Amelia Fernandina Winter 2024

AMELIA FERNANDINA

TOURISTS + LOCALS

Vo l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1 , 2 0 2 4

Join the Club thefe r nandina p a p erco.com

GLOBAL NETWORK WITH LOCAL MARKET EXPERTS GALLUP GROUP

First Coast Real Estate Advisors 5185 S. Fletcher Ave Amelia Island, FL 32034

Jordan: 904.760.9393 Jacqueline: 904.760.9606 gallupgroup.evrealestate.com

Scan QR Code for a Historic Fernandina Beach driving tour

Jordan

Jacqueline

P

4477 BUCCANEER TRAIL

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A M E L I A I S L A N D, F L 3 2 0 3 4

( 9 0 4 ) 4 9 1 - 8 5 0 0 | | A M E L I A R I V E R G O L F. C O M | | F O L L O W U S

18-HOLE GOLF COURSE MEMBERSHIP PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO-SHOP

BAR & GRILLE EVENTS WEDDINGS

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14 ROOM BOUTIQUE INN HISTORIC & MODERN NEW ROOMS BREAKFAST/SOCIAL HOUR 614 ASH STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 904.277.1604 WWW.ADDISONONAMELIA.COM

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C O N T

16 EDITOR’S LETTER DINING

24 WHAT'S TRENDING #WHATSTRENDINGDINING SHOPPING

32 WHAT'S TRENDING #WHATSTRENDINGSHOPPING

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About Tocal Guide For more information: Please contact us at 912.217.3620 • mandi@tocalguide.com

E N T S

a modern guide to Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach

SPOTLIGHT

40 PORCH TALK #PORCHTALK

EVENTS

50 2024 WINTER

COASTAL EVENTS #COASTALEVENTS

56 ADVERTISER'S DIRECTORY #GETTOCAL

@TOCALGUIDE

FACEBOOK.COM/GETTOCAL

WWW.TOCALGUIDE.COM TOCALGUIDE.COM 7

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Located at Omni Amelia Island Resort

10 Amelia Village Circle Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-277-5980

lives here!

C O M M U N I T Y

YOUR

luxury S P E C I A L I S T S

©Amelia Island Real Estate Services. All rights reserved. Amelia Island Real Estate Services is a registered trademark licensed to Omni Hotels & Resorts. An Equal Opportunity, Equal Housing Opportunity.

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CRAWFORD JEWELERS Yo ur t r ust ed je w e l e r fo r 6 5 ye ars

2149 Sadler Rd • Suite 3 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.277.4910 crawfordjewelers.com 10

the sights, the sounds and

theofJoys Family THIS IS THE WAY VACATIONS ARE MEANT TO BE.

Vacation Rentals & Management 904-261-6580

AMELIA LENDING OUR SUCCESSFUL TEAM IS CLIENT FOCUSED AND COMMUNITY DRIVEN.

MEREDITH SHAVE Senior Mortgage Consultant 904.556.6645 MLO NMLS #664141

CAPITAL CITY HOME LOANS, LLC 1884 S. 14TH STREET • FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 NMLS #75615

BEN STEPHENS Senior Mortgage Consultant 904.583.4321 MLO NMLS #640473

come in and smell the 316 Centre Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.432.7897 spiceandtea.com/fernandina-beach

Spices!

Creating livable and comfortable spaces.

1435 Julia Street #100 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.410.6699 gordonandjohnson.com

H A I R

S T U D I O

&

M E R L E

N O R M A N

2149 Sadler Road Suite 1 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.624.7472

C O S M E T I C S

thesaltyblondefernandinabeach

FROM THE

letterEDITOR The old adage “life is a journey,” resonates with me more with every year that passes. It seems it can be so easy to get caught up in spending so much of our lives around building and planning for the future or the next season.

The question to myself lately has been “…and then what? Is the arrival to the destination the goal?”

Somewhere along the way of creating a life, I am beginning to find a certain awareness that perhaps some of the greatest lessons are hidden treasures found only in the actual moment. Being goal oriented and task motivated by nature, it can be difficult to just relax or allow myself to find beauty in the imperfections. When the outcomes look different than what I envisioned, being able to see there are actually lessons to learn within that is a gift.

