Seniors Flock Over To Amelia Island

Amelia Island is part of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands, on Florida’s Atlantic coast. If seniors are looking for a tranquil getaway, give a good look at Amelia Island, along Florida’s northeast coast.

Just 30 miles from Jacksonville, it is a world apart. Golden-hued sands and guided horseback rides along the shore. Dolphin and osprey and maybe even a glimpse of the endangered right whale. Today it’s a popular holiday destination known for its luxury resorts, golf courses and numerous sandy beaches.

Named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain, the island has changed hands between colonial powers a number of times. It is claimed that eight flags have flown over Amelia Island: French, Spanish, British, Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and United States.

Seniors Find ‘A Pearl In The Necklace’

Travel & Leisure notes that Amelia Island is A Pearl in the Necklace of barrier islands that hug the Atlantic Coast from South Carolina to Florida. Now part of Nassau County, Florida, Amelia Island has been claimed by many colonial powers and native people-from Indian tribes to pirates-all of whom have left their mark on the small island.

Thankfully, travel to Amelia Island these days is short on piracy and long on golfing featuring 117 holes of championship-caliber golf.

A timeless destination known for pristine nature and uncrowded beaches, it offers world-class golf, spas and restaurants, plus a rich history. It is 30 minutes from JAX International Airport and 90 from St. Augustine. Senior visitors learn that the Fort Clinch State Park, the Amelia Island Historic District and the Fernandina Beach are not to be missed.

Rich in history and natural beauty, senior visitors will enjoy 13 miles of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and clear, calm waters. Amelia Island and its quaint charm has been a beloved destination for generations.

Seniors Enjoy Golf, Events and Historic Pirate Town

Amelia Island  is host to the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, a Jazz Festival, Chamber Music Festival, Film Festival, the automotive charitable event Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and a Blues Festival.

There are seven golf courses on Amelia Island. One of the most popular resorts is Amelia Island Plantation, a 1350 acre AAA Four Diamond resort that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west.

Senior visitors learn that the northern third of Amelia Island is dominated by the historic pirate town of Fernandina Beach, birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Much of the red brick architecture along Centre Street reflects the 1800s and early 1900s.

While Fernandina is normally a sleepy little town, each May thousands of visitors from around the Southeast crowd Centre Street for the annual Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival.

Perhaps Amelia Island is best known for its huge bluff-height dunes and white sandy, wide beaches. Spend a few days on Amelia Island and you will return home with many fond memories. -jeb