Amelia Islander - September 2017

Amelia

ISLANDER SEPTEMBER 2017

2017

plus: AMELIA’S ATHENA • DORIAN DIG • WALKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

A Luxury Residential Community with Marina and Yacht Club

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Waterfront Estates from ONLY $99,900 New Homes from the $400s to $1.5MM+ Wooded, Lake and Marsh Front Estates Natural Setting, Old-Growth Trees Panoramic Marsh and Water Views Fast Move-In and Custom Home Designs Thoughtful Architectural Guidelines Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Pools, Tennis Courts, Nature Trails First-Class Amenities Fernandina Beach Schools Low County Taxes NO CDD Fees and Low HOA Dues Yacht Club and Modern Marina

Visit us On-Line at:

www.OysterBayHarbour.com Call Now:

(904) 261-4759 Or, Text:

“OysterBay” to 85377

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Fernandina Beach

Amelia Angler Outfitters

Columbia Wear Salt Life Mojo Guy Harvey Native Outfitter

Historic Downtown 402 Centre Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32234

110 Centre Street Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach

261-2501

(904) 277-4880 lindysjewelry.com

Ladies Apparel • Accessories Gifts with a Twist

ORIGINAL OILS • FRAMES • PRINTS METAL ART • WOOD CARVINGS MODEL PLANES & SHIPS • BALANCE TOYS NOVELTY GIFTS • HOME ACCENTS

NEW LOCATION, SAME OLD PRICES!

206 C ENTRE STREET (Across from coffee shop)

(904) 310-3603

904-261-0444

(across from T-Ray's Burger Station)

Director Since 1978

Group & Individual fishing, sailing, sightseeing charters 111 Centre St. • (904) 261-2870 • www.ameliaangler.com

809 Beech Street

NEEDLE

COME SAIL WITH US!

POINT

SHOE VISIONS FINE FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES

Open

Vaneli • Donald Pliner Azura • Naot • Orthaheel Arche • Eric Michael

904-491-1245

Captain Terry Lacoss

Fine Olive Oils & Balsamics

"Taste Before You Buy"

118 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach

Kahala Blowfish & Buff

Tuesday - Friday 10 to 5 Saturday 10 to 1

DAY-SAILS • LESSONS SUNSET CRUISES • RENTALS

811 Beech Street 904.729.4020 www.BristlyThistle.com

904.327.3265 windwardsailing.com

w 204 Centre Street • (904) 277-1162

103 Centre Street Amelia Island, Florida 904.321.0404 magnasalon.com

w

Tori Richard • Duffield Lane Johnston & Murphy • Tybee Island Nat Nast • Johnnie-O • Tidewater

35 restaurants, 63 shops, 400 years of history, and one unforgettable waterfront sunset.

I just followed one simple rule. Never judge any decision by what happens today. Imagine yourself years from now, surrounded by your children, your children’s children. Will you be proud of what you’ve accomplished?

Golf as it should be.

I have an advisor who thinks the same way. Who understands that building wealth isn’t a temporary act.

Find a dedicated client advisor to provide the solutions that meet your needs.

Visit us at 5211 South Fletcher Ave. or contact Todd Mitchell at 904.491.5969.

Todd Mitchell, Registered Representative, SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. Investment and Insurance Products: Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value SunTrust Private Wealth Management is a marketing name used by SunTrust Banks, Inc. and the following affiliates: Banking and trust products and services, including investment advisory products and services, are provided by SunTrust Bank. Securities, insurance (including annuities) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency.

SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC. ©2015 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust and How can we help you shine? are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

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

22680 North Hampton Clubway Fernandina Beach, FL (904) 548-0000 www.gcnorthhampton.com

Turner Fernandina Beach

$ GIFT CERTIFICATE* 313 Centre St. Fernandina Beach 904.261.0311 56 Hypolita St. St. Augustine 904.826.3757 COTTONWAYS.COM * LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER VISIT. NOT VALID ON “WOW” EARRINGS

2 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

• Awesome gift shop with Yankee Candle, Lampe Berger • Simply Southern apparel • Beach & coastal gifts • Casual furniture featuring Kingsley Bate, lots of "poly" furniture in assorted colors • Huge plant department • Yeti coolers and cups in assorted colors • Large selection of Weber, Diamond Heat and Twin Eagle grills and summer kitchens • Big Green Egg headquarters, including in stock accessories • Quality Stihl power equipment, big selection, service and parts

2990 South 8th Street Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 9-6 (904) 261-5270 shopsaltybreeze.com www.AmeliaIslander.com

Come Stay at the Beach

George’s

Jet Ski Adventures

• 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

Hop on a jet ski and follow your guide through the backwaters of Amelia and Cumberland islands. Explore the water ways to Ånd dolphins, wild horses, and other local wildlife.

Beaches

FACIAL PLASTIC & NASAL

904-310-5999 FlyingFishFun.com

SURGERY CENTER LOOK THE AGE YOU FEEL! Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Trimas. www.facesonly.com 1545 SOUTH 14TH STREET FERNANDINA BEACH,FL 32034 904-321-3447 1361 13TH AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 125 JACKSONVILLE BEACH,FL 32250 904-249-2580 MM17332 | MA45420

Hang Glide USA, LLC | Amelia Island Schedule your adventure yight today!

3 aircraft to serve you.

877 WE DO FLY (877-933-6359)

or visit our website at

HangGlideNow.com

3 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

Celebrating our 5th year on Amelia Island.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

“

Amelia

Now in its 14th season, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is a swingin’ affair led by festival founder and artistic director Les DeMerle, the renowned drummer, and his wife, vocalist Bonnie Eisele.

”

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

September brings the beginning of fall, and that always means the start (finally!) of some cooler weather here in northeast Florida. Labor Day has always seemed a little anticlimactic since we moved south many years ago because it no longer serves as the bright red line dividing summer vacation from start of the school year. As a kid, I used to count down the days left in vacation during July and August, and it never bothered me much because the start of school always seemed so far away, way off in the month of September.

But when we moved here, Labor Day became almost irrelevant because the school year always started in mid-August, sometimes even early August. With my traditional calendar jumbled and warm weather running well into September, Labor Day no longer serves as a signpost for the beginning of fall. But one sure harbinger of the season we know we can rely on each year is the return of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

Now in its fourteenth season, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is a swingin’ affair led by festival founder and artistic director Les DeMerle, the renowned drummer and bandleader, and his wife, vocalist Bonnie Eisele. DeMerle, who began his career with jazz legends Lionel Hampton and Harry James, continues to bring the best jazz musicians in the world to Amelia Island. Following appearances by jazz giants such as David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Spyro Gira, and Larry Coryell, DeMerle has put together another stellar line-up this year, headlined by Latin Grammy Award winning flautist Nestor Torres and jazz vocalist extraordinaire Roseanna Vitro.

The festival features a full week of shows and events, kicking off with the free “Jazz in the Park” Sunday concert in Amelia Park, then continuing with a new event called “Wine Tasting and Jazz” at the Amelia Island Wine Company, “Jump Jive & Wail,” a swing night and dance party with the Dynamic Les DeMerle band featuring Bonnie Eisele, and the popular Latin Jazz Night in its traditional Thursday night slot with the award-winning, and internationally famous Trio Caliente. Additionally, following the headliner performances Friday and Saturday nights, the entertaining and fun late night “Jazz Jams” return this year at Dizzy’s Den,” upstairs at Sliders Beach Bar & Grill. It promises to be another great week of music.

Also in this issue, we take a look at local resident Michelle Holbrook’s incredible Project Athena Santa Barbara Adventure Race, a 24-hour endurance test helping women with medical challenges fulfill their dreams; learn the history of Amelia Island’s Dorian Dig; take a summer adventure with Karen Miller on the Appalachian Trail; and much, much more.

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

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

Amelia Islander Magazine is published monthly. All editorial contents including maps and photographs are Copyrighted 2017 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

See you around the island!

permission of the publisher. The Amelia Islander is distributed free of charge on and around Amelia Island. Back issues may be purchased from the publisher for $2.00 each plus postage.

4 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

features

SEPTEMBER 2017 11 Cover Story THE AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 14TH SEASON

The 2017 Amelia Island Jazz Festival returns this fall for another week of superlative jazz music, including headliners Latin Grammy Awardwinning flautist Nestor Torres and vocalist Roseanna Vitro at venues around the island.

33 Amelia’s Athena

41 The Dorian Dig

In spite of a daily struggle with Neurofibromatosis, Michele Holbrook proved in the Project Athena Santa Barbara Adventure Race that nothing can hold her back.

In the early 1980s, a couple clearing land for a home uncovered human bones and artifacts revealing a Timucuan settlement and 17thcentury Spanish mission.

49 On the Appalachain Trail Eager to spend time in the mountains, Karen Miller hiked the Appalachian Trail from the New York/ Connecticut border to Bennington, Vermont.

76 Backyard Adventure If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced game for all ages, stop by Central Park and discover why Pickleball is becoming so popular on Amelia Island.

Amelia

ISLANDER SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 9

5 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

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

39

Around Town What’s happening around Amelia Island

44

Snapshots Islanders out and about

53

In the Garden While always on the lookout for interesting, new plants, don’t overlook tried-and-true favorites, such as shrubs like Burning Bush and Rose of Sharon.

Photos courtesy of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

Design by Tom Barrett.

55

Island Home After finding land they loved, Joanie Barnes, with a passion for Swedish antiques, and Jeff Barnes, an architect, designed a house to take advantage of the marsh views.

62

Eating Scene Tucked into a corner off Centre Street, Lulu’s serves delicious and beautifully prepared favorites like Shrimp & Grits, Oyster Po’ Boys, and Braised Short Ribs.

67

Open House Premium real estate offerings on and around Amelia Island

Amelia

ISLANDER SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 9

6 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

62

Meet Dr. Sesay Nassau County’s newest OB/GYN

You don’t need to travel out of Nassau County to get the most advanced OB/GYN care. Charmaine Sesay, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN with Baptist Obstetrics and Gynecology in Yulee.

Dr. Sesay is a board-certified surgeon who can provide basic to complex OB/GYN care. She specializes in minimally invasive surgery and is passionate about women’s health. Dr. Sesay received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed her residency in OB/GYN at the Reading Hospital in Reading, Pa. Nassau County attracted Dr. Sesay because of its beauty and strong sense of community where she knew she could make a difference in improving women’s lives.

Dr. Sesay specializes in: • Minimally invasive surgery • Endometriosis treatment • Uterine fibroid removal • Patient education • Incontinence procedures • Infertility • Family planning • Adolescent care and education • Routine and high-risk obstetrics

904.225.2770 Schedule an appointment

Baptist Obstetrics and Gynecology 463820 SR 200, Suite 103 Yulee, FL 32097

© Baptist Health 2017

Oceanfront relaxation with Southern hospitality.

AN AMELIA ISLAND 2016 CONDE NA AWARD-WIN ST NING RESORT.

98 S. Fletcher Avenue, Amelia Island 1-800-772-3359 elizabethpointelodge.com

An Exquisite Gem. Delivered.

RECEIVE A NEW GEM EVERY MONTH AT YOUR DOORSTEP

for just $67/month

say “I do!” to

Includes this 440 page reference guide on gems

Amelia

NO CLAMOR. ALL GLAMOUR.

Your very first month you will receive a beautiful gem sealed in a secure plastic card enclosed in a mini aluminum brief case along with a 440 page reference guide all about the enchanting world of gems.

BENEFIT 1

Subscribers receive a new Gem every month for an entire year

BENEFIT 2

Unsurpassed beauty and value!

Our one year subscription has an estimated value that far exceeds its cost.

BENEFIT 3

CGS subscribers will receive a 440 page de¿nitive resource guide on the wonderful world of gems.

For details contact:

SUZANNE MCLEOD Diamond Market Consultant

904.662.2360 SUBSCRIBE HERE:

ameliaislandweddingsmagazine.com

www.collectiblegemsociety.com/suzanne-mcleod 8 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

• Cosmetic Tooth Whitening • Gentle Cleanings • Oral Surgery • Dental Bonding & Fillings

Joshua O. Bietenholz, DMD

Laurie A. Kitson, DMD

Jennifer L. Mokris, DMD

Steven A. Garrett, DMD

• Ceramic Crowns • Sedation • Porcelain Veneers • Periodontal Therapy • Dental Implants

Creating Vibrant Smiles for Healthy Lifestyles!

904.261.7181

• Root Canals • Digital Impressions

www.ameliadental.com

Crescendo Amelia

MUSIC FOR ANY EVENT!

e With over 30 years of experience, the musicians of Crescendo Amelia take personal pride in

Call today for your comprehensive evaluation!

1947 Citrona Drive | Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 | 904.261.7181

School has started again, another year is flying by…

Do you realize that once your children begin school, you have only 12 - 16 summer vacations together?

Start planning next summer’s adventure now and make the most out of your precious family time.

Plan a trip that will educate and inspire the family while making lifelong memories together!

every detail. We are highly committed to delivering an exceptional music package that fits your style, taste, and budget.

For more information, contact us at: info@wallacepierson.com or call 904.261.5914

1401 Park Avenue, Suite A, Amelia Island, FL

Your music, our pleasure.

904.302.6086 www.CrescendoAmelia.com

WallacePierson.com Proud member of Virtuoso virtuoso.com/member/wallacepiersontravel

9 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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

Own a Piece of History

YOUR SOURCE FOR AUTHENTIC COIN JEWELRY 317 Centre Street 904.277.0665 ameliasfinejewelry.com 10 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

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

www.AmeliaIslander.com

2017 Kicking off its 14th season next month, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival celebrates jazz and America’s diverse musical heritage with another outstanding line-up of musicians.

BY KAREN MILLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AIJF

T

he inimitable Les DeMerle, Bonnie Eisele, and the entire Amelia Island Jazz Festival team are at it again, presenting the 14th annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival from October 8 through October 15 at venues across the island. Featuring outstanding jazz music in a variety styles, including swing, bebop, Dixieland, big band, Latin, and contemporary, the week-long festival hosts world-class headliners as well as fresh, up-and-coming young talent.