The one thing I do know is that no matter the journey, it’s the people along the way that make it worth it. Every single day that our team has spent on this special little island has been FULL of new friendships and genuine connections. Bringing Tocal to this area has indeed enriched our lives for the better.

We are beyond grateful for each one of the business owners who trusted and believed in us to produce something so unique for the locals and visitors who travel here. As we met with so many of you these last several months, the consistent phrase we continued to say was how incredibly genuine and kind everyone was.

Our journey has just begun in this beautiful oasis nestled along the ocean shores and we couldn’t be more excited about the future here.

So, along the way, I am being mindful of being in the moment, enjoying the conversations with new and old friends. I treasure each of the meetings and lunches and smiles and waves.

Thank you for welcoming us with such wide arms and we look forward to 2024 in a way that brings all of the joy and happiness a heart can hold.

MANDI RHODES Editor

MANDI RHODES

ROBIN HARRISON

LESLIE HAND

MEGAN GILMARTIN

EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR

PATTI MARTIN ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

JAY MARTIN

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

MCKENZIE FUSSELL CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS BOSTON PHOTOGRAPHY JESSIE PREZA JOSELOVE-FILSON LESLIE HAND PHOTOGRAPHY THE RED FLY STUDIO

•age gracefully WITH US

We a r e P R O F E S S I O N A L , E X P E R I E N C E D a n d A P P R O A C H A B L E S o y o u c a n b e A S S U R E D, C A L M a n d C O M F O R TA B L E

EMJECTING

960115-1 Gateway Blvd (Inside First Coast Oral and Implant Surgery)

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.670.0065 | www.emjecting.com 18

3 1 1 5 Fre d e r ic a R oa d | St. Simo ns I sla nd, GA 3 1 5 2 2 9 1 2 - 2 6 8 - 4 9 8 5 | v a la rieb rit z int erio rs.c o m

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Emma Collins

4924 First Coast Hwy // Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 912.245.4842 // thepaletteshop.com 1 MODERN CITY GUIDE

TOCALGUIDE.COM 1

indigo

exquisite

CULINARY CRAFTSMANSHIP AND BEAUTY 20 South 2nd Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.261.8100

Amelia Island Skincare

BY SUSAN DOWLING

W H E R E YO U R S K I N I S T O P P R I O R I T Y. FACIALS

PEELS

1 4 2 6 L I M E S T R E E T, F E R N A N D I N A B E A C H , F L 3 2 0 3 4 22

|

WAXING

904.753.6489

BROWS

|

W W W. A M E L I A I S L A N D S K I N C A R E . C O M

Family owned, dental excellence since 1987

1699 S. 14TH ST. #21 • FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 • AMELIAGENTLEDENTISTRY.COM • 904-277-8500 TOCALGUIDE.COM 23

| DinING |

trending

WHAT’S ON INSTAGRAM @ameliaislandbrewingcompany @burlingameamelia @davids_restaurant_ameliaisland @olive_amelia_ @pogoskitchenai

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#AMELIAISLANDEATS #ISLANDCUISINE #AMELIAISLANDRESTAURANTS #TASTEOFAMELIA #AMELIASOCIAL #AMELIAISLANDFOODIE 24

Luxury

I T ' S N O T J U S T A P R I C E P O I N T, I T ' S A N E X P E R I E N C E 4 8 0 0 F I R S T C OA S T H I G H WAY, S T E 2 3 0 , F E R N A N D I N A B E AC H , F L 3 2 0 3 4 | 9 0 4 - 7 5 3 - 3 5 7 2 | F E N D I G G RO U P. C O M

Tracy Fendig REALTOR

WE PROVIDE THE VERY 26

BEST

IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

Amelia Island's

Food Focused Brewery Destination

THE TAVERN BY AIBC P r i vat e E v e n t s Ava i l a b l e

Amelia Island Brewing Company 318 & 316 Centre Street

//

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 // www.ameliaislandbrewing.com

LAW OFFICE OF

RONALD J. CONTE Personal Attention from an Experienced Attorney 9 S . 3 R D S T. U N I T A | F E R N A N D I N A B E A C H , F L 3 2 0 3 4 | 9 0 4 . 3 2 6 . 5 6 4 0

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luxurious GLOBAL EXPERIENCES

I N T R AV E L , I T ' S A L L A B O U T W H O Y O U K N O W.

