Historic Fernandina Beach & Fort Clinch

It's hard to picture the stately Victorian town of Fernandina Beach as a "festering fleshpot", pirates' hangout, and smuggling center for liquor and even slaves.

This lurid past, however, was well before the Golden Age that started in the 1850's, as thousands of Northerners traveled to Fernandina via a new railroad and steamship line. "The Queen of Summer Resorts" bloomed regally with fine homes, and establishments such as the Florida House Inn which still welcomes guests.

Alas, by the end of the century, a new railroad was pulling the northerners further south.

		Amelia languished on the sidelines... Which is a major reason its fine houses still stand today, many still passed down within the original families. The historic area of Fernandina covers eighteen blocks and includes some splendidly- refurbished B&B's.

To sample Fernandina's past, head to the Museum of History: an oral history museum, specializing in walking tours and storytelling formats. Remember, though, that historic walks aren't big with kids -- be sure to hit the ice-cream store on Center Street.

Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch was started in 1847 but never finished, and even during the Civil saw no battle action. As with Fernandina, history passed by, and left the Fort remarkably well-preserved today.

Visitors can stroll through barracks complete with narrow bunk beds. Kids will be impressed by the large cannons facing out to sea.

		Be sure to talk to the actors who bring history to life by pretending to be characters of the period. Check for dates when volunteers reenact life in 1864, bach when Fort Clinch was occupied by troops.

They fire the cannons, and generally demonstrate the life of the those times. (Confederate and Union troops alternate.)

The state park has camping, and a beach -- bring a picnic!

See more:

• Introduction to Amelia Island
• Historic Town & Fort
• Nature Walks & Boat Tours
• Ritz Carlton Amelia Island