After fourteen years, the AIJF has presented jazz legends such as David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Spyro Gyra, David Benoit, Buckwheat Zydeco, and many more. “This year, we are fortunate to feature jazz vocalist extraordinaire, Roseanna Vitro, and legendary flautist Néstor Torres as our headliners,” says DeMerle, AIJF founder and artistic director. “In addition to our concerts, the AIJF brings jazz to local schools and to seniors, and of course, our scholarship awards to so many great young local players.”

11 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

DEVON CASS

CAROLINE BLOCHLINGER

Néstor Torres, UNF Jazz Ensemble II, and Roseanna Vitro

Roseanna Vitro was exposed to jazz and made it her genre of choice after moving to Houston, Texas in the 1970s. She worked for two years in Houston’s Green Room with her group, “Roseanna with Strings and Things,” while hosting a radio show on KUHF-FM. Many jazz musicians stopped in and played with her, including Arnett Cobb, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, and Keter Betts, encouraging her to dedicate herself to a life in jazz.

Standing on the shoulders of flute giants from worlds as diverse as Jean-Pierre Rampal, Sir James Galway, Richard Egues, Ian Anderson, Herbie Mann, and Hubert Laws, Latin Grammy Award-winning artist Néstor Torres’s rhythmic and mellifluous flute sound stands apart in a class by itself. With 14 recordings as a soloist, multiple Grammy nominations and awards, collaborations with diverse artists such as Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Dave Mathews, and Herbie Hancock, Torres’s journey is that of an artist who continues to grow and enrich the lives of those who experience his talents.

JAZZ IN THE PARK FREE CONCERT The AIJF kicks off on Sunday, October 8 with its enormously popular free community concert, Jazz in the Park, featuring the exciting 21-piece University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble II, directed by Dennis Marks. The UNF Jazz Ensemble II’s music comes from all idioms of big band jazz, including swing, bop, funk, and fusion. This ensemble consistently enjoys the presence of high-quality players, enabling this talented young group to create a wide variety of sound colors and textures.

Marks is considered one of the finest bassists on the jazz scene today. Much in demand as an accomplished musician and composer, he has toured the world many times over, most recently with legendary jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval for over 20 years. He has also appeared on six of Sandoval’s recordings. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be provided by Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen. The concert will be held at Amelia Park, located between 14th Street and Citrona Drive, from 2 to 4 p.m.

12 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

ACHC Accredited Your Neighborhood Neigh g borhood Toy y Store No matter where your neighborhood is.

NEW Online Shopping Experience!

Locally operated since 2003

Skilled Nursing Care Respite Care Medication Management Services Home Health Aides Services Companions & Homemakers Services Call today for more information or a free in-home consultation.

904-491-3222 1869 South 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

5 South 2nd Street Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach (904) 432-8291 • ameliaislandtoys.com

dmccoy@angelwatchhomecare.com

www.angelwatchhomecare.com

Adult & Children’s Art Classes Explore our Gift Shop and Gallery 26 S. 5th St. • Fernandina Beach fernanddinas.com •904-261-5566 Like us on Facebook

When patronizing advertisers,

Wonderful selection of unique and vintage inspired items!

thier ad in the

S

Amelia Islander Magazine

319 Centre Street • 904-844-2442 Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach

S

please mention you saw

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @hudsonandperry 13 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

CAROLINE BLOCHLINGER

Bonnie Eisele, Les DeMerle, and Steve Strawley

FESTIVAL SPONSOR PARTY AT HORIZONS RESTAURANT On Monday, October 9, DeMerle and Eisele give a big shout-out to the numerous sponsors with their Jazz Festival Sponsor Party, held at Horizons Restaurant at 5472 First Coast Highway from 7 to 9 p.m. This very special evening features the Amelia Island Jazz Fest All-Stars and the 2017 AIJF scholarship winner, 18-year old saxophonist Skyler Nolan. The event is by special invitation only for Bronze Saxophone sponsors and above. A $250 donation to the festival will give you Bronze Saxophone status, along with being eligible for two tickets to the Sponsor Party and other AIJF perks. For more information about becoming a sponsor, visit www. ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.

WINE TASTING AND JAZZ AT THE AMELIA ISLAND WINE COMPANY On Tuesday, October 10, a new event graces the AIJF line-up, Wine Tasting and Jazz held at The Amelia Island Wine

Company, located at 4924 First Coast Highway, from 5 to 7 p.m. This unique offering features six exceptional wines paired with various jazz compositions that complement the wine.

Multi-instrumentalist Dr. Bill Prince headlines the event with performances on trumpet, trombone, clarinet, and flute, along with Doug Matthews, piano, and Les DeMerle, drums. “We’re excited about this new event for 2017,” says DeMerle. “It’s been great fun, pairing wine with jazz, a really unique and creative way to enjoy the sounds of our friend, the talented Dr. Bill Prince. We look forward to seeing you there!”

JUMP JIVE AND WAIL SWING NIGHT AT SANDBAR & KITCHEN On Wednesday, October 11, join the dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele for one of the AIJF’s favorite happenings, Jump Jive and Wail Swing Night at the newly opened Sandbar & Kitchen (formerly Sandy Bottoms), located at Main Beach. Enjoy the best views on Amelia Island while swinging to the hot jazz of Steve Strawley,

14 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Top-Rated Steak & Seafood Restaurant on Amelia Island Private i Wine i Room ffor up to 12 guests • Private i Dining i i Room ffor up to 50 0 Large Groups up to 200

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Whole Maine Lobster Special Over 1 1/2 pounds

$

39.95

+

Served with 3 huge sides

Lounge Service begins at 5PM • Dinner Service begins at 6PM Open 7 Days • Classic Dining Experience • Attire is Resort Casual

New Caviar Menu!

802 ASH STREET • AMELIA A A ISLAND, S A FL • 904-310-6049

Steve Leimberg 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.

15 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Trio Caliente, Clarence Hines, and Al Waters

trumpet, Clarence Hines, trombone, Al Waters, saxophone, Doug Matthews, piano, Ernie Ealum, bass, and Les DeMerle, drums. Bring your sweetheart and dance the night away from 7 to 10 p.m.

HOT LATIN JAZZ CONCERT AND DANCE AT SANDBAR & KITCHEN And if you still have some dance left inside of you, come back to Sandbar & Kitchen on Thursday, October 12 for Hot Latin Jazz Concert and Dance featuring Trio Caliente. The group’s one-of-a-kind blend of Flamenco, Pop, and Brazilian Jazz has been enjoyed all around the world. Sharing the stage throughout the years with jazz legends like Charlie Byrd, Keter Betts, and McCoy Tyner to Salsa superstars Jerry Rivera and Luis Enrique, members of Trio Caliente have also performed and recorded with Grammy-nominated jazz flautist, Néstor Torres, Latin Grammy-winner, Raul Jaurena, Shahin and Sepehr, and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos.

Special guest Sammy Rodriguez joins the group on percussion. “We thank Les DeMerle for bringing us back once

again to the Amelia Island Jazz Festival,” says Deborah Benner, vocalist. “We now feel like family and truly feel honored to be part of a festival with so many outstanding musicians. We will perform hits from our new CD, MIRA, and we know that the dance floor at Sandbar & Kitchen will be packed!”

HEADLINER ROSEANNA VITRO AT FERNANDINA BEACH GOLF CLUB On Friday, October 13, headliner Roseanna Vitro performs a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club, located at 2800 Bill Melton Road, at 7 p.m. “I am looking forward to playing the Amelia Island Jazz Festival and have enjoyed working with Les DeMerle on the concept of paying tribute to the first lady of song on her 100th birthday, the great Ella Fitzgerald,” says Vitro. “So many musician friends who have played the festival have told me how wonderful the vibe, energy, and the audiences are, plus they all loved the beauty of the island. I hope to make many new fans at my Friday performance. See you all there, and be sure to come over and say ‘hi’ after the show!”

16 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Celine Dion Collection

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND

Designer Handbags Brahmin • Sondra Roberts Celine Dion • Bosom Buddy Remi & Reid • Hobo • Trina Turk • Michael Kors

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.

AMELIA ISLAND 114 Centre St., Fernandina Beach

EVERY

Featuring

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.

MONTH!

Week !

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.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

17 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

CAROLINE BLOCHLINGER

Kevin Jones, Mike Levine, and Dennis Marks

In addition, this evening also features the Art of the Trio with Mike Levine, piano, Dennis Marks, bass, and Les DeMerle, drums. “This year, I will play a few of my new compositions with Les and bassist Dennis Marks in the Art of the Trio sets before the headliners come on,” says Levine. “My new CD, Star Gazing, is doing very well and I look forward to performing these tunes at this year’s festival. Playing with Les and Bonnie for so many years has been fun, and each year I look forward to coming back to the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

We work hard, but we always have a ball and play some great jazz for a wonderful, appreciative audience!”

“With Mike Levine and Dennis Marks in the Art of the Trio, we have one of the strongest rhythm sections in jazz today,” says DeMerle. “Tunes from Mike’s new CD will be featured in some of our sets, and Dennis Marks on bass and Kevin Jones on tenor sax, soprano sax and trombone will add some real spice to the mix. Bonnie and I have had the great pleasure of playing with Mike for many years and he is featured on two of our CDs on Origin Records, Cookin’ at the Corner’ Vol.1 and 2. He and Dennis are the best rhythm team we could ask for,

and the Art Of The Trio performances on our headlining nights along with Bonnie’s stellar vocals will delight and excite!”

DIZZY’S DEN AT SLIDERS BEACH BAR & GRILL But the fun doesn’t end there! At 10 p.m., join an eclectic mix of jazz musicians at Dizzy’s Den, upstairs at Sliders Beach Bar & Grill, 1998 South Fletcher Avenue, for a Late Night Jam of Bebop, Blues, and Beyond. Featuring the FSU Jazz Ensemble with Kevin Jones, ticket holders are sure to enjoy great spontaneous jazz. Musicians are relaxing after the main gig, and you never know who might show up or what happens next! If you are unable to make the Friday headliner concert, you can still purchase tickets to the Late Nite Jam.

HEADLINER NÉSTOR TORRES AT FERNANDINA BEACH GOLF CLUB On Saturday, October 14 at 7 p.m., headliner Néstor Torres performs a Jazz Flute Traditions Show that’s not to be missed. “I am very excited to come to Amelia Island to present my Jazz Flute Traditions show to all my fans,” says Torres. “I know my music

18 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Open 7 Days a Week!

Richly historic narrated sightseeing boat tours and sunset cruises.

Reservations recommended.

Nature / History Tours 10:00am Shrimping Eco Tour (Sat only) 10:00am Cumberland Island Tour 2:30pm Beach Creek Tour Sunset Cruises (call for times) Adult BYOB Cruise (Fri & Sat) Family Friendly Sunset Tour Available for private charters & special events.

AmeliaRiverCruises.com

904-261-9972

GreatHomes REVISED & EXPANDED SECOND EDITION

OF FERNANDINA

ARRCHITECTURAL TREASURES FROM AMELIA ISLAND’S GOLDEN AGE BBy Di Dickie ki Anderson | Photography by Jan Johannes

Greaomt es H OF

g

REVISED & EXPANDED SECOND EDITION

FERNANDINA

s Golden Age Architectural Treasures from Amelia Island’

VU

DICKIE ANDERSON

PHOTOGRAPH Y BY JAN JOHANNES

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.

$15.95 Published by Sweetpea Media and Amelia Islander Magazine

Available at Amelia Island gift and book stores, or contact Dickie Anderson at dickie.anderson@gmail.com.

19 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

Truck powered professional steam cleaning using reverse osmosis water.

Carpet • Area Rugs • Upholstery • Tile & Grout Locally Owned & Operated Licensed & Insured (904) 310-9421 www.AmeliaIslander.com

Dr. Bill Prince, J.B. Scott, and Dave Steinmeyer

will put everyone in the groove, and they will be dancing in the aisles as salsa and jazz grooves unite! I am also going to salute my heroes, Herbie Mann and Hubert Laws, recreating their hits. My show is going to really cook, so come early and stay late!”

Torres’ concert is also held at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club and will feature the Art of the Trio, with vocalist Bonnie Eisele and percussionist Sammy Rodriguez, along with another fun Late Nite Jam after the performance in Dizzy’s Den at Sliders Beach Bar & Grill.

DIXIE TO SWING JAZZ BRUNCH AT HORIZONS RESTAURANT The Amelia Island Jazz Festival closes with the ever popular grand finale, Dixie to Swing Jazz Brunch on Sunday, October 15, held at Horizons Restaurant featuring jazz greats J.B. Scott, trumpet, Dr. Bill Prince, clarinet, Dave Steinmeyer, trombone, Mike Levine, piano, Dennis Marks, bass, Les DeMerle, drums, and Bonnie Eisele, vocals.

The AIJF distributes proceeds toward a scholarship program to fund college educations for aspiring jazz musicians and works

to provide a rich, diverse jazz offering to the Amelia Island area.

By offering educational programs and jazz workshops in area schools and senior centers, and promoting Amelia Island as a tourist destination by drawing jazz enthusiasts from around the nation and the world, the AIJF has found a home on Amelia Island as a beloved yearly event.

“The Festival is dedicated to building upon the rich cultural foundation of jazz by exposing thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds to the sounds, excitement, and vitality of this truly American music,” says DeMerle. “Our concerts explode with exciting, swinging jazz played with passion, expertise and soul by many of today’s leading jazz artists. Each year’s talent roster is the best line-up we can assemble. Come to the 2017 Amelia Island Jazz Festival and become part of an amazing jazz experience. Be prepared for extraordinary jazz music which includes our headliners and many other guest surprises!”

For the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s full schedule of events, to purchase tickets, or to get information about becoming a sponsor or volunteer, visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com or call (904) 504-4772.

20 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Amelia Island’s Premier Nature Tour for the wedding of your

Dreams

Downtown Talbot Island Cumberland Island Egan’s Creek Lofton Creek

Kayak Tours Daily from $55/person Cumberland Island and Sunset Boat Tours from $150 for up to 6 People.

Call 904-500-TOUR to plan Your adventure.

Book online at AmeliaAdventures.com

SAPPHIRE

Rare. Beautiful. Highly Treasured.

Got Color?

You Bet We Do! Beautiful Blue Sapphire is just one of the many colors we stock year-round.

Expertly mounted in unique settings to match your individual style.

Come and see for yourself!