L ET U S I N T R O D U C E Y O U !

I N F O @ WA L L A C E P I E R S O N. C O M

1401 PARK AVE, STE A • AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-5914 • WALLACEPIERSON.COM

Florida's fine olive oil specialist Olive Amelia is North Florida’s leader in all things Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar related. We carry an array of premium fused, infused and extra virgin olive oils, and over 20 gourmet aged balsamic vinegars. You can also find a full line of gourmet foods, cocktail and gift items in the shop as well as local fresh cheeses. Stop by for a unique visit to the tasting bar and experience the difference yourself. You’ll be glad you did!

206 CENTRE STREET AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32304 904.310.3603 WWW.OLIVEAMELIA.COM

AN ECLECTIC WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE A P P A R E L , A C C E S S O R I E S , A N D G I F T S “ W I T H A T W I S T. ”

402 C E NTRE ST • FE RNANDINA BEA CH, F L 32034 • 904.261.2501 T WI S T E D S ISTE RSAME LIA.C O M •

@ SHOPT WIS T EDS IS T ERS •

@T WIS T EDS IS T ERS A MEL IA

| SHOPPING |

trending

WHAT’S ON INSTAGRAM

@crawfordjewelers_fernandina @lindysjewelry @redotteroutfitters @shoptwistedsisters @spiceandtea.fernandinabeach @thepaletteshop_ai @wigglewormsai

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#LOVEAMELIA #SHOPFERNANDINA #EXPLOREAMELIAISLAND #DOWNTOWNAMELIA #EXPLOREFERNANDINA #VISITAMELIAISLAND #VISITFERNANDINA 32

C L A S S Y.

110 Centre Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

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Fun. U N I Q U E .

904.277.4880 lindysjewelry.com

Your

local real estate team.

DUNIA TAYLOR, GRI BROKER, REALTOR®

Get in Touch

Amelia Island

info@REMIRealty.com (904) 307-8798

503D Centre St, Suite 3 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

We believe that skin care should work for you and your lifestyle.

1 8 1 5 S. 8 T H S T R E ET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904)652-9958 l m o o r e a e st h et i c s. c o m FOLLOW US

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Beauty

H AI R SAL O N , M AKE UP AND SPRAY TAN STUDIO

V

V

CREATING NATURAL

V

V

OUR PRODUCTS ARE PLANT-DERIVED, NON-TOXIC AND SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

WE ARE A CERTIFIED GREEN CIRCLE SALON AND RECYCLE 95% OF OUR WASTE.

17 South 8th Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904.624.7724 // thebeautybarai.com TOCALGUIDE.COM 37

L to R: Matt and Jenny Mountjoy, Owners, Barefoot Amelia Beach Rentals and Josh Mattox, Nassau County Market President, PrimeSouth Bank.

INVESTING IN OCEAN FRONT RENTALS TOOK BANKERS THAT HAD THEIR BACK Matt and Jenny Mountjoy decided to sell real estate they owned and managed in Atlanta to move back to their home town of Fernandina. However, they worried that a 1031 Exchange to buy multiple island properties as vacation rentals would be anything but a day at the beach. Josh Mattox not only completed the exchange within an impossible window of time, he gave them a great view of just how easy local banking can be.

Learn more at: PrimeSouth.com

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Beautiful Food

IN A COMFORTABLE AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE

20 S. 5th Street

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Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

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904.432.7671

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burlingamerestaurant.com

| Spotlight |

PORCH TALK

Home. Deep Roots in Amelia Island

H

Written by Mckenzie Fussell

Home encompasses so much more than merely walls and windows. It’s a fragrance, a warmth, a sense of wholeness and peace.

Regardless of where my walls and windows are, I’ll always call Amelia Island home. Whenever I’m asked the question, “Where are you from?” it is absolutely impossible for me to say anything else. My home is Amelia Island.

My island roots go back generations but I’m not a bit surprised when those who are just passing through also feel a desire to call it their home. For so many transplants, visitors, and long-time islanders, Amelia Island is home. It is the fragrance, warmth and wholeness which provide an inextricable pull back to the island, time after time, year after year. Perhaps for some, it is merely the memories of summer surf lessons and 4th of July golf cart parades. For others, it’s taking the long way to work because driving down Fletcher is always worth it or stopping in the coffee shop to catch up with friends and catch a harmonica show from Felix.

