For those who adore the charm of an inviting front porch, look no further than Fernandina's historic district homes. Many of the homes in the 55-block historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, were built from the mid-1800s into the early 1900s, and are adorned with welcoming front porches.
Venture out on foot, just a few blocks off the main corridor to the harbor (just off Centre Street), in downtown Fernandina Beach, to see sweet “eye candy” for architecture enthusiasts.
I took a stroll this August morning, along South 6th and 7th Street and part of Ash, to glimpse some of Fernandina's fine Victorian-era homes.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has honored Fernandina Beach in the past for its historic preservation. In fact, the Victorian-era seaport made the National Trust's list of “12 top vacation destinations in the United States for historic preservation.”
PRESERVED VICTORIAN-ERA ARCHITECTURE
You'll marvel at some of the best preserved Victorian architecture on the eastern seaboard. Just wander down sidewalksoff the main corridor of Centre Street to see these enchanting, historic homes. Gracious Queen Annes, shaded by ancient oaks draped in moss, charming Victorian cottages and bungalows, and sweeping verandahs. Various different architectural styles were fashionable during the Victorian era, in the 1850 to 1910 period.
Fernandina prospered during the late 1800s with one of the deepest ports in the southeast. Queen Anne, Italianate, Greek Revival, Folk Victorian, Classical Revival (Georgian) and other styles offer an eclectic mix to admire. Stately magnolia trees, cabbage palms, sagos and blooming hibiscus add to the southern landscape.
In this small nostalgic town by the sea, you'll probably try to picture yourself living here, on this island. The allure is powerful.
Pictured is Trinity Methodist Church with “Kate's” oak tree. The
story of this tree has been passed along from yesteryear. It's said that city workers came to Ash Street to cut down this grand oak. Not so fast! Kate Bailey (owner of the historic Bailey House) threatened them with her shotgun. Thank goodness the workers took her seriously, and the tree was saved. See this majestic, ancient oak tree draped in moss in Fernandina Beach, at the corner of Ash and 8th Street.
VISIT AMELIA ISLAND'S ART GALLERIES
Also drop by some of Amelia Island's art galleries. There's a large, talented artist colony right here in Fernandina Beach. Local artists often create works depicting Fernandina's charming historic architecture, lovely live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, local wildlife, landscapes of the sea as well as the marshlands surrounding Amelia Island.
Amelia Island is, indeed, quintessential small-town coastal living. Visit this laid-back beach and golf vacation island with fascinating history, an abundance of nature activities to please eco-tourists, miles of beaches, and small-town ambiance. Yet just a 30-minute drive to the Jacksonville, Florida International Airport. (For smaller planes, private jets, Amelia Island offers its own island airport, the city of Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport.)
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About the author -- W. B. Lawson has lived on Amelia Island fourteen years and writes tourism, lifestyle, and real estate articles.