Welcome Center Progress

There are lots of projects going on at the riverfront right now, including this new welcome center at the marina. We're enjoying the improvements but some may not be used to the new parking patterns while construction is going on. They've had to block off part of the lot just north of the boat ramp that is usually everyone's first choice. People are now being forced to use the previously unnoticed lot just on the other side of the ramp with lots o' free spaces. As transplants to the area, it's still funny to Bill and I that this is considered a "parking problem". It's great that nine times out of ten here you can pull right up front of your destination and park for free here. The city commission floated a trial balloon last week to see how the locals would react to the idea of parking meters. I don't think I need to tell you how that went over.


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Cowboy - Public Servant Extraordinaire

Our letter carrier Eric aka Rick aka Cowboy has been handling our route for many, many years now. I thought that - with the personal service that we get - he only delivered to our house. But here he is, delivering to another house on Seventh Street. Oh well; he makes us all feel like we're his only house. Cowboy is a great guy. Regardless of the condition of the weather or the world he's always got a smile on his face and a kind word. And he pretty much walks the route other than to move his pack mule from block to block. Most of his customers probably don't even know what a great singing voice he has but, a few years ago, his church choir caroled for our Christmas Tour and he (and they) were mesmerizing. We're pleased to make his acquaintance.



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Turn of the Century Trolley Ticket Office

This little shotgun house at the corner of Sixth and Ash was the ticket office for the trolley that ran all over town and out to the beach at the turn of the century. In fact, the trolley ran right in front of our house all the way up Seventh Street.













If you're wandering around town and can't remember the address of this little house (now a rental), just look up toward the gable for the little cast iron replica of a trolley. It's been there from the beginning to signify that you were in the right place to buy your tickets.

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Family Love

Can't ya just feel it? Linda, bottom left, was the organizer of her family's (female members) mystery weekend, and we were the lucky winners of her selection. No one knew where they were going until the day before they got on the plane to come here. Cool idea, huh? And you can tell that Linda, her mom and her sisters were up for anything that would contribute to a good weekend. Have fun at your craft club meetings, Ladies. See you next year.



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Shopping Shelter from the Storm

We got some much-needed rain this afternoon in the form of a fast moving shower, typical for this time of year but absent of late. In fact these folks pretty much counted on it zipping by and took shelter under the awning of Shoe Visions, a Fernandina staple on Centre Street. If they turn round and look through the window their trip could get a whole lot more expensive due to the eye candy that will be tempting them. We've had many a girls' group come back loaded down with Shoe Visions bags. And none of them suffering from buyers' remorse I might add.

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Indigo Alley is OPEN

Congratulations to Mike and Sherry Garbarini for getting their new venture, Indigo Alley open. This quiet little beer and wine bar will be offering a respite from the heat, the shopping, the touring and the daily grind. The prices look pretty good too. Good luck, guys. And thanks for investing (more) into the community.



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Smoothies and Dip

Seemed to be the booths of choice at the Fernandina farmers market today. Actual lines were forming. Not to worry. In a move not unlike Disney, our farmers market powers-that-be have arranged for entertainment so that nobody notices the lines. Thank you Hickory Wind.





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Islanders. Love 'Em.

The ever-changing work of poetry and art that is the window of Last Flight Out, continues to amuse and be noticed. Owner, Harry Krix, took to island life like a dog to a bone from the moment that he arrived and has embraced it ever since. And we're all the luckier for it. Cool stuff inside.



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Keeping an Eye Out for Lilliputians

We seem to have mushroom colonies everywhere these days. Note to guests: if breakfast is late, check outside to see if I've been tied down with string somewhere in the vicinity of our garden path. The culprits will be hiding under the mushrooms.


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National Ice Cream Day!

I know that I've already put up a post for today but I couldn't let this globally significant event go by without a mention. I'm all ready to honor it; how 'bout you? Hmmmmm... left to right? Or right to left? Eeny meeny miney mo.



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Ya Ya Sisterhood

These ladies from the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs stayed with us for the last three nights to hold their summer meeting and they were twice the fun of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. And the men in the house this weekend didn't seem to mind at all. I noticed that their wives were clutching them a little bit tighter than normal but a good time was had by all.

Our rock star local, Mary Powell (second from left), organized the whole thing and she did such a great job that I'm thinking of letting her take over the inn for awhile. Thanks Mary.


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Wish I Owned an Ice Cream Shop

Because every day is ice cream day - at least in Fernandina. And if the crowds didn't show up at my shop, I'd go broke happy... and full of Publix's Chocolate Moose Tracks and Baskin and Robbin's Marathon Mint (flavor of the month March 1981, brought back for a fleeting week in May of the same year). It's possible that there might be a scoop of mint chocolate chip on top. I'm just sayin'.


7/19/09 - Edit: Just found out that TODAY is NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY! Everybody have some. Chocolate Moose Tracks here I come. Cheers everyone - especially Angie who's already got some.



