Amelia Islander - December 2020

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Amelia

ISLANDER DECEMBER 2020

Celebrating the

Holidays

on Amelia Island

plus: METHODIST CHURCH NATIVITY SCENE •

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DECEMBER 2020

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“

Amelia

Each year in

ISLANDER

December, we enjoy presenting

Philip Kelly Deana Basile Kelly Publishers and Editors

to our readers all the various and festive

Tom Barrett Art Director

ways that Amelia

Mark O’Day Sales Manager

Island celebrates the holidays.

”

Each year in December, we enjoy presenting to our readers all the various and festive ways that Amelia Island celebrates the holidays. Christmas is a wonderful time here, and the joy of the season is everywhere evident, from a sandman Santa on the beach to a parade of holiday costumed pets or a full-blown Victorian Christmas. This year, in the time of our Covid Christmas, some of our public events will change, but Amelia Islanders will continue to carry the holiday spirit in their hearts and celebrate the joys of the season with family and friends one way or another.

At this time of year, Amelia Island brims with generosity and good cheer, and many selflessly donate their time to assist those less fortunate through Joy to the Children, Barnabas, and various church charitable programs. Some of these programs and events will also be transformed this year, but the need for many will be even greater. Please consider lending a helping hand to these worthy organizations wherever possible. Check with your church and your favorite charity to see how you can help. Behind the shopping lists and rich food is the “reason for the season,” and we celebrate that with a spirit of giving and time for reflection. Every season here has its special joys, but we think Amelia Island’s generosity during the Christmas season shows off our island paradise at its best.

We have included in our December cover story all the traditional holiday happenings taking place this year, including the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour; a Covid-revised “Dickens on Centre” in downtown Fernandina Beach; the muchloved “An Evening in December” at Amelia Baptist Church; a number of holiday music events, including a big band Christmas concert with Crescendo Amelia, and many other fun events. Please note that all these events are subject to change. We hope you find plenty of opportunities to share in the spirit of season by spending time with family and friends, and just spreading a little good cheer.

Also in this issue, we take a look at the outdoor nativity scene on display at Memorial United Methodist Church on Centre Street, a wonderful Christmas tradition that the church shares with the community each year; present a profile of Amelia Island poet Nola Perez, who was recently proclaimed Poet Laureate of Fernandina Beach; offer another “Eyes to the Skies” feature on the beautiful and varied birds that spend the winter here on Amelia Island; we help you get ready for a fun holiday get-together, whether you gather in-person or virtually; and much more.

From our family to yours, we wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a very Happy New Year!

See you around the island!

Contributing Writers Julie Simmons, Karen Miller, Dickie Anderson, Teri Sopp, Mandy Haynes, Betty Morrell, Michael Gass Contributing Photographers William Raser, Sherry Carter, Stephan Leimberg, Pam Bell, Christy Le Lait

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 2020 Sweetpea Media, Inc. Reproduction of any material contained herein in any manner, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other artwork cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited materials. The cover and the magazine’s contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Amelia Islander is distributed free of charge on and around Amelia Island. Back issues may be purchased from the publisher for $2.00 each plus postage.

4 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

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features

DECEMBER 2020 11 Cover Story CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS ON AMELIA ISLAND

While Covid-19 is changing how we celebrate Christmas and the holidays this year, we can still find plenty of special occasions, like a downsized “Dickens on Centre” and an array of holiday music and plays, to enjoy Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve.

31 A Nativity Scene for All A fixture on Centre Street since the 1950s, Memorial United Methodist Church’s annual Nativity Scene display is a treasured Christmas tradition on Amelia Island.

39 Nola Perez

47 Wings of Winter

76 Island Entertaining

With 16 books of poetry, four memoirs, and a lifetime of writing here and abroad, Amelia Island native Nola Perez has been named Poet Laureate of Fernandina Beach.

With the advent of winter, many species of birds arrive on Amelia Island for warmer weather and available food, including Yellow-Rumped Warblers and Cedar Waxwings.

The Covid-19 virus may have changed how we celebrate the holidays this year, but be sure to share some Christmas cheer safely with these great suggestions for entertaining.

Amelia

ISLANDER DECEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 33 • NUMBER 12

5 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

DECEMBER 2020

inside 22

ABOUT THE COVER

29

55

22

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

24

Galleries & Antiques Amelia’s art galleries & antique stores

26

In the Neighborhood Profiles of area businesses and organizations

29

Beach Combing Great shopping on Amelia Island

35

Maps of the Island and downtown, with telephone numbers

35

Tide Table Tides at the Amelia River

36

Around Town What’s happenng around Amelia Island

42

Snapshots Islanders out and about

53

In the Garden While Hollies are essential for “decking the halls” in the Christmas season, varieties like Weeping Youpon and Screen Play are also a great addition to your landscape.

A very merry Christmas display at Coastal Cottage.

Photo by Sherry Carter.

55

Island Home Part of last year’s Holiday Home Tour, Kathryn and John Krebs’s historic home was decorated splendidly for Christmas with help from Coastal Cottage.

62

Eating Scene With delicious hand-crafted beer and artisan-style pizza made with homemade dough, First Love Brewing is a welcome addition to the Amelia Island culinary scene.

67

Open House Premium real estate offerings on and around Amelia Island

Amelia

ISLANDER DECEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 33 • NUMBER 12

6 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

62

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DECEMBER 2020

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Come get better with us.

Taking care of your health is more important now than ever. And so is who you trust with your health care. Baptist Nassau is the hospital you’ve trusted for more than 25 years.

We’re committed to your safety during every step of your care experience. We want to make sure you continue to get the medical care you need – from routine wellness checks, to ER care and everything in between.

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Celebrating the

Holidays

on Amelia Island

While Covid-19 is changing how we celebrate Christmas and the holidays, we can still find plenty of special occasions to enjoy Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve.

BY KAREN MILLER

W

hat could be better at Christmastime on Amelia Island than spending a quiet morning walking on the beach in a pair of flip flops! It’s hard to miss a white Christmas when we have our own “white stuff” along the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Christmas on Amelia means warm weather, gracious hospitality, friendly shopkeepers, gourmet restaurants, and historic charm. Much of the island is decorated in holiday finery, and everything you need for a joyful celebration is right here. The year 2020 has been difficult for everyone, but Amelia Islanders are busy doing what they do best—enjoying their beautiful island paradise!

KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS Kick off your holiday season with the 14th annual Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Home Tour, held December 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit five beautiful homes in historic Fernandina Beach, each decorated for the holidays by a local florist/designer. For tickets and more information, call (904) 261-7378 or visit ameliamuseum.org/holidayhometour/.

11 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

On Saturday, December 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., the annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach will feature a marching band, walkers, dancers, cars, and floats decorated with Christmas lights, and of course, Santa Claus! This event is sponsored by America’s Youth, Inc. For more information contact Sherry ThompsonCobb at (904)335-7496.

Stop by the Amelia Island Marketplace (Farmers Market) on December 5 to meet some of Nassau Humane Society’s Adoption Waggin’ volunteers and adoptable pets from 10 a.m. to noon. One of the best gifts you can give this year is compassion and a new home to a deserving animal companion.

Consider making a donation to the Nassau Humane Society this Christmas by visiting their website at nassauhumane.org and clicking on “Donate.”

Also on December 5, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro is hosting a Book Fair to benefit St. Michael’s Academy. Twenty percent of proceeds from book and gift sales will be donated to St. Michael’s Academy. And on December 6 and 13, Story

DECEMBER 2020

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DEREMER STUDIOS

Dickens on Centre

Downtown Fernandina aglow with holiday lights.

& Song presents a staged reading of “A Christmas Memory,” an autobiographical recollection of Truman Capote’s rural Alabama childhood. Ron Kurtz, Arlene Filkoff, and Avery Hilliker paint an unforgettable portrait of an odd but enduring friendship between two innocent souls—one young, one old —and the memories they share of beloved holiday rituals.

Admission is included with the cost of the Dickens Week lunch special. Safe seating capacity is 25 per CDC guidelines. RSVP by calling (904) 601-2118. Story and Song Bookstore Bistro is located at 1430 Park Avenue.

DICKENS ON CENTRE RETURNS A downsized Dickens on Centre will be presented this year, with all the lights and festive flair from years past, but not held in its traditional format. The Victorian Christmasthemed street events will feature a beautifully decorated historic downtown, with lots of Christmas decor and dazzling shop windows, along with a Christmas Wish Tree.

The event will be held December 10 to 13. There will not be a Kid Zone, stage entertainment, or vendor shopping booths this year, but the community is encouraged to shop locally and enjoy Fernandina Beach’s charming downtown during the holidays.

12 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Get ready to kick your “bah humbugs” to the curb at the all-new Dickens on Centre Dining Week, where the island’s most popular dining hot spots will offer Dickens-themed or Victorian-inspired menus. Held December 4 to 13, folks can enjoy everything from Italian to Creole to seafood to pub favorites in participating restaurants all around the island.

There are menus for every taste and budget with lunch prix-fixe menus at $12 and dinner prix fixe options at $21, $31 or $41.

Like the signature Amelia Island Restaurant Week, Dickens on Centre Dining Week is your chance to not only experience delicious and diverse menu items, but also to get out and support our island restaurants at the holidays. Whether you’re looking to try a new spot or enjoy your tried and true favorite, kick off your holiday season with Dickens on Centre Dining Week!

“AN EVENING IN DECEMBER” AT AMELIA BAPTIST CHURCH For many years, Amelia Baptist Church, together with the Amelia Community Choir, has been presented “An Evening in December” to 800 to 1,000 people on one weekend in December. This year’s event will be an outdoor venue which includes drama, singing, and a Bethlehem-inspired village with

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DECEMBER 2020

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARON LENNON

DEREMER STUDIOS LLC

volunteers from more than 14 different churches on December 4, 5, and 6. An original script called “Wise Men Still Seek Him”, written by Peggy Strickland and Peter and Emma Sawyer, will be performed on five outdoor stages on the church’s west lawn.

Small groups and individuals must register through Eventbrite or by calling the church for this free event. Attendees will arrive at their registered ticket time and gather with others to make up a small group that will be guided to walk through the events that led up to the birth of Christ. These portrayals will be communicated through drama and by several small vocal ensembles.

After their 75-minute journey, attendees will walk the east lawn and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a firstcentury Bethlehem-inspired village coordinated by Dillon Whitaker. At the village, people will be greeted by shopkeepers with first-century wares and other unique sights. There will be an inn and stable where children may pet animals, like a modern-day petting zoo.

