One of the many breathtaking Par 3’s at Tom Fazio-designed Amelia National
The Beauty of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach
Featured in November Episode of Traveling Golfer
Amelia Island.
It has an exotic, tropical sound to it. It fosters visions of faraway tranquility.
But it is really one of the closest, most convenient resort destinations on America’s East Coast. In fact, it was Florida’s first luxury resort destination.
The island is virtually two very diverse vacation scenes.
With places like the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort and The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island at one end, it speaks of upscale luxury – but in a low-country setting that is reminiscent of famous Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.
The Pete Dye-designed Oak Marsh at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation
At the north end of the island, there is a stark change of pace. Fernandina Beach is a bustling, eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and bars – located adjacent to the town’s picturesque marina. With the expansion of the railroad in Florida, the town of Fernandina Beach gained prominence in the mid-1800s. The architecture of the quaint town provides testament to its Victorian Era roots.
Blending these two elements of the island, just north of Jacksonville, Florida, is the magic that makes a golf vacation on Amelia Island special.
There is enough seclusion and relaxation for an intimate couples’ getaway. And there is enough “action” for a group of golfers who are looking to supplement a day on the golf course with a night on the town.
Friendliness is the key component of everyone on Amelia Island. It is almost as if the laid-back nature of the island has invaded their souls. And it all starts with Kate Harris, Director of Digital and International Marketing for Amelia Island. She speaks to the history and charm of the region.
“The natural beauty of the island is the first thing that hits the first-time visitor,” explains Harris. “It is a picture postcard.”
Then there is the surprise when the first-time visitor finds the town of Fernandina Beach.
“This was the first luxury tourist destination in Florida,” she says. “In the Gilded Age, in the 1880s, when the fancy people from the North started coming here and the railroad boom was going on, there was a lot of money and excitement. So they built this beautiful Victorian historic district and it is still all around us today. It’s remarkable that it is so well-preserved.”
Of course, the key for golfers is the golf courses. And the Amelia Island area has plenty of quality layouts.
Both the Omni and Ritz Carlton have their own golf courses – each with a different dose of character and charm.
Oak Marsh at Omni Amelia Island Plantation is a Pete Dye design that winds through the marshland. Long Point at Omni Amelia Island Plantation is the private Tom Fazio design, available to hotel guests. 
The Golf Club at Amelia Island is adjacent to the Ritz Carlton. It opened in 1987 and was designed by Mark McCumber and legendary PGA Tour player Gene Littler.
The Golf Club at Northampton is just off the island, but is a worthwhile trip. This upscale daily fee course was designed by Arnold Palmer and offers a great golf experience.
A real gem of the area is Amelia National Golf & Country Club. It is a private club, designed by Tom Fazio. Fortunately, it is accessible on a limited basis through the marketing efforts of Florida First Coast of Golf (www.florida-golf.org).
All of the beauty of Amelia Island was captured in the November episode of the Traveling Golfer television show, which airs in a number of markets on NBC Sports. It also is available anytime at www.travelinggolfervideo.com.
“Shooting this show was one of the most eye-opening experiences we have had in a number of years,” reported Tony Leodora, host of the Traveling Golfer television show. “Amelia Island proved to be so much more than I expected. The longer we stayed there, the more I fell in love with the natural beauty of the low-country portion … as well as the fun atmosphere of the old railroad town.”
The mix of old-world charm and natural beauty dominates the show from Amelia Island. And, as always, there is a bit of on-site fun thrown into the show.
“Fun.” That’s the key word for a golf vacation on Amelia Island. Fun during the day on a variety of outstanding golf courses. Fun during the evening, in the restaurants and bars of Fernandina Beach.
It’s almost like getting two vacations, wrapped up in one.