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach www.robisonjewelry.com 904.261.3635

ameliaislandweddingsmagazine.com PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

~ WE BUY & SELL DIAMOND AND ESTATE JEWELRY ~ 21 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

everything Amelia P E OP LE ,

THIRD ANNUAL REDFISH SPOT FISHING TOURNAMENT RETURNS The Amelia Island Guides Association and Amelia Island Marina will co-host the 3rd annual Redfish Spot Fishing Tournament on September 9 to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Folds of Honor, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is committed to the families of armed services members who have been wounded or killed while serving in the military. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 12,000 scholarships to children of fallen or disabled military men and women in all 50 states.

The tournament is open to anglers of all ages fishing from powered boats, sail boats, kayak, canoe, the shore, bridges, and piers, with all entry fees paid out in prize money. The Captains Meeting will be held on Friday, September 8 at Amelia Island Marina.

The public is invited to listen to live music, enjoy the raffle and silent auction with food and beverages available from The Surf, and watch the anglers present their fish for spot counting beginning at 2 p.m. Additional information can be found on the AIGA website at www. ameliaislandguidesassociation.com.

Persons interested in becoming a sponsor, donating to the raffle or silent auction, or hosting a booth at the event, contact Capt. Scott Thompson at (904) 430-6014. The event will take place at the Amelia Island Marina, 251 Creekside Drive in Fernandina Beach, at the foot of the Shave Bridge.

P LA CE S,

HI STO RY

&

M O R E

TASTE OF AMELIA ISLAND EXPANDS TO WEEKEND-LONG DESTINATION FOOD AND WINE EVENT Tickets for the 26th annual Taste of Amelia Island are now on sale. This year’s Taste Gala will be held on Sunday, October 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in the Magnolia Ballroom, with additional food and wine special events being held around the island throughout the weekend.

The Taste weekend will include special events that can be added to the Taste Gala to create a full weekend package of food and wine experiences, with hotel accommodation options also being offered as part of the event. Special events will be hosted by 29 South, Amelia Tavern, Burlingame Restaurant, Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen, and White Oak Conservation.

The Taste Gala features 22 of the island’s best chefs, complimentary fine wines, a 50/50 raffle, live chef demo, live music, and, this year, the participation of local Fernandina Beach High School Culinary Arts students. Attendees will also cast their vote for their choice for Best Dish of the Taste. Tickets for the Taste Gala are $100 per person with special events varying in price according to event. Tickets can be purchased online through 904 Tix at 904tix.com/events/taste-of-amelia-island or by calling the Nassau County Volunteer Center at (904) 261-2771.

PATRIOT DAY LADIES LUNCHEON ON SEPTEMBER 11 The Fourth Annual Patriot Day Ladies Luncheon to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation will be held at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Bill Melton Road on Monday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On September 4, 2002, President Bush signed a bill designating 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The Patriot Day Luncheon is a way for women from Amelia Island to gather and pay tribute to those lost in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. This year’s guest speaker is Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, U.S. Navy. She is Commander, Naval Operations Southeast, and is stationed at Mayport Naval Station.

Reservations may be made online at aicgnsf.org/ events or by mailing a $30 check (payable to the Navy SEAL Foundation) to P.O. Box 15698, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035. All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation’s programs to care for members of the Naval Special Warfare community, including wives and children. The Foundation provides programs specifically designed to improve health and welfare, build and enhance resiliency, empower and educate families, and provide critical support during times of illness, injury, loss, and transition. For more information, contact Carol Carter at (904) 261-9193.

22 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

MONTEGO LIMOUSINE SERVICE

Nassau JJewelryy Co. Your Custom Jeweler

Driven to be there for you.

904.583.7337

www.montegolimo.com phil@montegolimo.com

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

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

Jacksonville Jaguars and Camden County High School Football

rickjeweler@gmail.com 1743 South 8th Street ~ 904-277-1993 ~ 9 - 5 Tues - Sat.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

Ni’s Chinese Medical Center

Day to day life can be a battle to get through when your dealing with pain or suffering from a disorder or disease. We warmly invite you to attend Dr. Ni’s health seminar for an in depth discussion on how Traditional Chinese Medicine is used to improve your quality of life.

99.5 FM & WKBX HD-2

Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs Football!

Health Seminar Friday, October 13th, 7pm “Improving Your Quality Of Life With Traditional Chinese Medicine!”

Lecture followed by Q&A session. Reservations required. Free & open to the public.

Dr. Bo-Shih Ni

Call 904-372-9087

Licensed Acupuncturist Doctor of Oriental Medicine 23 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

5422 First Coast Hwy., Suite 112 Amelia Island | drboni.com www.AmeliaIslander.com

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

JW FRAME GALLERY

BLUE DOOR ARTISTS 205 1⁄2 Centre Street • 556-7783 D’AGNESE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY 205 1/2 Centre Street • 261-6044 or 556-2014

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

ISLAND ART ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE GALLERY 18 North 2nd Street • 261-7020

J

ill Wilkinson has over 17 years experience in the framing business, having worked in the industry since college. Her signature JW Frame Gallery on South 14th Street is a little different than traditional frame shops. “Besides our custom framing, I wanted to include local artists and craftspeople, featuring various types of art and mediums,” says Jill. “We’re always expanding, growing, offering new services and state-of-theart framing materials, like UV-filtering glass, museum glass, acid-free matting including linens, suedes, and raw silks, as well as Vac-U-Mounting.”

Jill frames just about anything you can imagine. “For us, it’s not about just art or photography,” she says. “I recently framed an antique beaded purse that belonged to a client’s great grandmother.

It’s a unique way to preserve a family heirloom. We understand how important and valuable your treasures are, and we handle them with care and respect.”

Jill’s main vendor is Larson-Juhl, a company that has been making beautiful custom framing for over 100 years.

“Larson-Juhl now provides an online

service in which clients can upload a photo of their art and ‘try out’ various frames,” says Jill. “We have a link on our website. Then you can come to the store and we’ll frame your choices!” Jill also has a 24-inch Canon printer, which prints on quality photo paper, canvas, and other fine art papers.

Jill works with local interior designers, assisting in framing choices and placement of art. Her appreciation for fine art is the reason she also showcases the work of local artists, including Kathleen Maurer, Loraine Kilmer, Martha Scheffler, William Maurer, and Susan Henderson, along with Simply Coastal and Mermaids Walk. “Our art has many price points,” says Wilkinson.

“We also carry high-end tabletop frames.

And now that school is back in session, it’s a great opportunity to frame your child’s special accomplishments and awards.”

JW Frame Gallery is located at 1875 South 14th Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (904) 310-6610 or visit www.jwframegallery. com or their Facebook page.

24 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

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 SWAMP ART, TOO 505 South 9th Street • (904) 321-3404 TRAILER PARK COLLECTIBLES 702 Centre Street • 491-4461

www.AmeliaIslander.com

galleries & antiques MEAD’S

FRAMERY & TROPHY STORE

Custom Framing • Fine Art

COMPLETE CUSTOM FRAMING AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Custom Framing since 1970 100’s of framed and unframed prints Member of Professional Picture Framers Association Awards For All Occasions A1A

HWY 17

225-2195 Corner of A1A & Hwy 17 • Yulee

Martha SchefÃ…er, Acrylic on canvas, 30x40 N

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

Trailer Park Collectibles

702 Centre Street 904.491.4461 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

featuring...

PHILLIP ANTHONY CHAD AWALT SARA CONCA RENEE DINAUER MARCIA HERRING MARIAN HOWARD CLAIRE JANE KENDRICK CHRISTINE LYONS PETER O’NEILL SUZY SCARBOROUGH JIHONG SHI CAT TESLA AARON WHITEHOUSE DAVID WILLIAMS

503 Centre St. Fernandina Beach, FL w w w. a r t o n c e n t r e . c o m

ISLAND

FUHDWLQJ HGXFDWLQJ LQVSLULQJ

e Antiques e Furniture e Treasures e Books e Garden Decor

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

1 QG 6WUHHW _ )HUQDQGLQD %HDFK )/ ZZZ LVODQGDUW RUJ

1104 S. 8th St. • Fernandina Beach (904) 261-8887

ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR BY WILLIAM MAURER

[ ] blue door artists

gallery & working studios

Originals, prints, and cards are available at Eight Flags Antique Market, The Book Loft, & JW Frame Gallery

(904) 261-8276 • MaurerFineArt.com

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

25 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

Antiques and More TREASURES,

INC.

6,500 sq. ft. of great ǣnds in our fabulous group shop.

Over 45 vendors.

463146 SR 200 • Yulee, Florida 904.548.6080 facebook.com/antiquesandm www.AmeliaIslander.com

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

PALMETTO WALK SHOPPING VILLAGE

New Shipment!

A Neighborhood Italian Bistro

English and French Antiques

Unique Antique Smalls • Home Accessories & Gifts Outdoor & Upholstered Furniture 38 An Island Tradition for 37 Years! www.theplantationshop.com

S H O P P I N G

(904) 261-2030

DINNER ONLY Tuesday thru Sunday 5:30PM to 9:00PM Indoor and alfresco dining Thank you for your continued patronage!

Salads | Pasta Fresh Seafood Braised Meats

lunch tues - sat 11:30 - 2 happy hour ~ tues - sat 4 - 6 dinner mon - sat 5:30 - 10

904.432.7920 4828 First Coast Highway Palmetto Walk Shopping Village

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

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

CucinaSouth.com

When patronizing advertisers, please mention you saw

Sightseeing & Sunset Tours

thier ad in the Amelia Islander Magazine

The Newest & Coolest Way to Explore Amelia Island & Cumberland Island

TOP RATED TOUR

904-753-7631 BackWaterCat Adventure.com 27 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

V I L L A G E

South

PALMETTO WALK

Cucina

3 South Front Street Amelia Island, Florida 32034

www.AmeliaIslander.com

in the neighborhood

“A

Paul Miller, DMD; Jackie Olbina Miller, DMD; and Mark Olbina, DDS

PHOTO BY MELISSA BAZARIAN, M.BEE STUDIO

Amelia Gentle Dentistry

melia Gentle Dentistry is a true family practice,” says Dr. Mark. “We are all so passionate about our work here.”

Mark Olbina, DDS, started as a Navy dentist at Kings Bay, Ga. When he and his wife, Karen, fell in love with Amelia Island, he opened a private practice in 1987. Twenty years later, he moved the practice to a new location on the island and welcomed his daughter, Jackie Olbina Miller, DMD, into the practice in 2013. Her husband, Paul Miller, DMD, joined in 2016.

Each doctor is dedicated to providing all their services in a gentle, caring manner, making every patient feel like part of their dental family. “We all have the same philosophy,” says Dr. Jackie. “We take the time to understand each patient’s specific needs, delivering high-quality dental care for healthy, beautiful smiles using advanced technology and our signature gentle touch.” What sets the practice apart is attention to detail to the patient experience. The office is equipped with 40-inch screens in every room where patients can view calming images, as well as x-rays and photographs of their teeth. 3D digital imaging makes cosmetic dentistry a breeze. Patients also can enjoy a massage in the massage chairs during their treatment.

“Our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs,” says Dr. Mark. Amelia Gentle Dentistry is located at 1699 South 14th Street. For more information, call (904) 277-8500 or visit www.ameliagentledentistry.com.

W

Monkey Barrel

PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

hen Bonnie Southwick became an empty nester, she saw that Monkey Barrel, a local children’s store, was closing.

After 21 years, owners Dina and Roger Martin were ready to retire. Monkey Barrel had been Bonnie’s favorite store. “My children grew up in that store,” laughs Bonnie. “My husband, Rob, and I approached them about buying the business, and we took over in January. It was meant to be!”

Monkey Barrel carries clothing for children from babies to size 14/16 for both boys and girls. Some of their quality brands include Hatley, Bailey Boys, and Kissy Kissy. They also carry a selection of accessories like sandals, sunhats, and baby jewelry, along with educational toys from BlueOrange, Fat Brain, Playmobil, and Gamewright/Brainwright.

Bonnie has expanded their line of baby items, and says baby showers and gender reveal parties have become a hot, new trend for expectant couples. “We make up special gift bags depending upon the gender, and we also carry lots of gifts for showers and christenings,” she says. “We offer gift wrapping, and shipping to anywhere in the U.S.” Bonnie believes Monkey Barrel’s success is due to the fun atmosphere and quality merchandise. “Families love coming into the store,” she says.

“The kids head straight to the toys, the parents shop for clothes and gifts, and everyone is happy!” Monkey Barrel is located at 95 Amelia Village Circle at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. For more information, call (904) 310-9463 or visit their Facebook page.

Bonnie Southwick and Mallory Monaghan

28 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

WHAT’S

DRY EYE & MGD Talk to your doctor today.

HAPPENING AROUND

Amelia Eye Associates now accepts

Our one-on-one approach makes Amelia Eye

AMELIA ISLAND EVERY MONTH!

Week !

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

Associates the eye and vision care providers of choice.

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

Fine Art House Portraits S ICATE RTIF E !

E C L T GIF AVAILAB

by Loraine King

P Preserve Your Memories in a Beautiful and Unique Way Homes, Boats, Campers, Cars Vacation locations, Pets, Gifts, Whatever has meaning!

904.491.3737 loraineking.com loraine@loraineking.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.

Retirement is...

More than a number

www.AmeliaIslander.com

It is a big picture A puzzle that needs to be assembled

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.

29 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

SHOPS AMELIA’S SIGNATURE SHOP

Men’s, ladies and kid’s apparel, gifts and souvenirs.

BOB’S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE

Bob’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.

CHICO’S

A specialty retailer of women’s apparel and accessories from exclusive, private label designs.

HARRISON’S MERCANTILE

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

J.MCLAUGHLIN

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

WE LOVE OUR LOCALS

MARCHÉ BURETTE

Adventure is closer than you think! We’re featuring a variety of new offerings and discounted pricing for some of our favorite activities and tours. These specials are available to Nassau and Duval County residents. Thank you for being a friend!

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

MONKEY BARREL

An upscale children’s clothing and toy store featuring Le Top, E-Land Kids, Bailey Boys, Thomas the Tank Engine, Papo and more.