Children attending with their families will also be challenged to complete a fun scavenger hunt before exiting at the refreshment tent where they will be invited to sing carols. For more information and to reserve a time slot, please visit eveningindecember2020.eventbrite.com or www.ameliabaptist.org or call (904) 261-9527. Organizers request that participants bring a mask to wear as needed.

A Tribute to

ALLEN LENNON Allen Lennon served as president of Amelia Baptist Church’s choir and publicity manager for “An Evening in December” for 23 years. “An Evening in December” would never have become such a highly anticipated part of the Amelia Island community’s advent season without his skills as a publicist, performer, and enthusiastic advocate of this special event.

Allen’s tireless service, indefatigable humor, strong faith, and gracious spirit were evident in his life. His presence and voice will be missed, but his legacy lives on in this year’s presentation of “An Evening in December.” To all who remember Allen as a winsome ambassador of music, faith, and “An Evening in December” specifically, consider honoring his memory by enjoying one of the performances of this year’s outdoor event.

DECEMBER 2020

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Your Friends, Your Neighbors, Your Realtors.

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Nassau Humane Society Pet Parade

Visit local galleries during the Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Animal lovers and fans of holiday cuteness won’t want to miss the Nassau Humane Society’s annual Parade of Paws on December 12, where beloved pets are decked out in their holiday best for a festive stroll up Centre Street from the Welcome Center, ending at the Green Turtle Tavern. There will be a registration table set up outside the Welcome Center starting at 12:30 p.m. Please social distance for your safety, and as always for animals who are unfamiliar with each other.

Masks are encouraged if social distancing is not possible.

Registration is $20 per animal, with proceeds going to NHS. Pre-registration, strongly encouraged, is available now at the NHS Adoption Center and Dog Park, Second Chance and The Closet resale stores, and Redbones Dog Bakery. People-friendly and animal-friendly dogs only please.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three best overall costumes.

Honorable mention will win 1-month Dog Park Membership for best Victorian costume, most original, cutest personality, 16 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

and the dog who looks most like his or her owner. For more information please call NHS at (904) 321-1647. (Membership is non-transferable, and must meet Dog Park regulations on vaccinations, age, and spay/neuter.)

While you’re out and about on December 12, be sure to stop at the local galleries during Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk, held 5 to 8 p.m. Participating galleries host art events and open houses during the second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk to showcase their resident artists. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the various types of art that each gallery has to offer as well as meet the artists. Photography, pottery, copper, metal, fused as well as stained glass, watercolors, acrylics, oils, and batik are just a few of the varied media folks can expect to see.

JOY TO THE CHILDREN “We are happy to announce we will bring Joy to the Children this year!” says Dawn Grant, president of the organization. “Since 1995, Joy has been able to serve

DECEMBER 2020

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17 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

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COURTESY OF JOY TO THE CHILDREN

Volunteers helping with the Joy to the Children event.

COURTESY OF LES DEMERLE

Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele

economically disadvantaged children and their families in the Nassau County community. In recent years we have hosted 150 children and their families each Christmas Day to provide a celebration that included Christmas dinner and gifts of clothing, bedding, books, school supplies, hygiene products, and toys. The families along with our Christmas Day volunteers account for almost four hundred people celebrating Christmas in the cafeteria at Yulee Middle School.”

This year, due to Covid-19, Joy to the Children is changing how they provide Christmas for these families. They will still provide dinner and gifts, but in lieu of the usual Christmas Day celebration, Joy is providing a Curbside Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Joy will distribute the unwrapped gifts to the families along with fresh fruit and essential food items.

To make a donation or to volunteer, visit their website at joytothechildren.org.

18 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

HOLIDAY MUSIC AND NEW YEAR’S EVE On Saturday, December 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., The Dynamic Les DeMerle Trio presents “The Jazz Feeling of Christmas,” featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele and Doug Matthews on keyboards. Performing holiday favorites at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro, the concert offers safe theatre-style seating limited to 25. Purchase $25 tickets in advance by calling (904) 601-2118.

Also at Story & Song on December 31, the second story will be transformed into a Parisian cabaret as The Dynamic Les DeMerle Trio celebrates the New Year in Paris. Bistro table seating at safe distance is limited to 12 tables for parties of 2 to 4. $50 tickets include appetizers and champagne. Purchase tickets in advance by calling (904) 601-2118.

Crescendo Amelia’s holiday show, “How the Big Band Stole Christmas” is back! This year, they are performing on

DECEMBER 2020

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19 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

COURTESY OF CRESCENDO AMELIA

Crescendo Amelia’s “How the Big Band Stole Christmas”

DEREMER STUDIOS

New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop

the outdoor stage at Amelia Musical Playhouse on December 20, with two shows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. To keep guests safe, Crescendo Amelia is limiting their seating, promoting social distancing, and taking every precaution to ensure concertgoers have a safe and memorable evening.

Featuring 23 musicians with a variety of professional singers, entertainers, and acts, this family friendly holiday show is sure to get everyone in the spirit. Ask anyone who attended the last six years, they will tell you this show is a “must-see” event! Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are bring-your-own chairs, and spots are first come, first served. All seating is outside on grass, so make yourself comfortable and bring whatever you need with you. Amelia Musical Playhouse, located at 1955 Island Walkway, is selling drinks, and there will be a food truck available along with CABB merchandise for sale. For group rates, program ads, and sponsorship opportunities, or for ADA

accessible seating, please email dennis@crescendoamelia.com or call (904) 878-0037.

On December 31, the New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop celebration and fireworks is moving forward, calling the event “Goodbye and Good Riddance 2020 Shrimp Drop Extravaganza.” Presented by “Light Up Amelia,” a non-profit community organization, the group is planning double the fun this year with even more fireworks! For more information and updates, visit their Facebook page or lightupamelia.com.

Visit ameliaisland.com for updates on these and other holiday events. Be sure to check with the local churches for the dates of their pageants and craft shows, and don’t forget our local charities. The Barnabas Center, Micah’s Place, Joy to the Children, Hope House, and many other charities need donations of time and gifts this season. Enjoy the season here on Amelia Island, and spread some holiday cheer of your own!

Due to Covid-19 and the publishing time of the Amelia Islander Magazine, some of the mentioned events may be cancelled, postponed, or altered. Be sure to contact the individual organizations to confirm their events, visit The City of Fernandina Beach’s website at fbfl.us, or visit ameliaisland.com.

20 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OSPREY VILLAGE 55+ ACTIVE ADULT DPNNVOJUZ BôPSET you the luxury to freely plan and navigate your days how you want, without the burdens and hassles of traditional home ownership. Located in one of Amelia Island’s most popular areas, this well-established, gated, private neighborhood PôFST PO TJUF $BSF 4FSWJDFT BOE UIF TBGFUZ BOE QFBDF PG NJOE you desire. It’s life the way it’s meant to be.

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everything Amelia P E OP LE ,

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Chris Bates to their Amelia Island team. Chris studied at the University of Georgia before receiving a scholarship to Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia. He did his plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

After completing his residency, Chris received a fellowship Dr. Chris Bates in Laguna Beach, California in aesthetic plastic surgery under the direction of Dr. Daniel C. Mills, a past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Most surgeons undergo a general surgery residency followed by another residency in plastic surgery, but Chris started his residency directly in plastic surgery as part of an “integrated” program, allowing him to focus exclusively on plastic surgery for six years, including both reconstruction and cosmetics.

Chris will provide head-to-toe plastic surgery needs, with a particular interest in Mommy makeovers, body contouring, liposuction, and facial rejuvenation.

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery provides its patients with the best cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery treatments available, treating patients with the compassion and safety they deserve.

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery is located at 5472 First Coast Hwy., Suite 3. For more information, call (904) 844-0595 or visit www.PVPS.com.

HI STO RY

&

M O R E

LOCAL AUTHOR ANNETTE MYERS RELEASES NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK Amelia Island’s award-winning author, Annette McCollough Myers, has a new book on the shelves. You might know her for The Shrinking Sands of an African American Beach, The Big Sand Dune and The Beach Lady, and PECK High School – Golden Years Remembered, but this time she has surprised readers with a children’s book!

Co-authored with her 10-year-old granddaughter, Delaney Ann Myers, Delaney’s Adventures with Friends is a colorful read for young to middle school-aged children.

“Delaney has a desire to learn, explore, ask questions, and to talk openly about her surroundings, daily activities and experiences, and this is what the story is about. As we worked on it together, I stepped back in time and remembered my own childhood experiences,” Myers said. “Reading is the key Annette Myers to learning and understanding, and this book was designed for enjoyment, to encourage the use of vocabulary words, and to awaken young readers to explore their lives and learn about themselves and their ambitions at an early age.”

The new book is receiving rave reviews from fellow authors for its beautiful illustrations, personal photos, memorable stories, and inclusion of discussion questions to help you create your own adventures. You can find Delaney’s Adventures with Friends at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro and The Book Loft.

KEEP NASSAU BEAUTIFUL DISTRIBUTES BOOKS AT SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Keep Nassau Beautiful, with support from Ferst Readers of Nassau County, recently distributed over 600 books to virtual and onsite students and educators at Southside Elementary School. Books were chosen based on how they related to Keep Nassau Beautiful’s mission to reduce litter and waste, increase recycling, and beautify spaces, as well as the appropriateness of the books to the learning levels of the students.

To further reinforce the message of the importance of a clean, green, beautiful environment, a 30-gallon Live Oak tree was planted on school common grounds with support from Liberty Landscape Supply. Dave Holley, City of Fernandina Beach Arborist, was on-hand to provide oversight of the planting. Mrs. Cordova’s second grade class volunteered to water the tree for the first three weeks. The planting location will provide a nice shady spot for future generations.

“We are grateful to everyone that made planting a tree and distributing these books possible. Engaging youth in a learning experience is a rewarding activity for now and the future,” says Lynda Bell, executive director of Keep Nassau Beautiful. For more information, visit keepnassaubeautiful.org and Facebook.com/NassauFerstFoundation.

22 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

COURTESY KEEP NASSAU BEAUTIFUL

DR. CHRIS BATES JOINS PONTE VEDRA PLASTIC SURGERY

P LA CE S,

www.AmeliaIslander.com

We’re Moving!

TO OUR NEW OFFICE!

Palmetto Walk Shopping Village 4856 First Coast Highway, Suite #2 (904) 261-0347 • cbamelia.com

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GALLERIES

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TREASURES, INC 329 South 8th Street • (904) 548-6080 ART ON CENTRE 503 Centre Street • 624-7255

BLUE DOOR ARTISTS 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 ISLAND ART ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE GALLERY 18 North 2nd Street • 261-7020 JW FRAME GALLERY 1875-B South 14th Street • 310-6610 ISLAND TREASURES

T

he Blue Door Artists are a unique collective of local, contemporary artists located in downtown Fernandina Beach. Unlike a traditional gallery, the members of the Blue Door are working studio artists who rent space and actively create at the Blue Door. They pride themselves on featuring some of the island’s finest selections of original art in a variety of media and genres to suit the tastes and budgets of all art collectors, some of whom come from around the globe to seek out their gallery.

