in the neighborhood
T
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
PHOTOS BY WILLIAM RASER
L to R, Owners Richard D. Germano, Holly Germano Wohlfarth, Christina Germano, and Richard R. Germano (not pictured Heidi Germano)
S
usan and David James are the husband-and-wife team behind The Pineapple Patch, a women’s and children’s clothing boutique that has been a part of the downtown scene for the past 12 years. The couple lived in Atlanta for many years, where David had a 16-year career working for an antique furniture company based in North Carolina. Later, David and Susan, along with sons David and Will, lived on Sanibel Island and owned a jewelry company, specializing in jewelry made of shipwreck artifacts. Susan also had experience working in a women’s specialty boutique. When they decided to open their own women’s and children’s store, they could think of no better place than Fernandina Beach. “Fernandina was the perfect place to raise our children and start a business,” says Susan. “Having grown up in St. Marys, Ga., I had fond memories of Fernandina. We also wanted to move to the area to be closer to family.” Son David is now working at Atkins Global, an engineering firm in Ft. Lauderdale, and Will is a sophomore at Florida State. The Pineapple Patch carries the latest apparel for women and children, including Fresh Produce Sportswear, CMC, Cutloose, Vera Bradley, and other apparel groups chosen especially by Susan and David. “We are dedicated to providing our customers with one-of-a-kind clothing lines des igned to create a spirit of relaxation and comfort,” says Susan. The Pineapple Patch is located at 201 Centre Street in the Historic Downtown. For more information, stop by the store or call (904) 321-2441.
he Germano family are the proud owners of Amelia Hotel at the Beach, The Crab Trap Restaurant, and Amelia Dream Cars. Originally from Waycross, Georgia, Richard Germano moved to Amelia in the early ‘90’s. Daughter Holly Germano is now the General Manager of this delightful 86-room hotel, located just across the street from the beach. In addition to the comfortable oceanside balcony rooms, the hotel also has the Terrace Suite, where guests can relax in the jacuzzi tub, or enjoy a glass of bubbly next to the fireplace in their own private lounge. The suite also has a large wet bar and two 52-inch flatpanel televisions. The hotel has undergone some changes over the past few years, including the addition of the Lobby Lounge, which offers full bar service. “We’re proud to run an independent hotel,” says Holly. “We have found that for our guests it’s the little things that matter—a clean room, loaning them beach towels and chairs at no cost, and interacting with their children.” Besides the proximity to the beach, the hotel offers all white pillow-topped beds, a Hot & Healthy Breakfast Bar, and free Wifi access to all guests. Amelia Hotel at the Beach is also a favorite spot for wedding parties, reunions, and corporate meetings, as well as individual travelers. “We still provide old-fashioned hospitality,” says Holly. “Our guests feel welcome, because they are. They see that we love what we do, and it shows every day.” To learn more about the hotel, visit www.ameliahotel.com.
Pineapple Patch
24 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • JULY 2012
www.AmeliaIslander.com