Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach . . .

Rich in history and natural beauty, northeast Florida’s Amelia Island invites you to reconnect with the things that matter most and create moments that stay with you for life.

With 13 miles of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and clear, calm waters, Amelia Island and its quaint charm has been a beloved destination for generations.

 

 

Her upscale resorts, world-class spas, championship golf courses and exclusive restaurants combine with a charming collection of bed and breakfasts, historic sites and captivating festivals for an experience that’s uniquely Floridian.

 

 

 

 

 

Come experience why Amelia Island has consistently been one of Florida’s highest ranked island destinations.

 

 

 

Visit the Offical Web Site here for more details about the area

 

Jekyll Island, Georgia . . .

It's not Florida, but . . .

If you visit North Florida, it's defiantly worth the short drive to experience this amazing hidden gem.

 

 

 

Jekyll island is haven of history, beauty and wonder. Here, guests are whisked back to eras gone by and uncover the heritage that makes the island undeniably unique.

 

 

 

 



Pulitzer, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and other prestigious families found respite on the Island in its gilded era, developing the club that became their own private world for more than four decades.

Jekyll Island’s exquisite natural beauty has long drawn guests to its barrier shores. From the Native American and British settlers to the Jekyll Island Club millionaires and the thousands of guests who arrive today, the Island is a haven of history and wonder.

Jekyll Island is guaranteed to complete your vacation wish list; spectacular beauty and an abundance of options make Georgia’s jewel the getaway experience perfect for everyone. With ten miles of picturesque beaches, four award-winning golf courses, a 250 acre historic landmark district and an array of lodging choices, this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

 

More information

Fort Walton Beach / Okaloosa County

With lots of bright and sunny days year-round, Fort Walton Beach on Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast provides a heavy dose of fun, especially welcome when much of the country is experiencing the harshness of winter.


The beautiful region is best known for white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and festivals (more than 300 per year, including culinary, sporting, and holiday celebrations).

Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with sea turtles, sandpipers, dolphins and more, making the area their home. Snorkeling and diving near the 100 Fathom Curve, or tubing and canoeing in the Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Reservation, can also all be part of a day's activities.

For those looking for more adventure, opportunities for parasailing, windsurfing and waterskiing abound.

The Okaloosa Regional Airport is serviced by five airlines, and the area is also just a short drive from Pensacola.

Visit the official web site for more information

 

 

Summer in North Florida: 2014 . . .

Whatever your passion, North Florida has it. Here are just some of the major events scheduled this month in the Sunshine State:

 

NORTH FLORIDA

 

5TH ANNUAL TASTE OF GAINESVILLE — When the students flee the University of Florida for the summer, the locals reclaim their now-sleepy college town and turn out to dine on signature dishes from 30 local restaurants spotlighting different regional flavors. Not to miss: the always-popular local Iron Chef competition featuring cheftestants Ray Leung (Dragonfly Sushi), Taylor Dukes (Great Outdoors Restaurant) and Valero Alises (Sabore).
When:  June 1
Where:  UF Hilton Conference Center, Gainesville
Web:  tasteofgainesville.com

BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL — As the website advises, “Keep Calm and Party with Pirates” when Billy Bowlegs and his band of swashbuckling scallywags storm the Fort Walton Beach coast for three days of parties, floats, parades, skirmishes, live music and fireworks.
When:  June 5-7
Where:  Fort Walton Landing, Fort Walton Beach
Web:  http://www.billybowlegsfestival.com/schedule.php

DRAKE’S RAID — In 1586, the English corsair Sir Francis Drake and his band of raiders sacked the city of St. Augustine, driving Spanish forces from their encampment, before they burned the city. The two-day reenactment begins on Friday with news of the arrival of the British marauders and continues on Saturday with a battle between the British and Spanish throughout the historic district of the city, ending at Plaza de al Constitucion.
When:  June 6-7
Where:  historic downtown St. Augustine
Web:  http://www.DrakesRaid.com

USA VS. NIGERIA: 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP SEND-OFF SERIES — Send the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team to Brazil with chants of “U-S-A” while waving the stars and stripes during their last match on home soil. The men will face off against Nigeria, the only team that they will play during their Send-Off Series of matches that also has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
When:  June 7
Where:  Everbank Field, Jacksonville
Web:  ussoccer.com

PANAMA CITY BEACH BEER FESTIVAL — With Florida’s devotion to the craft beer craze an unstoppable force in the beer brewing movement, these festivals are a great way to sample dozens of brews from beloved brands like Cigar City, 7venth Sun, New Belgium, Founders Brewing and Ommegang. As for people watching, don’t miss the T-shirts — beer geeks will be breaking out their favorites. There’s bound to be at least one featuring a bear with deer antlers above the word “Beer.” Really.
When:  June 7
Where:  Fishale Gastro Pub
Web:  http://www.pcbbeerfestival.com