Each of the twelve individuals who comprise the group has a personality and artistic style that is distinctive and noteworthy. The group, established in 2004, is now comprised of artists Cindy Antczak, Sharon Badenoch, Theresa Daily, Julie Delfs, Liz Dion, Sharon Haffey, Christy Hickey, Rena and Terry Murphy, Susi Sax, Donna Strawgate, and Katie Rewa.

Once a month, the Blue Door Artists stay open until 7 p.m. for Amelia Island’s Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk. Visitors can enjoy browsing, shopping, and socializing with the

members of the collective who create and sell their art “at the top of the colorful stairs.” Invite your art-loving friends to view new work each month and be sure to stop by in December to see their special Holiday Market. which includes a variety of reasonably priced art pieces.

The Holiday Market a great opportunity to view what your favorite artist has been up to and to find something very special for everyone on your list, including something special for yourself! Greeting cards, prints, smaller paintings, jewelry, resin work, beach, and surf themed artwork can all be purchased for holiday gift-giving. When you purchase your holiday gifts at Blue Door, you’re supporting local artists, while the recipients of your gifts will be enjoying hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items.

The Blue Door is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. They are located at 205 1/2 Centre Street. Visit their Facebook page or their website at www.bluedoorartists.com and click on each individual artist’s name to view her personal website. For more information, call (904) 491-7733.

24 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

1104 South 8th Street • 261-8887 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 PLANTATION ARTISTS’ GUILD & GALLERY 94 Amelia Village Circle • 432-1750 THE PLANTATION SHOP 4828 First Coast Hwy • 261-2030 TRAILER PARK COLLECTIBLES 702 Centre Street • 491-4461

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25 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD with Mandy Haynes

M

oving from the Midwest, Shelly and Dickie Anderson were drawn to the beautiful beaches and friendly people of Amelia Island twenty-five years ago. “Dickie and I enjoy spending time on the beach,” says Shelly. “We take our dog, Kate, a lovable Yorkshire terrier who thinks she’s a Rottweiler, to the beach every day.”

An avid golfer, Shelly helped create the annual golf tournament that raises money for the Amelia Island Museum of History. He and his wife, Dickie, volunteer and support many charitable organizations. A few years ago, we got to see karma in action when Shelly, also affectionately known as Big Guy in his wife’s weekly newsletter, made a hole-in-one while playing in a tournament for the YMCA. That stroke of luck not only won him bragging rights, but also a new car!

After a successful career with New York Life, Anderson opened his own agency on Amelia Island, specializing in Medicare supplemental, life, and long-term care insurance.

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance business, he considers it more of a hobby than work. “I enjoy meeting people and helping them get the coverage they need. This year has made sitting face-to-face with clients a little tricky, but thanks to technology, we’re still able to connect and have conversations via Zoom and other technologies.” Amelia Island residents can count on The Anderson Group to lend a helping hand when purchasing health and life insurance. For more information, call Shelly at (904) 556-6234.

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

The Anderson Group

Shelly Anderson

O

Financial Services Of Amelia

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

riginally from South Africa, Nicola and her husband, Graeme, moved to New York in 1997. She and Graeme discovered Amelia Island when they stopped here on a sailing trip from New York to the Bahamas. In 2004, the couple moved here and have called it home ever since. “We love Amelia Island and the diversity of the community. Everyone is so accepting and friendly,” says Nicola. “And we still love to sail and take out our J40 sailboat on a regular basis.”

Active in the community, Nicola is a member of the CFA Society of Jacksonville and the Amelia Professional Advisory Council for the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

An animal lover and proud owner of a Cairn terrier and a mixed breed rescue, Nicola is on the Board of SEZARC (South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction and Conservation) and part of White Oak’s Internal Animal Use and Care Committee, which reviews procedures that can cause stress to animals involved in research projects at White Oak. Having worked in the financial services industry since the 1990s, Nicola started Financial Strategies of Amelia in 2010. “I value my clients’ trust above all else, and I’m dedicated to helping my clients meet their own unique needs.” For more information, stop by her office at 2338 South 8th Street, call (904) 305-2608, or visit financialamelia.com. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Financial Strategies of Amelia and Securities America are separate entities.

Nicola Nichol

26 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

An Island Tradition for 42 Years!

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LUNCH C tues - sat 11:30 - 2 DINNER mon - sat 5:30 - 9

We are available for full-service, off-site catering.

Make your occasion tasteful with your own custom menu.

Cucina South

A Neighborhood Italian Bistro

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AMELIA ISLAND WINE COMPANY • WINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD + LOCAL SELECTIONS • GIFT BASKETS & WINE-THEMED GIFTS • FREE TASTINGS EVERY FRIDAY EVENING (reservations required) • 10% OFF CASE PURCHASES • EVENT SPACE • DELIVERY OPTIONS/CURBSIDE PICK-UP • WINE ACCESSORIES • ASK US ABOUT SPECIALIZING YOUR WINE ORDER

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Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique 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 28 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

Don’t miss The Bite, Amelia Island’s new restaurant guide, the best resource for visitors and residents alike to enjoy Amelia Island’s dynamic restaurant scene!

PICK UP A COPY TODAY!! www.AmeliaIslander.com

BEACH COMBING

Gorgeous Gold If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special, don’t miss this Amelia Island Charm in 14k yellow gold with diamond ($635), Jellyfish in 14k yellow & white gold with diamonds ($2,025), or Turtle in 14k yellow & white gold with diamonds ($1,085). Chains sold separately. Available at Scott & Sons Fine Jewelry, 9900 Amelia Island Parkway.

(904) 491-1550.

Beautiful Bedding Fabulous Furnishings Add something distinctive to your home décor this holiday season, like this French Provence 5-Drawer Chest, in Farmhouse Paints “Jalepeno” with gel stain ($225), or this handsome Brass & Stained Glass Lamp ($179).

Available at Trailer Park Collectibles, 702 Centre Street.

(904) 491-4461.

Settle in for a long winter’s nap with Norwalk upholstered headboards and frames, comfortable quilts, coverlets, and shams and pillows. And you’ll find delightful holiday decor everywhere! Celebrate the season at Coastal Cottage!

Available at Coastal Cottage, 1439 Sadler Road (in the Publix Shopping Center next to Staples). (904) 580-0484.

Turtles for the Tree Celebrate Amelia Island and our precious sea turtles this holiday season with these adorable December Diamonds Sea Turtles ornaments for your Christmas tree. Priced from $14 to $18. You’ll find lots of great holiday décor ideas at Revelation Design! Available at Revelation Design, 2383 Jamestown Road. (904) 261-5546.

29 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

If it snows 1/10th inch on New Year’s Eve at Scott & Sons, purchases made between 11/27/20-12/24/20 are Free.

9900 Amelia Island Pkwy, Suite 200

(904) 491-1550 • ScottAndSons.com

AMELIA ISLAND PAINT & HARDWARE

OLDEST HARDWARE STORE IN FERNANDINA! 516 Ash Street (6th & Ash) Historic Fernandina Beach Mon - Fri 7:30 - 5 Sat 8 - 4:30 • Closed Sunday ameliapaint@hotmail.com 904.261.6604

Finding You the Best of the Beach & Beyond Whether you’re looking for property on or off the island, call the Barclay Team, your Amelia area specialists!

Deborah & Robert Barclay 4800 First Coast Highway Suite 230, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Deborah: 904-321-7937 Robert: 904-321-7938 ameliaislandrealestateforsale.com

30 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

PHOTO BY TOMMY OLIVER

a nativity scene for all A fixture on Centre Street since the 1950s, Memorial United Methodist Church’s annual Nativity Scene display is a treasured Christmas tradition on Amelia Island.

BY DICKIE ANDERSON

S

ince the 1950s, Fernandina Beach has treasured an annual tradition: the unveiling of the colorful paper mache nativity figures in front of the Memorial United Methodist Church on Centre Street. For many, it announces the beginning of the Christmas season.

The tradition of displaying nativity scenes dates back to Saint Francis of Assisi, who created the first nativity scene in 1223 at Greccio in central Italy. He wanted to change the emphasis of Christmas to the worship of Christ instead of giftgiving and materialism. That first nativity was staged in a cave near Greccio and included humans and live animals in the cast.

Reenactments of the nativity have been a popular tradition through the ages.

Tommy Oliver grew up on Amelia Island and remembers when his mother first had the dream of a nativity scene in front of her church, Memorial United Methodist. At age nine, he traveled with his mother, Mary Oliver, to Atlanta. When she spotted the close to life-size figures portraying the traditional nativity scene in front of a funeral home in Tucker, Georgia,

she was inspired by its message. When she arrived home, she encouraged her Sunday School class (Edna S. Ward) to raise the money to purchase the 14-piece nativity scene. They went to work and—a with bake sales and other fundraising efforts— raised the necessary money.

The figures were meticulously crafted and beautifully painted in natural colors. Camels measuring over seven feet were covered with rayon flock material to mimic real hair. The sheep were cast with a fabric combination and rayon flock to appear like wool. Through the years, it has taken enormous dedication to maintain the large wood and paper mache figures and animals. Finding places to store the Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, Magi, shepherds, sheep, and camels became a challenge.

In the 1970s, the figures were given a fiberglass and resin coating. They moved from place to place each year. At one time, the church considered replacing the nativity figures and contacted the artist. They found that their original $1,300 continued on next page

31 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

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Rev. Dr. Mark “Charlie” Charles, Monica Pomeroy, & Tommy Oliver

purchase would cost $40,000 to replace, so the church went back to their workshops to continue maintaining the treasured figures and animals.

People appreciate this special display they can share with their children. One year when the Los Angeles Rams were in town, two of the sheep disappeared.

Overexuberant football fans? Two years ago, one of the camels was knocked over and the head was broken off. A rapid repair had the figure back up in about four days.

Current inventory includes three wise men on camels, three shepherds, one donkey, three sheep, and Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Also included is a stable that is refreshed with hay each year. They are stored in a small basement area under Maxwell Hall, the large facility behind the main sanctuary. “We use several strong guys and a trailer to bring them from the basement to Centre Street before placing them on the church lawn,” says Tommy Oliver. “We refer to it as ‘herding camels.’”