DINING > Shrimp Boil Fridays at MarchĂŠ Burette from 5-9pm

NATURAL SLICE

(Now−Nov. 19)

> Steak Out Saturdays & Sundays at MarchĂŠ Burette from 5-9pm

(Now−Nov. 19)

> Enjoy football at Falcon’s Nest with the NFL ticket! Join us on Sundays for the ultimate tailgate party. Watch the game on our outdoor inflatable screen while you enjoy beverages from our beer wall and specials from the smoker (Prices vary, smoker specials are weather permitting, check game schedules for times) > Let MarchÊ Burette take care of the cooking this Thanksgiving while you enjoy time with friends and family. Our dinners to go include a fully cooked turkey, traditional sides, dessert and a bottle of house wine.

Dinners are $135 and feed 6-8 people. Call 904-491-4834 to reserve.

NATURE CENTER

0CVWTG KVGOU HTQO DKTF HGGFGTU DKPQEWNCTU ȧGNF IWKFGU CPF OQTG VQ HWNȧNN [QWT GZRNQTKPI PGGFU

PLANTATION ARTISTS’ GUILD & GALLERY

Gallery of local artist’s work featuring workshops, demonstrations and lectures.

SHOE VISIONS

SPA > $99 for a 50 minute Cleansing Facial or Swedish Massage

(Now−Dec. 20)

> To book your appointment, please call (904) 432-2220

> 20% off Kayak, Paddleboard and Eclipse Pedal Board Tours

Located within Harrison’s Mercantile, offering the best in footwear including Vanelli, Naot, Donald J Pliner, Arche and more!

SPA & SALON

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

ADVENTURE TOURS > $65 Segway™ Tours

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

(Now−Dec. 20)

(Now−Dec. 20)

> Call (904) 321-5082 for water tours and (904) 277-5120 for Segway™ tours

Specials may not be combined with any other discounts or offers. Blackout dates may apply, please visit OmniHotels.com/aiplocals for additional information. To redeem recreation and spa specials, please mention promo code “Love Our Locals.� A valid ID will be required to confirm local status.

THE QUEEN BEE

Jewelry, handbags, ladies’ apparel and fashion accessories featuring Susan Shaw, Fornash, Oia Jules and Toune & Reese.

beach combing

Gorgeous Glasses Known for the largest collection of animal paintings on the East Coast, La Torre’s Gallery & Gifts now has a vast collection of The Queens Jewels! It’s stemware with dazzling flair, each piece sparkling with personal and seasonal celebration. $29.50 per stem. 206 Centre Street. (904) 261-0444.

Fun Finds Gift yourself or someone else this fall with a fun vintageinspired item from Hudson & Perry, like this 8x10 FL print

by Rifle Paper Co. ($28), Bicycle Bookends from Foreside ($54), or Classic Books published by Gibbs Smith ($14.99$16.99). Visit the store at 319 Centre St. (904) 844-2442.

Sleek Stools If you’re looking to make a statement at your bar or kitchen counter, don’t miss this elegant yet comfortable pair of Italiandesigned Calligaris ‘Irony’ Barstools ($95/pair). Available at Nassau Humane Society Second Chance Resale Store, 1002 S. 14th Street. (904) 321-0022.

Doggy Designs Dress up your dog with these fun Up Country customdesigned Amelia Island logo collars, leashes, keychains, and plush toys. Plush toy bone $9.50, collar $19.99, leash $24.99, and key chain $9.99. Made in the USA. Available at Redbones Dog Bakery, 809 South 8th Street. (904)-321-0030

31 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Live the luxury lifestyle PRIVATE GATED NEW HOME COMMUNITY Tom Fazio Designed 18-hole Golf Course • Minutes to the beach • Short drive to airports • Close to everything New Homes from the Mid 300’s*

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

5

MAXIMIZING MEDICARE

POINTS LIQUOR

Plans offering:

0

$

Premium

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum 1.75L $22.99

SALE

Primary Care

9/1/17 to 9/30/17

Generic Drugs Svedka Vodka 1.75L $17.99

New to Medicare?

Turning 65?

Join us for our Medicare Q&A

CALL TODAY! Last Thursday of every month at 1:00pm.

Dewars White Label 1.75L $29.99

904-746-4648 Representing All Major Carriers

11 South 11th Street, Amelia Island 32 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

Crown Royal 750mL $22.99

Mon. – Thurs. 8am – 11pm Fri. – Sat. 8am – 12 midnight Sun. 2pm – 10pm All Major Credit Cards Accepted

2112 South 8th Street 1 Mile on Right, Past Intracoastal Bridge A1A SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS ON MONDAYS DRIVE THRU SERVICE LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

www.AmeliaIslander.com

261-3640

amelia’s athena In spite of a daily struggle with Neurofibromatosis, Michele Holbrook proved in the Project Athena Santa Barbara Adventure Race that nothing can hold her back.

BY JULIE SIMMONS

Michele Gibbs Holbrook

hrough 100-degree heat, dark of night, and the weariness of her body, she paddled a sea kayak 18 miles, mountain biked over 42 miles while climbing 4,000 feet, hiked 16 miles, and then biked an additional five miles to the finish line—all in under 24 hours! She arrived at the end just in time to be crowned Athena Michele Gibbs Holbrook.

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, and diplomacy, and it’s an appropriate title for this Amelia Island woman, who each day battles eight tumors that plague her body as a result of a genetic disease called Neurofibromatosis (NF).

“When I was 25, my left leg started to collapse involuntarily,” says Michele. “I was athletic, played sports, and I knew something was wrong.” A five-year journey led to her diagnosis and the discovery of an additional tumor on her right lung. But perhaps the greatest difficulty of her diagnosis was accepting the reality that this was something she would face every day for the rest of her life.

But if you know Michele—realtor, runner, and racer-fora-cure for NF—you know that she is a fighter, and she readies

T

Part of the 42-mile bike ride over the mountains, one stage of the Project Athena Santa Barbara Adventure.

herself for battle each day. NF causes tumors to form on nerve tissue, which can result in significant pain, dark spotting on the skin, benign growths under the skin, learning disabilities, or, in Michele’s case, tumors on her brain, lungs, and spine.

Today there is no cure for NF, and as a result, Michele has undergone numerous surgeries to remove tumors that were impacting mobility or creating intolerable pain. She also endures the day-to-day battle with discomfort. “Sometimes when someone pats me on the back—even gently—it’s enough to bring me to my knees,” she describes.

And to her knees in prayer she often heads. “God gives us a time to be born and a time to die, but I am going to continue to fight every day I have left. I am not going to sit down when I can try to make a difference for the children with NF coming behind me,” she says with a confident smile.

It is just this strength that led Michele to an amazing feat in June, when she finished the Project Athena Santa Barbara Adventure and was crowned an Athena. The Project Athena Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping

33 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Top left: Planning the route the night before the Santa Barbara Adventure.

Bottom left: Heading down the mountain after climbing 4,000 feet.

Right: Beginning the 18-mile sea kayaking stage of the Santa Barbara Adventure.

“”

It’s not about trying to get back to what you were... It’s about trying to be the best that you are capable of today, this minute.

women survivors of medical or other traumatic setbacks achieve their dreams.

“It’s not about trying to get back to what you were,” explains Robyn Benincasa, Project Athena Founder and World Champion Adventure Racer.

“It’s about trying to be the best that you are capable of today, this minute.” The organization offers six non-competitive adventures annually, which are designed to be about teamwork and making sure that no one is left behind.

Michele’s face lights up when she describes her time with her fellow Athenas. “The willingness of Robin and her team to volunteer their time to help us is overwhelming,” she reflects. “They tell you, ‘yes you can’ when you are ready to give up.”

This same spirit of encouragement helps Michele on Amelia Island. “I have my group of running girls, and on the days I just want to stay in bed, they call me and rally me to my feet. And my mom is amazing. When I was training for the challenge, she was the one who pulled me up at 5 a.m. for an eight-hour training walk. She walked the first shift, and then a different friend joined me for each additional hour. The time passed so quickly because of our fun together!”

Life with NF is not easy, but Michele meets each day with the wisdom, martial strength, and the ability to negotiate life’s hurdles that proves every day is what you make it—and which makes a true Athena!

34 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER #ENDNF September 15, 2017 Walker’s Landing 7 p.m.

Contact Betsie Huben at 919-333-0836 or Michele Holbrook 904-583-1900 to purchase your tickets ($85) All proceeds benefit Children’s Tumor Foundation (www.ctf.org).

The third annual “Casino Night to #EndNF” will honor the legacy of the James Bond Films and offer Black Jack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold’em, as well as new games like Black Jack Switch, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Let it Ride! Food provided by Chef Courtney Thompson of Horizons Restaurant. Beer and wine, with Bond movie soundtracks by Justin Wentz.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Let us help you find...

...your perfect vacation rental on Amelia Island Plantation, Summer Beach, or Amelia Surf & Racquet Club.

Amelia Rental

& MANAGEMENT SERVICES

(904) 261-9129 (855) 742-8473

(904) 277-0905 (800) 862-9297

5299 South Fletcher Avenue www.AmeliaRentals.com

Boat & Jet Ski

Boat Club

RENTALs INCLUDE...

Membership includes...

࠮ -\SS [HUR VM NHZ ࠮ 3PML QHJRL[Z [\ILZ ZRPZ NLHY ࠮ >H[LY :HML[`

࠮ <USPTP[LK \ZL VM V\Y WYLTP\T IVH[Z ࠮ 6USPUL YLZLY]H[PVUZ HUK M\SS ZLY]PJL THYPUH ࠮ 3PML QHJRL[Z [\ILZ ZRPZ ÄZOPUN YVKZ TVYL

RESERVE YOUR BOAT! 904.277.4615

AmeliaBoatClub.com

AMELIA ISLAND MARINA, 251 Creekside Dr ~ (Off Hwy. A1A, south of Shave Bridge, Dock E), Amelia Island, FL 32034

35 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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 • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

AMELIA ISLAND STATE PARK

SEPTEMBER 2017 TIDES AT THE AMELIA RIVER Day

Low

High

Day

1 FRI

12:11 AM 12:11 PM 1:00 AM 1:01 PM 1:47 AM 1:50 PM 2:31 AM 2:37 PM 3:14 AM 3:22 PM 3:54 AM 4:06 PM 4:34 AM 4:49 PM 5:14 AM 5:34 PM 5:56 AM 6:21 PM

5:47 AM 6:31 PM 6:42 AM 7:21 PM 7:33 AM 8:08 PM 8:21 AM 8:53 PM 9:06 AM 9:36 PM 9:51 AM 10:18 PM 10:34 AM 11:00 PM 11:19 AM 11:43 PM 12:05 PM

15 FRI

12:28 AM 12:53 PM

24 SUN

1:16 AM 1:45 PM

25 MON

2:08 AM 2:41 PM

26 TUE

3:04 AM 3:42 PM

27 WED

2 SAT 3 SUN 4 MON 5 TUE 6 WED 7 THU 8 FRI 9 SAT 10 SUN

6:41 AM 7:13 PM 11 MON 7:31 AM 8:10 PM 12 TUE 8:27 AM 9:13 PM 13 WED 9:28 AM 10:17 PM 14 THU 10:32 AM 11:20 PM

Last Quarter New Moon First Quarter Full Moon

16 SAT 17 SUN 18 MON 19 TUES 20 WED 21 THU 22 FRI 23 SAT

Low 11:34 AM 12:21 AM 12:36 PM 1:19 AM 1:35 PM 2:13 AM 2:32 PM 3:04 AM 3:25 PM 3:51 AM 4:14 PM 4:35 AM 5:00 PM 5:16 AM 5:44 PM 5:55 AM 6:28 PM 6:35 AM 7:13 PM 7:16 AM 8:01 PM 8:00 AM 8:52 PM 8:50 AM 9:45 PM

High

Day

5:14 AM 5:55 PM 6:20 AM 6:57 PM 7:22 AM 7:54 PM 8:18 AM 8:45 PM 9:10 AM 9:34 PM 9:59 AM 10:19 PM 10:46 AM 11:02 PM 11:29 AM 11:44 PM 12:12 PM

28 THU

Low 9:43 AM 10:38 PM

29 FRI 10:39 AM 11:30 PM 30 SAT 11:33 AM

High 3:18 AM 3:57 PM 4:12 AM 4:53 PM 5:09 AM 5:50 PM

A Fine Arts Cooperative Presenting 35 Local Artists

12:24 AM 12:53 PM 1:04 AM 1:34 PM

Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery 94 Amelia Village Circle at the Spa & Shops Omni Amelia Island Plantation

1:46 AM 2:18 PM 2:30 AM 3:05 PM

4:07 AM 4:48 PM

On the first of the month, the sun rises at 7:02 a.m. DST and sets at 7:48 p.m. DST. On the last day of the month, the sun rises at 7:18 a.m. DST and sets at 7:12 p.m. DST. Daylight hours decrease an average of 1.7 minutes per day.

AUGUST Weather Avg. High 85 degrees Avg. Low 73 degrees Avg. Precip 7.33 inches

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

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.

