village CucinaSouth.com

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 american bistro cuisine alfresco dining / private dining

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South

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in the neighborhood

Pippi’s Consignment Cottage

I

PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

t’s hard to tell the difference between retail and resale when you go to an upscale boutique like Pippi’s Consignment Cottage, located at 1853 South 8th Street. Trendy, economical, and earth-friendly, resale boutiques are a fast-growing niche in retail.

When Jessica Miller, owner of Fifi’s Fine Resale’s, advertised her business for sale, local resident Jamie Bernard was interested.

Given her love of consignment, fashion, and business, she knew this was her next adventure. Jamie has an extensive background in event planning, networking, and public relations, and she is excited to use these skills in her new business.

Jamie vows to make Pippi’s a place where a woman can not only dress to impress for less, but also gather with other women for laughs and learning. Upcoming style and beauty workshops, educational talks, book signings, and women’s networking opportunities can be found on their website at www.pippiscottage.com or on their social media pages.

Pippi’s offers a vast selection of women’s clothing in sizes from XS to 3X. Top-selling brands include J. Jill, Chico’s, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, and Eileen Fisher. They also carry an expansive selection of designer handbags including Gucci, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Vince Camuto, Coach, Michael Kors, Brahmin, Marc Jacobs, and many more. Pippi’s will soon include bridal, maternity, and men’s accessories. They accept consignments Monday through Thursday, and by appointment on Friday and Saturday. For details on consignment, visit their website. For more information, call (904) 322-2976.

Jamie Bernard

M

28 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

AJB Renovations

PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

arcus Yew and Amanda Borghese have lived in, renovated, and designed homes on four continents.

Now that they both live full-time on Amelia Island, they have teamed up to form AJB Renovations, a business founded upon their shared passion. “We work so well together!” says Amanda, who has furnished traditional homes in Rome, Paris, and the American Northeast, as well as various beachside getaways in North Carolina and Florida. “Having moved many times, I know what improvements to make in a home that will bring the most return on an investment,” she says. “Marcus has a knack for numbers, finding amazing deals, and making our ideas reality. We complement each other perfectly!”

Their style is colorful and contemporary, with classic elegance. They are also practical. “We always factor in our island’s climate—the sand, salt air, and the sunny lifestyle that comes with them. That means choosing the right materials for the right designs,” says Marcus. “We’ve seen many homes here; they all have their quirks! We like taking advantage of them, and making the most of the space for our clients.”

Despite being in business for less than two years, the duo has gathered a team of local experts they trust. “We love the people we work with. We also work on the go—no office, no overhead. That means we can offer much better prices! Call us—we’re always up for a chat.” Amanda and Marcus can be reached at (904) 310-9114. To see before-and-after photos of recent projects, visit their Facebook page.

Amanda Borghese and Marcus Yew

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

WHAT’S 6 South 14th Street • Fernandina Beach

DR. JOHN MCCLANE Optometrist

(904) 261-5741

HAPPENING AROUND AMELIA ISLAND

Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery Advanced Technology Cataract Implants Blade-free Custom LASIK Medicare, Tricare, and most medical plans accepted Amelia Island & Nassau County’s most trusted eyecare since 1948

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Eye Exams • Contact Lenses VSP, Eyemed, and VCP accepted LARGE SELECTION OF FRAMES BY:

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Ni’s Chinese Medical Center

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Benefit from Chinese Medicine, safe and effective care for:

Check out our blog featuring current news and stories about all that is

* Digestive Disorders * Depression/Anxiety * Golf/Tennis Elbow * Headaches * Internal Disease * Pain * PMS * Respiratory Illness * Sleep Disorders * Tinnitus and much more

happening on Amelia Island and the surrounding areas. Local events, food, history, and more. Three new stories every week.

www.AmeliaIslander.com Bo-Shih Ni, LAc, DOM FL Licensed Acupuncturist Doctor of Oriental Medicine Chinese Pulse Diagnosis

Treating all health problems from everyday care to critical care, from pain to internal illness.

5422 First Coast Hwy., Suite 112, Amelia Island

Phone: 321.757.9731 | drboni.com 29 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Addison Weeks Barefoot Dreams

Nassau Jewelry Co.

Camilla

Your Custom Jeweler

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Celebrating our 5th year on Amelia Island.

30 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

beach combing Luscious Lavender Make it a special Valentine’s Day with this Heart Box containing 2.5 oz. bubble bath, 2.5 oz. massage oil, a candle, organic castille bar soap, organic chocolate bar, and lip balm ($56), plus a wreath ($90), candle ($24), massage oil ($22), bouquet ($20), and organic chocolate bars ($12.50). Available at Pelindaba Lavender, 15 South 4th Street. (904) 432-7300.

Captivating Creatures New from Galatea’s Silver Collection, these Jewelry-by-Artist pieces celebrate the beauty of nature. The Hawaii Collection includes delightful pieces featuring tiny sea creatures and handcarved pearls, set in oxidized sterling silver. $140 each, including chain. Available at Amelia’s Fine Jewelry, 317 Centre Street.

(904) 277-0665.

Outstanding Oils Add unmistakable flair to your meals with delicious olive oils and vinegars, like this Persian Lime-Infused Olive Oil 375ml ($16.95), Black Cherry Balsamic 200ml ($12.95), and Salt Sisters Herb Steak House Seasoning ($6.95). Available at Olive Amelia, 809 Beech Street. (904) 310-3603.

Sensational Settee Refresh your home with this comfortable blue textured fabric settee with coordinating pillows by Wesley Hall ($2,399). Customize it to your room with a wide selection of fabric options. Made in the USA. Available at Lott’s Furniture, 1112 South 14th Street. (904) 261-6333.

31 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Come Stay at the Beach

• Right Across from the Beach • Hot & Healthy Breakfast • Private Pool • Conveniently Located near Shopping and Dining 1997 South Fletcher Ave. Amelia Island, FL 32034 For Reservations, phone:

(904) 206-5600 Toll Free (877) 263-5428 RESERVATIONS ONLINE at www.AmeliaHotel.com

A Fine Arts Cooperative Presenting 35 Local Artists Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery 94 Amelia Village Circle at the Spa & Shops Omni Amelia Island Plantation

9900 Amelia Island Pkwy, Suite 200 Just over the bridge on Amelia Island (904) 491-1550 • ScottAndSons.com 32 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

(904) 432-1750 www.ArtAmelia.com Mon 11-5 • Tue 9-1 Wed-Fri 11-5 Sat 9-6 • Sun 1-5 www.AmeliaIslander.com

A standing stone amidst the heather in the Hebrides Islands.

Inset: Dickie Anderson (center in green jacket) with her sister (on her left) and their hiking group and guides.

V

Hebrides Adventure In her latest “adventure travel” trip last fall, Dickie Anderson finds that the remote Hebrides Islands deliver loads of beauty, charm, and history along untrodden pathways.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DICKIE ANDERSON

33 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

isiting the Outer Hebrides, a remote string of islands off the northern Scotland coast, offers an opportunity to experience a unique part of the world that is both beautiful and challenging. Last fall, I traveled with my sister and five others on a walking trip that explored these ancient and remote islands.

Why the Hebrides? Our trips through the years have been to many places, but most have been trips that are easily done and well known. They have included Provence, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Croatia, Patagonia, Andalusia, the Dingle Peninsula, the Amazon, the Canadian Rockies, the Czech Republic, Cornwall and two trips to Africa. Walking allows us to experience our destinations intimately by putting one foot in front of the other as we move through the countryside.

We are tempted by walking trips off the beaten trail. Our trip to the Hebrides could not have been more off the beaten trail. A fellow walker on a recent trip was so enthusiastic about her trip to the Hebrides that we decided it was a place we needed to see. Although officially part of the United Kingdom, the Hebrides Islands are located on the outermost edge of Europe.

The chain of islands offers beautiful, seemingly endless, beaches and wild mountain ranges. The Hebrides are known for their gorgeous turquoise seas thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which travels past the islands. Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, their history includes Neolithic, Bronze Age and Viking cultures. Neolithic stone structures, medieval churches and even mummies have all been found on the archipelago.

The adventure began with an hour-long flight from Glasgow to Barra. We landed on the beach at the only airport in the world where scheduled flights use a beach as the runway. We

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Top: A deserted beach on South Harris Island.

Inset: A croft, or Scottish tenant farmer’s cottage, on the Hebrides Islands.

traveled with five other hikers and two Scottish guides. This trip was not out of any travel catalog. Stuart and Brian, our guides, shared their passion and knowledge of the Outer Hebrides as we moved from island to island. We traveled from south to north, using ferries and causeways to move through the islands of Vatersay, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis, before finally returning to the mainland from Stornoway.

The economy of these remote islands is dependent on crofting, fishing, tourism, the oil industry, and renewable energy.

One of the islands, which we visited, is where the famous Harris Tweed is made. Truly a cottage industry, families have looms in their homes where they make the treasured cloth. Woven of sheep’s wool that has been dyed with natural local plant dyes, it is the only fabric in the world today that is guarded and protected by its own Act of Parliament.