Oliver checks on the set-up several times a week. He loves to see so many locals and tourists stopping at all hours of the day to take pictures. Mothers with strollers stop and let the toddlers pet the

32 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

sheep and play in the fresh hay that is spread each year.

Through the years, many volunteers have stepped up to repair and paint the figures and animals. Local artist and member of the church Marlene Deutcher has utilized her impressive painting skills to revitalize the aging figures. She carefully chooses paint colors to bring out the personalities of the figures.

Senior Pastor Rev. Mark “Charlie” Charles and Office Manager Monica Pomeroy shared that the church’s annual gift to the community creates a special spirit when the nativity scene is set up each year. People often stop to thank the church or ask questions.

“We can’t imagine the holidays without our traditional nativity display,” says Pastor Charlie.

Tommy and Anita Oliver live in the home he grew up in and their son, Thomas, and family live nearby. The Oliver family continues the tradition of coordinating the annual assembly of the nativity scene on Centre Street started

by Tommy’s mother so many years ago. The community appreciates their contributions to a treasured holiday tradition—Memorial United Methodist Church’s Nativity display.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

PHOTO BY BOSTON PHOTOGRAPHY

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33 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

Associates the eye and vision care providers of choice.

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261-3640

MAP | TIDES AT THE AMELIA RIVER | DECEMBER 2020 DAY

LOW

HIGH

1 TUE

3:20 AM 4:01 PM 3:56 AM 4:38 PM 4:33 AM 5:16 PM 5:13 AM 5:59 PM 5:59 AM 6:47 PM

9:33 AM 9:52 PM 10:12 AM 10:32 PM 10:52 AM 11:12 PM 11:34 AM 11:55 PM 12:19 PM

2 WED 3 THU

PORT OF FERNANDINA BEACH

NORTH BEACH

AMELIA ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

4 FRI 5 SAT 6 SUN

6:53 AM 7:40 PM 7 MON

MAIN BEACH

7:55 AM 8:38 PM 8 TUE 9:02 AM 9:36 PM 9 WED 10:08 AM 10:33 PM 10 THU 11:12 AM 11:30 PM 11 FRI

SEASIDE PARK

12 SAT 13 SUN 14 MON 15 TUE 16 WED

FERNANDINA BEACH GOLF CLUB

17 THU 18 FRI

12:14 PM 12:25 AM 1:13 PM 1:20 AM 2:08 PM 2:13 AM 3:01 PM 3:04 AM 3:52 PM 3:54 AM 4:40 PM 4:42 AM 5:29 PM 5:32 AM 6:19 PM

19 SAT

PETER’S POINT

6:24 AM 7:10 PM 20 SUN

RITZ CARLTON

SUMMER BEACH

7:19 AM 8:02 PM 21 MON 8:19 AM 8:54 PM 22 TUE 9:19 AM 9:44 PM 23 WED

AMERICAN BEACH

10:17 AM 10:32 PM 24 THU 11:11 AM 11:18 PM 25 FRI 26 SAT

OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT

27 SUN 28 MON 29 TUE 30 WED 31 THU

TO ST. JOHN’S RIVER FERRY

AMELIA ISLAND STATE PARK

12:03 PM 12:04 AM 12:51 PM 12:49 AM 1:37 PM 1:33 AM 2:19 PM 2:15 AM 2:59 PM 2:55 AM 3:38 PM 3:35 AM 4:16 PM

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

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

35 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

diane.vanlanen@chaplinwilliams.com www.diane.chaplinwilliams.com

www.AmeliaIslander.com

AROUND TOWN 2020

DECEMBER Yoga Nidra/Yoga Nidra+Bowls Every Saturday 11-12 $22 per drop in class or $18 online. Yoga Nidra with Martha online & studio. Yoga Nidra with Singing Bowls with Valerie. Relaxing, soothing to the nervous system A 45 minute yoga nidra class is like a 5 hour nap for your brain! Community Yoga & Wellness, 210 Beech Street. Call (904) 613-6345 or visit www.cyoga-amelia.com for more info.

DECEMBER 1 Express Beginner Yoga 4-week course Learn yoga postures in this quick express class. $60 for all 4 weeks. Starts 12/1 @ 10:15 - 11:45 am. In studio class with 9 people max and social distancing. Community Yoga + Wellness, 210 Beech Street. Call (904) 613-6345 or visit www.cyoga-amelia.com for more info.

DECEMBER 1 – 5 Holiday Sale L. Moore Aesthetics Save up to 25% on skincare services and products. Appointment required.5422 First Coast Hwy, Suite 103 for more information, call (904) 222-6053 or visit lmooreaesthetics.com.

DECEMBER 1 – 31 Depy Adams “Corner Show” Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery is pleased to announce Depy Adams as the “Corner Show” artist for December. Depy works in oil, watercolor, gouache, pastel, and egg tempera.

Subjects include figurative, landscape, still life done in a realistic style. Open to the public. 94 Amelia Village Circle in the Omni Amelia Island Resort Shops. Visit paggart.com for hours. Any questions, call (904) 432-1750.

DECEMBER 3 The Blues Zones Health and wellness consultant Deborah Garrad joins us in person to share nine lessons for living longer from the people who’ve lived the longest, from “The Blue Zones.” Starts at 4pm. Story & Song Bookstore Bistro 1430 Park Ave. Call (904) 601-2118 for more information.

DECEMBER 4 Holiday Home Tour Visit five beautiful Victorian homes in historic Fernandina Beach, each tastefully decorated for the holiday season by a local florist and designer. To minimize touch points and monitor capacity in each of our holiday homes, all visitors must purchase tickets online. Tickets are for sale by timed slot per house for $7, giving you the flexibility of visiting one house or all five.

TICKETS WILL NOT BE MAILED OUT. The museum will not be providing shuttle service between houses this year, so be sure to

DECEMBER

keep travel time between houses in mind when booking multiple houses. 10 am - 4 pm. All ages. Historic Downtown Fernandina between 4th and 10th streets. Visit ameliamuseum.org for more information.

DECEMBER 4 - 19 Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End Amelia Community Theatre continues its 40th season with in-person and live-streamed performances of this comedy about the beloved humorist who asked, “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Featuring Karen Harper King as “Erma”, performances are at 8 pm on December 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, and 2 pm on December 6 and 13. In-person tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students, with limited, socially distanced seating in the Main Stage theatre at 207 Cedar Street. Livestreaming tickets are $15 for individuals, $30 for households of 2-4 people and $90 for a group of 5-10. Visit AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org or call (904) 261-6749 for tickets.

DECEMBER 5 Book Fair to benefit St. Michael’s Academy 20% of proceeds from all book and gift sales will be donated to St. Michael’s Academy. 10 am to 6 pm. Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, 1430 Park Ave. Call (904) 601-2118 for more information.

DECEMBER 5 Lighted Christmas Parade

Arlene Filkoff, and Avery Hilliker paint an unforgettable portrait of an odd but enduring friendship between two innocent souls—one young and one old—and the memories they share of beloved holiday rituals. Starts 2 pm admission is included with the cost of Dickens Week lunch special. Safe seating capacity is 25 per CDC guidelines. RSVP by calling (904) 601-2118.

DECEMBER 7, 8, 9, 10 Four Day Kayak Retreat Amelia Adventures presents a holistic adventure experience. Your Kayak Retreat is four days of mindfulness, wellness, exercise, and confidence.

Includes destinations to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and more. The retreat is designed to allow you to fully check out of your day-to-day life and live an experience you will treasure forever! For more information, visit www.ameliaadventures.com.

DECEMBER 12 Artrageous ArtWalk On the second Saturday of each month, participating galleries on the island host free art events and open houses. Enjoy the various types of local art that each gallery has to offer as well as meet the artists. Photography, pottery, copper, metal, fused and stained glass, watercolors, acrylics, oils, and batik are just a few of the varied media one can expect to see. Fall/Winter Artwalk October-March, 4 - 7 pm.

The annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach featuring a marching band, walkers, dancers, cars and floats decorated with Christmas lights and of course Santa Claus! This event is sponsored by America’s Youth, Inc. Call (904) 335-7496 for more information.

DECEMBER 12 Jewelry Trunk Show

DECEMBER 5, 12, 19 Holiday Tea

DECEMBER 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28 Cocktail Tour Historic Downtown

You are cordially invited to afternoon tea at Elizabeth Pointe. Holiday teas will take place each Saturday until Christmas, from 2 - 5 pm.

Menu of tea sandwiches, soup, salad. Assorted scones, petit fours, tea cookies and tarts.

Champagne, wine are available at menu pricing. $50 per adult and $35 per child under 12.

Reservations required. Please call the Inn to make reservations. For more information, call (904) 277-4851 or visit elizabethpointe.com.

DECEMBER 6, 13 A Christmas Memory Story & Song Bookstore Bistro presents a staged reading of “A Christmas Memory,” an autobiographical recollection of Truman Capote’s rural Alabama childhood. Ron Kurtz,

36 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

Local artists display unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins. Find gifts for a loved one or yourself! 10 am to 6 pm. Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, 1430 Park Ave. Please call (904) 601-2118 for more information.

It’s a mobile cocktail party in beautiful downtown Amelia Island. On this 2-hour guided walking tour, you will enjoy the unique character of our local bars. Each Cocktail Tour has four stops. On each stop, tour guests will enjoy a cocktail and information about each bar’s history. 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Adults 21 and older only. Tour costs $45 and includes guided tour, 4 tour cocktails and bartender gratuity. Contact: Marisol Triana at ameliatastingtours@gmail.com or (888) 446-1712 for more information.

DECEMBER 19 “The Jazz Spirit of Christmas” Shows The Dynamic Les DeMerle Trio will perform holiday favorites from their award-winning CD, The Jazz Spirit of Christmas, with jazz

www.AmeliaIslander.com

AROUND TOWN

interpretations of holiday classics like “Winter Wonderland”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to get you in the mood for the Season. Two, 90 minute performances, safe theatre-style seating limited to 25. 2 pm & 7:30 pm. Purchase $25 tickets in advance by calling (904) 601-2118.

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, 1430 Park Ave. storyandsongbookstore.com/specialevents

DECEMBER 20 How the Big Band Stole Christmas An annual performance featuring world class performers, musicians,actors and singers to get you and your family in the holiday spirit. Join us on the outdoor stage at Amelia Musical Playhouse for two 90 minute shows without intermission at 4pm and 7pm Seating is limited due to social distancing. Tickets at crescendoamelia.com, (904) 878-0037 Amelia Musical Playhouse 1955 Island Walkway Fernandina Beach.

DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Parisian Cabaret The second story of Story & Song Bookstore Bistro will be transformed into a Parisian cabaret as we greet the New Year (in Paris) to the swingin’ sounds of the dynamic Les DeMerle Trio, featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele and Doug Matthews on keyboards. Bistro table seating at safe distance limited to 12 tables for parties of 2-4. Starts 5 -7 pm $50 tickets include appetizers and champagne. Purchase tickets in advance Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, 1430 Park Ave. (904) 601-2118. storyandsongbookstore.com/ specialevents

In these unprecedented times, Pam Troxel is

working for you.

DIGITALLY Zoom– Online, face-to-face meetings FaceTime – Virtual home tours, video chats, listing appointments, and showings.

JANUARY 1 AND 2 Healing Back Care Class

ONLINE Visit my website and Facebook page for current listings, island-wide updates, and Amelia Island real estate information.

Visit www.kw.com for a complete list of properties for sale in our area.

4-class series. Saturdays from 4-5 pm pm starting 1/2/21. Good for people experiencing chronic or intermittent low back pain. No yoga experience necessary. Reduce inflammation, work with proper posture and help reduce instances of pain.

This class is offered as an online or in-studio class. $75 register at www.cyoga-Amelia.com or call (904) 613-6345 for more information.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the medical personnel and first responders working tirelessly to keep us safe. We are all in this together! #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs

JANUARY 4 AND 5 Beginner Yoga 8-week course $119 for all 8 weeks. Starts 1/4 @ 7:15-8:30 pm or 1/5 @ 10:15-11:30 am In studio class with 9 ppl max and social distancing. Community Yoga & Wellness, 210 Beech Street. Call (904) 613-6345 or visit www.cyoga-amelia.com for more info.

THETROXELGROUP.COM (904) 556-1258

37 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season.

Nick Burke, REALTOR® m. 904.557.1440 nick.burke@firstcoastsir.com For those who seek exceptional service marketing homes in Amelia Island, there is only First Coast Sotheby’s International Realty.

JOIN US WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 4:00 - 7:00PM LITE BITES & CHAMPAGNE Paint Your Own Pottery & Wood Signs Visit our New Gift Shop!

9900 Amelia Island Parkway ameliamakery.com | (904) 310-9520 38 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

PHOTO BY TERI SOPP

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

Left: Nola Perez in her living room holding one of her books.

Below: Fernandina Beach Mayor Johnny Miller presenting Nola with the proclamation.

Nola Perez With sixteen books of poetry, four memoirs, and a lifetime of writing, Amelia Island native Nola Perez has been named Poet Laureate of Fernandina Beach.

BY TERI SOPP

N

ola Perez, the newly named Poet Laureate of Fernandina Beach, grew up in an oceanfront house just south of Main Beach. She graduated from Fernandina High School in 1947 and attended Florida State University, but love interceded, and she eventually left the university to marry her sweetheart.

All during elementary and high school, Nola had written poetry. “I picked up poetry the way you pick up a fork, one of the ordinary things you just did,” says Nola. One of her first works was a poem written on the railing of the sanctuary of Memorial Methodist Church in downtown Fernandina.

Nola wrote poetry all during her years at Fernandina High School. “I wrote because I had to,” she says, but she didn’t begin publishing her poems until after she was married and had children. “My first published poem was in a literary magazine published by the Junior College in Jacksonville,” she smiles.

Nola’s poetry ranges from sweet observations of natural beauty to sorrowful elegies for friends and family who have passed on.

Her work captures the special light of a room, the magic of a mirror, or seaweed and slippery fish on the beach with equal poetic inspiration.

After high school, Nola spent some time with her stepmother and her new husband in Venezuela, and still has all of her writing from that period. During World War II, Fernandina native Vincent Ferreira, who was in the Army Band, met his wife Sylvia in Marseilles, France. After they married and were living in Fernandina, Sylvia asked Vincent to send for her brother, Andre. According to Nola, Andre had dreamed of coming to America “all his life.” “And all my life,” she laughs, “I had dreamed of going to France!”

Nola met Andre at a party when she was home from FSU one weekend; after they started dating, he went to Tallahassee every weekend to see her. On one of those weekends, Andre got down on his knee at the archery court and proposed to Nola. “Either come home and marry me, or we’re done,” Nola remembers Andre telling her. “I loved FSU, but I loved Andre even more!”

“We were not married for two years when Andre was the first man drafted from Fernandina into the Korean War,” explains Nola. “He was not even a U.S. citizen yet. I moved continued on next page

39 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Merry Christmas!

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

- JOHN 3:16 -

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach robisonjewelry.com 904.261.3635

40 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

in with his sister, got a degree from Massey Business College, and became a secretary at the paper mill.” Andre was sent to Germany as in interpreter. When he came home from the war, he went to college in Gainesville on the G.I. bill.

Andre and Nola and their two sons, Anthony and Michael, eventually moved to Atlanta, where Nola received an artist’s grant from the City of Atlanta.

They moved to Paris after Andre became a liaison between the FAA and the airlines. “My son, Michael, actually worked at the U.S. Embassy in Paris,” Nola points out. Nola used her grant money from Atlanta to produce her book, The Paris Poems, and wrote another book of poetry, Chancing the Coast, while she lived in Paris.

Nola lived the dream life of a poet in Paris: She became part of a group of expatriates who had founded the Paris Poetry Group and did readings at Shakespeare’s, the iconic Parisian bookstore. Nola participated in a poetry workshop at the American University of Paris. Paris was a dream for son, Tony, also. He was able to bring his girlfriend, Sally, to visit several times and actually proposed to her in Vincennes Park.

After Paris, Nola and Andre moved to Miami Beach, where she worked with poet Andrew Glaze, who would later become the Poet Laureate of Alabama. Nola continued to produce books of poetry, including In the Season of Tropical Depression and The Tidal Heart and Other Poems.

Nola has published sixteen books of poetry and four memoirs, including A Magical Life, the Early Years, Growing up in Fernandina. Her 1993 book, The Continent of Dreams, was a finalist in the National Poetry Series. Her newest book is Nothing Left Unsaid.

Nola and Andre moved back to Fernandina Beach in the late 1990’s, where they lived together until Andre’s death in 2002. She co-founded a Fernanda Beach poetry group, The Poetry Canteen, and is putting the final touches on an anthology of their works.

Nola’s books can be purchased locally at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro and The Book Loft.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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(904) 775-5944 or (904) 859-2845 ThePeelStudio.com 41 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

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snapShots AT THE ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE IN DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH

CATHERINE LOVETT AND NINA WEST

CHRIS WATROUS AND STEVE BRADSHAW

COLE WILDES AND NIKOESI LISANE

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AT THE ROTARY CLUB OF AMELIA ISLAND SUNRISE LOBSTERFEST TO-GO

BRIAN COYNE AND ED SPANG

JEFF BOHN AND RICK ABERNATHY

LISA & RON FLICK

MICHAEL GRANUCCI AND DAN WESTRA

AT THE BOOK RELEASE PARTY FOR ANNETTE MYERS’S NEW BOOK AT THE BOOK LOFT

DELANEY ANN MEYERS AND ANNETTE MEYERS

JANET CRABTREE, GINA CONNELL, AND PAULA MURPHY

MARIE & MARK FENN

RITA BRUTSCH, SUE NELSON, AND KAYLI QUIRK

AT THE COLDWELL BANKER THE AMELIA GROUP ADOPT-A-FAMILY EVENT

KATE KOVALCIK AND ANNE MERKLEY

BRUCE JASINSKY AND SHANNON SMITH

42 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

CARLA MCMAHAN, VIOLET BOERESCU, ERIN SCHNEIDER, AND JOAN LOHR DECEMBER 2020

JACKSON SELVIDGE, KATHY GARLAND, AND STEPHANE CHOPINEAU

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DECEMBER 2020

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snapShots AT THE 25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS BAZAAR AT FBGC

AURORA MAE STEPHENS, KATHERINE STEPHENS, CINDY RASMUSSEN AND SUE FREY CASEY GARWOOD, AND JESSICA STEPHENS

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AT THE LES DEMERLE NEIGHBORHOOD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

RYAN TAYLOR AND AIDAN PEDERSON

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AT THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF NASSAU COUNTY MUSICAL FUN(D) RAISER AT FBGC

BETTY NIX AND WYNELLE WHITE

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KAREN ANTWORTH AND LINDA JANCA

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AT AMELIA ISLAND’S STORES FOR SOME EARLY HOLIDAY SHOPPING

DONNA KAUFFMAN OF STORY & SONG ERIN & JOSH VOSS AND PEACH WITH BOOKSTORE BISTRO WITH REBECCA CANO, MARTINIQUE LEMKE OF REDBONES LUANN POLLOCK, & PENNY WARNKE DOG BAKERY 44 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

LYNDA LAWRENCE, NADINE NICHOLS, AND BONNIE LITEBORN AT NASSAU JEWELRY

DECEMBER 2020

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RENNWORKSOUTDOORS DECEMBER 2020

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Craft Beer & Artisan Pizza Fernandina Beach’s newest craft brewery has opened its doors. First Love Brewing is a community centric microbrewery that features 20 rotating taps all brewed on site. First Love Brewing also offers artisan pizzas made with their signature dough recipe. We are inspired by the community we live in and the people we meet. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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DECEMBER 2020

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Cape May Warbler

WINGS OF

INTER With the advent of winter, many species of birds arrive on Amelia Island for warmer weather and available food, including Yellow-Rumped Warblers and Cedar Waxwings.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY GAIL PFOH

Robin

N

ot all winter visitors who fly here come by airplane.

Each winter, countless numbers of birds and ducks fly themselves here and never have to worry about going through security or clearing customs.

Many people flock to visit our salty, sunny shores each winter. Many species of birds do the same thing; people visit to avoid the cold winters further north, and so do the birds. Snow and ice are an inconvenience to humans, but the same snow and ice can mean starvation to some birds. Frozen waterways and frozen vegetation can be deadly for many birds.

In order to survive, many birds fly south to Florida or beyond. Shorebirds, raptors, warblers, ducks, songbirds and others come here to enjoy the warm temperatures, open waterways, and much-needed food supplies. The ground here doesn’t freeze, so birds such as Eastern Phoebes and Palm and 47 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Yellow-Rumped Warblers, all of which eat worms and insects, are likely to find what they need here.

In addition, keep an eye out for American Avocets on our ponds and waterways.

At this time of year, we host a gorgeous species of northern bird called the Cedar Waxwing.

