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Old 11-23-2015, 11:54 AM
 
342 posts, read 798,781 times
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Looking for some ideas on things to do while on vacation on Amelia Island. Will be on the island from Dec 5-9th. Have already vetted the area and have a nice list going but wondering if I could hear from some locals to get a "homegrown" feel of the place. Staying at the Ritz Carlton and will have a car. Thank you all in advance.
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Old 11-23-2015, 01:36 PM
 
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I believe they are one of the only beaches to allow horse rides, would be a nice way to spend a few hours. Google should be your friend there.
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Old 11-23-2015, 03:26 PM
 
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach FL
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How old are you? Kids/no kids? Robyn
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Old 11-23-2015, 07:08 PM
 
342 posts, read 798,781 times
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Late 30's. 2 boys 9 and 6.
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Old 11-23-2015, 07:31 PM
 
Location: Springfield
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Check out Main Beach for a taste of small town beach life. Sandy Bottoms right on the beach is a great place for food and drinks. Also, adjacent to Main Beach is an outdoor skate park if the kids are into that.

Fort Clinch State Park. https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Clinch. There is actually a fort there.

Fernandina Beach Historic District. Before Amelia Island Plantation and the Ritz were developed, not very many people in North Florida knew where Amelia Island was. But I promise you they knew Fernandina Beach. A beautiful walkable historic district with the usual small shops and some great restaurants and bars. Must check the Palace Saloon, one of the oldest continuously operating bars in Florida. Some beautiful old homes in this area.

From the Ritz, travel south on A1A into Duval County to Big Talbot Island and look for Black Rock Trail, A great nature walk, known for birding, between a 1/4 to 1/2 mile to "Boneyard Beach" a stretch of beach with dozens of dead oaks strewn on the beach. A great place for a secluded picnic an great photography opportunities.
Blackrock Trail - Review of Big Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville, FL - TripAdvisor

A bit farther south you will find the St Johns River Ferry. Not a spectacular but worth it to say you did.

If I think of more I'll add them later.
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Old 11-24-2015, 05:52 AM
 
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach FL
14,617 posts, read 21,490,785 times
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The kids would probably really enjoy the zoo (which isn't on Amelia Island - but is close to it):

Jacksonville Zoo

This is great zoo weather (cooler - the animals don't sleep all day). And the zoo is a really good zoo. Robyn
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Old 11-24-2015, 06:12 AM
 
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach FL
14,617 posts, read 21,490,785 times
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The Ritz Carlton also has various programs for kids:

East Coast Family Resorts - Family Vacation Packages Florida | The Ritz-Carlton

Something to keep them busy while you have a "spa afternoon" (the Ritz Carlton has a good spa).

There are also various Christmas themed events (reservations highly recommended):

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...ar/Default.htm (look at December)

If you're Jewish - there's Chanukah at the Jacksonville Landing (although - of course - you don't have to be Jewish ):

Chanukah - Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida

Finally - although it may be a bit longer than you care to drive - one of the holiday highlights in this area is the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine - one of the best Christmas light displays in the world:

Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights -- National Geographic

Robyn
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Old 11-24-2015, 12:25 PM
 
342 posts, read 798,781 times
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Thank you everyone for all the ideas so far. Definitely looking into all of them.
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Old 11-24-2015, 04:43 PM
 
Location: Amelia Island/Rhode Island
5,199 posts, read 6,142,795 times
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Plenty of things to on Amelia for the holidays, see link below:

Christmas and holiday events roundup for the Amelia Island area | Mamamelia

12 mile bike trail, looking for sharks teeth on the north end, kayaking, Egan's Creek, bike rentals, scooter rentals, Greenway (nature trail), fishing cheaters, river cruise, Cumberland Island......the list goes on.

Have a great stay and DM me for any specific interests.
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Old 11-24-2015, 06:23 PM
 
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I think there's a mini-golf course in front of Amelia Island Plantation.
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