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Blog: mckenziefussell.com

| SPOTLIGHT |

I’ll never forget the first time I came home to visit from college. This was when I began to comprehend what it meant to feel “homesick” for the first time. Driving over the bridge and reuniting with the taste of She Crab Soup and the smell of the marsh felt intoxicating to me.

Home. I had to have a slice of Moon River pizza the night I arrived, and you bet your bottom dollar I wasn’t heading back to school without a trip to Walmart. Yes, Walmart. Who would have thought that our tiny little Walmart would trigger a feeling of home, but venturing to

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other Walmarts after moving away was just the dose of “culture shock” I needed to teach me that Amelia Island was an incredibly special place. I would be remiss to share the delicious new restaurants, and darling shops around town without pointing out that the people are what make this place the haven it is.

My husband will tell you that our drives back to town via Hecksher, catching that first glimpse of Amelia Island State Park are the times I feel the happiest. I often catch him looking over at

Anyone could tell you what a beautiful place Amelia Island is to call home, but it is the people and the stories that make it undeniably unique and special.

I look forward to sharing more Island eats, sips and sights with you in the next issue!

Mckenzie Fussell

me during this drive. I think it’s because he can sense the exhale. The peace. “We’re back. It’s good to be back.”

This is what it means to be an islander, whether native or newer. When you reconnect with Amelia Island, you feel as though you’ve never left. Anyone could tell you what a beautiful place it is to call home, but it is the people and the stories that make it undeniably unique and special. Amelia Island is a beautiful melting pot of people who decided they just had to be a part of this little piece of heaven on earth.

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A Deluxe Day Spa Offering Facial Services, Including the New Hydrafacial

Sara Smith Licensed Esthetician & certified Hydrafacial Specialist.

1 4 0 1 PA R K AV E F E R N A N D I N A BEACH, FL 32034 904.468.2505 W W W. S K I N BY S A R A . C O M TOCALGUIDE.COM 45

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE WORLD CLASS DENTISTRY, WHILE TREATING OUR PATIENTS WITH COMPASSION AND CARE.

1947 CITRONA DRIVE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 904.261.7181 • AMELIADENTAL.COM 46

you really

Ot te r G o !

1 0 1 2 A t l a n t i c Av e n u e | Fe r n a n d i n a B e a c h , F L 3 2 0 3 4 | ( 9 0 4 ) 2 0 6 - 4 1 2 2 | r e d o t t e r o u t f i t t e r s . c o m TOCALGUIDE.COM 47

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Pers onaliz ed Planning for Your Financial G oal s

1 41 0 P a r k Ave n u e - Sui t e 2 02 • Fe r na ndi na B e a c h, F L 32 034 • 904.2 7 3.2 42 6 • edgewaterwealth man agemen t.c o m

Winter

2024 COASTAL EVENTS

january

Amelia Island Opera presents: La bohème in Concert January 4, 2024 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Amelia Plantation Chapel 36 Bowman Road, Fernandina Beach, FL, United States Join Amelia Island Opera for Puccini's timeless masterpiece, La bohème, presented in concert. This opera tells the poignant story of four struggling bohemians – a poet, a painter, a musician.

Bicentennial Kick-off January 13, 2024 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Wildlight Wildlight Avenue, Wildlight, FL, United States Nassau County is turning 200!

To celebrate, the Board of County Commissioners are hosting events throughout 2024. Please join us for our kick-off event featuring live music.

Cost: Free

5th Annual Winter Sip & Shop Friday, January 19, 2024 4:00 PM 7:00 PM Pocket Park (map) Fernandina Beach Main Street will hold its 5th Annual Winter Sip and Shop on Friday, January 19, from 4 to 7 PM. This will kick off Winter Restaurant Week in downtown Fernandina Beach where more than

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20 retail shops will remain open late and provide sips of wine to enjoy while shopping. Shoppers will receive a souvenir insulated Main Street wine cup with registration.