Cedar Waxwings are social birds which form large flocks as they roost and forage. You may have noticed one of these flocks as they move through your neighborhood, the downtown area, Fort Clinch State Park, or along A1A. If you are waiting to pick up a student at Emma Love Hardee Elementary School, you may also see them there.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology notes that the Cedar Waxwing is a “silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemonyellow, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and continued on next page

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

Cedar Waxwing

Merlin

Eastern Phoebe

American Avocet

brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers. In fall and winter these birds gather by the hundreds to eat berries, filling the air with their high, thin, whistles. Look for them low in berry bushes and high in evergreens.” If you want to attract them to your yard or neighborhood, planting Loquat or Holly trees will do the trick.

If you have the pleasure of finding some Cedar Waxwings, you may also be treated to hearing and seeing the American Robin! These recognizable red-breasted birds are also quite vocal. In addition to seeing them in our trees, you are likely to see them foraging on the ground.

Among the warblers found here during the colder months is the Cape May Warbler. These tiny travelers visit us after leaving their Boreal forest breeding territories far from humans. They eat insects, but as Cornell Lab of Ornithology acknowledges, “wintering birds sip nectar at bottlebrush, agave, and many native and ornamental flowers; and sometimes from hummingbird feeders.”

48 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Locally you may see them on Cape Honeysuckle. They are petite birds with an unusual bill that curves downward. If you plant Bottlebrush and Cape Honeysuckle, you are sure to attract these and other warblers.

Some species of raptors that breed in northern latitudes visit us as well because they follow their prey south. Northern Harriers spend their days here gliding low over marshes as they hunt for rodents and birds. They have a 42-inch wingspan, distinctive owl-like face, and a prominent white rump patch.

With a much smaller wingspan of only 22 inches, the Merlin is found here only in winter. Small falcons with pointy wings, Merlins are quite fast and quite fierce. They fly almost 2,000 miles to spend the winter in our area.

Observing birds has perhaps never been so popular an activity as it has been this year. It is an activity everyone can enjoy even during quarantine without any special equipment.

As always, please observe birds from a respectful distance.

DECEMBER 2020

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Top Rated Seafood & Steakhouse on Amelia Island

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jim@jimratliff.art | jimratliff.art DECEMBER 2020

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

www.AmeliaIslander.com To Schedule an Appointment, call Jake Friesen at (904) 574-6676 We are unable to accept some items, i.e. mattresses, box springs, entertainment centers, large televisions and exercise equipment.

50 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

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Richly narrated historic sightseeing boat tours and sunset cruises.

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IN THE GARDEN

PHOTO ©2020 SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION

Golden Oakland

holiday hollies While Hollies are essential for “decking the halls” in the Christmas season, varieties like Weeping Youpon and Screen Play are also a great addition to your landscape.

BY BETTY MORRELL

I

t’s the time of year to “Deck the Halls” with garlands of greenery and red berries! How did we get here so fast? It’s time for shopping, wrapping, cooking, and the wonderful smells of baking pies and cookies. Is there still space in our busy schedules for gardening? Maybe not, but how about some gifts for your gardening friends or family?

You can always get a new plant for the coming year, a gift certificate, or maybe some seeds or cuttings from your own garden. Unusual bulbs are available through catalogs and in stores; they are always fun to give. Or perhaps a plaque, a statue, a special steppingstone, lantern, bird feeder, or garden gloves.

If there is something you would really like to receive, give it instead. Use your imagination, it can come up with some wonderful ideas!

Now to the Holly, which—by golly —we have the most awesome of native specimens here in the southeastern U.S. The Youpon, a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree, grows 15 to 20 feet tall, has one-inch long, shallow-toothed, dark green leaves. The Youpon bears scarlet

TIP OF T HE M O N T H When you buy a Christmas tree, cut an inch off the bottom and stand it in a bucket of water. Add a can of Sprite to replace the sugar lost in cutting. Cut to size and put the tree in a stand with water. Refill often.

red berries in profusion. You can prune it to many shapes.

The Weeping Youpon is my favorite.

It is a pendular variety, with branches that show to best effect when the plant is trained as a standard and shaped like an umbrella. They are magnificent when the berries are cascading down the umbrella branches.

With so many Hollies available for our area, it is a matter of personal preference whichone you choose.

Hollies range from one-foot high mounds to trees 40 to 50 feet tall trees.

A few varieties for our area are Screen Play Holly, Golden Oakland, Oakland, and Robin Holly. Two of my favorites are Screen Play and Robin. Both Hollies are great for holiday decorating. They are

53 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

very hardy for our area, as well as being very beautiful.

The evergreen Screen Play has a dense habit, with large leaves that emerge light green in color, tinged with bronze, and as they mature, they become dark green. Its leaves are glossy and spineless, with very finely serrated margins. Screen Play grows to 30 feet high and 10 feet wide. Deep red berries appear in early fall through winter. This tree can be grown in full sun to part-shade.

Robin has a pyramidal habit and grows 15 to 20 feet high and 12 to 15 feet wide. Its rich dark green leaves turn maroon in spring, with beautiful red berries that appear in fall and winter.

Grow Robin in full sun to part shade.

Hollies are perfect for attracting birds and butterflies. Use them as accent plants in the landscape, a hedge, or in mass plantings. Shape them in early spring before the first flush and fertilize yearly in spring.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! If you have any questions, please email me at bamorrell@aol.com.

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ISLAND HOME

Inset: A traditional Christmas tree, merrily decorated in red and white, with gifts waiting to be opened.

Below: The exterior of this beautiful historic home, with Christmas wreaths and greenery, which was featured on the 2019 Holiday Home Tour.

a historic home for the holidays

BY DICKIE ANDERSON • PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

J

ohn and Kathryn Krebs graciously opened their home for the Amelia Island Museum of History’s annual Holiday Home Tour last year. Their home was one of five featured homes open to the public for the museum’s annual fundraising event. The once-a-year event offers a unique opportunity to visit historic homes and see them beautifully decorated for the holidays thanks to generous donations from local decorators and florists.

The Krebs home is an outstanding example of how a historic home can be preserved, yet nonetheless updated to

offer all the modern conveniences that a family might need.

The couple met in Florida, but they have lived all over the country. Once their children were grown, they decided to settle on the Atlantic coast of Florida, and Fernandina Beach offered all the things they were looking for.

When the Krebs bought their home on South 7th Street in 2015, it had been owned by four different families. As happens so often, each new owner had made their own changes to the house. The end result was seven different ceiling and

55 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

ISLAND HOME E Right: A Christmas wreath with a bright red candle and a holiday pillow in red add color to the great room.

Below right: Another view of the great room, with its original heart-of-pine flooring, adorned with holiday greenery.

Bottom right: The master bedroom is decorated with pillows offering holiday greetings and poinsettias.

floor heights, which created a variety of challenges. Older homes are often broken in to a series of small rooms. In the Krebs renovation, the new floor plan created open flowing space with a much more contemporary look and feel.

The remodel took two-and-a-half years and was completed in December 2017. The house was built in 1900, and the second owners were the Lynn family.

Dr. Lynn was not only a dentist with an office on Centre Street, but he was also a conductor on the island’s trolley line. Another owner was Topsy Smith, well-known in the community, who was a policeman and later the owner of the iconic Gulf gas station at the intersection of Centre Street and Atlantic Avenue, which now houses Tasty’s.

While creating a comfortable family home, the Krebs recycled many elements in the house. Original heart of pine flooring was incorporated in the remodel. Bricks from an abandoned koi pond at Fort Clinch from were included in the materials, mixing elements of the historic with a contemporary look.

The staircase leading to the second floor is original. The kitchen counters are solid-surface pieces of soapstone, which is consistent with what might 56 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

deck the halls, and set the table!

C A P E H O U S E I S YO U R O N E-S TO P S H O P F O R H O L I D AY D E C O R , U N I Q U E G I F T S , A N D E F F O R T L E S S E N T E R TA I N I N G S U P P L I E S .

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Find us on Facebook @AmeliaIslanderMagazine

57 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

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ISLAND HOME

Above: An oyster shell garland adds a seaside touch to the holiday table.

Top right: Wreaths hang in the windows and bright red candlesticks add color to the spacious kitchen island, which like the counters, are made of soapstone.

Above right: Hanging stockings and a garland of holiday greenery climb the stairway to the second floor.

have been found in kitchens in 1900 when solid pieces of soapstone or marble were common.

Last year was the first time that Coastal Cottages, a popular Amelia Island shop, decorated one of the featured homes on the holiday home tour. The design team used traditional red-and-green decorations. Cheerful holiday-themed pillows added splashes of colors throughout the house. During

58 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

the tour, even the washer and dryer had their own holiday wreaths. A table set for a Christmas meal featured a string of oyster shells and bright red placemats.

The Krebs enjoyed opening up their home for last year’s tour. They enjoyed working with Coastal Cottage and were very pleased with the wonderful job they did decorating their home. While serving as an important fundraiser for the Amelia Island Museum of History,

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ISLAND HOME

Above left: The backyard fire pit is ready for cozy holiday evenings, with lanterns and comfy pillows.

Above right: Herons strut with holiday wreaths around their necks.

Right: For the Holiday Home Tour, the Krebs’ washer and dryer got into the spirit with holiday wreaths.

the couple feel the annual tour is also a great opportunity for visitors to get ideas for updating an historic home.

It will be a quieter holiday season for the Krebs family this year. They hope once again to share their favorite family movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which has been a family tradition for the past fifteen years. They also like to share treasured traditional Christmas family recipes.

60 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020

Like so many families this year dealing with pandemic challenges, their focus is finding a time and place in their busy schedule where they can get together and stay safe.

Our island museum is thankful for the families that let us into their homes each December for the annual Holiday Home Tour. Many thanks to John and Kathryn Krebs and Coastal Cottage for your generous contributions.

www.AmeliaIslander.com

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eating scene

First Love Brewing Company With delicious hand-crafted beer and artisan-style pizza made with homemade dough, First Love Brewing is a welcome addition to the Amelia Island culinary scene.

BY MICHAEL GASS • PHOTO BY CHRISTY LELAIT

L

ast Wednesday evening, after feeding the fine folks at United Memorial Methodist, I dropped my gear and picked up my girls to try something new in town: First Love Brewing Company. I was looking forward to trying out a few of their beers, the girls were looking forward to pizza.

First Love is located on the corner of S. 9th and Ash streets, occupying the eastern end of what used to be Fred’s. Several businesses make the space home now, notably First Love Brewing Company, which offers hand-crafted beers, pizza, and

traditional bar favorites. The ambiance is fresh and open, with lots of space to move about. The gleaming tanks are visible from every angle, keeping the attention on brewing and the beer. We were all excited to check it out.

62 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

When we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the staff and invited to place our order at the bar before finding a table.

Abigail is not very adventurous when it comes to cuisine, so she was happy to order the House Fries. Lydia loves a Caesar Salad.