Our guides took us on paths that were little used except by free-range sheep and cattle. We climbed rock-covered 34 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

hills and walked through boggy valleys, past dark, glassy lochs. We found ourselves on cliff tops offering views of one of the many white sand beaches. We walked in sheeting rain, in near gale force winds mixed with breaks of sunshine. Even with this less than perfect weather, we were enthralled by the pure drama of the landscape. The Hebrides is a place where sky, land, and beach marry in a way that challenges any written description or that can be truly captured in photographs.

The layers of cultures that lived on these islands is mindboggling. They include Neolithic, Bronze Age, Viking, Pictish, Celtic and Anglo Saxon. On several hikes, we passed standing stones placed centuries ago. One of our last stops was a visit to the Callanish Standing Stones, one of the oldest Celtic monuments on earth. It remains a mystery how a primitive culture moved and placed these stones that pre-date Stonehenge or what their geometric form might signify.

Like each of the trips my sister and I have shared, our Hebrides trip stands alone in what it offered and what we experienced. This trip was not about cities, museums, or dining experiences. Instead, it was about embracing nature at its most extreme and glorious. We will not quickly forget the drama of cloud-filled skies, the rocky rolling hills, and the turquoise sea washing onto white shell beaches. Yes, adventure travel may not be for everyone, but we found, once again, that each trip offers experiences and newfound appreciation for another part of the world.

FEBRUARY 2018

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PORT OF FERNANDINA BEACH

NORTH BEACH

AMELIA ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

MAIN BEACH

SEASIDE PARK

Downtown Points of Interest 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16

FERNANDINA BEACH GOLF CLUB

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

PETER’S POINT

RITZ CARLTON

SUMMER BEACH

Downtown Churches 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

AMERICAN BEACH

OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT

TO ST. JOHN’S RIVER FERRY 36 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

AMELIA ISLAND STATE PARK

FEBRUARY 2018 TIDES AT THE AMELIA RIVER Day

Low

High

Day

Low

High

Day

Low

High

1 THU

3:25 AM 4:02 PM 4:16 AM 4:49 PM 5:07 AM 5:37 PM 5:59 AM 6:25 PM

9:43 AM 10:06 PM 10:33 AM 10:57 PM 11:21 AM 11:48 PM 12:08 PM

14 WED EST

1:59 AM

8:15 AM

27 TUE

2:36 PM 2:40 AM 3:14 PM 3:18 AM 3:49 PM 3:56 AM 4:24 PM 4:34 AM 5:00 PM 5:14 AM 5:38 PM 5:59 AM 6:21 PM

8:24 PM 8:55 AM 9:05 PM 9:33 AM 9:44 PM 10:11 AM 10:23 PM 10:47 AM 11:01 PM 11:25 AM 11:42 PM 12:05 PM

28 WED

12:22 AM 1:07 PM 1:22 AM 2:01 PM

6:45 AM 7:08 PM 7:41 AM 8:04 PM

2 FRI 3 SAT 4 SUN 5 MON

6:53 AM 7:15 PM 6 TUE 7:51 AM 8:07 PM 7 WED 8:49 AM 9:01 PM 8 THU 9:47 AM 9:54 PM 9 FRI 10:43 AM 10:46 PM 10 SAT 11:36 AM 11:38 PM 11 SUN 12 MON 13 TUE

12:26 PM 12:28 AM 1:13 PM 1:15 AM 1:57 PM

Last Quarter New Moon First Quarter Full Moon

15 THU 16 FRI 17 SAT

12:37 AM 12:55 PM 1:27 AM 1:42 PM

18 SUN 19 MON 20 TUE

2:19 AM 2:31 PM 3:13 AM 3:24 PM 4:10 AM 4:20 PM 5:07 AM 5:16 PM 6:00 AM 6:08 PM 6:48 AM 6:56 PM 7:33 AM 7:42 PM

21 WED 6:50 AM 7:11 PM 22 THU 7:49 AM 8:08 PM 23 FRI 8:54 AM 9:10 PM 24 SAT 10:01 AM 10:15 PM 25 SUN 11:05 AM 11:20 PM 26 MON 12:08 PM

j

j

12:26 AM 12:50 PM 1:16 AM 1:41 PM 2:13 AM 2:40 PM 3:20 AM 3:48 PM

j

4:32 AM 5:00 PM 5:42 AM 6:07 PM

On the first of the month, the sun rises at 7:16 a.m. EST and sets at 6:02 p.m. EST. On the last day of the month, the sun rises at 6:54 a.m. EST and sets at 6:24 p.m. EST. Daylight hours increase an average of 1.6 minutes per day.

FEBRUARY Weather Avg. High 65 degrees Avg. Low 47 degrees Avg. Precip 3.17 inches

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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around town 2018

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15, 22 Nassau Community Band Practice

FEBRUARY 7 Brown Bag Lunch

Multi-generational ensemble meets Thursday nights at 6 p.m., Yulee Middle School band room, 85439 Miner Road.

For more information, please visit www.nassaucommunityband.com.

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.

For survivors of breast cancer, Pink Ribbon Ladies meets at 6 p.m. at Ackerman Cancer Center, 1340 South 18th Street, Suite 103. For more information, contact Anne Showalter at (904)321-5465 or Isobel Lyle at (904)321-2057.

FEBRUARY 7, 21 Amelia Island Lighthouse Tours

The Newcomers Club of Amelia Island hosts its monthly coffee on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Women interested in joining the club who reside in Nassau County (no matter how long they have lived there) are welcome to attend. For further information, contact coffees@newcomersamelia.org.

FEBRUARY 1–3, 8–11, 15–17 Harvey The classic comedy will be performed on Amelia Community Theatre’s main stage, 207 Cedar Street. All shows at 8 p.m. except for February 11, which is at 2 p.m. Tickets $22 adults; $10 students through college. For more information, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.

FEBRUARY 2 Christiania Quartet in Concert Presented by Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Avenue, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $40. For more information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit www. ameliaislandchambermusicfestival.com.

FEBRUARY 6–8, 13, 15, 20–22, 27, 28 West Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Latin in Motion Fitness Class, and Dance Workshop Ballroom On Amelia offers Two for Tuesday group classes: West Coast Swing at 7 p.m., Cha Cha at 8 p.m. $10 eacf or $15 for both. Latin in Motion Fitness Class Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m., Dance Workshop Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; $10 per person. Ballroom On Amelia is located at 1897 Island Walkway at RAD Studios; no partner or reservation is required. For more information, call (904) 6240886, or visit www.ballroomonamelia.com or their Facebook page.

FEBRUARY 3, 4 Living History at Fort Clinch State Park Visit with volunteers in Civil War-era attire portraying daily life at the fort as it was in 1864.

Fees include the $6 per vehicle park entrance fee, plus $2.50 per person Fort admission. For more information, call (904) 277-7274, or visit www. floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.

FEBRUARY 7 Amelia Knitting Group Meets the first Wednesday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Mustard Seed Café. Knit with great company and grab a snack or drink.

Created by Merle Sauer. No commitment, attend whenever you have time.

FEBRUARY 12 Pink Ribbon Ladies

Guided tours of the lighthouse are held the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under. Tours are limited to 25. Participants should meet at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Ave. Pre-registration is required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call the Fernandina Beach Recreation Department at (904) 310-3358.

FEBRUARY 7 Landscape Matters Held at the Yulee Extension Office, featuring Nassau County Master Gardener Carol Ann Atwood discussing roses. Free to the public. For more information, call (904) 530-6353.

FEBRUARY 9 Miró Quartet in Concert Presented by Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, held at Amelia Baptist Church, 261167 Buccaneer Trail at 7:30 p.m.Tickets $45 - $50.

For more information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit ameliaislandchambermusicfestival.com.

FEBRUARY 9 Peck Community Ensemble Concert Held at Amelia Musical Playhouse at 7:30 p.m., featuring “The Civil Rights Movement: A Retrospective in Song.” Tickets $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 277-3455 or visit ameliamusicalplayhouse.com.

FEBRUARY 10 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 (800) 226-3542, or visit www.ameliaisland.com.

FEBRUARY 10 Seeing South Africa Presentation at American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia Street. Need time. For more information, contact Joyce Jefferson at amerbeachevents@aol.com.

38 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 13 Newcomers Club Coffee

FEBRUARY 14 Women, Wealth & Wine 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 information, call (904) 305-2608.

FEBRUARY 15 Writers By The Sea Writers and friends meet the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. upstairs at the Amelia Island Museum of History for program and discussion. For more information, contact Nadine Vaughan D’Ardenne at nvaughanwilliams@gmail.com, or Nancy Blanton at blantonn@msn.com.

FEBRUARY 15 Gil Shaham in Concert Presented by Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, held at Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $60 - $70.

For more information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit ameliaislandchambermusicfestival.com.

FEBRUARY 15–17 Amelia Island Book Festival Featuring literary giants, workshops, readings, and other events for all ages. Held at Walkers Landing, Omni Amelia Island Plantation. For more information and complete schedule, visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org.