Build our Plan on Your Land

A P PA R E L | A C C E S S O R I E S SHOES | GIFTS

Custom Homes at Production Prices • Free lot evaluation & fast pricing • Over 30 plans available • Professional Interior Design Coordinator to assist with interior & exterior selections )URP VWDUW WR ¿ QLVK

Nic + Zoe | Southern Tide Krazy Larry | Joseph Ribkoff Saint James | Jude Connally Jack Rogers | Tori Richard Sailor-Sailor | Gretchen Scott

We do it all

Julie Vos | Tribal HARRIS TEETER SHOPPING CENTER FIRST COAST HWY & S. FLETCHER AVE

Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:30

(904) 491-4878

www.SEDAspecialtyhomes.com (904)

571-3865

^ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟ ŽŶ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ͮ ' ϬϮϬϴϴϬ ͮ ΎƐĞĞ ĂŐĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ

37 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Addison Weeks â&#x20AC;˘ Barefoot Dreams Camilla â&#x20AC;˘ Cosabella â&#x20AC;˘ Finley Gretchen Scott â&#x20AC;˘ Julie Brown Katherine Way â&#x20AC;˘ Kendra Scott Lilly Pulitzer â&#x20AC;˘ Lilla P â&#x20AC;˘ Lisa Todd Lisette â&#x20AC;˘ Mara Hoffman â&#x20AC;˘ Mystique Roberta Roller Rabbit Taj by Sabrina â&#x20AC;˘ Trina Turk

Amelia Island

503 Centre Street â&#x20AC;˘ Downtown Historic District info@pearlboutique.style Mon-Thu 10-6 â&#x20AC;˘ Fri & Sat 10-7 â&#x20AC;˘ Sun 12-6 pearlboutique

D E S I G N E R

LAYAWAY AVAILABLE

10-5:30 Mon-Fri 10-5 Sat

Ä&#x2020; 6RXWK WK 6W S AV V Y

S H O P P I N G

73 Hawthorn Lane â&#x20AC;˘ St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, GA

912-673-6545 38 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2017

Atlantic Partners Jessica Miller (904) 753-1715 REALTOR

www.AmeliaIslander.com

www.amelia8flags.com

M I S S Y

J E W E L R Y

TRADE

A C C E S S O R I E S

CamdenOralSurgery.com

LL SE

Board CertiďŹ ed Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BU Y

Diane Pennington Mimick, DMD, MD

S H O P P I N G P E T I T E

Dental Implants â&#x20AC;˘ Wisdom Teeth â&#x20AC;˘ IV Sedation

H A N D B A G S

S AV V Y

around town 2017

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMB ER 1 Sounds on Centre

SEPTEMBER 8-10, 14, 15, 16 Wit at Amelia Community Theatre

Held 6 to 8 p.m. on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach, featuring local talented musicians. Sounds on Centre t-shirts will be available for purchase. Raffle drawings held throughout the event for prizes donated by local community businesses and retailers. All proceeds go to advertising efforts of the organization.

A Pulitzer Prize winning drama performed 8 p.m. all nights except September 10, which is at 2 p.m. Held at Studio 209, 209 Cedar Street.

Tickets $15. For more info, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.

SEPTEMBER 5-7, 12-14, 19-22, 26-28 Cha Cha, Waltz, Latin in Motion Fitness Class, and Dance Workshop Ballroom On Amelia offers Tuesday classes with Cha Cha at 7 p.m. and Waltz at 8 p.m. $10 each or both for $15. Latin in Motion fitness class Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Dance Workshop Thursdays at 7 p.m.; $10 for each class. Friday Night Dance Party September from 8 to10 p.m.; $10 cash at the door. Located at 1897 Island Walkway at RAD Studios; no partner or reservation required. For more info, call (904)624-0886, or visit ballroomonamelia.com or their Facebook page.

SEPTEMBER 6 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.

SEPTEMBER 6 Brown Bag Lunch 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.

SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 20, 27 BoogieBabies Class Easy, gentle dance class for babies, moms, dads and caregivers. Wear your baby in your favorite carrier and be ready for fun and connection with your baby. Held every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Precision Chiropractic, 1699 South 14th Street. Join their Facebook page for more information at www.facebook.com/groups/ BoogieBabiesAmelia.

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

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

SEPTEMBER 9 3rd Annual Redfish Spot Fishing Tournament

Educational program for men meets at 11:30 a.m. at Baptist Medical Center board room. For more information contact Lauren DeWitt at (904) 277-2700.

SEPTEMBER 15 Third on 3rd

A benefit for Fold of Honor Foundation, the tournament is open to all anglers. Captains Meeting September 8. Held at Amelia Island Marina, 251 Creekside Drive at the foot of the Shave Bridge. For full schedule of events visit www.ameliaislandguidesassociation.com or call (904) 430-6014.

SEPTEMBER 11 Jazz Concert at Savannah Grand Featuring the Les DeMerle Trio with vocalist Bonnie Eisele, performing hits from Streisand to Sinatra. Free admission; wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Located at 1900 Amelia Trace Court.

For more information call (904) 321-0998.

SEPTEMBER 11 Pink Ribbon Ladies 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.

SEPTEMB ER 12 Newcomers Club Coffee Hosting 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 info, contact Alma Cox at (954) 6109548, almacox2@yahoo.com, or visit www. newcomersclubofameliaisland.com.

SEPTEMBER 13 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 info, call (904) 305-2608.

SEPTEMBER 14 Art on 8th Stroll through shops and art galleries along 8th street while sampling great products and fine wines. 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, call (904) 310-9766.

39 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 14 Men Helping Men – Prostate Cancer Support Group

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. July’s presentation features Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s scholarship winner Skylar Nolan and his quartet.

Cost is $5 per person (free for members). For more information, call (904) 261-7378, or visit www.ameliamuseum.org.

SEPTEMBER 18 Acoustic Sessions Live music led by music director Tom Leon in Studio 209 at Amelia Community Theatre.

Performance 7:30 p.m., 209 Cedar Street.

Tickets $10. For more information call (904) 261-6749 or visit ameliacommunitytheatre.org.

SEPTEMBER 21 Writers By The Sea Writers and friends meet the third 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.

SEPTEMBER 27 Head and Neck Cancer Support Group SPOHNC is a support group for oral, head and neck cancer patients, held at Baptist Medical Center board room at 11:30 a.m. For more information contact Lauren DeWitt at (904) 277-2700.

SEPTEMBER 28-30, OCTOBER 5-8, 12-14, The 39 Steps at Amelia Community Theatre A comedy thriller kicks off ACT’s 37th season. All performances at 8 p.m. except for October 8, which is at 2 p.m. Held at Main Stage, 207 Cedar Street. Tickets $22 adults; $10 students through college. For more information call (904) 261-6749 or visit www. ameliacommunitytheatre.org.

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

www.AmeliaIslander.com

MADE WITH

LUV

You don’t have to LUV tennis to wear these adorable, hand-made skorts!

for the luv of tennis

These colorful skorts are perfect for tennis or a day at the beach! Locally made, with many patterns to choose from!

Earth-friendly • USA made • Local artisans • Gifts that give back

A portion of our sales will be donated to benefit ocean conservation.

STORE HOURS: M - Sat: 10:00 - 5:00 Sun: 12 - 4 1008 Atlantic Avenue

904-310-9050

follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Live Here, Rehab Here.

Serving our community for over 33 years Complete Medical & Nursing services.

Specializing in Cardiac and Post-op Orthopedic Recovery.

pambellphotography.com 904.277.9681 families, children, weddings & more 40 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

1625 Lime Street 904.261.0771 www.qualityhealthamelia.com www.AmeliaIslander.com

the

Dorian Dig Island Museum Exhibits Artifacts From the Dorion Dig Revealing Spanish Mission and Timucuan Artifacts

BY DICKIE ANDERSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY

W

hen you enter the Amelia Island Museum of History, you will be greeted by a museum volunteer who will explain the many options available to learn more about the amazing history of Amelia Island. You can choose to explore on your own, or join one of the tours offered mornings and afternoons.

Each exhibit provides detailed information about a period or periods in the island’s history. Tucked away on the first floor in a corner of the museum is an exhibit that tells the story of an archeological dig that uncovered evidence of a long-buried Spanish mission and an ancient Indian graveyard.

In the early 1980s, a Jacksonville couple, George and Dottie Dorion, bought three acres of land in Amelia Island Plantation and planned to build a house. When the land clearing began, human bones were discovered. The Dorions immediately stopped the excavation, and it was determined that the bones were those of Indians buried hundreds of years

ago. The Dorion Dig, as it was called, eventually revealed not only ancient bones, but artifacts from a 17th-century Spanish mission, one of several missions located on the same spot.

The Dorions financed nine years of excavations, abandoned their plans to build a house, and later sold the land.

During those nine years, the site was open to school groups and other interested people. What was discovered on the Dorions property were two Indian garbage heaps that predated the arrival of Europeans in Florida. In addition, the dig uncovered the remains of two 17th-century Spanish missions established for Indian refugees, nearly 200 Indian skeletons, debris from a late 18th-century plantation, and trash from a Civil War military encampment.

The original mission was built in 1684 to minister to the Guale Indians, who had been moved south from St. Catherine’s Island, Georgia by the Spanish to escape slave raiders from South Carolina. The missions on Amelia Island were part of

41 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

a system of missions that stretched from Elena, South Carolina to St. Augustine, Florida during the period when Spain dominated what is now the coast of the southeastern United States. At one time, there were as many as 150 missions.

Artifacts found during the years of the archeological dig were given to the Amelia Island Museum of History, the University of Florida, and loaned to other museums. The Mission Room has a painting of an austere Franciscan priest in his spartan sleeping quarters.

Displays in the room include a replica of a seal found during the archaeological dig that proved the existence of the mission. The seal was used in the sending of official documents.

The museum displays from the missions include grave goods, axes, shell necklaces, and other artifacts that reveal details of their daily lives.

Of historic significance is the original threshold that was part of the entry into the mission. It is thought to be the only one of such thresholds from the missions dotting the coast.

World-Class Cancer Care on Amelia Island

Ackerman Cancer Center.com Located on the Campus of Baptist Nassau

DALE TIFFANY™ 10 FISH ART GLASS SCULPTURE

OTHER COLORS AVAILABLE.

Get social

Designer Fashions, Home Accents, Gourmet Foods, and Toys, plus 24 Ice Cream and Yogurt Flavors. Perfect for the Whole Family.

and like us on

Our stock proudly includes John Medeiros Fine Jewelry, Willow Tree, Baggalini, Lampe Berger, Lauren G Adams Jewelry, and Nora Fleming.

@ameliaislandermagazine

Facebook!

107 Centre St. • 904-432-7932 CinnamonBearStores.com 42 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Gentle, quality dental care for your entire family

VOTED BEST OF THE BEST DENTIST 2012-2016 Now taking new patients ESTHETIC FILLINGS & CROWNS

BRACES

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

GENTLE CLEANINGS

EXTRACTIONS

BOTOX & JUVEDERM

DENTAL IMPLANTS

NIGHT- AND SNORE-GUARDS

SMILE MAKEOVERS

NITROUS OXIDE AVAILABLE

1699 S. 14th Street, Suite 21 (904)277-8500 www.ameliagentledentistry.com

6 South 14th Street • Fernandina Beach

DR. JOHN MCCLANE Optometrist

(904) 261-5741 Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery Advanced Technology Cataract Implants Blade-free Custom LASIK Medicare, Tricare, and most medical plans accepted Fresh Produce • Cut Loose Click • CMC • Tommy Bahama Neon Buddha • Pure Handknit French Dressing

Vera Bradley

Pineapple Patch 201 Centre St. • Historic District 321-2441

Amelia Island & Nassau County’s most trusted eyecare since 1948

DR. RUSSELL STACKHOUSE Cataract / LASIK Surgeon

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

Kate Spade • Fendi • Tom Ford • Silhouette • Airlock • Costa del Mar Michael Kors • Valentino • Ray Ban • Kenneth Cole • Nine West • Randy Jackson

CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

43 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

DR. TONY STUBITS Optometrist

snapShots AT THE AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY COMMUNITY APPRECIATION EVENT

DAVID, PLEE, AND JAMIE COLEMAN

GREY ENDFIELD AND FRANK OFELDT

JOANNE & PHILIP NIEMAN WTH DIANE O’MALLEY

THERESA & FRED EMERY

AT THE OPENING OF THE LILY PULITZER BOUTIQUE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND

BLAIR NOLAN, WILL WIEST, AND HEATHER JONES

JORDYN BROWN, CRYSTAL KEELEY, AND NALAH NASH

KATE AMES AND SCOTT BERGLUND

MOLLIE PILLING AND BETTY QUEALY

AT THE PLANTATION ARTISTS’ GALLERY & GUILD RECEPTION FOR STEVE LEIMBERG

ARTHUR & DIANE HERMAN WITH STEVE LEIMBERG

NED FLEMMING AND JAY JADIJA

MARY ANN BLACKWELL, CHRISTY HICKEY, AND DEBBIE AVERA

DEB COTTLE AND SHARON STANLEY

AT THE VILLA VILLEKULLA TOY STORE STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER EVENT

SUSANHOWARD, MICHELLE MADDOX, AND THERESA DUNCAN

ALLISON, BRENTLY, AND REAGAN HATCH

JACK, MELISSA, ,ZANE, AND CARLEIGH GIBSON

44 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

KASIE, OWEN, STEVEN, AND ANDREW SHAFER

www.AmeliaIslander.com

LAILY SCHLEGEL

Member of the International Multiple Listing Service Listings posted in over 70 countries in their own language Every property has an individual marketing plan & website

Realtor/Owner (904) 415-8256 Lailysellsamelia@gmail.com

Ask about our Property Management & Rental Program • Full Service, Low Fees • Maximum Income to Owners

GAZAL NAEENI Realtor Associate (904) 310-5599 Gazal4277@gmail.com

AmeliaInternationalRealty.com

www.

The Retreat

Introducing

AT FLORA PARKE

From the upper $200 ’s.

• Convenient Nassau County location • Close to historic Fernandina • Large homesites • Open, spacious floorplans • Excellent schools MOVE-IN • No CDD fees READY HOMES AVAILABLE (904) 491-1955 Located on A1A in Fernandina, 6 miles west of the Intracoastal Waterway bridge www.SEDAnewhomes.com CGC020880• SEDA Construction Company.

HOME FURNISHINGS • DESIGN SERVICES • FLOORIING ACCESSORIES • WALL DÉCOR • BED LINENS • FINE BEDDING

1112 South 14th Street • Amelia Island 904.261.6333 • www.lottsfurniture.com

45 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

snapShots AT THE ALS AMELIA ISLAND GOLF CLASSIC HONORING JOHN O’DAY

ARDITH O’DAY AND ANNE WOLD

JOHN GRADDY AND SEAN MAGUIRE

MARK O’DAY AND JOE CUTAJAR

MIKE WILLIAMS AND DOUG BAILEY

AT THE GRAND OPENING OF HUDSON & PERRY IN FERNANDINA BEACH

JASON & ASHLEY KENNEDY

BARBI COYNE AND JENNIFER WARD

SHANE GEARHART AND TYLER BIENER

OHN WYATT, CHRISTY EVANS, AND ASHLEY KENNEDY

AT THE AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL “3RD ON 3RD” SCHOLARSHIP EVENT

BONNIE EISELE, SKYLER NOLAN, AND LES DEMERLE

LES DE MERLE AND PHYLLIS DAVIS

TOM AND JAN NASRALLAH

ARRON LEHRIAN, SKYLER NOLAN, AND T.J. PERSON

AT THE AMELIA RIVER-TO-SEA TRAIL EVENT AT AMERICAN BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER

DAN PECK AND VIC KENSERPEKIAN

DIANE SEVLA WITH LINDA & GAYLE OLLIER

KAILEY POETER AND STEPHANIE KURTZ

46 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

MATT MILLAR AND ALISON HALSE

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Savannah Grand

a spectacular assisted living community

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

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

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

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

SSKYDIVE TODAY! O No Experience Necessary.*

$199 per

person Group Discounts

FERNANDINA BEACH 1900 SOUTH 14TH STREET YULEE 463775 STATE ROAD 200

BOOK NOW! *Must be 18 • 235 lbs. max

904.718.4648

SkydiveAmeliaIsland.com

904-777-6000 vystarcu.org

All new accounts and loans subject to approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. ©2017 VyStar Credit Union.

