While the official holiday tours of historic homes have already taken place, as well as the tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parades, one can still take a stroll down
HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES IN HISTORIC FERNANDINA BEACH
If you don't feel like walking around the historic district, what better time to take a horsedrawn carriage ride than during the holiday season in charming Fernandina? Whether you want a romantic ride with your special person, or wish to excite the kids, why not enjoy the sights in historic style? It will be a memory not soon forgotten. Relax to the clip-clop sounds of hooves and listen to a brief history of the area while enjoying a carriage ride. For further information about horsedrawn carriage rides, visit the web sites of the two local horse carriage companies:
Olde Towne Carriage Company, http://www.ameliacarriagetours.com/(904)277-1555. Olde Towne Carriage tours feature Belgian Draft horses. A 30-minute horsedrawn carriage tour is $15 per adult, $7.50 for kids under 13 (under 2 free). Also check out Amelia Island Carriages, http://www.ameliahorsecarriages.com/, (904)556-2662 featuring “Boomer” the carriage horse, also $15 per adult for a ride.
Amelia Island Plantation resort is also offering horse drawn carriage rides on December 20th and 27th from 7 pm to 10 pm. It's a sparkling fairyland this holiday season at the Spa and Shops, featuring thousands of lights throughout this Old-Florida style shopping village. Also enjoy a Christmas movie under the stars on these dates. Call Amelia Island Plantation for further information at 904-261-6161.
Local Fernandina merchants in the quaint shopping district along Centre Street (sprinkled with boutiques, art galleries, antiques shops and restaurants), will greet you with southern-style hospitality as you browse for gifts. Besides looking for treasures to fill stockings and place under the tree, take the time to meander charming city side streets just off Centre, in this historic town near the Fernandina harbor, to enjoy the holiday decorations on many historic homes around town.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH SANTA CLAUS IN FERNANDINA
The Historic Fernandina Business Association welcomes Santa Claus as he visits to gather wish lists from girls and boys in downtown Fernandina Beach. Santa will be in front of the Visitor's Depot, 102 Centre Street, near the riverfront (near the pirate statue), from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2008. Photos will be available to be printed on-site for $5.00, with an e-mail option.
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC DISTRICT
The city of Fernandina's Christmas tree sits at the foot of historic Centre Street at the harbor front near Brett's restaurant and the city marina, riverfront. Also right in this area is the historic train depot, a small brick building that now houses the Amelia Island Visitor's Centre (as noted above, Santa will visit here on December 20th). Stop by to pick up free visitor brochures, including walking tour guides to help you locate key historic homes within walking distance. All one need do is walk a few blocks to the north or south of the main corridor, Centre Street, to view beautiful historic homes, many decorated for the season.
Wishing all a very happy holiday season and New Year!
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