Florida Jewel: Fall Into Amelia Island!

By Nanette Wiser

Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

This fall, Amelia Island’s calendar is jam-packed with opportunities to savor exquisite cuisine, immerse yourself in captivating dance performances, groove to world-class jazz, and enjoy family-friendly festivals. Here’s your guide to the must-see events on Amelia Island this fall.

Amelia Island Dining Month – A Culinary Celebration From September 1-30, Amelia Island’s Dining Month invites food lovers to indulge in a month-long culinary adventure. Local chefs will showcase their talents at the island’s hottest restaurants with specially crafted prix-fixe dinners priced at $35 and $55. It’s the perfect chance to explore the best of Amelia Island’s dining scene, whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor. But Dining Month is about more than just great food. For every prix-fixe meal ordered, $1 will be donated to the Barnabas Center, a local charity that supports neighbors in need. So, you can enjoy a delicious meal while making a positive impact on the community. A win win! AmeliaIsland.com/amelia-island-dining-month

Amelia Island Dance Festival – Dance Your Heart Out From September 5-8, the Amelia Island Dance Festival brings together dance enthusiasts and professionals for a celebration of movement and artistry. This four-day festival offers a unique blend of performances and workshops featuring world-class artists and the finest local dance instructors from Northeast Florida. Whether you’re passionate about dance or simply enjoy watching, the festival provides an exceptional opportunity to experience a diverse range of dance styles and techniques. Don’t miss out on this chance to witness and learn from some of the best in the field. AmeliaIslandDanceFestival.org

Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival – A Week of Jazz Magic Jazz lovers, mark your calendars for September 29 through October 6. The Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival is celebrating its 21st year, bringing an exciting lineup of world-class jazz performances to Fernandina Beach. Over the week, enjoy a diverse array of jazz styles, including contemporary, big band, Latin, swing, Dixieland, and blues. The festival promises to deliver unforgettable musical experiences, showcasing top jazz artists and bands that will captivate audiences with their talent and energy. AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com

Island Hop Craft Beer Festival – Sip and Savor On October 5, join the Island Hop Craft Beer Festival for a day of beer-tasting bliss. Held in Central Park, this family-friendly event features a selection of microbreweries from Nassau County, including First Love Brewing, Amelia Island Brewing Company, Mocama Beer Company, Disco Witch Brewing, and SJ Brewing Company. In addition to craft beer tastings, enjoy live music, food trucks, the Fernandina Beach Main Street Marketplace, and more. Children under 12 can attend for free, making it a fun outing for the whole family. IslandHopCraftBeerFest.com

Northeast Florida Fair – Fun for All Ages From October 10-20, take a short 30-minute drive over to Callahan, Florida for the Northeast Florida Fair. This classic small-town fair offers a nostalgic trip back to childhood with thrill rides, games, candied apples, cotton candy, live music, and a showcase of livestock. It’s the perfect way to enjoy traditional fair fun and create lasting memories with family and friends. NEFLFair.org

Amelia Island Cookout – Culinary Indulgence by the Sea From October 17-20, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island hosts the Amelia Island Cookout, a culinary extravaganza featuring multi-course meals from master chefs. Enjoy wine-pairing dinners, a beachfront cookout, and more in a stunning oceanfront setting. This event promises a luxurious dining experience with exquisite food and breathtaking views. AmeliaIslandCookout.com

Worth Tasting – A Culinary Weekend Experience From October 18-21, Addison Amelia Island Bed & Breakfast presents Worth Tasting, an all-inclusive culinary weekend designed to delight food enthusiasts. The weekend includes a variety of experiences, from creating food and holiday boards to a farmers market tour and a downtown Fernandina Beach walking tour with drinks and small bites. Enjoy a three-course breakfast each morning, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and evening social hours with complimentary beverages at the inn. The weekend also features unique dining experiences at two of Fernandina Beach’s top restaurants, making it a gourmet getaway you won’t want to miss. AddisonOnAmelia.com/worth-tasting-weekend

Make plans, pack your bags, and get ready for a fall season full of excitement and enjoyment on Amelia Island. Along with an award-winning collection of resorts, hotels, and bed & breakfasts, Amelia Island is also home to an amazing assortment of oceanfront vacation rental properties which are perfect for big groups and families. Visit AmeliaIsland.com to explore options and book a stay. Can’t make it this fall? Take a look at year round Festivals and Events and come when you can!