Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Amelia Island 2013 and a WINNER

 

After our whirlwind trip to my favorite place Savannah (click HERE & HERE), J & I rented a car and drove down I-95 to Amelia Island. The drive is an easy one at only about an hour and a half.

rental car

We first stopped in Downtown Fernandina Beach for lunch at Brett’s Waterway Cafe. We love how the cafe sits on the water and makes for breathtaking views.

Brett's

After a cocktail and fuel lunch, we visited some of the shops along the main street. I was not too impressed with the caliber of shops offered as it looked like the recession of 2008 had hit them pretty hard. Many storefront were emptier than the last time we were there.

DSCI1299

We did venture into one cute shop, Twisted Sisters on Centre Street, where I picked up these two letters, “R” & “J”. These will be perfect to use on my burlap stockings at Christmas time.

DSCI1312

We then proceeded to check-in at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. As I stated in an earlier post, the last time we’ve been to Amelia Island was back in 2009, so we were happy to see that the Amelia Island Plantation was purchased by Omni and renovations and additions had been made to make the resort more modern.

omni signage

front

omni sign night

walkway

Omni spent over $100 million to add rooms and conference spaces. The pool area and restaurant were also added. It is stunning.

addition

You cannot beat the Amelia Island Plantation for scenery, but the main hotel was starting to look a little dated. We were immediately impressed with the addition made which included the new foyer and lobby. The view from the entrance to the pool and the Atlantic was breathtaking.

omni pool

poolside

rainbow

cocktails

My favorite part of the foyer area was the driftwood installation on the ceiling. I wish I would have taken more photos of the changes made.

lobby driftwood installation

In the past we stayed in the main part of the resort. This year, J decided to “treat” us to a private villa at The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation, Turtle Dunes. There are a number of villas (condos) on the Plantation property all belonging to the Amelia Island Plantation resort. The villa was located just a simple ride through the winding streets surrounded by towering oaks filled with Spanish moss and palmetto trees.

dunes club2

turtle dunes

turtle dunes2

turtle dunes pool

our villa turtle dunes

I adore the East Coast beaches, for the oaks and palmettos add that “way back when” type of feel.

The Villa at Turtle Dunes sat directly on the Atlantic. Our views were breathtaking. Sleeping with the sliding door wide open is a real treat to me. The sounds of the waves cannot be beat by a sound machine. Rest and relaxation were easily attained.

our view 2

our view 3

We enjoyed meals, cocktails, the beach, and our condo at the Omni.

coffee2

Chair service was available at the resort. For just $10.00 each per day, the resort staff delivered our beach chairs and placed each in its appropriate spot on the beach for 9:00 AM. At 5:00 PM, resort staff picked up the chairs. I love the ease of a top-notch resort.

beach chairs

beach

jeff

Ron

ron2

If you enjoy golf, this resort is for you.

golf 2

golf

In coming days, I will share more of the restaurants and shopping in Amelia Island.

I highly recommend Omni Amelia Island Plantation and The Villas on Amelia Island Plantation when visiting Amelia Island, FL.

Congratulations to Diana of Nana Diana Takes a Break, winner of my latest give away House Proud, the book. Please email me your mailing address, and I’ll place it in the mail today. Thanks for following and commenting, Diana! I can always count on you for a good laugh. xo Thanks to all those who entered for your chance to win. The book is available at Amazon.com.

nana diana

Traveling Amelia Island, y’all!

10 comments:

  1. Amelia Island looks like a place I would like to stay. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations to Nana Diana for winning the copy of House Proud. I love mine--especially Chapter 7! ;) Have a great day! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Excited to learn the plantation was renovated. It was in need of a good facelift. That driftwood ceiling is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful resort Ron! CONGRATS to Diana she's a sweetheart!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love Amelia Island...used to live in Ocala...and went there often...such a great place...and congrats to Diana...love Diana and her blog!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So happy my sweet blog friend Diana won the book! Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a beautiful resort! Love the driftwood ceiling...gorgeous. And, congrats to Nana Diana...such a wonderful sweet lady!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh- I am SO happy that you got to go to Amelia Island. I haven't been there in YEARS. And I am EVEN happier that I WON! Whooo Hoooo. I already sent you my addy this morning, Ron. Thank you so much- I am just thrilled. I love following you and seeing what you guys are up to...and what you cocktail of the day is! Love to you- xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have never been to Amelia Island but it looks so pretty. I love the driftwood installation!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow...I am so envious. You guys know how to travel. I agree with you about East Coast beaches. If I had my way I would be on Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach or any beach near Charleston SC. I love all the vintage quirky beach cottages.

    I am so glad you had a great fall break. I will have to live vicariously through you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really like the driftwood sculpture on the ceiling! So simple and intriguing at the same time.
    Couldn't be happier for Diana's win of your book. She seems so nice and always leave the most thoughtful and fun comments on blogs!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and commenting @ The Uptown Acorn! I love hearing from you. Cheers, y'all!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Follow Uptown Acorn on Instagram