Spring Has Sprung on Amelia Island

Ah, spring has finally arrived on the beautiful barrier island of Amelia. And while the gorgeous weather and breath-taking scenery is more than enough for any spring break, the month of March on Amelia Island brings something for everyone. On March 7, the Concours d'Elegance brings rare vintage cars and their admirers from around the world. A spirited St. Patrick's Day can be celebrated at O'Kane's Irish Pub or the Falcon's Nest at the Amelia Island Plantation, where the St. Patty's party includes giveaways and green beer. For Easter, visitors can enjoy a service at the historic Saint Peter's Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach and Saint Michael's Catholic Church. Guests can also visit the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a sunrise service, Easter egg hunt, Easter brunch and cottontail tea.

Make the most of your spring by visiting Amelia Island for a relaxing Florida beach vacation. For visitor information and planning, please visit www.ameliaisland.org.

Flying into Northeast Florida

Air travel to Amelia Island is a breeze thanks to the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). Just a 30-minute drive away, JAX is a quick and convenient option for air travelers. Accommodators such as the Amelia Island Plantation and others, offer shuttle service to and from the airport for an extra cost. In 2007, JAX served more than 5.9 million passengers on a dozen major airlines and a network of regional carriers, including Air Tran, American, Continental, Delta, ExpressJet, Frontier, Jet Blue, Northwest, Southwest, United and US Airways. While waiting for their flight, passengers can visit shops like the PGA Tour Shop and Dekko Designs, where they will find name brand apparel and fine jewelry. For a bite to eat before or after their flights, travelers can choose from 10 different food outlets, including the NASCAR Café, three breweries, and well known favorites such as Starbucks and Burger King.

Bausch & Lomb Championship Returns to Amelia Island

On April 7-13, tennis fans will once converge on Amelia Island for the Bausch & Lomb Championship, one of the premier women's professional tennis tournaments and part of the worldwide Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Returning for the 29th consecutive year, the 2008 tournament takes place at the picturesque oceanfront resort of Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida. The tournament will feature many of the top players and up-and-coming stars in the game, and is one of the most anticipated stops on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, for players and fans alike.

For ticket or additional information, please call 800-486-8366 or visit www.blchamps.com.

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Outdoor Adventure in Full Bloom

Springtime is the right time for outdoor exploration on Amelia Island. With 26 square miles of natural beauty, Amelia Island offers the perfect opportunity to go outside and play, experiencing nature at its finest. The island's locale and geologic composition has graced her with a bountiful variety of flora and fauna which form the perfect backdrop for a wide variety of nature-filled activities, such as hiking, biking and camping.

Fort Clinch State Park, one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country, hikers and bikers can explore a six-mile trail through the park, and views of the biggest sand dunes in Florida. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, and beachcombing, or roam self-guided nature trails to discover native plants and wildlife. For those looking to "tame" the wild themselves, the park has 62 camping facilities, each with 20- and 30-amp hookups, potable water, in-ground fire rings and picnic tables.

The Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center has daily programs for all ages and levels of experience to explore the natural beauty of the island. With seven miles of trails throughout the property, Amelia Island Plantation is a scenic spot for walking, hiking and biking.

Several of the island's bed and breakfasts, such as Hoyt House and Fairbanks House, offer free bicycle rentals, allowing guests to cruise Amelia's pristine beaches and quiet streets. For a full list of activities available on Amelia Island, please visit www.ameliaisland.org/activities/default.php

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