April

Springtime Amelia Island is a sight to behold, as some of Florida's most breathtaking natural beauty gets an extra boost of Mother Nature's colorful artistry. Warm salty breezes mingled with the aroma of the island in bloom breathe life into every outdoor experience - from a shady walk along a nature trail lined with lush flora and fauna, to an afternoon swim in the Atlantic, to a stroll along sunny Centre Street in Fernandina Beach.

Adding even more excitement to a busy month of May will be two of the island's most popular special events - the Shrimp Festival (May 2-4) and the Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 16-18). Just two more reasons to come make memories on Amelia Island this spring!

Start planning your trip today by visiting www.ameliaisland.org.

Who are You Calling "Shrimp"?

It may be all about shrimp, but the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is one of Amelia Island's biggest - and best - events. Back for its 45th year of fun, the Festival will take place May 2-4. With boatloads of fresh seafood and shrimp dishes, Fine Arts, Antiques and Crafts Show, and a Family Fun Zone with live entertainment for all ages, the Shrimp Festival is a colorful three-day celebration of pirates, parades, family fun and food - lots of food. Get your fill of shrimp pie, shrimp twisters, crawfish, Cajun shrimp etouffee, fried shrimp, shrimp jambalaya, shrimp ice cream - you name it. The Festival's Fine Arts and Crafts show features works from more than 300 award-winning artists and craftspeople, including jewelry, acrylics, photography, pottery and much more. Families will enjoy the "Little Pirate" costume contest and entertainment for all ages. For a complete listing and schedule of events, call 866-426-3542, 904-261-3248, or visit www.shrimpfestival.com.

Visitors Go "Wild" on Amelia Island

From May 16-18, you can come take a walk on the island's wild side during the Wild Amelia Nature Festival. The three-day festival offers something for everyone, with more than 25 seminars and outdoor experiences taking place across Amelia to showcase the natural beauty and wonder of the popular barrier island destination. Among the 2008 Wild Amelia eco-adventure options is a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, a kayak trip through the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park, and exploration of bird habitats by bike or golf cart on the seldom traveled path to Sound Point Place. Other options include a marsh walk through an aquatic preserve, a guided walk through the maritime hammock at sunset, and much more.

The festival also offers programs for children, such as nature photography for kids, and children's discovery, in which kids learn the secrets of when and where to find the best shells, sharks teeth and other beach bounty. For ticket or additional information, call 904-277-0717 or visit www.wildamelia.com.

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Farmer's Market

Visitors looking for something out of the ordinary during their stay will enjoy a trip to the Fernandina Farmers Market in Historic Downtown. The market is held Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along 7th and Centre Street. Mingle with local farmers and business owners as you wander through a dizzying selection of farm-direct fruits and vegetables harvested just before Market day, as well as a variety of organic products, and specialty foods. You'll also discover gourmet baked goods, from crusty breads to delectable desserts, and prepared foods such as jellies, relishes and marinades. The market is also the perfect location to choose from a wide variety of specialty tropical plants and landscaping plants, including orchids, herbs, and garden flowers. For more information about the Fernandina Farmers Market, call 904-491-4872 or visit www.fernandinafarmersmarket.com.

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