60TH ANNUAL CHIEFLAND WATERMELON FESTIVAL — Indulge in ice-cold watermelon, participate in the seed-spitting contest and cheer on the newly-crowned Watermelon Queen at the annual festival which features a community parade and arts and crafts festival.
When: June 7
Where: Chiefland Train Depot
Web: http://chieflandwomansclub.org/

21ST ANNUAL WELLBORN BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — Indulge in all things blueberry: from cobblers and pies to ice cream and jellies to syrups and fudge. The highlights of the annual festival: crowning the blueberry queen, the blueberry parade, the blueberry bake-off and the famous blueberry pancake breakfast.
When:  June 7
Where:  Andrews Square, Wellborn
Web:  http://www.wellborncommunityassociation.com

24TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE — Get a glimpse into Pensacola’s varied history with free tours of the Charles Lavalle House (a French Creole home from 1805), the Clara Barkley Dorr House (post-Civil War construction from 1871) and the Lear-Rocheblave House (Victorian middle-class family home from the 1890s). Tours will last about 20 minutes and free kids activities through the day include candle dipping, making calling cards and a photo booth.
When:  June 7
Where:  Historic Pensacola Village
Web:  http://www.historicpensacola.org

TALLAHASSEE LATIN DANCE FESTIVAL— Shake your moneymaker with workshops, evening parties and a performance showcase all dedicated to the salsa, mambo, tango, bachata, kizomba and cha cha cha for a wannabe or established dancer. Dance the night away to live music or DJs spinning Latin beats or watch an awe-inspiring performance by Colombian dancers Adrianita & Jefferson, the 2013 Salsa gold medalists at the World DanceSport Games.
When:  June 13-16
Where:  Hotel Duval, Tallahassee
Web:  http://tallylatindancefest.com

FLORIDA COUNTRY SUPERFEST — Required for the two-day country music event: cowboy hats and boots, a ready-to-rock persona and the ability to sing all the words to Mama’s Broken Heart. Country superstars Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Big & Rich, Eastin Corbin, Colt Ford and Joe Nichols will bring the epicenter of country music to Jacksonville for the weekend. The Superfest will also feature a Fan Fest and Tailgate Party outside the stadium.
When:  June 14-15
Where:  Everbank Field, Jacksonville
Web:  www.FloridaCountrySuperfest.com

WILD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL — Do visions of blackberry pancakes, jellies and syrup make you hungry? They do, right? So load the family in the car and roadtrip to Jasper, located along the Florida/Georgia state line. The city is the heart of Hamilton County, the Wild Blackberry Capital of Florida. Festival fun also includes a classic car show, Miss Wild Blackberry Pageant and live music. Don’t forget to bring a piece of Hamilton County home with you when you purchase your own blackberry plant.
When:  June 14
Where:  downtown Jasper
Web:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wild-Blackberry-Festival/166354076751929

ST. GEORGE ISLAND MULLET TOSS — Start warming up your throwing arm. $25 gets you an event T-shirt and two mullet ($20 for children) to toss across the beach at this annual event. The winner in each category (You didn’t think the men and women competed against each other, did you?) gets bragging rights and some kind of prize. All proceeds go to charity.
When:  June 14
Where:  On the beach in front of the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe, St. George Island
Web:  http://www.blueparrotsgi.com/calendar/mullet_toss.htm

ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL — Take a break from the seasonal deluge of jazz, funk, blues and country music fests to salute the world’s greatest composers — Beethoven, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Vivaldi, Mozart and Mendelssohn —  at this eighth annual tribute. Featured international musicians like the Diaz Trio, pianist Eugenio Urrutia-Borlando and violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen will be joined by members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Can’t make it in person? All six concerts will be streamed live over the internet.
When:  June 19-21, 26-28
Where:  Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Web:  http://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org

COMMUNITY FIRST SEAWALK MUSIC FESTIVAL — Sun, sand, sea breeze and surf -- what better way to enjoy music in Florida than barefoot with the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean providing its own soundtrack during this beachfront music fest. The free, one-day event is a platform for local musicians such as the Ivey West Band, the Corbitt Brother Band and Be Easy. Also enjoy local eats and art.
When: June 21
Where:  Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
Web:  http://www.communityfirstseawalkfest.com

BATTLE OF BLOODY MOSE — Attend the 6th annual reenactment of this 1764 battle between James Oglethorpe’s British forces and a Spanish militia comprised of freed former British slaves. The battle reenactment will happen twice on both days, as will scenes from one of Spain’s oldest plays, “Nuevo Mundo” by Lope de Vega and performed by Florida’s Living History with a Mission.
When: June 21-22
Where: Fort Mose, St. Augustine
Web: http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

 

Original Source

 

 

It's not North Florida, but . . .

