DISCOVER THE SOUTHERN CHARM OF HISTORIC FERNANDINA BEACH
The former Victorian seaport village has been home to pirates, bootleggers and shrimpers
Amelia Island exudes Southern charm — and nowhere more so than in Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown, with its Victorian-era architecture and cobblestone streets. But this former Victorian seaport village has also been home to pirates, bootleggers and shrimpers, adding to its charm.
The historic downtown began to grow during the post-Civil War era, as soldiers and their families returned to build homes and businesses. Nowadays, visitors will discover independent shops and restaurants housed in multi-coloured brick buildings, dating from 1873. They won’t find big-box stores; it’s largely escaped the commercialization of the 20th century.
Spread out over 52 blocks, the historic downtown includes many original structures dating back to the late 19th century, including ornate Victorian-style mansions and cottages. Indeed, Fernandina Beach has 450 Victorian structures built prior to 1927, approximately 300 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Victorian Period is considered the island’s ‘Golden Age,’ when it became Florida’s first luxury tourist destination with weekly steamships from New York. Today, it still attracts those looking for an island escape.
Wandering the cobblestone streets, one will quickly discover why Coastal Living named Fernandina one of the ‘happiest seaside towns,’ where one can grab a sweet tea and stroll along Centre Street — the heart of Amelia Island’s shopping district — to soak up the Victorian-era atmosphere.
Known for its quirky, eclectic shops, one can peruse books at The Book Loft, search for unique mementos at Twisted Sisters and satisfy a sweet tooth at Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge. Amelia Island’s natural beauty also inspires artists, and their talents are on display at local galleries.
A fixture on Centre Street since 1878 is the Palace Saloon, the oldest saloon in Florida that remains in its original location. It’s rumored the Palace was the last tavern in the country to close during Prohibition, when it sold ice cream. Once a favourite of socialites such as the Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Rockefellers, the Palace remains a popular hangout, serving up its popular Pirate’s Punch.
Another notable site is the Florida House Inn, the oldest surviving hotel in Florida. Originally built in 1857 as a boarding house, the inn housed soldiers during the Civil War, as well as numerous notable figures, including Ulysses S. Grant, Jose Marti and Henry Ford.
One of the best ways to soak up all this history is on a walking tour, with several guided excursions available, as well as a self-guided option from the Amelia Island Welcome Center featuring 43 points of interest.
The Amelia Island Museum of History also offers a smartphone tour that allows visitors to go at their own pace while receiving historic tidbits on their smartphone. The tour includes 10 stops, with historically significant locations such as the Florida House Inn and Bailey House.
Or, visitors can take a step back in time by touring in a horse-drawn carriage, hearing a historical narrative while taking in the sites — past moss-draped oaks and Victorian-era architecture that punctuate tales of Fernandina’s colourful past.
For more information on Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown, visit AmeliaIsland.com.