Looking for a Cool Late Summer Vacation?

Cool…Florida… in the same sentence with “summer”? While some may think such a statement could refer only to the figurative version of the word “cool,” Amelia Island literally is cool in the late summer. Temperatures on this Northeast Florida barrier island are cooler than any other locale in the state of Florida from July through September. In fact, the temperatures here can be cooler than those found in many other cities in the Southeast during this time — like Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville. Atlantic breezes sweep onshore and keep the island cool and refreshed, day and night. But temperature isn’t the only thing that makes Amelia cooler in the late summer. While the literally “cool” part of Amelia is its temperatures, there’s plenty that’s figuratively cool as well.

• It’s an island paradise all your own. Kids and families get into the fall school routine early here (in early to mid-August), leaving Amelia’s beaches and attractions less crowded than usual, even though there’s still plenty of sun left before the late fall chill settles in.



• The seafood from area waters is at its best in the late summer. The July though September period is peak season for many local favorites — all brought fresh to the docks daily — meaning the island’s many restaurants offer the freshest fresh catches, such as soft-shell crab, tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, flounder, and of course, shrimp.



• Cool activities abound! For the active vacationer, Amelia offers 117 holes of championship golf, tennis on 40 courts (many lit for night play), biking, sea and land nature tours, boating, sailing, beach horseback riding, and marsh kayaking to name a few.



• Step back in time. Visitors can relive the past at the Amelia Island Museum of History, located inside the island’s old jail house; enjoy self-guided or group walking tours of the island’s 52-block historic district, filled with charming B&Bs, period homes and public buildings; explore Fort Clinch State Park, where park rangers dress in Civil War-period attire and re-enact what life was like during the “War of Northern Aggression” and more.



• Refresh your soul. If relaxation is more your style, visit one of the local day spas, or enjoy relaxing on the beach with a good book penned by one of Amelia’s many authors (visit any of the island’s book stores for recommendations).



• Go shopping! In historic downtown Fernandina Beach, shoppers will find the Centre Street area lined with specialty shops; book stores; local art galleries; men’s, women’s and children’s boutiques; antique markets; and more. Further south on the island, shoppers find Palmetto Walk, a cluster of home furnishings stores and more boutiques. At the resorts, one can find special logo items, resort wear, golf and tennis apparel, local art, and island-themed bed and bath accessories.



• Amelia Island also offers a long list of accommodations options. The island boasts nine bed and breakfast inns, two located beachside; three full-service resorts; a host of family-oriented hotels; many beachfront home and condominium rentals; and two campgrounds — virtually something for everyone. Rooms can be found from $77 to $400 a night.

There’s so much more to do on Amelia this summer! For more information on cool, late-summer Amelia getaways, visit www.CoolAmelia.com today, or call (800) 2-AMELIA for free vacation information.