FEBRUARY 16 2nd Anniversary Dance Party Hosted by Ballroom On Amelia featuring Crescendo Amelia Big Band. Held at Kraft Athletic Club, 961023 Buccaneer Trail 7:30 to 10 p.m. Doors open 7 p.m., $20 cash at the door. For more information, call (904) 6240886, or visit www.ballroomonamelia.com or their Facebook page.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

DRY EYE & MGD

FEBRUARY 16 Third on 3rd 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 info, call (904) 261-7378, or visit ameliamuseum.org.

Talk to your doctor today.

FEBRUARY 17 Amelia Island Jazz Festival Valentine’s Big Band Bash Benefit Gala Featuring The Dynamic Les DeMerle 17-piece Orchestra with vocalist Bonnie Eisele. Cocktail Meet and Greet with the Musicians 6:30 pm; Dinner and Dancing 7 pm. Exciting silent auction items available throughout the evening.

Held at the Omni Hotel & Resort Amelia Island Plantation. All proceeds benefit the AIJF annual Scholarship awards. For more info and tickets, visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.

FEBRUARY 17 Amelia Island Quilt Guild Luncheon and Speaker Held at Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Featuring gourmet luncheon and presentation on history of quilting and its evolution to arts quilts. Tickets $40. For more information, visit www.aiquilters.com.

Amelia Eye Associates now accepts

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 • Dolabany Maui Jim • Guess 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

Steve Leimberg

FEBRUARY 19 James Armstrong Blues Concert Performed on Amelia Community Theatre’s main stage, 207 Cedar Street, at 7 p.m. Hosted by the NE Florida Blues Society. Tickets $20 adults; $15 students through college. For more information, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www. ameliacommunitytheatre.org.

FEBRUARY 24 Monologues & Melodies New York or Bust!

Fundraiser hosted by ACTeen, in support of their summer New York theatre trip.

Performances by teens and adults at Amelia Community Theatre, 207 Cedar Street.

Reception 6 to 7 p.m., show begins at 7:30.

Tickets are $40. For more info, call (904) 2616749 or visit ameliacommunitytheatre.org.

904.491.0474 UnSeenImages.com Contact Steve to commission business or personal portraits. His fine art wildlife and flora photographs can be viewed at his studio by appointment.

FEBRUARY 26 An Afternoon of Art: Lecture Series Continuing series presented by the Cummer Museum, in collaboration with Cummer Amelia. Held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Fernandina Beach Library. Free to the public, registration encouraged. Refreshments and beverages served.

For more info, contact Amber Sesnick at (904) 899-6034 or asesnick@cummermuseum.org.

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

Accounting, Small Business Services and Tax Preparation Pierre Laporte, CPA

Julian Sauer, CPA

Lindsay Corigliano, CPA

(904) 261-7803 • info@coursonstam.com 2398 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

39 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

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Miss an issue?

Find out why 904.206.0419 Fernandina Beach Realty 2057 South Fletcher Avenue

Visit our website for links to digital editions of past magazines.

DEBORAH PHELAN SMART PEOPLE USE SMART AGENTS

40 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ FEBRUARY 2018

ameliaislander.com

www.AmeliaIslander.com

building a foundation

for success

Looking to create more networking opportunities for women in Nassau and Duval counties, Jamie Bernard started the Network of Women to help women build relationships.

BY KAREN MILLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF NOW

J

amie Bernard was born a natural conversationalist, making friends and business connections wherever she goes. The bulk of her career has been as a small business owner, and she attributes her success to her ability to network effectively. But Bernard often hears from many of her female friends that they hate networking.

“There is a huge difference between real networking, and awkward mingling,” says Jamie. “Networking is a skill that can be taught, and a comfortable networking experience is all about environment. That’s what NOW is about.”

Network of Women (NOW) is a purposeful networking group for professional women that Jamie created over a year ago, for women in Nassau and Duval counties. Each NOW networking event is held at a womanowned or -managed business. These businesses host the event by providing the space, refreshments, and/or the activities.

41 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

Each event provides a different type of activity to promote conversations.

Previous events have included Pallet Painting, Cupcake Creations, Game Night, Cooking Demonstrations, Round Table Discussions, Yoga, and Creating Vision Boards.

Bernard, who holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and a BA in Communication and Public Relations,

www.AmeliaIslander.com

“”

What I love about NOW is the women are all different ages, from all walks of life, and many different professions...

spent many years crafting a formula that promotes relational marketing, which is the main focus at NOW. “Relational marketing is the result of strategic networking efforts,” says Bernard.

“There is a lack of authenticity and an abundance of clutter in the marketplace today. Networking has also fallen victim to the current culture, and I want to do my part to help change that and promote real connections.”

Sonia Cardoos, a member of NOW since the beginning, finds the group inspirational. “What I love about NOW is the women are all different ages, from all walks of life, and many different professions,” she says.

Cardoos, Bar Manager at The Florida Theatre, also owns her own business, Sonia C Designs, and works as a bookkeeper for several small businesses.

“My schedule is very busy and NOW helps me make the connections I need to be successful. Plus, our meetings and activities are fun—these are women I want to hang out with, women who like to get things done.”

NOW goes well beyond helping women reach their professional goals; it also supports its members emotionally.

42 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2018

“Sometimes you just need help,” says Cardoos. “Someone to talk to, someone to bounce an idea off of. Our members want to help one another however we can, whether it’s boosting someone’s sales or helping someone get started in business.”

Members pay monthly dues, although any woman is welcome to attend their monthly meetings. In addition, members meet for breakfast and lunch events throughout the month, both in Nassau and Duval counties.

Members often share their stories of success, both professionally and personally. “One of our members was telling us that there were children at the Bryceville School who needed shoes and socks,” says Bernard. “We got together, and we made that happen. Some of our members are ‘direct sellers’ and are having a tough time getting their business off the ground. So we spotlight their products and encourage our members to do the same. This is true networking. Anything is possible if you know the right woman to make it happen!”

For more information, visit www. networkofwomen.net or call Jamie at (904) 322-2976.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

SHOPS AMELIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIGNATURE SHOP

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, ladies and kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparel, gifts and souvenirs.

BOBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE

Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steak & Chop House features simple GNGICPEG C NKXGN[ CVOQURJGTG DKI FTKPMU ȧPG YKPGU CPF NCTIG EWVU QH VJG ȧPGUV RTKOG UVGCMU chops and seafood.

CHICOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

A specialty retailer of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparel and accessories from exclusive, private label designs.

HARRISONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MERCANTILE

Fashion trends, casual wear and accessories for men and women featuring Brighton, Tribal, Polo, Tommy Bahama and more.

J.MCLAUGHLIN

CELEBRATE ROMANCE Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering a variety of ways to help you celebrate with your valentine!

Oceanside and Verandah will feature specialty menus, while Marché Burette will showcase bottomless mimosas. Or stop by Falconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest and try the Cleopatra burger special.

The Shops will offer 15% off any items with red in them at select stores.

For the ultimate in relaxation, book a private couples massage at The Spa

Classic American clothing and accessories for men and women sold in a friendly retail environment.

MARCHÃ&#x2030; BURETTE

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

tree house! Or treat your valentine to an adventure with a Segwayâ&#x201E;¢ tour at Ameliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wheels.

NATURAL SLICE

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DINE & STAY

NATURE CENTER

FEBRUARY 14 | BOOK ONLINE

> Enjoy a special night away with your valentine > Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering a special $119 rate for stays on February 14 only > Visit OmniAmeliaIsland.com, click on book now and use promo code dinestay

COURT OF HEARTS

FEBRUARY 11 | 2-4:30PM | RACQUET PARK > Enjoy an afternoon of tennis, strawberries, champagne and a pro exhibition > $10 for resort pass holders & members or $15 for locals & guests > To register, email sbarbaro@omnihotels.com or call (904) 277-5145

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.

SHOE VISIONS

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

SPA & SALON

SPROUTING PROJECT DINNER

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

> Dinners offer Southern-inspired farm-to-table dining in a unique setting

THE QUEEN BEE

FEBRUARY 10 | 6PM | THEME: COCOA > Held at our aquaponic greenhouse, organic garden and collection of beehives > $62 per person with cash bar, call (904) 432-1466 for reservations

Visit OmniHotels.com/AIPLocals for more information.