Raegan is an Amelia Island native who loves to share everything Amelia has to offer.

47 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

A SUMMER ADVENTURE ON THE

APPALACHIAN

TRAIL

BY KAREN MILLER • PHOTOS BY TROY ALLEN LAIR

E

ach summer, I leave my Amelia Island paradise for a taste of the mountains, and this year I decided to join my hiking friend, Rusty, who is thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. He and I agree to meet at the New York/Connecticut border for a 155mile hike though Connecticut and Massachusetts, ending in Bennington, Vermont.

Beguiling me with its meticulously painted red barns and sunny hillsides, the Connecticut section of the Appalachian Trail is surprisingly challenging. Although the elevation is low, ranging from 260 to 2,316 feet above sea level, Connecticut’s glacial activity has left behind rocks and boulders which are difficult to traverse.

In our first days, we hike along Ten Mile River, a popular whitewater paddling river which flows into the Housatonic River, and then we begin climbing—first up Schaghticoke Mountain, then Indian Rocks, and then Caleb’s Peak. We eventually reach Saint John’s Ledges, a popular destination for rock climbers with its steep stone steps and slab rocks, located in Kent.

After a harrowing descent down the Ledges, we meet a group of other hikers who are enjoying grilled burgers and fruit provided by a local trail angel. Trail angels are volunteers who help hikers with food or rides. Soon Rusty and I are back on the trail, hiking along the Housatonic River for many flat miles. This is a popular area for day hikers, with lots of places to picnic and swim.

Eventually we climb again, this time up Sharon Mountain in Housatonic State Forest. There is one shelter and three designated campsites on this part of the trail.

Pine Swamp Brook Shelter was built in 1989 and sleeps six.

We hike into one of my favorite Connecticut towns, Falls

Lion’s Li ion on’’s ’s H Head e d in ea nn northern orth ther her e n Co C Connecticut onn nnec ecti ticu icu cutt off ffeeers rrss great grea gr eatt views ea view vi ewss of tthe ew he w he western este es tern te rn p part artt of tthe ar he sstate. he tate ta te. te

Village, home to Great Falls and a three-quarter mile section of the trail that is wheelchair accessible, passing through the small village which used to be the site of a large ironworks.

Rusty and I stop for a swim at Great Falls, a welcome relief from the stifling heat, and continue towards the town of Salisbury, winding through a hardwood forest, a lush valley, and a rock formation called Giants Thumb. The descent into Salisbury is steep, and we are relieved to arrive in this pretty Connecticut town, where we have decided to stay at a hostel.

After a hot shower, pizza, and a good night’s sleep, Rusty and I tour the town before resupplying our food bags at the local market and heading north again, this time to Bear Mountain, Connecticut’s highest peak. Bad weather makes the climb and descent difficult, but soon we reach the Massachusetts border and Sages Ravine. We have hiked 55 miles.

The Appalachian Trail travels 90 miles in Massachusetts, winding through the Berkshires and passing over the highest point in the state at Mount Greylock, elevation 3,491 feet.

The trail travels over hills, valleys, and towns, crossing through forests of maple, oak, pine, spruce, and hemlock.

49 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Sages Ravine is a delight. The area is verdant after days of rain, and the forest reminds me of the Pacific Northwest, albeit with A field of wild bee balm runs along the Ten Mile River, just north much smaller trees. of the New York/Connecticut border.

Now mountains loom before us in what seems like one endless clamber—Mount Race, Mount Everett, Mount Bushnell, and Jug End. We finally arrive in Great Barrington to resupply our food bags again, meeting up with nice folks from an auto body shop, who invite us in for coffee to wait out the rain.

Rain is the nemesis of the AT hiker, making for slippery conditions and damp, musty tents, but it also means lots of bubbling, fresh water streams, so Rusty and I are happy to endure it. By the time we climb June and East Mountains, we are relieved to reach Tom Leonard Shelter, where we find a large group of hikers who are also trying to escape the rain.

Rusty and I have gathered wild mushrooms throughout the day, and we make a dish of coconut curry ramen while chatting with our new friends. The next day, we head north through Beartown State Forest. During the summer months, the area’s 35-acre Benedict Pond attracts swimmers, boaters, and fishermen.

Brooks, beaver ponds, flowering shrubs, and wildflowers are plentiful. After a quiet night at North Wilcox Shelter, we awake to a break in the weather. It’s a glorious day of sun, cool breezes, and low humidity – perfect hiking weather. In no time, Rusty and I are on our way to Upper Goose Pond, a favorite stopping-over place for AT hikers with its cabin, dock with swimming area, canoe rentals, and hearty pancake breakfast.

The next day we enjoy an easy climb up Becket Mountain, then a long, flat hike to the town of Becket, landing at a blueberry farm run by a woman known as “The Cookie Lady” who bakes chocolate chip cookies for hikers and allows camping on her farm. Rusty and I purchase a quart of berries and farm eggs, which we eat for Upper Goose Pond in Lee, Massachusetts, offers a cozy cabin, canoe rentals, pancake breakfast, dinner, then sleep well through the night, and stone cairns built anonymously by a local artist. which brings another drenching rain. We hike into the town of Dalton the next day, where we take a day off to shower, launder our clothes, and resupply our food bags.

When we head north again, we find a hiker’s oasis on Cheshire Cobble, a rocky outcrop where we spend the night, before going on to Mount Greylock. The climb to Greylock is gradual but long, and we enjoy our day of hiking across the Hoosic Valley. In another two days, we have crossed into Vermont, arriving in the historic town of Bennington, the end of my 155-mile trip.

Rusty hikes on to Maine, and I head back to Amelia Island, basking in the afterglow of the Appalachian Trail. The trip was challenging for this Florida girl, but well worth a few Many sections of the Appalachian Trail run through private sore muscles. For more information about the Trail, visit the land, like this corn field in northern Massachusetts.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy at www.appalachiantrail.org.

50 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

FULL LINE OF PETER MILLAR SEC AND ACC COLLEGIATE WEAR FILSON | BARBOUR | BUGATCHI | PETER MILLAR | FISH HIPPIE SMATHERS & BRANSON | HARI MARI | SAXX | SWIMS | PAIGE DL1961 | COLLARED GREENS | LUCCHESE | AFTCO | BRACKISH HILTL | MOORE & GILES | SHINOLA

216 Centre Street ~ Fernandina Beach ~ 904-310-6235 ~ www.jjcooper.net @shopjjcooper

SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE!

A Real Bakery, A Fun Boutique All Under One Woof!!

Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique

WIT (PG-13) Studio 209

September 8 - 16

THE 39 STEPS

Mon. - Fri.10am - 5:30pm • Sat.10am - 4pm Sun.12:30 - 4pm 809 South 8th Street • Amelia Island, FL 32034 • 904-321-0020 www.redbonesbakery.com

Main Stage

Sept. 28 - Oct. 14 2017/2018 Season Tickets on Sale!

18 Hole Miniature Golf Course Snack Bar

AMELIA COMMUNITY THEATRE

Birthday Party Room

207 Cedar Street

904-261-6749 ameliacommunitytheatre.org 51 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

1550 Sadler Road (across from Publix) 261-7881 • www.islandfalls.com www.AmeliaIslander.com

Patio Store The

Distinctive Patio and Outdoor Furniture

Windham • Beach Front • Tropitone • Kettler Lloyd Flanders • Sunbrella Fabric North Cape International • Outdoor Carpets • Outdoor Wicker Custom & Replacement Cushions • Tervis Tumblers “Quality, Durability and Competitive Prices”

AMELIA AUDIOLOGY Don’t Miss out on Life’s Great Conversations Patti Shelly-Lohman Au.D. 1411 S. 14th Street, Suite F Amelia Island, FL

904-491-1515 www.AmeliaAudiology.com

FREE DELIVERY & SET UP

McCall Tree Health

Open Tuesday – Friday 10:00 – 5:00 Saturday - 10:00 – 4:00 • Closed Sunday and Monday

Early McCall – ISA Certi¿ed Arborist – FL-6200A

Off Exit #3 in Kingsland • 1621 Highway 40 East Just East of the Publix Shopping Center and Blockbuster

912-729-1173

and Consulting, LLC

904-557-3951

www.McCalltree.com

Member: International Society of Arboriculture ISA Tree Risk Assessment Quali¿ed Advice on Health and Pruning of Your Trees Tree Health Care Treatments and Preservation Plans Protection of Trees During Construction “The Health and Safety of Your Trees is My Priority”

52 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

PHOTO BY SI GRIFFITHS

in the garden Witch Hazel

surefire shrubs While always on the lookout for interesting, new plants, don’t overlook tried-and-true favorites, such as shrubs like Burning Bush and Rose of Sharon.

BY BETTY MORRELL

S

eptember is the month of the annual Florida Growers trade show, when I get the opportunity to discover new plants for the coming season and share my findings with you. How exciting!

When I look back on gardening from ten years ago, I am amazed that so many of the plants we now put in our gardens did not exist then. Nurserymen are doing a wonderful job creating new and striking plants that we all enjoy now, and they keep them coming.

However, in searching for something new for the garden, I don’t want to overlook my favorite old standbys, like the beautiful and fragrant Oleanders, which are salt-tolerant. And don’t forget the always dependable Ligustrum, Pittosporum, or Viburnum, which makes a wonderful privacy hedge. If you don’t want tall ones, try the dwarf variety.

A few hardy stand-by shrubs I like are Burning Bush, Witch Hazel, Spreading Junipers, and Rose of Sharon.

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is one of the most-planted shrubs. It is easy to overlook throughout the year, except in fall when the leaves turn a

TIP OF T HE M O N T H Start cutting back your potted plants so new growth will get a good start before the colder weather. Evergreens can be cut back anytime of the year, along with hibiscus, giving them a healthy start to the fall.

vibrant red. Combine this beautiful shrub with some dark green evergreens to showcase the fall foliage. Dwarf varieties are available for small gardens.

Use Burning Bush as a hedge or to create a screen. It can also be used in foundation plantings or in a border.

Another shrub that I loved as a child (because I made dancing dolls out of the flowers) is the Rose of Sharon.

This shrub brings bold colors and big blooms to the garden. Flowers start opening in mid-summer in hues of white, red, pink, and lavender. Not only could I not resist the blooms, but the butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist the blooms either!

How about breathing life into winter scenery with the cheery yellow

53 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

blooms of Witch Hazel? This native shrub blooms from January to March, when other plants are sleeping. Its fall color features gold leaves. It works well as a specimen shrub, and its flowers show best when set against an background.

I enjoy having some tropicals in my garden, so Split Leaf Philodendrum and its dwarf counterpart, Xanadu, always have a spot in the mostly shady part of the yard, along with the striking Variegated Ginger. And don’t forget the little Peacock Ginger, with its dainty purple blooms, which makes great edging in the shade.

Creeping Junipers are tough, and they make terrific groundcover, growing 12 inches high and spreading from 6 to 10 feet across. This shrub iss an old standby as a border for landscaping around foundations. Blue Rug has blue leaves, and Bar Harbor tolerates salt spray well. Next month I’ll another new plant I know you’ll enjoy in your garden.

If you have any questions, you can email me at bamorrell@aol.com. In the meantime, Happy Gardening!

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Retirement made easy...

Floridian Enclave at

Flora Parke

• New homes READY NOW from the upper $200’s • Gated community close to Amelia Island • Lawn care provided by the HOA • Great for “empty-nesters” • Luxurious features

www.SEDAnewhomes.com

(904) 696-3483 Directions: A1A, south on Amelia Concourse to the Floridian Enclave on the left.

CGC020880 SEDA Construction Company *See agent for details.

Mention this ad and receive up to 20% off.

474431 East State Road 200 Fernandina Beach (904) 261-5066

www.bridgeviewstorage.com

MINE HILL TRADING COMPANY Coastal Furnishings • Unique Lighting Gifts & Accessories Open Tues - Sat • 10 am to 5 pm 904.310.6823

Turning your dream of living on Amelia Island into reality!

5210 1ST COAST HIGHWAY AMELIA ISLAND

Capprice Kitchen, REALTOR® 904.535.3997 Capprice@AmeliaIslandDreamHomes.com For Property Listings, visit AmeliaIslandDreamHomes.com.

Vignette® Modern Roman Shades

Wrap up your holiday décor now and save.

$100 REBATE ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES OF HUNTER DOUGLAS WINDOW FASHIONS Make sure your home is holiday ready by ordering beautiful new Hunter Douglas window fashions today. Rebate savings are available on select styles, 9/16/17 through 12/11/17. Ask for details.

Rowland's Upholstery Plus 1120 S 8th St. M-Th: 9 am - 5:30 pm, F: 9 am - 5 pm Sat: 10 am - 3 pm Sun: Closed 904-261-5842 rowlandsupholsteryofamelia.com

Chaplin Williams Realty

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/16/17—12/11/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q4MAGVIGC1

54 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

#AmeliaIslandLiving

island home

Right: The home’s beautiful gray-shingled facade is both traditional and contemporary.

Below: The living room, utilizing neutral tones, showcases Joanie and Jeff’s treasured antiques.

swedish

chic

BY DICKIE ANDERSON PHOTOS BY NEAL SMITH, ECVT PHOTOGRAPHY

A

fter moving to Amelia Island, Joanie Michas and Jeff Barnes dreamed of designing a house together. Their frequent bicycle trips took them past a lot that they agreed had great potential for enjoying sunsets and views of the marsh.