I love St Simons Island. And it's worth a look, if you ever find yourself in North Florida.

 

 

 

 

St. Simon Island, GA is home to fabulous beaches, golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons, and a variety of restaurants, fun events and entertainment for everyone. The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons and its distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed are what make it so special.

 

Visit St Simon Guide for more information

 

 

 

 

Jacksonville Florida Beach Activities . . .

 

Immerse yourself in Jacksonville’s 21 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches. Visitors will find plenty to do, with diverse activities, family fun, restaurants and nightlife, souvenir shops and oceanfront hotels blending into the scene without crowding views of the shoreline.

Start your exploration of the beaches with a refreshing walk along the wide, paved boardwalk or take to the sea on foot. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier launches out nearly a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean and offers great views of the coastline. Admission is only $1 for pedestrians, fishermen are $4.

Explore the beach’s colorful history with a stop at the Beaches Museum & History Center in Jacksonville Beach. With its replica boardwalk filled with photos and displays, visitors will be whisked back in time to an era when Jacksonville's beaches were the playground of politicians, celebrities, gangsters and socialites. The museum is also home to one of four Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers.

If you prefer water immersion to dry land, take a surf lesson from a local surf shop like Aqua East or search the ocean for dolphins and sand bars that come and go with the tide. Kayak Amelia offers family-friendly guided excursions, including the Shell Hunter and Island Hopper tour where paddlers discover what the tide leaves behind on sand bars – sharks’ teeth, shells, crabs and more. Or head out to sea on the Dutton Island Dolphin Adventure. You'll not only catch glimpses of dolphin, but also Florida’s birds and manatees.

 Learn more about our beach activities

Historic Mayport Village

 

Mayport's history began with the Timucuan Indians, who lived in what is now the southeastern United States for more than 5,000 years.  These Indians developed a high level of technological achievement compared to otherNorth American Indian cultures.  Their life styles were recorded by Jacques Le Moyne, an artist who accompanied French explorer Jean Ribault.

When Ribault arrived to explore the area of Mayport and the St. Johns River of Northeast Florida, his landing site was Batten Island, across from present day Mayport Village.  Ribault entered the river on the first day of May in 1562 with three ships.  Upon Ribault's arrival he was met by the Timucuans, led by Chief Satouriba.  After a short settlement, the French were expelled by a Spanish force from St. Augustine.  Spain then ruled Florida until 1821 when it was ceded to the United States.

Historians have no recorded date for the original settlement of Mayport Village.  The suggested dates range from 1562 when the French first settled to 1828 when the area really began to grow.  Early settlers of Mayport came from France, Portugal and the island of Minorca.  These people were fishermen and they thrived due to the close proximity of the continental shelf and large quantities of fish.  

Fishing has been the major economic base for the Village, but in the early days Mayport also supported itself through the lumber industry.  Mayport Mills was the name of the fishing village until the end of the Civil War.  Mayport was also a well known resort town during the 1800s, gaining a bold reputation with its hotels, prize fighters and taverns.  Tourists from Jacksonville would cruise down the St. Johns River for a scenic ride along the Mayport coast.  Boats would then dock and the passengers would dine or stay overnight.

Until 1899, boat transportation was the major access into and out of Mayport.  Since Mayport was important for incoming and outgoing cargo, the Jacksonville and Atlantic Railroad was built to connect Mayport with Jacksonville.  A railroad dock was then built where cargo would be transshipped inland.  The dock stood where the present day U.S. Coast Guard Station now stands.  The railway lasted until 1919 when it was abandoned.  The fishing village became semi-isolated until Word War II with the construction of the U.S. Naval Air Station.

Learn more about Mayport 

North Florida State Parks . . .

Florida is home to some of the best state parks in the south. Hiking, camping, fishing - you can do it all.



 



 

 

 

Visit Florida State Parks for more information

A Day at the Beach . . .

Found along northeast Florida’s "First Coast," Jacksonville Beach offers vast stretches of gorgeous beach, a newly redesigned golf course, a famous fishing pier and boatloads of water activities.

 

Beach volleyball, surfing, fishing and a wide variety of eateries – Jacksonville Beach has it all.

Visitors and natives alike are delighted by dolphins rolling just outside the surf line. Surfers are drawn to the area by some of the best waves in the region. Devoting some time to Jacksonville Beach and its surrounding attractions unearths a unique combination of history, leisure and recreational activities.

Visit Florida