Jewelry, handbags, ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; apparel and fashion accessories featuring Susan Shaw, Fornash, Oia Jules and Toune & Reese.

snapShots AT THE AICMF CHICK COREA CONCERT AT THE OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT

NICK KRAWIECKI, CHRISTOPHER REX, AND IRENE SANCHEZ

DEB & CHRIS BOELKES WITH CHRIS & DAVID LOUCKS

JEAN MANN WITH STEVE & JENNIFER GIBB

SUSAN HUGHES, AMY MARASCO, STEVE HILL, AND DONNELL PATTERSON

AT THE NASSAU EDUCATION FOUNDATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR GALA

AMY KAUFFMAN, KATE HARRIS, AND AMANDA CRAWFORD

DURAND & SUSAN CHILDERS

GAIL DUGGAR, NANCY JOHNSON, AND KATHY BURNS

KATE EAMES, ABBY BEAN, BRANDY CARVALHO, AND KAREN SCHEXNAYDER

AT THE AIFBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON-CUTTING OPEN HOUSE

STEVE GIBB, MIKE SANCHEZ, AND PAM BROWN

REGINA DUNCAN, MARY PITCHER, AND BUDDY JACOBS

BILL MOORE AND JIM SHROADS

JOE VALLONE AND KIM GUSTAFSON

AT THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY CENTER AT THE FERNANDINA LIBRARY

BILL FLYNN, DONNA PAZ KAUFMAN, DEE EMILY & ERIC SCHMIDT TORRE KAUFMAN, AND CHUCK COMEAU WITH C.A. MCDONALD 44 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢

MARK CUTSHAW, ART SHUSTER, AND BRUCE HEGGENSTALLER FEBRUARY 2018

MICKEY ULMER, STAN FISHBURN, AND LARRY OGILVIE

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Designer Jewelry Mariana • Firefly • Brighton • Jayden Star HANDBAGS • HATS SCARVES • JEWELRY GIFTS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN Bring in your hotel key to receive 10% OFF any full priced item.

Fresh, Clean labeled products Coffee with hot & cold drinks + pastries Enjoy the Pourhouse Wine Room Have a Coffee, Beer or Glass of Wine Well behaved leashed pets welcome

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Featuring

45 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

904-261-6993 M-Sa 10-5 • Su 11:30-4:30

Handbags and Jewelry

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

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

snapShots AT THE ARTRAGEOUS ARTWALK EVENT IN DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH

CAROL OLSON AND BONNIE MAGEE

JULIA AND JUDY WINSTON WITH GEORGANNA MULLIS

NANCY & JACK DICKSON WITH PAULA SUSAN SCARBOROUGH PORTERFIELD-IZZO AND DOUG WAGNER AND SHARON HAFFEY

AT THE AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL EVENT AT ART ON CENTRE

BONNIE EISELE, SKYLER NOLAN, LES DEMERLE, AND THOMAS MILOVAC

JIM & KARA LAWRENCE

DEBBIE & PHIL LEHMAN

MAGGIE MARTIN AND STEPHANIE CHRISTOPHER

AT THE AMELIA ISLAND BOULES CLUB’S PETANQUE AMELIA ISLAND OPEN

ROBERT BRIDGE AND MICHAEL MILLER

JULIET BROWN AND PHILIPPE BOETS

JOHN & PENNY BONVOULOIR

TERRI OLIVER & DAVE JONKER

AT THE RIGHT WHALE SHELL SCULPTURE EVENT WITH KAYAK AMELIA AT MAIN BEACH

CHRIS, MARK, & APRIL BURTON WITH PAIGE SULLIVAN AND LAURI DEGARIS

FAYE MCCLURG WITH STEVE & GEORGIA WHITE

46 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

JANE HOSKINS, LAURI DEGARIS, AND DUANE KARR FEBRUARY 2018

NASERIAN AND NOORETET MCCLURG WITH KAYDANCE FEDROFF

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MODEL OPENING February 17th, 2018 Two New Models!

Egret V - Coastal

Cameron - French Country

Discovery Tours Available - ask about our incentives!

PRIVATE GATED NEW HOME COMMUNITY Tom Fazio Designed 18-hole Golf Course / New Homes from the High 300’s* • Minutes to the beach

• Short drive to airports

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For more information call: 904.201.4678 / AmeliaNationalGolf.com *Prices and offerings subject to change without notice. See Sales Associate for details. Intervest Construction of Jax, Inc. 14785-3 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL CBC #057851

Wallace Pierson Travel

Trailer Park Collectibles

Presents

Backroads February 20, 2018

The Beat Fitness Center 702 Centre Street 904.491.4461 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

SSKYDIVE TODAY! O No Experience Necessary.*

$199 per

person Group Discounts

Join us at The Beat Fitness Center on February 20th.

Experience a sample fitness class, taste some wine and learn about the benefits of booking Backroads, the world’s #1 active travel company, through Wallace Pierson Travel.

BOOK NOW! *Must be 18 • 235 lbs. max

904.718.4648

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RSVPs required - Please contact 904.261.5914 wallacepierson.com • 904.261.5914 • info@wallacepierson.com

47 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

W party with a purpose Now in its sixth year, the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise’s annual Wine & Food Tasting Gala is an island favorite that donates muchneeded funds to local charities.

BY KAREN MILLER PHOTOS BY CAROLINE BLOCHLINGER

48 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

ith a select menu of fine food and wine, the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise is busy preparing to host its sixth annual Wine & Food Tasting Gala to raise money for local charities. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Atlantic Recreation Center, located at 2500 Atlantic Avenue.

The club is hoping to raise a total of $50,000 from this year’s event to support the following local charitable causes: helping the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County purchase a bus for transporting students; improving the technology room for seniors at the Nassau County Council on Aging; and assisting the Friends of Fernandina Aviation with scholarship funds to help students attend the National Flight Academy.

“This is our sixth annual event, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year,” says Rotary President Larry Ogilvie. “Since the first year of this annual event, we have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help other organizations support our community, such as CPR equipment for the Fernandina Beach Fire Department, park benches for 8 Flags Playscapes, tech room equipment for the Fernandina Branch Library, scholarships for 8th graders from Friends of Fernandina Aviation, and funding for Arts Alive! After-school programs.

“We’re so excited to be partnering with the three recipient organizations because they do so much for the citizens of Nassau County. The event is a lively, fun-filled evening with lots of activity, amazing musical entertainment, and delicious foods!

FEBRUARY 2018

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The wines are chosen especially for this event, and they win raves every year.”

When the club first launched this fundraising event in 2013, it was an intimate gathering held at the Amelia Island Museum of History. Since then, interest and participation in the event and the charitable causes is supports have grown considerably, and the club has been challenged by a need to seek out larger venues to host the growing crowd of attendees. This year, club members and volunteers will once again tastefully decorate the Atlantic Recreation Center and transform it into a relaxing and elegant setting for a night of food, fun, and fundraising for local charities.

Event attendees will sample a variety of delightful wines and craft beers, while enjoying a selection of local flavors prepared by area restaurants. This year’s event will also include a whiskey tasting booth. Live entertainment will

be provided by Crescendo Amelia, and dancing is encouraged.

Wine enthusiasts can visit the Wine Wall, where a $20 donation entitles them to a randomly selected bottle of wine with retail value ranging from $20 to $100 or even more. The Gala will also feature a variety of both silent and live auction items. Past events have sold out quickly, so early ticket purchase is highly recommended. Marketing sponsorships are also available for a limited time.

Tickets are $75 and available online at www.ameliaislandrotary.com.

The Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise meets every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club at 2800 Bill Melton Road. For more information about the club or to attend a morning breakfast meeting, visit their website or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ameliaislandrotary or Twitter at www.twitter.com/airotary.

49 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

Fresh Produce • Vera Bradley Cut Loose • Tommy Bahama Neon Buddha • Pure Handknit French Dressing

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Address: 103 South 9th Street Date built: 1856 Built by: Original owner unknown; sold to Marcellus Williams in 1858

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

The Williams House

BY DICKIE ANDERSON • PHOTO BY JAN JOHANNES

T

his antebellum house, one of several in the Historic District, is a two-and-a-half story frame vernacular, with a two-story veranda and elaborate turned detail.

The interior stairway is decorated with five stained glass windows. The original pre-Civil War house was simple in design. At a later time, additional exterior design work was done by Robert Sands Schuyler, a very prominent architect in the 1800’s, who designed the Fairbanks, Hirth, and Lewis-Tabby houses, as well as St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Old School House. The porch detail is so unusual and unique, Schuyler agreed in writing not to duplicate the striking design.

The windows of the house go all the way to the floor.

This was done for several reasons. For one, it allowed for maximum cooling. The windows also allowed for easy in and out access without paying the customary tax on the number of doors. Particularly appealing is the large dining room, with its pocket doors that are constructed of heart pine on one side and mahogany on the other. The flooring is made of heart pine and mahogany. The Williams House is one of only a few houses in the Historic District that retains its original nineteenth-century fence guarding its entrance way. The

fleur-de-lis detail may refer to French who were the first to lay claim to the area. Some of the large live oaks that populate Ash and Nineth streets were planted by Williams.

The original owner, a wealthy Boston banker, used the finest of material in the homes construction. Its original design was Greek Revival. Concerned about possible secession, he sold the house in 1858 to Marcellus Williams.

Williams was a Northerner who came to East Florida in 1846 to survey and validate the Spanish land grants. He was notable for having married the great-great-great-great granddaughter of the King of Spain. As a U. S. Deputy Surveyor, he was involved in many Floridian projects, including David Levy Yulee’s railroad from Amelia Island to Cedar Key, the Intracoastal Waterway from Lake Worth to Fort Myers, and many other important land surveys.

