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Explore History and Beaches on Amelia Island
Amelia Island sits 32 miles northeast of Jacksonville International Airport, where historic buildings meet Atlantic beaches. The 13-mile barrier island features 50 blocks of Victorian architecture, seven miles of sandy beaches, and a rich heritage shaped by eight different nations.
It’s got all the ingredients for a weekend mini vacation, especially with these in your itinerary.
Civil War History Comes Alive at Fort Clinch
Each month’s first weekend brings Fort Clinch State Park to life with volunteers in Union soldier uniforms. They walk the fort’s thick brick walls and show visitors how to use Civil War-era weapons.
The smell of fresh bread and salt pork fills the kitchen as guests explore the grounds while cannons fire at 10:30am and 3:00 PM daily.
The Oldest Bar in Florida Serves a Historic Punch
The Palace Saloon has been serving drinks at 117 Centre Street since 1903. Their famous Pirates’ Punch combines five types of rum with fruit syrups and spices, created by longtime bartender Charlie Beresford.
Eight original Spanish murals from 1878 cover the walls, surviving several hurricanes. The bar keeps its brass spittoons from the early days, and visitors can join ghost tours to explore the old captain’s quarters upstairs.
An Old Mansion Recreates Victorian Ghost-Hunting Sessions
The Fairbanks-McGillivray House from 1885 holds historical seances in its top-floor room. Historian Margaret Fairbanks shows how Victorians tried to contact spirits using items from that time, including an 1890 Ouija board.
The room still has its original wallpaper and gas lamps, plus furniture owned by Madame Eugenie LeFleur, who held seances here from 1887 to 1903.
Local Clay Makes Unique Pottery Near Nassau Sound
Rebecca Martinez teaches pottery using special clay from the nearby marshes. The clay contains minerals that create unique spots and patterns when fired.
Students work in an old boathouse from the 1920s, mixing crushed shells and marsh grass into their clay. They fire their pots in a wood-burning kiln built like those used by Native Americans.
Kayakers Follow Historic Freedom Routes on the Water
Local guides lead kayak trips along paths once used by escaped slaves between 1817 and 1863. Paddlers explore hidden waterways where moss-covered oak trees once sheltered escape boats.
The tour stops at three former safe houses and includes stories from Catherine McIntosh’s journal about helping people escape to freedom.
Historic Homes Share Family Cookie Recipes
Victorian house owners welcome visitors to see how they make old family cookie recipes. Each home makes a different historic cookie, from Spanish orange treats to Civil War molasses sweets.
Guests get a book of recipes and stories about each family’s history. The tour includes visits to private gardens and cooking shows in old kitchens.
The Museum Documents Real Pirates Who Lived Here
The Maritime Museum focuses on actual pirates who sailed these waters from 1683 to 1821. Visitors can see items from four shipwrecks and decode real pirate messages.
The museum’s prize possession is a ship captain’s diary from 1817. Guests can explore detailed models of pirate ships that once anchored here.
Researchers Track Sea Turtle Nests at Night
Scientists invite visitors to help monitor nesting sea turtles from May to October. People help measure nests and record where turtles lay their eggs, continuing research that began in 1969.
Some lucky visitors see baby turtles hatch and reach the ocean, which usually happens at night about two months after the eggs are laid.
The post Amelia Island Is The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Florida – Here’s How to Enjoy Your Visit appeared first on When In Your State.