Happy New Year from Amelia Island!

Getting in shape and spending more time with family and friends - two pretty common New Year's resolutions - can easily and happily be kept at Amelia Island.

Work off a few holiday pounds by biking, hiking our nature trails, or kayaking your way around the island. Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center and nine tennis courts, five of which are lit for evening play, complete with tennis pros offering instruction. At Amelia Island Plantation, you can join in tennis clinics and yoga classes, or workout with a personal trainer. And many of the island's charming bed and breakfast properties, such as The Fairbanks House, provide bicycles for exploring. Improve your golf game by playing on some of Amelia Island's phenomenal courses, Amelia Links, Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, or Fernandina Beach Golf Club.

Families looking for an opportunity to re-connect will find plenty of activities for the entire family. Take a tour of Fort Clinch, one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country, cast off on a scenic tour from Amelia Island River Cruises and Charters, or add some zip to your day with a Segway tour on Fort George Island. Properties such as Amelia Island Plantation and The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island offer programs specifically designed for children and teenagers.

Whenever you start thinking about getting away this year, keep Amelia Island in mind. Just click over to www.AmeliaIsland.org to request a free vacation guide and starting planning your next trip today.

Amelia Island Voted Top 5 North American Island

Amelia Island has been named among the Top 10 North American islands by Conde Nast Travelers Reader's Choice Awards. Finishing in the #5 spot ahead of Hilton Head, S.C., Sanibel, Fla., and Captiva, Fla., the island scored a 72.2 out of a possible 100 points, compared to a 78.1 given to the top island destination, Vancouver Island.

Also making the 2007 Reader's Choice Awards is The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The 444-room beachfront resort was ranked #21 among the Top 50 U.S. Mainland Resorts

Read more at http://www.ameliaisland.org/pressreleases/Conde_Nast.pdf.

Discount by the Dozen

Making a visit to Amelia Island just got even more appealing. Twelve of the island's popular hotels, inns and resorts are offering a third night free* for guests who book a two-night stay. The first-ever "Delightful Dozen" discount offer is available through the end of February 2008, giving you an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy Amelia Island. The "Delightful Dozen" accommodators include:

1857 Florida House Inn
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island Williams House
Ash Street Inn
Beachside Motel
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge
The Fairbanks House
Hampton Inn
Hampton Inn & Suites
The Hoyt House
Summer Beach Resort

To learn more about the "Delightful Dozen" discount, visit Ameliaisland.org/free.

Things To Do: Kayak Amelia

With magnificent wildlife, pristine waters, and near-perfect weather, Amelia Island has natural appeal for outdoor lovers. Among the many outdoor activities available, kayaking through the island's natural environment is a visitor favorite, often bringing paddlers in close contact to native wildlife such as sea turtles, manatees, egrets, heron and more. You can take a three-hour tour with an experienced guide, as they take you through the salt marsh eco-system, sharing information about wildlife and local history along the way. If you'd rather explore on your own, Kayak Amelia has plenty of kayaks, canoes, and equipment for rent.

Think kayaking is only for experienced paddlers? Wrong! More than 75 percent of Kayak Amelia's customers are beginners. Kayak Amelia provides professional safety and paddle instruction for beginners. Afraid that kayaks tip over too easily? No worries. The kayaks in the fleet are very stable, and after a short time on the water, most guests feel right at home. Of more than 15,000 guests on guided tours at Kayak Amelia, only 44 have ended up in the water - and some of those we're pretty sure went in on purpose! For more information, visit www.kayakamelia.com.

Area Temperature Averages

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Dining Spotlight: Beech Street Grill

For many visitors and locals alike, the Award-winning Beech Street Grill is their first choice for fine dining in Fernandina Beach. Blackboard specials showcase the island's freshest seafood, seasoned with freshly-cut herbs, homemade sauces and chutneys. And their extensive wine list includes an ever-changing selection of house wines and other outstanding offerings usually found only at restaurants in New York, Chicago and other major U.S. cities.

With an emphasis on quality and detail, Chef Rick Erickson creates culinary masterpieces such as Broiled Scallops with Arugula and Oven Roasted Salmon and Wild Mushroom Roulade. To top off the perfect meal, try the White Chocolate Cheese Cake with a Mixed Berry Sauce or Granny Smith Apple Bread Pudding.

Crisp white tablecloths, stellar service, and live music add to the dining experience at the Beech Street Grill. On Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and every other Thursday evening, resident pianist John Springer entertains guests with familiar melodies.

For more information, visit www.beechstreetgrill.com. To explore more of Amelia Island's magnificent dining options, visit www.ameliaisland.org/dining/default.php.