In the dining room of the house, there is a secret door. It is thought that this was part of the Underground Railroad and allowed those fleeing slavery to hide. If they saw a candle in a certain window, quilts hung in a certain way, or yard ornaments, they knew they had come to a safe house. The house is currently operated as an elegant bed-and-breakfast inn called The Amelia Island Williams House.

This article has been reprinted with permission from Dickie Anderson’s recently published book, Great Homes of Fernandina. It is available at The Book Loft, the Amelia Island Museum of History, and by visiting www.ameliaislander.com.

51 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

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in the garden

blushing blooms With the weather beginning to warm, plants like Crepe Myrtle, Leucodendron, Gardenia, and Society Garlic will invigorate your garden with their vibrant colors.

BY BETTY MORRELL

F

ebruary is here and the birds are welcoming spring with their songs and chirps. This reminds me of living up north, where crocus and snow bells would pop through the snow, followed by Daffodils, Tulips, Forsythia, and Pussy Willows. These plants aren’t in our area and I do miss them, but not the cold and snow!

Here in the South, we have Lantana, Shrimp Plants, and Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria) swaying in the cold winds.

Of course, roses are always beautiful, especially this month with Valentine’s Day traditions like hearts, cupids, mixed flower bouquets, the color red, and of course, candy!

While wandering through the Trade Show and thinking of the upcoming months, my eye was attracted to all the new red plants. Last year, the show had a lot of yellow plants, now this year we had lots of red, and many other colors which I will get to in future issues. There is a new series of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) called Enduring Summer that is really outstanding. They come in four new colors: lavender, pink, red, and white.

TIP OF T HE M O N T H Now is the time to cut roses knee-high so they will flush out with the next warm spell.

When planting, spread the roots out in the bottom of the hole, water well, and fill in around the roots.

The red makes a dazzling addition to any garden. The new series are rebloomers starting early in the season and continuing all summer long. They are a compact variety, growing 4 to 5 feet in height and width. They’re drought- and heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, and are an excellent accent or container plant.

One very interesting plant pulled me away from the bounty of red at the trade show. It’s called Ebony. This plant is really beautiful, with lustrous blackishburgundy foliage and burgundy red bracts surrounding the vibrant red flowers, tinged with green and yellow. Ebony is a compact 3 to 4 feet high evergreen, a great specimen plant that also does well in containers. It is frost-tolerant and has very low water requirements. It grows

53 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

in full sun to part-shade, and it is worth finding a spot for it in your garden.

At the Trade Show, I always stop to see my favorite flowers, the Gardenias, and yes, a new one has arrived called Gardenia Coconut Magic. It’s oh-so-fragrant, with creamy double blooms that are 5 to 6 inches in diameter, the largest of any gardenia. The flowers adorn a dense, darkgreen evergreen shrub, and I am in love all over again! This variety attracts butterflies and bees, and I definitely want one.

Side-tracked again, I eventually came across a Society Garlic that can be used in cooking. Tulbaghia hybrid “Ashanti” has a unique bluish grass-like foliage and larger flowers than other Society Garlics, making them especially showy. Heat- and drought-tolerant, these plants are an ideal low-maintenance groundcover once they are established in the landscape. Enjoy this magnificent rounded compact plant with pale pink flowers, which grows 1 1/2 to 2 feet high and wide.

Next time, I’ll talk about more new plants. If you have questions, email me at bamorrell@aol.com. Until then, Happy Gardening!

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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island home

Old Town, New House

BY DICKIE ANDERSON PHOTOS BY MELISSA BRYANT, ECVT PHOTOGRAPHY

B

ob and Maura Zawistowski fell in love with the historic district of Amelia Island and, especially, Old Town, a unique area on the north end of the island. An engineer, Bob had first visited Amelia Island when his work brought him to Rayonier. He liked what he found, and he soon brought his wife, Maura, for a visit.

When Maura visited Amelia Island, it was love at first sight. She instantly appreciated its history, charm, and climate. Once they decided to live on the island, they considered options. The historic district and its proximity to shops and restaurants tempted them, but in the end, it was Old Town. “It was the aura of Old Town that pulled 55 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Top: A view of living room looks into the dining area.

Above: The house overlooks the historic Plaza San Carlos in Old Town.

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

island home

Top: The dining room offers with views of the Old Town neighborhood and the Amelia River.

Above: Bright pottery from Mexico sits atop the kitchen cabinet. The colorful rug was also purchased in Mexico.

56 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

us in, and our view is priceless. Being able to closely watch ships and boats coming and going on the Amelia River was the cherry on top,” the couple shares.

Bob and Maura have a home in Maine, which they joke has been under an endless renovation. Once committed to Old Town, they considered an older home that needed work, but knew a long-distance renovation would be daunting. After finding the perfect lot, they decided to build a new house, one in keeping with the historical character of Old Town. Their recently completed 2,149-square-foot home is their primary residence.

Situated on a bluff overlooking the Amelia River, Old Town has a personality all its own. In 2011, Old Town celebrated its 200th anniversary during a special bicentennial celebration. The couple’s new home overlooks the Amelia River and Plaza San Carlos, a large open area where a Spanish fort once stood. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it is maintained by the State of Florida. In planning a new home in a historic area, the couple worked to make their plans fit with the surrounding homes, many built in the 1800s.

In designing the house, Bob and Maura knew they wanted 10-foot ceilings to create a sense of space.

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island home

Growing up in the Northeast, Bob had worked with an uncle who was a custom home builder, and so he sketched a preliminary layout. Architect John Dodd was hired to implement the design. With John’s help, they identified potential contractors, and Chad Dougherty was chosen.

The house has a simple floor plan, which allows for easy living and maintenance. Once in the front door, a shared living/dining space welcomes visitors. On the left, a cozy living room with a gas fireplace is decorated with furnishings in blues and accented with colorful pillows.

The adjoining dining area is framed by windows that allow sunlight to flood in. The kitchen also has lots of natural light. Bob and Maura wanted butcher block counters, which offer a nice contrast to the marble and stone found in many newer homes. Some of the couple’s collection of Mexican pottery sits along the top of the kitchen cupboards.

The home has a large bedroom upstairs with views of the plaza and Amelia River, but it also includes a large bedroom on first floor for later years when stairs may be a challenge. A graceful arched window in the second floor bedroom brings an historic feel to the new house.

Incurable beachcombers, the house is filled with shells and treasures collected from their travels (Mexico, Hawaii, Grand Cayman, New Zealand) and the beaches of Amelia Island. Maura’s flair for decorating using bold, bright colors contrasts with the white walls and adds 58 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Top left: The comfortable first-floor bedroom is perfect for guests.

Top right: The soaking tub in the guest bath has views of the Pippi Longstocking house next door.

Middle: A treasured turtle painting adorns the first-floor bedroom.

Above: The spacious upstairs bedroom, with the wind chime repurposed as a light fixture by Bob hanging in the stairwell.

FEBRUARY 2018

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59 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

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island home Left: The house has an unattached garage with a guest apartment above it.

Below: The view of Plaza San Carlos from the front porch.

Bottom left: An arched window in the second-floor bedroom provides an historic touch.

Bottom right: The living room features artwork collected on the couple’s travels and a gas fireplace.

charm to the house. “I love a lot of color, different textures, repurposing materials, weathered items and things out of the ordinary,” says Maura. Simple southern yellow pine flooring throughout is in keeping with the historic homes around them.

Maura does the decorating, but Bob helps bring her ideas to reality, such as two chandelier light fixtures that started as wind chimes. With a little creativity, he turned them into unusual light fixtures.

Colorful artwork the couple has collected is scattered throughout the house. Each piece has a story about where it was purchased and why it is special. In the bedroom downstairs is a dramatic, blue-and-green painting of a swimming turtle.

The artist was close to his mother, who would take him to 60 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Mexico, where he first encountered sea turtles, and Maura was touched by the story and the painting.

Window treatment is minimal, allowing for views of the neighborhood. On the north side of the house, the view include the Pippi Longstocking house next door. When a movie version of the popular children’s book was produced, the distinctive Victorian-style house was chosen as Pippi’s house. It has been beautifully restored and is a popular tourist stop on the island.

They have named their home Sea Island’s Pearl, calling it SIP for short. Sipping a cold beverage on their front porch is a favorite pastime, they share. As they continue to settle in, they look forward to time on their boat and finding more treasures on the island’s beaches.

FEBRUARY 2018

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Your Friend.

Your Neighbor.

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A R EXT RA! EXT Find additional articles for all things Amelia on our blog at Ameliaislander.com, or on our Facebook page @AmeliaIslanderMagazine.

61 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

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eating scene

Salt AT

THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND

Overlooking rolling sea dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, Salt uses simple elements from earth and sea to create extraordinary cuisine that seduces all the senses in exquisite detail.