The Gochujang Wings caught my eye, and we got a Cheese Pizza to share. The girls got soda, and I ordered a Piper Red IPA, a menu recommendation for the Korean-style wings. Our order placed, we made our way to one of the available high-top tables within view of several TV’s and a game station with miniJenga and beer cap checker sets.

First Love Brewing is centered on pursuing passions and living dreams. Owners Jessie and Kevin O’Brien are driven by a sense of community and delight in sharing their dream through the flavors they create. I, for one, am very excited that microbrew culture is finally making it to Fernandina Beach.

Our food came quickly despite the dining room being mostly full. The fries were piping hot and extra crispy, and Abbie was duly impressed. Lydia dove into her Caesar Salad. The salad was fresh and hearty, and the crouton, which she offered to me, was a handsome diagonally sliced piece of baguette lovingly toasted and topped with Parmesan cheese.

The Gochujang Wings were a show-stopper. Plump and juicy, I had mine naked (unbreaded) and tossed in the sweet and spicy Korean pepper sauce. The Piper Red IPA was indeed the perfect pairing, its malty flavor with the aroma of pine and the tropics made a spectacular flavor combination. The pizza was delicious, of course, with a cheese pizza being the true test of quality pie. With no toppings to hide behind, the flavor of the dough, sauce, and cheese have to stand on their own. The time Jessie and Kevin spent training in Chicago and honing their pizza chops is evident in every bite.

To finish things off, I enjoyed a Milk Stout called the Beacon of Light. Dark and slightly sweet, the beer was like a dessert of sorts. As the girls finished up their game, we bid our hosts adieu and headed off into the night, all of us looking forward to a return visit. The Taproom at First Love Brewing is open Wednesday through Friday from 4-9pm adding lunch hours Saturday and Sunday. Check them out at firstlovebrewing.com and stop in for some delicious food and frosty adult beverages.

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

dining out AMELIA ISLANDER

DINING GUIDE Amelia Island Coffee ~ For more than 16 years, Amelia Island Coffee has been a welcoming place to meet. This family-owned business features friendly service, locally roasted single-source coffee, cold brew, select organic teas and freshly baked pastries, pies and cakes. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, along with small plates and appetizers in the evening. You’ll find a selection of mainstream and craft beers along with varietal wines, as well as ice cream, milkshakes, frappes, fruit smoothies and frozen lemonade. The ambiance of a 100-year-old building is enhanced by outdoor, pet-friendly dining.

Open 7 days, 7 am Mon–Sat and 8 am on Sun. Major credit cards. 207 Centre Street. (904) 321-2111.

Ameliaislandcoffee.com.

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 ~ 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. We offer a diverse beverage menu of great wines, local brews, and Saki martinis.

When possible, we source from local farmers, local products, and local businesses to create a farm-to-table style menu. Our vision is to create a neighborhood atmosphere where everyone will feel welcome; a place where everyone will have a relaxing and fun time. 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. 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. Our superb service and casually elegant atmosphere create a special experience. Extensive wine/beer list. Reservations recommended. Open 5:30pm Mon – Sat. Closed Sun. (904) 432-7671.

BurlingameRestaurant.com.

Crab Trap ~ Nautical decor and friendly service makes for a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Dinner daily offers seafood—fried, grilled, broiled, or blackened—as well as steaks, chicken and oysters year round. Entrees $8.95 $18.95. Call for seasonal hours. Beer, wine, and cocktails.

Family owned and operated since 1979. 31 N 2nd Street, (904) 261-4749.

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!

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63 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

Available for private dinners, catering, celebrations, & more.

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

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www.fourseasonsbistro.biz DECEMBER 2020

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dining guide

We Brew Beer.

The place to meet for locally roasted coīee, fresh food, pastries, beer, wine and great company.

Voted #1 coffee shop on the Island*

Locally Owned. Veteran Operated.

Open daily for fresh coīee and tea, breakfast, lunch and aŌernoon snacks.

For Catering info, email ricky@ameliaislandcoīee.com.

Friday Night Trivia Saturday Night PainƟng with Lamar Miles

207 Centre Street 904-321-2111 www.ameliaislandcoīee.com * Trip Advisor, Google, Yelp

BEST SUSHI IN TOWN

JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI BAR FERNANDINA BEACH 1478 SADLER RD (904) 261-9855 Tu – Th: 11a – 10p F – Sa: 11a – 11p Su: 12 – 10p

YULEE 463875 SR 200 (904) 849-7368 M - Th: 11a - 10p F & Sa: 11a - 11p Sunday Closed

64 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

DECEMBER 2020

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 & Vegan options. Happy Hour Sunday - Thursday 5 to 7 pm (except Special Events & Holidays). Lounge Menu & Port Flights. Incredible 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.

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. Major credit cards. Open 7 days. (904) 261-7700. 22 South 4th Street.

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 friendly service. 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 ~ 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. Open for brunch Wed. – Fri. from 11am – 2:30pm and Sat. – Sun. 10am – 2:30pm. The Mermaid Bar at The Florida House Inn is open Mon. – Sat. at 5pm. Daily drink specials and Open Mic every other Thursday night. 22 South Third Street, (904)491-3322.

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. (904) 321-2558.

Open seven days.

Lagniappe Restaurant ~ [“lan-yap”] One of Jacksonville Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants and voted #1 Chef and #1 Amelia Island Restaurant by “Best in the 904” voters across NE Florida! From the melting-pot culinary heritage of Charleston, New Orleans, and Savannah comes Lagniappe, where you can always expect a little something more. Chef-owner Brian Grimley’s respect for Southern tradition, culinary curiosity, and a quarterdecade’s experience in Virginia’s Tidewater District shine through a delectable line-up of evolving charcuterie selections, house-smoked meats, and seafood must-haves like po’ boys, salmon brûlée, and the occasional whole fried fish! Dig in with loved ones over wine, considered cocktails, and curated bourbons in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Open daily, 11am–10pm; Happy Hour 3pm–6pm; Sunday Southern Breakfast 10am–3pm.

4810 First Coast Hwy. lagniappeamelia.com

www.AmeliaIslander.com

dining out The Mustard Seed Cafe ~ Located inside Nassau Health Foods, The Mustard Seed is Amelia Island’s only organic eatery and juice bar, with an extensive, eclectic menu featuring vegetarian and vegan items. Daily specials include local seafood, organic chicken and fresh organic produce. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, and soups are available—all prepared with The Mustard Seed’s impeccable style. Popular items are chicken or veggie quesadillas, grilled mahi or salmon over mixed greens and tuna melt with Swiss cheese and tomato. Open for breakfast and lunch, Mon - Sat., 8 am - 3pm, and 10am - 2pm on Sun. NassauHealthFoods.net. 833 T. J. Courson Rd. (904) 277-3141.

Pogo’s Kitchen ~ Serving southern cuisine with a bend, with a menu that celebrates the full medley of Southern flavors. Cocktails and wine selections are simple but creative. Vsit us for dinner, lunch or brunch at POGO’s Kitchen—a bright, open eatery tucked away from the main lines, waiting to unpack your day and refill your glass. (904) 432-8483. pogoskitchen.com.

Pozzi Bistro ~ A new “Old World” style restaurant.

Espresso bar and café by day and a full menu restaurant by night. We offer pastries, espresso drinks, blended shakes, and brunch specialty beverages, and brunch each day. In the evening, come and taste charcuterie, cheese, and wine, or a relaxing meal in our dining room or on our outdoor patio. Our simple menu features steak, lobster, crabcake, and more. Top off your evening with one of our house made desserts. Wed - Fri 11am - 9pm; Sat & Sun 9am - 9pm. 300 Ash Street. Call (904) 310-3779 or email info@pozzicoffeeandwinebar.com.

Sliders Seaside Grill ~ The Caribbean on Amelia Island!

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 & dinner. 1998 S. Fletcher Ave. at Sadler Rd. (next to the roundabout). (904) 277-6652.

Story & Song Bistro ~ Neighborhood bookstore/bistro serving breakfast and lunch indoors or in the “secret garden” courtyard, home of Amelia’s “Wings” murals.

Enjoy favorites like a genuine Bronx bagel, quiche, Ina Garten’s chicken salad, and seasonal specials made with fresh, local ingredients. Organic coffee, Rishi tea, rose lemonade, beer and wine also available. Monday-Saturday 9 to 2, Sunday 11 to 2. 1430 Park Avenue at the 14th St. entrance to Amelia Park. (904) 601-2118.

Thai Spice Cafe ~ Located on Sadler Road next to Jersey Mike’s. We are proud to prepare fresh authentic Thai food. Our menu features traditional Thai dishes, Curries, fried rice, appetizers, soups, salads, and other Thai specials. Come join us for lunch or dinner, or call us for carry-out orders. Happy Hour 5 - 8pm Everyday!

Buy 1 get one free House Wine! M - Th 11am - 3pm and 5 - 9:30pm; F 11am - 3pm and 5 - 10pm; Sa 12 - 9:30pm; Su closed. (904) 432-7748. thaispicecafe.com.

Townies Pizzeria ~ Townies is the “Locals’ Choice for Island Pizza”. All of our food is prepared fresh to order.

Townies uses real cheese, only the finest quality ingredients, and fresh local produce. Unlike the big pizza chains, our sauces don’t come out of a paint can. Pizza!

One Luv! 819 TJ Courson Road. (904) 277-4755. Order online at TowniesPizzeria.com or call!

Wicked Bao ~ Enjoy Asian Street Food in a charming historical building in downtown Fernandina Beach.

Small Plates, Noodle+Rice, Baos. Beer, Wine, Sake, Vietnamese Coffee. Happy Hour 4-6 Monday -Thursday & Dinner 4-9 Monday - Saturday. 232 N. 2nd St. (904) 775-5577. Please find our menu at WickedBao.com.

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

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

904-277-3141 www.nassauhealthfoods.net

ASIAN STREET FOOD IN DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH Small Plates • Noodle Bowls • Rice Bowls • Baos Beer • Wine • Sake • Vietnamese Coffee Open 4 - 8pm Mon - Sat Happy Hour: 4 - 6pm Mon - Thu

232 North 2nd Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-775-5577

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

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

ine Jacksonville Magaz

Top 25

65 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

14 South Second Street • 321-2558

DECEMBER 2020

Find us on Facebook and Trip Advisor! www.AmeliaIslander.com

Love

begins in a Moment, grows over Time, and lasts an Eternity

PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Pick up a copy of Amelia Island Weddings and begin planning your dream island wedding.