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Sprouting Sisters and Fabulous Friends

I promised our ladies who checked out yesterday that they would get some airtime and since I had a little trouble with my camera last night, here they are. And worth the wait I might add. Colette and Renee, our sprouting sisters from Wisconsin, were sent here as a gift from their parents so that they could spend some time together.



And Sherri and Shari, two friends from Bloomingdale, Georgia did a fabulous job keeping our local economy going by taking advantage of their Amelia Island Value Card for visitors to the island. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, I'd like to thank you for keeping our economy going this week. Hurry back.



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Dramatic Clouds Tonight

Had some nice photos of some more jumping girls tonight but my laptop and my camera seem to have had a tiff and stopped speaking to one another part way though my upload. Ladies, you'll have your day in the sun - I promise. In the meantime, please enjoy the clouds.




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Space Shuttle

Or, at least, in search of same. We went with some wonderful guests, Neil and Kathy Jackson, up to the Tower tonight to watch the shuttle launch. It launched, and we looked at some lovely clouds over the area that obscured our view. Bill and I have watched many a shuttle launch from our tower and it's pretty darn cool - especially the night launches. The tower, however, is part of the Tower Suite, so if it's occupied we can't watch it - but the guests in the Tower Suite can... In fact, the room is frequently one of the first ones booked for holidays with fireworks. Best view on the island.



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Free Gift Certificate Opportunity

It's been awhile since I've awarded any blog gift certificates so I've decided that today's the day. I'll send a $50 Fairbanks House gift certificate to the first person that correctly identifies what this is that I saw on my walk today AND tells me the price of our least expensive Thanksgiving Package. I'll make it $60 if you can also correctly identify the date of this year's Holiday Cookie Tour. Post your answer in the comments.




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I Feel Safe...

... knowing that Pete is keeping a watchful eye (singular) and sword out to guard us against the bad shirts, socks with sandals and partly cloudy skies that may invade the island. I hope he keeps an eye out (singular) for happy diners... they've been known to overtake the Historic District in the evening. Good man, Pete, good man.



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Auburn Girls Getaway Takes Flight

Those Auburn girls sure can fly. And they can do so multiple times upon request. On a hot day. After a full weekend. I was impressed. I see lots of great things on my walks but what's been going on at the inn the last two days has impressed me more than the what I've seen "beyond the hedge" so those are the photos that I'm sharing. We had a really fun weekend with a great group of guests. In fact, these ladies all volunteered to be bridesmaids for our eloping couple last night. Amazingly, the Coles passed on the offer. Same time next year, everyone?




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Fairbanks House Elopement

This is Justin and Cindy, just before they got on the carriage to be carried off to a secret (even to them) romantic location for their vow exchange. Their witness, Blackster, decided to sit out the ceremony and lay on the sidewalk instead. They're still at their wedding dinner at Beech Street Grill right now so we've slipped into their room with a wedding cake, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to round out this day that they've devoted to each other. Elopements are new for us this year and we're loving every minute of them. Best wishes, Justin and Cindy; we're honored that you selected us for this incredible occasion.



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Sunset Over Fernandina Shrimp Boat

And, hopefully, that's not a metaphor. You're looking at a dying breed just sitting on the docks. The days of the independent shrimper may be coming to an end. There is so much competition from farm-raised and imported shrimp that it's hard for these folks to get the price they need in order to cover their costs, let alone make a profit. As I've said before, you will truly be able to tell the difference in taste if you get the opportunity to sample some locally caught fresh wild shrimp. There are several restaurants in Fernandina that have them available. We'll point you in the right direction when you're here.




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Fine Looking Water Tower

Our town water tower has a shiny new paint job and it's looking good. It's hard to see from here but the emblem is our eight flags logo. I think that my favorite water tower is the one alongside I-95 in Gaffney, SC that's painted like a big peach. At least I think it's Gaffney. Here's another cool one.

Revised on 7/15 to add links.


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Fernandina Boat Slips Available

Our city marina has been expanding significantly over the last month or so and one of the projects is to increase the number of boat slips available. From what I've seen going in, we're planning on having space for everybody. We've got a new Welcome Center going in too so it should be really nice when finished.




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Le Clos - Front and Back

One of our favorite Amelia Island restaurants, Le Clos, has been busy this summer. They've added sidewalk dining out front
and a kitchen garden out back. Nice. I didn't think that they could improve upon the sea bass in the lemon buerre blanc with warm chocolate cake for dessert. I was wrong.



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Flying Fish in a Death Star Firework

Of course I took this last night and I tweeted about it earlier today but I think that it deserves a re-mention since I was surprised to see the photo on the screen because I didn't remember seeing the firework that way. How did that fish get in there? And will he make it out of the way of the Death Star? I'll just keep looking through the rest of the images that I took last night to find out.




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A Fernandina 4th

Fernandina Summer Scene

Restful flowers, resting bike, chairs for resting. Need a rest? I have an idea where you can visit... Two rooms lift for the weekend. Book 'em online. See you at the free concert tomorrow night.




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Fernandina's Finest Cottage

There! I've just declared it.




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