The Paradise At Amelia Island Florida! by Abby Johnson
When you think of an island
you probably picture white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and all
being surrounded by miles of sparkling ocean waters. Well, Amelia
Island, Florida certainly has the white beaches and palms. But it is
close enough to the mainland of Florida that you can drive onto it and
not completely realize you are on an island.
To the east of Amelia Island
is the Atlantic Ocean; to the south is Nassau Sound. The northern part
of the island is separated from the mainland by small rivers and big
creeks and to the west of the island is the Amelia River and marsh land.
Amelia Island is a small
island being just 18.2 square miles; 13 miles long and 4 miles wide at
its widest point. It is the southernmost island in the chain of barrier
islands known as the Sea Islands which run from the Carolinas to
Florida.
Life is relaxed and slow
paced on Amelia Island. Activities include boating, fishing, shelling,
and swimming. There is also a historic shopping district downtown and
plenty of good restaurants and shops. The mainland is just a short drive
over the bridge and Jacksonville is about a 30 minute drive where you
will find the hustle and bustle of a large city.
Amelia Island is a popular
vacation spot for families because of its relaxed ambiance and pristine
beaches. Amelia Island relies on tourism for its economy and most jobs
on the island are in the hospitality industry. Many residents drive into
Jacksonville or Georgia for employment. For them the long commute is a
worthwhile trade off to live on such a picturesque island.
Amelia Island has many
accommodations including bed and breakfast inns and luxury resorts.
Choose a room right on the beach if you like, of course the island is so
small you are never very far from the beach no matter where you stay.
The southern portion of the
island is home to the Amelia Island Plantation which is a widely
acclaimed 4 diamond luxury resort which is situated on 1350 acres and
boasts four 18 hole golf courses and 23 clay tennis courts.
About the Author
Abby Johnson is a
staff writer at
Island Vacation Expert
and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including
Lifestyle Gazette.
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