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

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Where Family Dreams

Come True Magnificent oceanfront possibilities await for your family to create memories with this home located on the northern end of Amelia Island. Take a stroll on the beach to Historic Fort Clinch or search for sharks teeth and watch the ships and boats come into the harbor. This home has 4 bedrooms and a large living area opening onto the large wrap around porch. Each bedroom has direct access to a

bathroom and access to the porch. The large double garage has room for 2-3 cars, golf cart or small boat, abundant storage areas, and features a second laundry room. The beach walkover has seating to enjoy unobstructed views in all directions. This ideal location is close to Main Beach and Downtown Fernandina, yet offers the quiet solitude of the north end of the Island.

For more information on this exceptional property, please call Geoff Haynes with Re/MAX Sterling (904) 468-0019.

67 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

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1707 Dunes Club Place 3 Bed | 4 Bath | 3,312 sq ft

3210 Sea Marsh Road 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,350 sq ft

291 Sandcastle Court 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 896 sq ft

$2,554,000

$255,000

$399,000

2531 Boxwood Lane 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,470 sq ft

2211 Boxwood Lane 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,110 sq ft

1168 Beach Walker Road 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,467 sq ft

$345,000

$739,000

$625,000

View all of our current listings in the palm of your hand. Visit your app store and search for Amelia RE to download our app.

A MELIA R E

Located at Omni Amelia Island Resort | 10 Amelia Village Circle | Amelia Island, FL 32034 (904) 277-5980 | (800) 874-0322 | AmeliaIslandRealEstate.net | aiprealestate@omnihotels.com Danny Leeper, licensed real estate broker. ©Amelia Island Real Estate Services. All rights reserved. Amelia Island Real Estate Services is a registered trademark licensed to Omni Hotels & Resorts. 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

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OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

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AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

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AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

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2 SEA MARSH COVE Amelia Island Plantation

Claudia Watts BROKER-EXECUTIVE claudia.watts@coldwellbanker.com 904.556.4000 www.claudiawatts.com

This single story executive home is set in an outstanding setting overlooking lush green space with a lake beyond. The master has a deluxe bath, large custom closets and access to rear patio. There is a bonus room and full bath over the garage. Additional features include wood floors, separate formal living & dining rooms, fireplace in the cozy library, open & spacious fieldstone terrace with summer kitchen and outdoor linear fireplace, spa tub, and fence. Kitchen has stainless appliances, handsome granite, 5-burner gas range & walk-in pantry, and opens to family room. Three fireplaces, oversized garage, new roof in 2020, all situated on a .8-acre homesite. Shared driveway with neighbor.

MLS#92952 ~$1,150,000

18 SEA MARSH ROAD Build your marshfront home!

Kathy Garland REALTOR kathyg@bellsouth.net 904-556-5744 THE CLAUDIA WATTS TEAM

This marsh front lot awaits your design and construction of the home of your dreams with southerly exposure. Enjoy south views of Amelia’s vast salt marsh with 108 feet of frontage.

There is a greenspace, plus the Amelia Links across the street. Located a golf cart or bicycle ride to Drummond Point park, the Marsh View Grille, the Amelia Links, driving range, and Walker’s Landing. Easily accessible off the South End of the Island to Jacksonville, including the Jacksonville International Airport. Membership to Amelia Island Club available. Partial clearing to the marsh completed...please exercise caution if walking.

MLS#92516 ~ $829,000

You can’t beat the experience.

311 CENTRE STREET • AMELIA ISLAND • OFFICE: 904.261.0347

Excellence... yesterday, today & tomorrow.

311 CENTRE STREET •

AMELIA ISLAND •

(904) 261-0347 •

CBAMELIA.COM

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

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A Trusted Name in Real Estate Since 1984 theedwardscompany.com

GLENN Hancock REALTOR (904) 583-7099

DOUG Hamer REALTOR (904) 654-9828

TAYLOR Edwards BROKER (904) 753-1814

982 S. FLETCHER AVE

4167 S. FLETCHER AVE

96196 MARSH LAKES DR

This is as Oceanfront as it gets! This 4 BR/ 4 BA home is nestled against a pristine sugar white sand dune on a 100' wide lot.

Totally remodeled and updated in 2014/2015. The second floor features the massive great room with the most spectacular views of the sandy beach.

JUST REDUCED $2,499,000 MLS#92481

3BR/3BA home located in one of Amelia Island’s most unique settings, in a beautiful hammock of windswept oaks covering 1 acre +/-. Access and frontage on S. Fletcher Ave. There is a deeded shared beach access on the beach side of S. Fletcher Ave. $975,000 MLS#90934

Absolutely stunning custom 4BR/5BA home over looking the Intracoastal Waterway. Permit in place for deep water dock. Featuring a screened lanai with a 30’x16’ Salt Water pool, 3 car garage, gourmet kitchen, mother in-law suite....media room or guest quarters.

JUST REDUCED $1,190,000 MLS#90754

95176 SANDPIPER LOOP

220 AMELIA BY THE SEA

2122 S. FLETCHER AVE

The Villas of Ocean Dunes, oceanfront 3BR/3BA patio home located just a short walk from The Ritz-Carlton hotel. In this Sandpiper patio home cluster, there are only 4 fee simple owned homes. This property has many flexible opportunities as a residence or income producing rental property. $824,900 MLS#80781

Outstanding furnished 3BR/2BA location on the second floor overlooking the private pier, pool and pristine beaches of Amelia Island. Large open kitchen with upgraded counters and stainless steel appliances overlooking the oversize living area and dining area.

JUST REDUCED $554,000 MLS#90370

Oceanfront opportunity located just south of Sadler Rd. with a prime beach location on Amelia Island! This 4BR/3BA home offers many possibilities and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Open floor plan design, with a large oceanside deck and dune walkover. $1,395,000 MLS#90368

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

OPEN HOUSE PREMIER PROPERTIES

FOR SALE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE

AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE

Geoff Haynes (904) 468-0019 geoffhaynes@remax.net www.geoffhaynes.com

OCEAN PARK

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

~ Featured Listings ~ CARLTON DUNES AT SUMMER BEACH

UNIT 214, 403 TARPON AVE

These fabulous oceanfront condominiums are adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Located on the south end of Amelia Island, each condo features beautiful custom appointments and large square footage. The oceanfront and golf course views are incredible!

Membership to The Golf Club of Amelia Island is available.

2nd Floor Oceanview Condo. 1,422 sq ft rarely used by the current owner has 2 bedroom 2 bath. Unit is located within walking distance to Salt Life and Sandbar. The unit is being sold furnished with upgraded furniture and decor. Includes 14 ft x 25 ft garage and exterior owners closet. Weekly and Monthly Rentals are Authorized.

MLS 93005 $470,000

AMELIA BY THE SEA

OCEAN PLACE AT SUMMER BEACH

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

These units are direct oceanfront.

Rent a beautiful Ocean Place unit.

View virtual at www.vrbo.com. #224773

Come & Enjoy Our Five Diamond Neighbors

MARCY MOCK 1890 S. 14th St, Suite 210 Amelia Island, FL 32034 (904) 753-6500 cell

www.marcymock.com

Scan this code with your smartphone.

UNIT 215, 3240 S. FLETCHER AVE Oceanfront condo has never been rented by current owners and would make a great rental, vacation home or full time residence. Being sold furnished. Bathes and kitchen have been upgraded. Tastefully decorated and ready for you to enjoy the ocean views and breezes from the covered porch. Great views from Oceanfront master bedroom. Short Term rentals allowed.

MLS 90892 $450,000 22 S. 8th Street Suite 2 Fernandina Beach FL (904) 321-1999

ISLAND ENTERTAINING

Entertaining for the

Holidays

BY KAREN MILLER

T

his past year has changed the way we do things, and that includes celebrating the holidays. Normally in December, my husband, Troy, and I would be stocking our bar for holiday parties and inviting neighbors to join us for Christmas cheer, but this year we’re putting in-person parties on hold.

But that doesn’t mean we’ve given up holiday cheer altogether! We still have a lot to be grateful for, and Mitchell Wickless, owner of Five Points Liquor, has some great suggestions to help you enjoy holiday sprits safely.

“Bourbons are number one right now,” says Wickless.

“Especially allocated bourbons. That makes a great gift for your bourbon-loving friends. I suggest buying a bottle for a friend and one for yourself, and then calling your friend for a chat.

You could even host a Zoom party.” And although you may not have guests joining you in person this year, Wickless suggests making specialty cocktails to toast the holidays and welcome in the New Year.

Wickless embraces the famous Manhattan cocktail as his favorite, and most bartenders and bourbon aficionados would agree. “Place ice in a cocktail shaker and add 2 parts bourbon, 1 part sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters,” says Wickless. “Then rub an orange peel around the rim of a cocktail glass. Shake the cocktail and strain the contents into the glass.

Finish it with two Maraschino cherries.”

At Amelia Island Wine Company, manager Holly Carlile has been studying the champagne industry this year and learning about the science of bubbles. “There are lots of amazing bubbles for the holidays this season, and they make great gifts for friends, and also for yourself,” says Carlile.

“Traditional Champagne (French) is in season any time.

But consider other bubble varieties, like Prosecco (Italian) and a new rose version called Rosecco. Cava (Spain) is a great choice 76 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •

for gift-giving, or for serving with seafood and even creamy desserts, like cheesecake.”

Carlile suggests stepping out of your “usual” and pairing your holiday nibbles and dinners with something new. “There are so many great wines to choose from, like Gewurztraminer, which pairs well with all types of foods. Pinot Gris, unoaked Chardonnay, Chianti, and French wines all make good holiday choices. Sauternes are nice, too, and consider a glass of Port to sip at the end of a meal with a bit of cheese.”

Carlile also reminds about the importance of proper glassware when serving wines and bubbles. “It really does make a difference in flavor and texture,” she says. “Choosing the right tulip glass for champagne is essential for the development of the bouquet and its effervescence, so we like to share advice not just on wines and bubbles, but how to serve them. Also, for the holidays, gifts and accessories like gift baskets, stemware, wine decanters, and aerators are always popular.”

If you’re thinking about hosting a virtual cocktail party, it’s pretty easy: choose a platform, like Zoom, which will then walk you through the process. Consider a theme, music, a dress code, or even suggestions for cocktails and nibbles. Send out your invitations, and be sure to invite people you may not know as well. It’s a great way to foster friendships and celebrate the holidays in style. Enjoy!

DECEMBER 2020

www.AmeliaIslander.com

lifestyle you desire.

ORD E

with purchase of $100 in gift cards* SaltLifeFoodShack.com Fernandina Beach | Jacksonville Beach | St. Augustine Beach *For a limited time only. Some restrictions apply.

E LIN

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Season’s

NLINE RO •