I’m so excited to kick off a series on the blog that might just be my favorite ever. As many of you know Pearce and I are leaving Tampa for good and moving back up to our hometown in just a few months. I’m absolutely in love with Amelia Island and can’t wait to get back! Over the next few years I’d really like for the blog to become a place for me to share not only my personal style but also a bit more about the Island and our personal life. It felt right to introduce this series by talking about my favorite place on the Island. Old Town has a special kind of charm that can only be found in the historic South. I could go on and on about the interesting history and share hundreds of photos of the gorgeous homes & views but I’ll save you from my rambling. If you’d like to find out more about the history, read this.
Old Town is the original site of Historic Fernandina Beach. It’s been occupied by humans for thousands of years and served as home to the Spanish Fort San Carlos, which is no longer standing. The area is especially unique in that it is the only Spanish town in Florida with the original site plat remaining. In 1853 the town of Fernandina Beach moved about a mile South because the new railroad system (at the time) couldn’t cross the Salt-Marsh to serve Old Town. The neighborhood overlooks the water, nestled on the bluff above the Amelia River. For boaters it’s the perfect place to call home as it’s nestled between two marinas and just steps away from the water. For anyone visiting the area, it’s a must-see and included on just about every river charter or guided tour in the area!
So if you’re on Amelia and want to stop by, I’d highly recommend a few things:
- Grab lunch from the Picnic Basket downtown and enjoy your very own picnic in Old Town (Overlooking the water and just steps away from the gorgeous Captain’s House (more popularly known as the “Pippi Longstocking House” as this is where the movie was filmed in the late 80’s.)
- Park yourself on my favorite bench (pictured below) and enjoy the gorgeous sunset!
- Hit up Amelia Island Coffee then enjoy a stroll down Old Town’s coquina streets. You’ll be glad you did!
(My third favorite house on the island. Yes, I have a numbered list of favorites! (#DoublePorchLover) This one’s a MUCH newer addition to the neighborhood but fits in seemingly thanks to strict rehabilitation & design guidelines.)
(Here’s that bench I mentioned! Ps – You can find my pullover here (c/o))
(This is the Captains House or “The Pippi Longstocking House.” It was originally white.)
xo, mckenzie