Shoppers can check in at the Pocket Park next to Amelia Island Coffee on Centre Street to receive their wine cup, event map, and wristband beginning at 4PM. Participants must

| EVENTS |

february

Festival of Stories and Songs Brought to you by: Story & Song Bookstore Bistro

February 2, 2024 10:00 am - 9:30 pm Story & Song Centre for Arts and Culture 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL

be at least 21 years of age and proof of age is required. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance.

Additional tickets can be purchased the day of the event at registration for a price of $25 each. This event will be held rain or shine.

Storytelling, whether in spoken or musical form, is an art form that preserves our history, celebrates diversity, and perpetuates important elements of the human experience in an entertaining and engaging form.

Celebrate the Amelia Car Week February 29 – March 3, 2024 One of the rites of spring for true car lovers, this celebration is headlined

by The Amelia — Concours d’Elegance and includes events and auctions for the true “aficionauto!”

More details to follow but see what’s planned so far for the 29th annual celebration of cars!

march

The Sprouting Project Dinner March Theme: Egg

Brought to you by: The Sprouting Project at Omni Amelia Island Resort Brought to you by: Omni Amelia Island Resort

March 16, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Guests will enjoy an intimate southern-inspired true farm-to-table dinner at The Sprouting Project, our culinary team’s answer to hyper-local sustainability.

Cost: $109

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Amelia Island’s premier children’s and maternity consignment boutique.

W E ’ RE T U RN IN G 2 0 IN 2 0 2 4

2248 S. 8th Street • Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 www.wiggleworms.com 904.277.2185

ISLAND PERSONAL CHEFS P e r s o n a l C h e f / C at e r e r F e r n a n d i n a B e a c h ( 9 04 ) 9 03 - 6 5 2 8 // i sla nd pe rso na lc he fs.c o m

Chef Xylina

Chef Xylina is AMAZING. My family went to Amelia Island for vacation and we had Xylina cook for us. One day she delivered lunch (her chicken wraps are to die for). One night she delivered Sheppards Pie (best I’ve had in my life) and another night she cooked delicious steaks at our house. I can’t wait to return and use her again!

- Chandler J -

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THEJOURNEYFAMILY.COM

THIS IS HOME

CONCOURSE CAMPUS // 95707 AMELIA CONCOURSE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 ISLAND CAMPUS // 315 CITRONA DR FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034

MORROW I N S U R A N C E

G R O U P

A Centur y-Long Heritage of Qualit y Insurance on Florida's First Coast

1896 S. 14th St. | Suite 5 | Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 | 904.415.3334 | www.morrowig.com

DIRECTORY

beauty

Amelia Island Skincare.........................................................22 Emjecting............................................................................18 L. Moore Aesthetics.............................................................36 Skin by Sara.........................................................................45 The Beauty Bar....................................................................37 The Salty Blond Hair Studio & Merle Norman Cosmetics....................................................15

dine

Burlingame Restaurant........................................................39 Indigo..................................................................................21 Island Personal Chefs..........................................................53 Olive Amelia........................................................................30 The Tavern AIBC..................................................................27

homes

Amelia Island Real Estate Services.....................................8-9 Jordan & Jacqueline Gallup..................................................1 Remi Realty..........................................................................35 Tracy Fendig, Realtor...........................................................26

interiors

Coastal Cottage of Amelia..................................................48 Gordon + Johnson Interior Design.....................................14 Lott's Furniture......................................................Back Cover Valarie Britz Interior Design.................................................19

medical

Amelia Dental Group...........................................................46

services

Capital City Home Loans.....................................................12

Amelia Gentle Dentistry......................................................23

Edgewater Wealth Management of Raymond James.........49 Morrow Insurance Group.....................................................55 Pickett Construction............................................................44 Prime South.........................................................................38 Ronald J. Conte Attorney at Law........................................28

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shop

Crawford Jewelers...............................................................10 Lindy's.................................................................................34 Twisted Sisters.....................................................................31 Red Otter.............................................................................47 Wiggle Worms.....................................................................52 The Spice & Tea Exchange..................................................13 The Palette Shop.................................................................20

specialties

Fernandina Paper Co................................ Inside Front Cover Journey Church...................................................................54 The Amelia River Club........................................................2-3 Wallace Pierson Travel.........................................................29

stay

Moore Amelia Island Rental................................................11 The Addison on Amelia Island...........................................4-5