So much to do and see on property… the stunning, dune-lined beachfront, golf, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, luxurious spa, several restaurants, and cocktail lounges. Once the car was parked, it didn’t move until checkout. The first two days were spent at the Ritz-Carlton quite an oasis for a retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of life. On a recent trip, I split my stay between a beach resort, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and The Addison On Amelia Island, a 14- room bed and breakfast located in historic Fernandina Beach, on the northern half on Amelia Island. It didn’t take me long to arrive at the thought that this is a place I will be returning to again and again. There is something inviting and enticing about the streets, shops, restaurants, architecture, and atmosphere in this welcoming island community. I was taken aback by how at home and comfortable I immediately felt, as I strolled downtown Fernandina Beach on Center Street, and along the working port along the Amelia River. It has been governed and occupied by the French Spanish, French, British, and the United States, and Native Americans, who had a strong presence until the earliest European settlements began early in the 18th century. With the low-key vibe of Key West-meets-the southern-charm-of Charleston and Savannah, Amelia Island has a flavor and personality that belongs distinctly to its location and long, storied history. My goal is to seek out those areas of Florida that perhaps aren’t as well-known but have the beauty, history, activities both on and off the beach and water, events, ambiance, weather, and – of course – food that makes for a Florida vacation to remember, and visit again and again.Īmelia Island, Florida’s northernmost island, is the southernmost in a chain of tidal, barrier islands called the Sea Islands, that begins with Murphy Island, the northernmost of the chain, in South Carolina.

We all know about Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. That said, it is time for my Annual Hidden Gems of Florida feature.

Yes, winter has been good to us this year, at least so far. Here in the northeast, it is a dark and damp mid- February evening. While writing this column an ad appeared on the television – flaunting a beautiful beach vacation, palm trees and all.

14 hidden gems in florida