Historic Streetscape: Fernandina’s “Main Street” Called Centre

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (December 12, 2010) — Fernandina Beach has its old-fashioned “Main Street.” Called Centre Street, it’s the main tourism corridor, eight blocks long, in Fernandina’s downtown historic district. Anchored by the city’s harbor, vintage buildings dating back to America’s Victorian-era line the sidewalks. The storefront windows are a looking-glass to the past.

Today, the old bricks shelter boutiques, eateries, pubs, the arts, and antiques. It’s a pleasant streetscape to browse shops, sip coffee, enjoy cocktails and fine dining, or indulge a sweet tooth with confections. Just off Centre are Fernandina’s historic B & B inns and homes, many dating to the mid-1800s to early 1900s. (See Fernandina’s historic Centre Street photo gallery featuring window reflections and historic buildings, by W.B. Lawson.)

Centre Street is the hub of activity downtown, the heart of Fernandina Beach. A place that charms tourists and residents alike, nostalgia abounds. There’s a clock tower-topped courthouse and a post office that’s been around since stamps cost two cents. A corner saloon (said to be Florida’s oldest continuously-operated drinking establishment), guarded by a pirate statue. Railroad tracks finished in 1861 and the old train depot, circa 1899, still remain by the Fernandina marina.  With an antique horse trough out front, the train depot still greets visitors, housing an Amelia Island tourist information center.

From the cruise ship passengers and other mariners arriving at the docks, to the visitors who arrive by air or auto, this Preserve America community draws people like feeder creeks flowing into a main basin.

More of a village than a city, Fernandina is both endearing and alluring to those who appreciate the simpler times of yesteryear. The preserved historic buildings and homes are a reflection of the past. A time capsule, waiting discovery by another season of visitors and future generations.

Along Centre Street are flowers, shade trees and benches to sit and ponder the surroundings.  Two pocket parks are also tucked between antiquated brick walls, peaceful places where one can take a load off and reflect on the ambiance of this vintage seaport.

Sometimes you’ll hear the sounds of the park space before you get there. Music fills the air for blocks during special events. Musicians in the pocket parks (and also those of the “Sounds on Centre” concerts), seem to do what they love — play. And people congregate to listen.

Centre Street is also the main parade route.  Locals can attest that Fernandina loves parades, some attracting thousands downtown to watch.  Annual parades showcasing community spirit include the Shrimp Festival, Fourth of July, Homecoming, Veterans Day, Parade of Paws, and the Holiday Light Parade.

The defining character of Amelia is the sea island itself — a natural treasure and example of Mother Nature’s perfection. An estuarine habitat with thriving saltmarsh along western riverbank, and sea oat-laced dunes along Amelia’s eastern Atlantic beachfront.   Amelia Island attracts visitors for these natural assets (as well as its golf and spa resorts).  But many would agree that it is Fernandina’s historic district that adds a regal crown to this island named after princess Amelia (daughter of King George II of England).

American heritage streets in cities across the nation, like Fernandina’s Centre Street, are being kept alive by small businesses.  If you have a “to do” list, add a visit to the nearest Main Street, wherever you live.

Help support the brick and mortar vintage buildings in small towns across America, and the businesses inside. These historic, quaint streetscapes are the essence of small town America.

Window shopping along Centre Street sidewalks reveal more than the goods inside.  Look at the window reflections and see the images of historic buildings across the street. These storefronts are mirrors to the past that you won’t see at the mall.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Are you on FACEBOOK? Connect with Amelia Island Living eZine at Amelia Island Living’s FACEBOOK page.

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NOTE: See America’s heritage by traveling coastal waterways and stopping in historic ports along the way. Pictured in the photo gallery above are the American Glory and American Star cruise ships docked at Fernandina Harbor Marina. Fernandina Beach is a stop on three voyages of American Cruise Lines: “Historic South & Golden Isles” cruise, “East Coast Inland Passages,” and “Great Rivers of Florida.”