BY MICHAEL GASS • PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

R

ecently I had the opportunity to dine with my friend, Karen Miller, and her partner, Rusty, at Salt, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island’s AAA 5-Diamond restaurant. Having eaten at Salt on only one other occasion, I was very excited to experience their exceptional cuisine again. I was also looking forward to catching up with Karen and learning about her new blog and her latest adventures on the Appalachian Trail.

As we got comfortable, our server, Aubrey, poured champagne and introduced the salts on the table for the evening. Eight unique salts were displayed in little cellars for pairing with the meal and experiencing individually with the fresh-made rolls and butter.

Being three intrepid souls, we selected the Chef’s Adventure Menu, and soon an amuse bouche of Potato-Leek Pana Cota was placed before us. An amuse bouche is literally “a little something extra” from the chef for the table, an edible introduction. This cool and creamy delight was garnished with a piquillo pepper jam, micro mustard greens, and two of the 62 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

tiniest and most perfect potato chips you can imagine. These flavors swirled in my imagination as aromatic memories danced across my palate. If this was just the introduction from the chef, I was awfully pleased to meet him.

What followed in our meal was nothing less than a parade of brilliance. No sense went unseduced. There was Foie Gras with Berries and a sweet Aszu wine, a Dark Chocolate Covered Quennell of decadence that just melted on your tongue. We enjoyed Key West Prawns with a pillow of warm goat cheese and green tomato marmalade. There was a simple Butternut Squash Soup made extraordinary by a cranberry foam and a dome of smoking aromatics. This was followed by Snapper and Octopus in a Coconut Broth and a perfect Pinot Noir. We were blown away, and still only halfway through our meal.

As we shared stories, Matthew Griffin, sommelier at Salt, introduced himself and brought out a few more of the salts he had made to enjoy with our fifth course, an Andouille-Stuffed Quail with carrot, black-eyed peas, and collard greens with pickled blackberries that tasted just as southern as it sounded, only with precise and sophisticated clarity. Our sixth course featured a Caymus Napa Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, which provided the perfect perspective for slices of Bison Tenderloin, seared on 250 million year-old blocks of salt.

When Karen, Rusty and I were seated, the window view resembled a mirror. I could see the entire room. However, as the moon slowly came up out of the cold, black wintery ocean, it bathed the beach and dunes in an icy, magical blue light.

The evening ended with a trio of soufflés: dark chocolate with butterscotch ice cream and bourbon anglaise; white chocolate with sweet potato sorbet and hone anglaise; and goat cheese with limoncello anglaise and pomegranate sorbet. Amazing.

There aren’t enough adjectives in the thesaurus to describe this meal in its entirety. Sitting back in my chair and considering the dishes that Chef Laughlin had prepared for us, I was reminded of Einstein, who once remarked that the more he learned, the more he realized how much he didn’t know.

Salt overlooks the ocean on the Amelia Island Parkway and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations can be made online or by calling (904) 277-1100.

FEBRUARY 2018

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dining out

Amelia Islander

dining guide Amelia Tavern ~ Restaurant & Brewpub on Centre Street provides delicious local food and cold brews to the friends and guests of Amelia Island. Our kitchen serves amped up southern comfort food, where you’ll see enough diversity to be surprised without losing sight of the simple stuff you love. The collection of house brews and craft beer options are curated to match the menu, with plenty of pairings to fit any palette. A.T. is a brewery infused gastropub, or a brewpub with great food, something like that - just stop in, grab a bite and a sip, you’ll see. We are doing it our way, the right way, for you and for this Island.

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-to-table 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.

Brett’s Waterway Cafe ~ The only restaurant on the island where you can dine overlooking the 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. At the marina on Front Street. (904) 261-2660.

Open 7 days, Mon-Sat L, D, $$$, F. Burlingame ~ In the historic district just off Centre Street at 20 South 5th Street, this restaurant offers seasonally inspired modern American food with a twist. The small menu enables our team to focus on a handful of exquisite dishes developed from the freshest ingredients each season. Dining out is about more than just food, and our superb service and casually elegant atmosphere create a special experience.

Extensive wine/beer list. Reservations recommended.

Open 5:30pm Tue – Sun. Closed Mon. (904) 4327671. BurlingameRestaurant.com 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. Kid friendly. Vegetarian items on the menu.

Open: 11am–9pm Tue thru Sat; Sunday 10:30am– 3pm 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

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31 N. 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach 904.261.4749 • AmeliaCrabTrap.com

63 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

OPEN FOR LUNCH Tue – Sat 11am – 3pm DINNER Tue – Sat 5 – 9pm 5472 First Coast Highway at Park Place 904.321.2430 | horizonsameliaisland.com FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

dining guide

Locals destination for a taste of Mexico!

Courtyard Available (weather permitting)

Tue, Thu, Fri-Sun 11am-10pm Mon & Wed 4pm-10pm (904) 261-0049 12 N 2nd St (across from Palace Saloon)

www.pablosmexcuisine.com pablosmexcuisine@gmail.com

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

lunch ~ tues - sat 11:30 - 2 happy hour ~ tues - sat 4 - 6 dinner ~ mon - sat 5:30 - 10 4924 ½rst coast hwy • 904.310.6620 www.barzin-bistro-winebar.com palmetto walk shopping village

Meals To Go • Office Lunches Open Mon - Sat 8am - 3pm • Sun 11am - 3pm 833 TJ Courson Road Fernandina Beach, FL

904-277-3141 www.nassauhealthfoods.net

2ND LOCATION NOW OPEN IN YULEE!

AMELIA ISLAND - FLORIDA

BEST SUSHI IN TOWN

LEDDY’S

JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI BAR

PORCH

DINE IN • CARRY OUT

Mon - Thu 11am - 10pm Fri & Sat 11am - 11pm • Sun Noon - 10pm YULEE FERNANDINA BEACH 1478 SADLER RD 463875 SR 200 (904) 261-9855 (904) 849-7368

Southern Comfort Food Lunch Wed-Fri 11:00am-2:30pm Come try our fried chicken!

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

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

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE ~ Southern comfort food and interesting cocktails.

22 SOUTH THIRD STREET 904-491-3322 • FLORIDAHOUSEINN.COM 64 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

cocktails. Family owned and operated since 1979. 31 N 2nd Street, (904) 261-4749. $$$ V/MC/D. David’s Restaurant ~ David’s has an amazing steakhouse & seafood menu, upscale romantic atmosphere, and professional service. New Caviar menu with toast points or Blinis and accoutrements consisting of crème fraiche, red onion, capers & chopped egg. Full bar and large wine menu including wines by the glass.

Dining creations such as Filet Oscar, our Signature 16oz. Grilled Delmonico Ribeye, and when available our 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak. Daily Fish specials as well as English Channel Dover Sole & Chilean Sea Bass.

Vegetarian options. Happy Hour Sunday - Thursday 5 to 7 pm offering 1/2 price Cocktails (except Special Events & Holidays). Lounge Menu & Port Flights.

Reserve your Whole Alaskan King Crab 6-10 lb. average. Full dessert menu and after-dinner cordials.

Open 7 days. Lounge opens at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm.

Young Adult menu available. Reservations highly recommended. Private wine room holds 12 & private dining room up to 50. Resort casual. 802 Ash Street.

(904) 310-6049. Make reservations online at AmeliaIslandDavids.com.

Elizabeth Pointe ~ Located inside Elizabeth Pointe on South Fletcher overlooking the beach, The Pointe Restaurant offers casual indoor and outdoor oceanfront dining year-round. A buffet-style breakfast and lunch menu are offered to guests of the Inn as well as open to the public daily. Seasonal brunches are offered one Sunday each month. Enjoy wide porches, ocean views, delicious food, and Southern hospitality. Wine and beer available. Reservations recommended. Open Daily for breakfast 7:00am-10:00am and for lunch 11:00am2:00pm. 98 S. Fletcher Ave. (904) 277-4851. www. elizabethpointelodge.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 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. Menu includes Southern Salads, Sandwiches, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, 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 hotel in the state of Florida and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Open for brunch Wednesday – Friday from 11:00am – 2:30pm and Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 2:30pm. The Mermaid Bar at The Florida House Inn is open Monday – Saturday at 5pm.

Daily drink specials and Open Mic every other Thursday night. 22 South Third Street, (904)4913322. 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

www.AmeliaIslander.com

dining out

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

F=Full bar, B/W=Beer & Wine

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

ine Jacksonville Magaz

14 South Second Street • 321-2558

Top 25

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extensive 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 fun-loving, 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 Orleans-inspired 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 lamancharestaurant.net.

Open Mon - Fri 5pm - 9:30pm; Sat & Sun 3pm 9:30pm. 2709 Sadler Road. (904) 261-4646. Tue. – Half price 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. Visit online at 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, Mon - Sat., 8 am - 3pm, and 11am - 3pm on Sun. NassauHealthFoods.net. 833 T. J. Courson Rd. (904) 277-3141.

The Picnic Basket ~ For a perfect dessert, knockout side dish, or casual picnic, The Picnic Basket has what you need, including charcuterie, cheese, party platters, picnic baskets, bakery treats, and take-home suppers.

