Two words that are often used to describe Amelia Island and downtown Fernandina Beach are Quaint — like our laid back southern ways and preserved historic architecture of days gone by. And, Quirky — like the way we celebrate shrimp and pirates on an annual basis. If ever there was an island that saluted the unusual and fun, it’s us. In keeping with our uniqueness, plan your upcoming winter/spring visit to Amelia Island during one of these National days.

Feb 18 – National Drink Wine Day

Isn’t every day a wine day? Amelia Island has many dining and drinking establishments serving up this delicious nectar but here are a couple that are a little more devoted to the grape than everyone else. The Decantery (pictured above) is a swanky wine, craft beer and cocktail lounge with a state of the art wine dispensing machine. Sit a spell in their comfortable ambiance for a unique imbibing experience. Amelia Island Wine Company carries top wines from around the world and in addition to classes and wine dinners to broaden your wine knowledge, they also host complimentary tastings every Friday from 5-7pm.

Mar 1 – National Dadgum That’s Good Day

This day is a celebration of whatever it is you have a hankering for. A fried shrimp basket from Timoti’s served with homemade hush puppies? Dadgum That’s Good! An ice cold beer with a side of truffle fries from First Love Brewing? Dadgum That’s Good! A dozen assorted French Macaron cookies from Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop? Dadgum That’s Good! A 12 oz prime filet mignon from Bob’s Steak & Chop House? Dadgum That’s Good! You get the point. Check out all the delightful places to satisfy your thirst or hunger, whatever that may be.

Mar 30 – National Take a Walk in the Park Day

Amelia Island is crowned on the north end and draped on the south by two stunning State Parks — with all sorts of ocean front and community parks interspersed in between. We love to flaunt the natural beauty that makes the island so special and what better way to see it than to take a hike in a park! Amelia Island State Park and George Crady Bridge State Park protect over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia island while Fort Clinch State Park, a Civil War era fort and state park, offers daily tours, biking and hiking trails, beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, and two campgrounds. Get out there and see it all!

April 10 – National Golf Day

We’re known for our beaches but we also boast some the best golf courses in the state with 99 challenging and picturesque golf holes. Amelia Island is a true golfer’s paradise for players of every skill level so gather your friends together and “fore”get about going anywhere else to spend National Golf Day. We’ve got golf packages with accommodations ranging from quiet B&B’s to luxury resorts to oceanfront hotels. If it’s perfecting your game you want (don’t we all), take an individual or group lesson, practice the traditional way, or try fun and unique ways to enjoy the game and get a little better in the process.

May 9 – National Sleepover Day

Sleepovers are fun! Especially when they’re by the sea. Have you been dreaming of warm(er), sunshiny days by the ocean? We hear you. Spring on Amelia Island means drier, crisp air and perfect weather for shell-hunting strolls on the beach. Whether it’s an upscale escape to a south-end island resort, all the comforts of home in a condo vacation rental, a favorite family hotel/motel getaway, a downtown bed & breakfast inn, or camping under the stars by a historic civil war fort, one thing is for sure… it will be the best sleepover you ever had. Take a look at all of Amelia Island’s lodging choices and then plan your National Sleepover Day on sunny Amelia Island.

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” (National Dr. Seuss Day is Mar 2, for your information)