When the parcel became available, they were quick to act. The end result is a very special house with all the custom details the couple wanted.

The grey shingled house sits on a small lot with a pond in front and marsh views and the Intracoastal Waterway in back.

The three bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home incorporates the couple’s ideas and interests, including a collection of Swedish antiques of the Gustavian period. Jeff, an architect by trade, designed the house. His admiration for museums and their effective use of light and space were a source of inspiration.

55 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

island home

Top: The dining area opens onto the comfortable living room and the subtle, minimal kitchen area.

Above: The back patio, shaded by oak trees, looks over the golf course and the Amelia River.

Having vacationed on Nantucket for years, Joanie loved the weathered gray shingle-style homes there. As an architect, Jeff has designed hundreds of such homes in New England and on Amelia Island. The couple used Jeff’s method of hand-dipping each shingle in weathering stain to ensure full coverage and hanging then on a line to dry. Although the house is shingle-style, the interior is contemporary. The house has an open floor plan, multiple levels and ceiling heights, and a “floating” studio overlooking the entry foyer and living room.

Of Swedish decent, Joanie has been collecting Swedish antiques for years. They fit perfectly with Jeff’s simple, clean design, combining the patina of old painted wood with sleek, contemporary elements. Jeff used collected treasures from his barn in Vermont in the design of the house. These include an

old eight-foot tall set of French doors, an aged iron garden railing from a 19th-century house, and rough-hewn beams rescued from a barn in western Vermont.

The couple wanted the kitchen to fit subtly in the center of the house. It has a clean, minimal feeling, with a gray and beige palette. Elongated crackled gray tiles give a striking look to the backsplash. Searching stone yards, they found a creamy quartzite slab for the kitchen island and countertops. They used the same Taj Mahal quartzite in the fireplace surround and in the master bath.

The interior wall surfaces are white and soft gray throughout the house, not unlike the museums Jeff admires. A unique wall treatment in the master bedroom utilizes striated limestone, contrasting with the shiplap walls and the lightcolored brushed oak floors found throughout the house.

56 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Your Gateway to

Amelia Island

Tiffany T Tiff T. Shaw h Coldwell Banker The Amelia Group www.TiffanyTShaw.com 904.335.0583

Experience, Knowledge and Dedication for your Real Estate needs.

Miss an issue?

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

Sales & Rentals ◆ ◆ Property Management ◆ ◆ Association Management ◆ ◆

ameliaislander.com

1880 South 14th Street, Suite 103 • Fernandina Beach www.galphinre.com • 277-6597 57 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

island home

Right: The contemporary bathroom utilizes dramatic raised sinks and a stand-alone bath tub.

Below: The spacious master bedroom was designed with classic neutral tones.

Lower left: The sunny guest room adjoins the upstairs sunroom.

On one of their many trips to Vermont, the couple found an antique gallery specializing in Swedish Gustavian antiques, which became favorites.

Gustavian antiques use pale pastel coloring with shades of gray, light blue, and salmon. Their collection began with a 1790s Mora clock, which uses pale colors and a simple style that appeals to decorators and collectors. Mora clocks are made in a variety of shapes based on a figure eight or the rounded female form. The clock greets visitors as they enter the house.

Another striking piece is a salmon painted secretary in the living room.

Several favorite collections are evident throughout, including Jeffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of hand-carved decorative mirrors and weathervanes.

58 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Trust your Amelia Island Real Estate to an Amelia Island Expert.

Joe Cutajar | Broker Associate THE CUTAJAR GROUP

m 904.753.0365 | o 904.277.6522 joe.cutajar@sothebysrealty.com | www.SIR.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

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

NO OVERTIME CHARGES 8AM - 8PM

LASSERRE R E A L E S TAT E , I N C

CAC1816630

Residential • Commercial • Rentals

F AMILY AMI Y OWNED & OPERATED OPER TED FAMILY SE VING NASSAU COUNTY FOR OVER 27 YEARS SERVING

Call Anytime 904.261.4066 lasserrerealestate@att.net

Same Day Service RADIO DISPATCHED DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Let us help you find the best home port location.

FREE ESTIMATES

ASK US HOW

ON EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT

Honeywell’s New Wi-Fi Enabled Thermostat

Up to 18 Months Interest FREE Call or come by today for more info.

3028 8th St/SR 200/A1A Amelia Island, FL 32034 www.lasserrerealestate.com

Call

904-261-9445 to find out 5174 First Coast Hwy. Fernandina Beach

59 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

12 year parts 12 and labor warranty www.AmeliaIslander.com

island home Right: A floating office space on the second floor connects to the sun room/family room area.

Below: The upstairs sunroom sitting area opens onto his and hers offices, the guest room, and the second-floor porch.

Lower left: The front entry has a dramatic laser-cut rail system and the couple’s treasured Mora Clock.

The couple is quick to credit those involved in building their dream home, including Lendry Homes, a builder of artfully detailed homes in coastal communities like Amelia Island. They also brought in craftsman from Vermont, who installed the lasercut hand rail system on the staircases, built the shiplap walls, and welded the garden railing encircling the sun room.

Wendy Smith, Jeff’s sister and owner of Malachite Interiors, was a great source for fabrics and finishing touches that pulled it all together.

“Five o’clock seems to find us on the second floor screened porch,” says Joanie.” We never get tired of the glorious sunsets and the little marsh tributaries that twinkle like silver ribbons as the sun goes down. Amelia Island is a magical place.”

60 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

The Kirouac Group, LLC is Fernandina Beach’s premier custom home design builder. The breathtaking luxury custom homes designed and built

by The Kirouac Group are recognized by their beautiful aesthetics, unsurpassed craftsmanship, and environmentally responsive design and construction. Our unmatched dedication to our clients has earned us a reputation for being a leading builder of exceptional custom homes.

Innovative and original, every Kirouac Group home is a unique result of the client’s vision and the company’s expertise. No matter what your dream or vision, the talent and skill of The Kirouac Group can bring your dream to life.

904.430.0272 1678 South 8th Street, Suite G4, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 www.thekirouacgroup.com CBC 1254358

Need some direction?

AMELIA

LAND IS MAP & GUIDE

Amelia

ISLANDER M A G A Z I N E

Pick up the Amelia Island Map & Guide for information on great food, fun things to do, and fabulous places to rest. www.ameliaislandfloridamap.com 61 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

eating scene

Lulu’s AT THE THOMPSON HOUSE Tucked into a corner off Centre Street, Lulu’s serves delicious and beautifully prepared favorites like Shrimp & Grits, Oyster Po’ Boys, and Braised Short Ribs.

BY MICHAEL GASS • PHOTO BY WILLIAM RASER

T

here are summer showers, and then there are gully washers. On this afternoon, rivers of water poured down South 7th Street as I pulled in to meet with Melanie and Brian Grimley, the beauty and the brawn behind Lulu’s at the Thompson House. When I popped in to greet my hosts after the rain died down, I found the place nearly full early on a soggy Tuesday afternoon.

I settled under the covered patio outside, where I watched a large group come down the coquina path and through the

garden. Despite being tucked away off Centre Street, discerning diners seek out Lulu’s for its vibrant flavors and attention to detail. After spending the day in my classroom and kitchen at FBHS, I was looking forward to catching up with friends, tasting some of Lulu’s favorite dishes, and getting the scoop on their next enterprise, Lagniappe Restaurant, due to open later this year on the south end of the island.

One thing about Brian that can’t be overstated is his personal relationship with his food. In lieu of black beans on

his fish tacos, Chef Brian uses Sea Island peas cooked slow and low and spiked with his blend of Creole herbs and spices. As I sampled them, I wondered how an Englishman became so enamored with the food of New Orleans and the Low Country, and as if on cue, Brian launched into a story about the first time he met Chef Paul Prudhomme.

The recent Southern food revival has brought many heirloom grains back to the market, a fact not lost on Brian or his Chef de Cuisine Carey Todd. Chef Carey was happy about a new company out of South Carolina called Geechie Boy Mill, a small family farm producing heirloom vegetables and some the finest grits I’ve ever tasted. Lulu’s Shrimp and Grits entree is loaded with andouille sausage, tasso ham, and local shrimp, but the grits in this dish don’t play second fiddle. Decadently creamy thanks to the coarse grind in an antique mill, the natural aroma of the corn shines through the piquant flavors of the bayou.

My favorite item on Lulu’s menu is their mussels: piled high, and swimming in a green curry broth. As I asked about the Grimleys’ next big adventure, Chef Carey appeared with a new version of the dish, ready for the menu at Lagniappe, topped with bacon and blue cheese. The smoky flavor of the bacon is an inspired partner to the tangy cheese, coating each mussel in a surprisingly light sauce without overpowering their subtle sweetness.

Lagniappe (lahn-yap) still has a few more months before it’s ready to host customers, but if the mussels are any indication, the menu is heavy on the wow factor. The restaurant will feature the food and the spirits of the southeastern United States.

While I am looking forward to Brian and Melanie’s next adventure, I am delighted that the quality food and family feeling that I love will still be available downtown. Lulu’s is located at 11 S. 7th Street and is open Sundays for brunch, and Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

62 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Mon - Thur 7am - 3pm • Fri & Sat 7am - 9pm Sun 8am - 3pm Early Bird Specials • Catering & Birthday Parties 1120 S. 14th Street • (904) 432-8400

FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD & STEAKS Beer • Wine • Cocktails • Sunset Bar M-F OPEN 4:30PM • Sa & Su OPEN 11AM ASK ABOUT OUR SEASONAL SPECIALS

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

2ND LOCATION NOW OPEN IN YULEE!

BEST SUSHI IN TOWN

JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI BAR 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

63 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

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

www.AmeliaIslander.com

dining guide

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

ine Jacksonville Magaz

14 South Second Street • 321-2558

Top 25

Fe

&

ri

7 %$6.(

da

3,&1,

o

7KH

Find us on Facebook and Trip Advisor!

rn

an

dina Bea

ch

,

Fl

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

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

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

904-277-3141 www.nassauhealthfoods.net

OPEN FOR LUNCH Tue – Sat 11am – 3pm DINNER Tue – Sat 5 – 9pm 5472 First Coast Highway at Park Place 904.321.2430 | horizonsameliaisland.com 64 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

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 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, 8 am - 3pm. Mon -Sat. 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!

AMELIA ISLAND - FLORIDA

LEDDY’S

PORCH

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

LIVE Music

Classic cocktails, great wines, & craft beers

on Fri, Sat, & Sun

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

Private Room/Catering/Special Events Open Mon - Fri 5pm to 9:30pm Sat & Sun 3pm to 9:30pm 2709 Sadler Rd • 904.261.4646 www.lamancharestaurante.com

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

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

F=Full bar, B/W=Beer & Wine 65 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, or tapas— we are the #1 destination for flavor in North Florida. Join us tonight for an exceptional dining experience.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

HOR$E $EN$E = HOU$E CENT$

for the wedding of your

Dreams

Find out why 904.206.0419 Fernandina Beach Realty 2057 South Fletcher Avenue

group

DEBORAH PHELAN SMART PEOPLE USE SMART AGENTS

plantation shutters blinds shades

r visit ou om showro

wood Àooring laminate • tile 1453 S 8th Street Fernandina Beach,FL

904-802-2120 info@msm.group

www.msm.group 66 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

ameliaislandweddingsmagazine.com PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Total privacy.

Impeccable condition.

You won’t believe the privacy afforded in this custom brick & stucco home in sought-after Long Point. Features a gracious and lushly landscaped homesite, concrete tile roof, Andersen windows & doors, detached guest house with guest suite and separate office or hobby space, Bill Mooney custom cabinetry, California Closets, smooth ceilings, 3 garage bays, wine cellar, and tasteful appointments throughout. Approximately 2,000 square feet of extended living space greets you just off the family room with pool, spa, and summer kitchen which overlook the serene marsh with tranquil seclusion. The kitchen will impress, the main level master suite will spoil & the upper media room with Magneplanar sound will entertain.

For more information on this exceptional property, contact Claudia Watts at Coldwell Banker The Amelia Group at (904) 566-4000.

67 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

The only brokerage on Amelia Island Plantation.

Click or stop by today!

5 Sound Point Court Beautiful marsh/ICW views from this custom home being built on a private and secure homesite. 1.10 acre lot includes 25ft long deep water boat slip, 4 boat slips + kayak dock, exclusively for neighborhood owners. $2,588,000

51 Sea Marsh Rd This 4 BR/3.5BA home is the perfect place for social gatherings. A double-sided gas FP, wood floors and vaulted ceiling add elegant touches to the room, along with golf course views. Remodeled kitchen has many upscale features. $975,000

327/328 Sandcastles Villa Completely remodeled, fully furnished, penthouse villa with 2BR/2BA and stunning Atlantic Ocean views! A Premium condo on the Omni Rental program with an impressive rental history. $599,000

1844 Turtle Dunes Villa 2BR/2BA, 4th floor condo offers oceanfront living on Amelia Island. Updated kitchen. Expansive ocean views, private balconies. A/C unit (inside and out) replaced in 2015. $565,000

204 Sandcastles Villa Oceanfront luxury villa on the 1st floor with easy beach access! Very recently remodeled/redesigned. Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, new cabinets and more!

This unique Sandcastles Villa is being sold furnished. $359,000

96006 Brady Point (Lot 35 Brady Point) Enjoy scenic views from this 1.5+ acre marsh front home site in an upscale, gated community is located just west of Amelia Island. Includes access to The Landing, a screened dining area and an observation dock. $255,000

Download our mobile app

AMELIA RE

Call (904) 277-5980 Or visit AmeliaIslandRealEstate.net

ŠAmelia 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

87377 RADDIN DIN ROAD

Large Country Estate close to Amelia Island. Over 3 acres and zoned OR, so bring your horses! Large custom-built home is perfect for entertaining and families, with tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and granite throughout. Summer kitchen and large pool. 3-car garage has additional covered parking space for RV or boat. Each bedroom designed as master suite with large bathroom and closet. Enjoy all that country living has to offer!