Open Tuesday - Sunday from 9am - 3pm, we offer breakfast and lunch until 3 pm, serving wine & beer and foods to-go. Breakfast includes bagels, daily muffins, house-made granola, fresh scones, freshpressed fruit and veggie drinks, and fresh coffee. Lunch features homemade soups, organic salads, sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, and delicious wraps. We also offer catering for any occasion and we have a small selection of excellent wines. 503-A Centre St. (904) 277-9779.

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. 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) 2774755. Order online at TowniesPizzeria.com or call!

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SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH CAFÉ • GOURMET GROCERY • DELICATESSEN JUICE BAR • KITCHENWARE • CATERING Open Tue – Sun 9am–3pm, Closed Mon 503A Centre Street • Fernandina Beach 904-277-9779 • thepicnicbasketamelia.com

The perfect pair...

Pick up your copy of Amelia Islander Magazine together with Amelia Island Weddings at local merchants for even more info on Amelia Island, things to do, local articles, and more, or visit www.ameliaislander.com to read the current issue online.

65 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

GreatHomes

REVISED & EXPANDED SECOND EDITION

WHAT’S

OF FERNANDINA

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES FROM AMELIA ISLAND’S GOLDEN AGE

By Dickie Anderson | Photography by Jan Johannes

Greoamt es H OF

FERNANDINA

’s Golden Age Architectural Treasures from Amelia Island

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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

REVISED & EXPANDED SECOND EDITION

HAPPENING

$15.95

AROUND AMELIA ISLAND EVERY MONTH!

Week !

Published by Sweetpea Media and Amelia Islander Magazine

N D I C K I E A N D E R S ONES PHOTO GRAPH Y BY JAN JOHAN

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

Check out our blog featuring current news and stories about all that is happening on Amelia Island and the surrounding areas. Local events, food, history, and more. Three new stories every week.

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

www.AmeliaIslander.com

www.ameliaislander.com 66 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Yacht Club living Incredible quality of living in this beautiful home in gated, private yacht club community. Open concept, an abundance of natural light, wonderful outdoor living space with private pool and plenty of room to entertain family, friends and overnight guests. Three first floor en suite bedrooms provide room for in-laws, au pair or multi-generational living

and ample room for your home office. With Yacht Club membership available, enjoy full bar/restaurant, marina and fitness center. Just 15 minutes from the pristine beaches of Amelia Island and historic downtown Fernandina Beach and a short 30 minute drive to JAX Int’l Airport. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!

For more information on this exceptional property, contact Anne Barbanel with Century 21 John T. Ferreira & Son at 904-583-0734 .

67 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

FEBRUARY 2018

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Selling Luxury Real Estate on Amelia Island and the surrounding areas.

The only brokerage on Amelia Island Plantation.

1413 Windsong Villa Oceanfront townhome 3BR/3.5BA condo

8 Marsh Hawk Road Unique home with 6BR/5.5BA and 4,348 sq ft

112 Sea Marsh Road Arthur Rutenberg Custom Home 4BR/3BA 3,280 sq ft

$1,350,000

$1,150,000

$849,000

75 Sea Marsh Road Contemporary single-story 4BR/4BA home

1001 Captain’s Court Villa Oceanfront living 2BR/2BA condo

2511/2512 Tennis Villa Furnished, well maintained 2BR/2BA 1st flr

$799,900

$627,000

$339,900

2060 Beach Wood Villa Single level furnished condo 2BR/2BA 1st flr

8 Spotted Sandpiper Lot on quiet cul-de-sac near Walker’s Landing

Lot 508 North Hampton Marsh/lake view lot near the Outpost

$220,000

$165,000

$143,900

Download our mobile app

AMELIA RE

Call (904) 277-5980 Visit AmeliaIslandRealEstate.net Text AMELIA to 85377

©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

Rated #1 Agents by an Independent Lab Email: terri@ameliaislandre.com

(904) 415-1002 - Cell (904) 261-0347 - Office

TERRI TENNILLE 904-415-1002

JOSIE DEAL 904-415-1952

JUST REDUCED

EVIE BREWER 904-583-4751

JUST REDUCED

95339 CAPTAINS WAY

Beautiful home in prestigious gated community with gorgeous golf course views. Newer roof & pavers on driveway. Living area opens to Florida room. Floor to ceiling glass, Plantation shutters, columns & crown molding. Fireplace with custom built-ins. Wood floors in living, dining area, Florida room, and master bedroom. Eat-in kitchen has Corian counters, 42 in. cabinets & serving bar. Master suite has trey ceilings & French doors to large deck, whirlpool tub & huge master closet. MLS#78793 $519,000

144 IBIS COURT

Largest lot in Ocean Ridge! Private backyard with access to lake. This 3 BR home has 2 BR downstairs and 1 up. Upgraded kitchen and flooring. Community pool or walk to beach. This is a must see! MLS#77020 $394,900

UNDER CONTRACT

3006 SEA MARSH ROAD

Renovated 2 BR, 2.5 bath villa in Omni AIP. Updated kitchen with granite, custom cabinets, and stainless appliances. Hard surface flooring. Master has porch with marsh and golf views. Membership to Amelia Island Club available. MLS#79162 $340,000

95249 WHISTLING DUCK CIR

Lovely 4 BR/3 BA in gated The Preserve.

Plantation shutters, open design. Hardwood and tile floors. Mahogany cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances, and kitchen island. Huge master suite. 2-car garage plus storage. MLS#79020 $699,000

94210 PALM GARDEN DRIVE

3 BR/2 BA home minutes from Amelia Island. Large great room and dining area.

Kitchen opens to dining and great room.

Open patio. Backyard overlooks preserve.

Community with 5-acre stocked lake plus walking trail. MLS#78582 $192,500

Testimonial from a client ~ Terri helped us buy, and then 8 years later, sell our home. She’s a very good realtor and a great negotiator.

We would use her again!”

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

25 MARSH HAWK ROAD $897,000 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath 2,905 square feet

Claudia Watts BROKER-EXECUTIVE Contact Claudia today for market insight!

claudia.watts@coldwellbanker.com 904.556.4000 www.claudiawatts.com

Selling the Amelia Island Lifestyle since 1995...

Kathy Garland REALTOR

Serene and panoramic, the multiple views will grab you from the moment you step inside this lovingly maintained nature lovers retreat. Enjoy golf course and marsh views out the back door, plus lagoon and golf course setting just off the front porch. Home has gorgeous pine wood flooring, volume ceilings with wonderful ambient light, French doors to tiled Florida room overlooking the links and marsh, Plantation shutters, and a fireplace. 3 bedroom suites and a spectacular early morning view of Amelia’s vast saltmarsh from the upstairs master bedroom suite. The efficient kitchen boasts 5-burner gas range, 42” upper cabinets, stainless appliances, breakfast bar seating, baking area, granite counters, wine chiller, appliance garage and abundant appeal. Ideal as a primary or secondary residence. Drawing on file for lower level master suite.

kathyg@bellsouth.net 904-556-5744

311 CENTRE STREET • AMELIA ISLAND • OFFICE: 904.261.0347

Excellence... yesterday, today & tomorrow.

311 CENTRE STREET •

AMELIA ISLAND •

(904) 261-0347 •

CBAMELIA.COM

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

(904) 556-1258 • troxelproperties.com

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

Pat Troxel (904) 556-3228

Pam Troxel (904) 556-1258

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Sara Terry (904) 415-1375

Joe Frederick (410) 443-5905

UNDER CONTRACT

28659 Grandview Manor $619,700

2402 Summerwoods $370,000

Southern charmer with waterfront views located in Waterman’s Bluff.

Features gourmet kitchen w/ island, brick flooring, gas cook top, and new custom cabinetry. Wide-plank heart pine floors, custom built-ins, and brick pavers on an oversized outdoor patio. Community fishing dock with kayak launch, and coming soon... marina with boat slips. MLS#77259

Nestled amongst the live oaks of the south end of Amelia Island, this 3BR/3BA condo has an open floor plan, volume ceilings, built-in work station, covered terrace, and lovely views of the village green. Kitchen offers stainless appliances, tile backsplash, oversized pantry and granite counters. Full time living or as an investment/2nd home. Weekly rentals allowed. MLS#79056

28681 Grandview Manor $589,000

1402 Beach Walker Road $995,000

This home in the gated community of Waterman’s Bluff, features stunning views of the Bells River, a gourmet kitchen, ground floor master bedroom, wood floors, wood burning fireplace, built-in desk/shelves in the office, and covered rear lanai. Community fishing dock with kayak launch, and coming soon...marina with boat slips. MLS#77258

Gorgeous ocean views from this renovated 4 BR, 3.5 BA town home being sold completely furnished. Open living/dining room w/private balcony.

Stainless appliances and large pantry in kitchen. Wood floors, ground level ocean front patio, one-car garage, and community pool. The perfect beach property with the ability to rent short term. MLS#75988

27 Oak Point $645,000 home, $745,000, home + adjacent lot Renovated home at Long Point offers privacy and marsh views. Wood floors, modern kitchen with quartz counters, double oven, and new appliances.

Master bath has marble floors and large walk-in shower with dual heads.

Adjacent buildable lot available. MLS#77264 (home), MLS#77265 (home+lot)

96229 Light Wind Drive $469,000 Enjoy the best of indoor and outdoor living from this beautifully wellmaintained 4BR/2.5BA Oyster Bay home. Spacious living room with lagoon views, include wood floors and fireplace. Eat-in kitchen offers custom cabinets, granite countertops and updated appliances. New roof in 2015 and exterior painted in 2017. MLS#76113

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

THE EDWARDS TEAM A TRUSTED NAME IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1984 theedwardscompany.com

4732 Rigging Drive Located on a corner lot overlooking the 2nd and 3rd Fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island! This 4BR/3.5BA home offers an abundance of amenities such as the extra large screened and covered downstairs patio as well as a large balcony. $499,000 MLS# 78434

95168 Mackinas Circle Located in the gated Harrison Cove, this custom 3BR/2.5BA shows like a model.The great room with fireplace is incorporated with the gourmet kitchen that has a large island with granite counter tops and 42â&#x20AC;? cabinets. $629,900 MLS# 77231

96225 Piney Island Drive Custom water/marsh front 5BR/3BA home located on Kingsley Creek with breathtaking vistas and sunsets. Many custom features throughout including Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and Travertine tile. $1,175,000 MLS# 78805

1855 W Perimeter Park Road Charming Charleston style cottage in Amelia Park. Stepping into this gorgeous 4BR/2.5BA home you will immediately notice the open floor plan with hardwood floors throughout the kitchen, dining and living area. $545,000 MLS# 76246

42 Ocean Place Highly desirable "B" floor plan in Ocean Place at Summer Beach. This 2BR/2BA is located on the 2nd floor of the center building with fantastic views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean.

Offered fully furnished. $750,000 MLS# 78672

Glenn Hancock REALTOR 904-583-7099

2840 & 2850 S. Fletcher Avenue Fantastic Opportunity to own Prime Ocean Front on Amelia Island! Two homes with 100 feet of frontage with breathtaking views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. The property could be subdivided in to two 50 foot lots. $1,750,000 MLS# 73814

Doug Hamer REALTOR 904-654-9828

Taylor Edwards BROKER 904-753-1814

5317 S. Fletcher Ave | Amelia Island, FL 32034 | 904-261-8433

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES Call Pam

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Meyer

904.415.0303

Or Visit www.AmeliaIslandProperties.com

WATERFRONT PROPERTY, GOLF HOMES, HISTORIC HOMES, & MORE Oceanfront Hard to find low density, oceanfront condo which allows pets. This coastal charmer has been completely remodeled, is fully tiled and has new easy care vinyl windows and doors. The open kitchen overlooks the dining and living room all with ocean views. Natural light fills the master bedroom from the wall of windows which offer mesmerizing ocean views. Coral Sands provides covered parking. MLS#79187 $339,000

Golf Course Frontage Sought after golf course community home with pool and BBQ pavillion situated near the cul-de-sac. Easy walk to the beach from this spacious 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home.

Hickory floors, a dual-sided stone fireplace, coffered ceiling and plentiful storage are a few of the special feature of this remarkable home. Contact agent for a full list of features.

MLS#79035 $547,500

Rare Opportunity The Historic Thompson House plus Lulu’s Restaurant where you can live and work in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach. 100 x 100 lot and C3 Zoning allows for flexible use so bring your imagination and make this your dream come true.

Successful restaurateur will provide training if needed. Vintage home features unique arched bay windows, heart pine floors, very spacious rooms, and carved fireplace mantels. MLS#70169 $698,000

Welcome to the Beach!

This charming Sand Dollar oceanside villa offers great views, covered parking and pets are allowed for owners! Comfortable, well furnished and ready for your personal use or as a rental. Sliders open from the living room and the master bedroom to a spacious porch. Don’t miss this adorable villa in move-in condition. Well-maintained, attractive low density complex of with a private boardwalk to the beach. MLS #78797 $299,000

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

~ Featured Listings ~ CARLTON DUNES AT SUMMER BEACH

These fabulous oceanfront condominiums are located north and adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island on the south end of Amelia Island. Each condo features beautiful custom appointments, large square footage, and membership to The Golf Club of Amelia Island.

Oceanfront and golf course views are incredible!

OCEAN PLACE AT SUMMER BEACH

Located on the south side of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, these wonderful condominiums offer the perfect get-away. Competitive pricing, fabulous floorplans, beautiful views, as well as rental potential have made Ocean Place a “must have” for potential owner-investors.

These units are direct oceanfront.

Rent a beautiful Ocean Place unit.

View virtual at www.vrbo.com. #224773

Come & Enjoy Our Five Diamond Neighbors

MARCY MOCK 5456 First Coast Highway Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-753-6500 cell

www.marcymock.com

Scan this code with your smartphone.

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Anne Barbanel = Commitment “Striving to be the best... when only the best will do”

CALL ANNE TODAY 904.583.0734 John T. Ferreira & Son 500 Centre Street • Fernandina Beach Oѝce: (904) 261-5571

96066 OYSTER BAY DRIVE $525,000

When calling about the properties featured in this Open House section, please mention you saw the ad in the Amelia Islander Magazine.

A rare opportunity to live the resort lifestyle in the gated community of Oyster Bay Harbour! Situated on a private half acre overlooking the waterway, the home includes an open kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counters, island with bar, family room with fireplace, and formal living and dining rooms. Large screened porch with water view, first floor master, large second floor suite, and two additional bedrooms. 3 car garage, plenty of storage, and walking distance to ameneties. Yacht club membership available. Minutes from the beaches of Amelia Island, historic downtown Fernandina Beach and 30 minutes to JIA!

www.ameliaislander.com

make your day your best day...

ameliaislandweddingsmagazine.com PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

75 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢

JANUARY 2016

www.AmeliaIslander.com

backyard adventure

paddling the

Okefenokee STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN MILLER

I

t was a brisk winter morning when my beau, Rusty, and I headed to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for a 2-day guided paddling trip with Okefenokee Adventures in Folkston, Georgia. Less than an hour from Amelia Island, the Okefenokee swamp is a great place to visit this time of year, when the weather is cool and insects are at a minimum. We were met by owners Joy and Chip Campbell, along with another couple, Rachel and Eric, for an overnight paddling trip adventure through the magnificent Okefenokee Wilderness.

The Okefenokee (a Native American word for “bubbling water”) boasts 438,000 acres of peat-filled wetlands, 353,981 acres of which are within the National Wilderness Area refuge boundaries. It is home to many rare and endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, wood storks, indigo snakes, bald cypress, and many carnivorous plants, as well as a wide variety of other wildlife.

None of Chip and Joy Campbell’s friends and family were surprised when they chose to leave North Carolina’s vibrant and bustling Research Triangle area to move to south Georgia’s famous Okefenokee Swamp.

Chip, a Georgia native, has been exploring the Okefenokee since he was a 12-year-old Boy Scout. Chip had introduced Joy to the region during their college days at North Carolina State University. The couple opened Okefenokee Adventures in 2000. They and their staff are the most experienced team of professional guides working in the Okefenokee today because they truly love the swamp.

Our all-inclusive tour, with Chip as our guide, took us along cypress-lined canals and winding canoe trails through the Chesser and Mizell Prairies, bringing us to Cedar Hammock campsite, a floating platform with a picnic table, room for tents, a privy, and tie-ups for our canoes. After we set up out tents for the evening, Chip cooked us a fine dinner of jambalaya with salad, homemade hummus, veggies, and 76 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

cookies. In addition, our excursion included a hearty lunch of sandwiches made fresh from Okefenokee Adventures own café, plus snacks and beverages, and breakfast the next morning before our paddle back.

Our adventure took us to a magical place impossible to reach other than by canoe, where we came in contact with sandhill cranes, ibis, white egrets, snipe, cormorants, hawks, and many more birds and plants. It was too cold for the alligators to be out this trip, but Chip assured us that there are usually scores of gators to be seen. Chip’s recounting included lots of interesting history and lore about the Okefenokee, its people, and local industry, which has shaped its evolution. We also learned about what makes the swamp water so dark, like a good brewed tea, and many of the terms used to describe swamp features, like “hammocks,” islands of hardwood trees growing on sandy bottoms that rise above the peat and water.

“These trips are a great way to experience the swamp firsthand,” says Chip. “You don’t need any paddling experience, and the excursion is safe and fun for people of all ages and abilities.” In addition to our paddling adventure, Okefenokee Adventures offers sunset boat tours, 90-minute tours, extended excursions, and custom multi-day overnight paddles.

Okefenokee Adventures provided everything we needed for the perfect paddling trip, including tents, sleeping gear, plus delicious meals and snacks! For more information about seeing the Okefenokee up close and personal, call (912) 496–7156 or visit www.okefenokeeadventures.com.

FEBRUARY 2018

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