MLS#74387 $777,000

JUST REDUCED

2140 BLUE HERON COURT

3 BR/2 BA home on Amelia Island on corner lot close to schools, shopping, dining, and beaches. Great rental potential.

Large screened back porch plus building in yard for storage or shop. Property sold “as is.” MLS#74646 $265,000

JOSIE DEAL 904-415-1952

EVIE BREWER 904-583-4751

1754 S 15TH STREET

Charming cottage in Amelia Park with open floorplan in mint condition. Lovely front porch and Plantation shutters. Gourmet kitchen with white cabinets, stainless appliances, and granite countertops. Private office makes this the perfect home! MLS#74505 $444,000

JUST REDUCED

86305 MEADOWFIELD BLUFFS

Beautifully maintained 3 BR/2 BA home has newly built dock with deep water access to Lofton Creek. Located on quiet dead-end street. Property also includes 400 sq. ft. workshop, which could be made into guest quarters. MLS#74446 $439,900

1393 HARRISON POINT TRAIL

Beautiful split plan home in immaculate condition with recent renovations including interior and exterior paint, stainless kitchen appliances, and more! Fabulous hardwood floors in master bedroom, dining room, and great room. MLS#76561 $374,000

Testimonial from a Seller ~ We got a full price offer on our home. Sale went great. The Island Team told me what was needed to sell the house and what to expect the entire way through the process. They did an awesome job!

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

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

96094 Azalea Lane One of a kind meticulously maintained 3BR/ 2.5BA home with deep water access and expansive views of Lanceford Creek. Excellent floor plan with master bedroom on main level. $735,000 MLS# 74669

3280 S. Fletcher Ave. New oceanfront custom home designed by Cotner being sold fully furnished. 5BR/5BA. This fully appointed home is a must see, including a salt water pool with a travertine patio and new boardwalk to the beach. $3,600,000 MLS# 69529

4020 S. Fletcher Ave. Incredible oceanfront home with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This custom home 4BR/4BA offers an open floor plan with 10' ceilings and 8' doors, plantation shutters and beautiful custom trim throughout. $2,999,000 MLS# 64035

2151 Inverness Rd. 3BR/2BA home with great central island location in the desirable Lakewood neighborhood. Open and bright floor plan with vaulted ceiling in the great room, dining area and kitchen. Wood burning fireplace in great room. $287,900 MLS# 76721

2408 Los Robles Dr. Fantastic opportunity to own a 3BR/4.5BA home on Amelia Island. Located on a low maintenance half acre lot with professional grade landscape lighting. This beautifully renovated home has many upgraded features. $539,000 MLS# 76601

3424 Sea Marsh Rd. Located on Omni Amelia Island Plantation, this 3BR/3BA villa with direct frontage on the marsh offers one of the most superior settings, with views of the Intracoastal, marsh and stunning sunsets. $339,000 MLS# 76001

Glenn Hancock REALTOR 904-583-7099

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

(904) 556-1258 â&#x20AC;˘ troxelproperties.com

96015 Monterey Street $449,000

Private 3 BR, 2 BA waterfront home on Lanceford Creek. Vaulted ceilings, tons of natural light and large picture windows to maximize the incredible view. Large deck to enjoy grilling and dolphin watching. No HOA. Plenty of storage including a huge walk in attic and shed. Amazing location and just a short drive to island. MLS#76674

1901 Perimeter Park Road $574,900

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

Pat Troxel (904) 556-3228

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Pam Troxel (904) 556-1258

Sara Terry (904) 415-1375

97082 Pirates Point Road $379,000

Waterfront home in Pirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood with private dock and boat lift. Hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, plantation shutters, wood burning fireplace, and sunroom. Awesome views over the Bells River of Cumberland Island from the upstairs master bedroom. 3 beds/2 baths with 1862 sq ft. Community boat ramp, clubhouse and pool. MLS#76675

1402 Beach Walker Road $995,000

Luxury and upgrades in this 3BR/2.5BA Amelia Park home. Oak wood flooring & tile throughout. Kitchen features granite, stainless appliances, gas stove, and walk-in pantry. Gas fireplace, custom built bookcase and surround sound, two outdoor porches for entertaining, immaculate garage, and designed with an elevator shaft in place! MLS#75879

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

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

SALE PENDING

SOLD!

1209 Beach Walker Road $315,000

Lagoon and nature views from this 2BR/2BA condo at Amelia Island Plantation. Features tile flooring throughout, custom window blinds, wet bar, exterior lighting, and brick pavers on patio. NEW roof and A/C unit. Renovated kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless appliances and glass subway tile backsplash. Close to beach! MLS#75877

96303 Piney Island Drive $699,000

Breathtaking marsh views from this custom-built 4 BR/2.5 BA home currently under construction. Built in the low-country style, this property will feature a nicely equipped kitchen with center island and eat-in nook, separate dining room, game room, bonus room, and large outdoor patio for entertaining.

MLS#75876

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

UNIQUE REALTY, INC. MARIANN DAHL Owner / Broker

904-261-3900 904-206-2195 - Cell mariann@UniqueAmeliaIsland.com

122 SEA MARSH ROAD $ 1,100,000 LAILY SCHLEGEL

GAZAL NAEENI

Realtor/Owner

Realtor Associate

(904) 415-8256 Lailysellsamelia@gmail.com

(904) 310-5599 Gazal4277@gmail.com

We bring to both buyers and sellers..., strong work ethic, attention to detail, and an enthusiastic desire to bring the two together!

AmeliaInternationalRealty.com

www.

DUNES ROW COURT, LOT#5

Situated in gated enclave in AIP Resort. Build your 7,000 sq.ft. dream home on a wooded oceanfront lot with west-looking views of marsh.

Amelia Island Club membership is available. MLS#73824 $1,500,000 www.lot5dunesrow.com

1667 SEA DUNES PLACE

Oceanfront 5th floor villa with views of Intracoastal. Living and dining open to patio. Kitchen has granite counters. All 3 bedrooms have private baths. Fully renovated with all bells and whistles. Impressive rental history. MLS#75894 $995,000 www.1667seadunes.com

Beautiful, elegant 5,340 sq. ft., 4 BR/3 BA, and 1/2 guest BA, Traditionalstyle home! Enjoy wide open floor plan with 12’ high ceilings in LR, DR, MBR, kitchen and sunroom. Large handicap walk-in shower, laundry room and office area. 4th bedroom (den) includes a bed tucked in a faux 2nd closet. Upstairs boasts 2 large bedrooms, 2 en-suite baths and a wonderful great/media room: 29’x18’—over 550 SF! Kitchen includes gas range, fireplace, grill, wet bar, and mini fridge. Plus, large 3 car garage! Lush landscaping! Video online or by email! MLS #76804

VACATION RENTALS – AIP OCEANFRONT, MARSH AND RESORT VIEWS GOLF AND TENNIS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

“We live and love where we sell!” www.UniqueAmeliaIsland.com

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 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

39 Beach Walker Rd Tucked in the woods, but wide open spaces inside. This home is all about bringing the outdoors in.

Vaulted ceilings, wood floors and ceilings, a central gas fireplace with built-in wood cabinets.

Private decks, screened porch and multiple areas for outdoor living. Workshop and oversized garage.

More than ample storage, all within the Amelia Island Plantation. Close to the beach and shops. MLS#74744 $667,000

33093 Prairie Park Pl One of the best views in Flora Parke! Lovely home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, plus office and 3 car garage. A sizeable four season glassed in porch and wall of glass brings the outdoors in. Large kitchen with center dining island, granite counters and stainless appliances. Pond views from most rooms and bricked patio with outdoor fire pit. MLS#76540 $365,000

87555 Creekside Dr Exceptional 3BR/2BA home has spacious rooms and plentiful storage. Leaded glass front door, detailed crown molding, and fireplace. Kitchen has granite counters, quartz backsplash, bar seating at the counter, and pantry.

Master suite features crown molding, view of garden, dual sinks, garden tub, walk-in shower, and large walk-in closet. Screened and tiled porch overlooking gardens. MLS#76349 $235,000

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

~ Featured Listings ~ CARLTON DUNES AT SUMMER BEACH

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

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

These units start at $1,450,000.

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 start at $639,000 and are direct oceanfront.

Rent a beautiful Ocean Place unit.

View virtual at www.vrbo.com. #224773

Come & Enjoy Our Five Diamond Neighbors

MARCY MOCK 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

Ellen Goulding Myers Broker-Associate (904) 556-0472 ellengmyers@yahoo.com

FREE Home Waranty for ALL Sellers and Buyers Put 50 years of combined experience to work for you.

Call Carol or John Woodmansee today!

(904) 419-9080

For more information on these properties and others, visit me at www.DiscoveringAmeliaIsland.com

AmeliaFernandinaRealEstate@gmail.com

87 SEA MARSH ROAD ~ $797,000 AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION

200 River Oaks Drive ~ $535,000

Don’t let this one get away! Stunning home with guest house located on the 4th fairway of Oak Marsh Golf Course within the gates of the exclusive Amelia Island Plantation. Long winding driveway leads to house in front & around to side-entry garage. Main house: custom lead-glass front door leads to open foyer and immediate views to golf; 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths, each bedroom with a private bath, master is on main floor, guest bedrooms upstairs; formal living & dining rooms, large open kitchen w/large island opens to family room with gas fireplace. Bright and open to back patio with beautiful golf views, all beautifully finished off with plantation shutters.

Guest house was built in 2005 and consists of 2 bedrooms & 2 en-suite baths - one up & one down - and wet bar with mini-fridge.

UNDER CONTRACT

W NE

!

NG I T LIS

AMELIA ISLAND: Stately home, 3,077 s.f. graces meticulously landscaped 1/2+ acre. 4 BR, 3 1/2 BA, grand foyer with 20’ ceiling. Gourmet kitchen with back stairway, stainless appliances, chef’s island with glass cooktop, built-ins, 42” cabinets, breakfast nook and bay window. Exquisite great room with Ƃreplace.

Study. Carpet, tile, and wood ƃoors. Close to historic downtown, beaches, restaurants, shopping. Easy drive to JAX airport.

96238 Long Beach Drive ~ $254,000

4 BELTED KINGFISHER ~ $550,000 AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION Charming & quaint cottage in exclusive Amelia Island Plantation! Recently updated with marble floors throughout the downstairs, renovated kitchen with large island, all appliances have been replaced, bathrooms updated all within the past 3 years. Courtyard entrance enclosed by trellis with double doors leading into the foyer. Large formal living room has beautiful 2-story cathedral ceiling & wood burning fireplace. Large formal dining room looking out to back deck and private back yard. Granite counters in kitchen, master bath, & powder room. Screened porch with 2-story ceiling leading out to back deck and yard.

NORTH HAMPTON: 3BR and ofƂce, 2BA, 3 car garage.

All usable 2,040 sq. ft. with soaring ceilings, chef’s kitchen, ! great room, Ƃreplace, BOSE ICE Surround Sound. Enjoy the R P astonishing sunsets that reƃect W NE off the lake. Video tour at www.NorthHamptonGolfCommunity.com.

Attention Experienced Agents

Would you like a better split and no desk fees?

Call or email Carol for a conßdential meeting.

Ask what we can do for you.

Email: AmeliaFernandinaRealEstate@gmail.com

make your day your best day...

ameliaislandweddingsmagazine.com PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

75 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ JULY 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

backyard adventure

pickleball for all

BY JULIE SIMMONS • PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FERNANDINA PICKLEBALL PIRATES

P

ickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and here on Amelia Island! Perhaps you’ve noticed the four new courts that opened in Central Park—the courts where around 50 people regularly play the game each week.

Pickleball is a hybrid of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly lowered tennis net using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Invented in 1965 outside of Seattle by dads trying to entertain their kids in the backyard, accounts of how the name originated differ.

The inventor’s wife said it is named for a “pickle boat” in crew, a collection of the leftovers from other boats, just as pickleball is a mix of sports. Others claim that the family dog, Pickles, was the inspiration, while the inventors claim the dog was named for the game.

Fernandina Pickleball Pirates on the court in Central Park.

On Amelia Island, David Cultice approached the City of Fernandina Beach four years ago about bringing pickleball here.

Soon after, games began at Main Beach. It wasn’t long before the city realized this was a big deal and that the expanding community of players was outgrowing the space available.

Plans were made for the new courts, which opened in September last year. “Our department is open to anything that promotes recreation and wellness,” says Parks and Recreation Manager Jay Robertson.

Recently, I was lucky enough to have a private lesson with David, who is a USAPA Ambassador. When I walked up and saw folks in line waiting to play and observed the fast competition on the court, I wondered if maybe I should have ducked this assignment! A just-in-time friendly welcome from Patty Sorensen, Bruce Henkel, who recognized me from our neighborhood, and David put me at ease. “Don’t worry, you’ll be confused by the scoring the whole time,” they reassured me. “Just focus on hitting the ball.”

After a few warm-up swings, a couple of successful volleys, and a few serves that landed in the target area, I was having a ball! Many people think this is a slow game for older folks, but I quickly David Cultice learned that was not true. It is fast, furious, and fun to play.

The smaller court size makes the game manageable for all levels of mobility, but it can be played at a speed that provides a great workout. “I burn more calories here than I ever did in tennis,” says Patty.

“We like seeing participants from age 10 to 90 on the court,” says Jay. “This is one of the few games I can play with my 67-year-old father without a gap in ability.”

“Pickleball creates great friendships on and off the court, and it brings out the competitive side of everyone,” said Chmone Ashley. She and her family are champion players who frequent the courts preparing for their next tournaments.

If you are ready to laugh and have a great time, don’t worry about being a little green, everyone is welcoming and ready to help you learn the game. A sign on the fence at the courts lists dedicated play times for novice and experienced players.

For more information, contact the City of Fernandina Beach (904) 310-3350 or visit the Fernandina Beach Pickleball Pirates Facebook page.

76 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2017

www.AmeliaIslander.com

NOW OPEN AT

Osprey Village, Perfecting Retirement on Amelia Island.

When you become a Member of Osprey Village at Amelia Island Plantation you also become a Member of The Amelia Island Club. With 3 Master-Designed Golf Courses, 23 Har-Tru Tennis Courts, 3 Distinct Clubhouses, an Endless Social Calendar, All of the Amenities of Osprey Village, The Amelia Island Club and The Amelia Island Plantation; it’s hard to compare to anything else.

48 Osprey Village Drive • Amelia Island, FL 32034 • (904) 491-2412 • Osprey-Village.com Florida’s Premier Retirement Community Assisted Living Facility #AL9197 Home Health License #29993376