About W. B. Lawson

eMagazine managing editor, writer, and website photographer with a background in publishing, marketing, and communications. Industry work includes financial services, real estate, and tourism. Feedback or questions? Send eMail to: contact@AmeliaIslandLiving.com
Author Archive | W. B. Lawson

Win 6-Night Amelia Island Vacation Worth $5,000+

Win a fabulous trip to Amelia Island, Florida worth over $5,000 for a family of four with a 6-night stay at the wonderful oceanfront Summer Beach Resort. Besides lodging at this luxury seaside resort, the lucky winner will also get a round of golf for four at Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, an outdoor adventure trip paddling with Kayak Amelia, and tickets for the Cumberland Sound Ferry for a boat ride…

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Perk of Florida Living: Backyard Citrus Trees

Driving around Amelia Island as winter sets in, it’s hard not to notice citrus trees heavily laden with fruit. I’ve seen individual trees that must have hundreds of fruit waiting to be picked. Once the cooler weather sets it (and the temperature drops especially during the night), it’s said to be the time to start picking local fruit. I’ve heard that once we’ve had some cold nights, it helps sweeten the fruit.

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Ghosts of Christmas Past: Backyard Economics

Doing business locally when possible in our own backyard is more important than ever in the current economic environment. Local residents should remember the ghosts of Christmas past and think twice before spending dollars outside of Nassau County, Florida this holiday shopping season, and throughout the coming New Year.

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Barrier Island Hopping: Amelia Island, Cumberland, Talbot Islands

It’s easy to island hop around the Amelia Island area. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Amelia Island is uniquely situated, so visitors (and residents) can easily explore several barrier islands, snugly located together for logistical ease. Slightly north of Amelia is Cumberland Island, GA (a protected National Seashore), and to its south is Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands (Florida State Parks).

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R.I.P.: Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach

Called “beautiful woods” by the Spanish, Bosque Bello is located off North 14th Street in Fernandina, toward Amelia Island’s northwest, close to “Old Town.” Here in the Amelia Island area, oak trees draped in Spanish moss are a distinguishing characteristic of the local landscape. To most people not living here, “Florida” connotes coconut palm trees — not these ancient oaks with “beards.” The name, “Spanish moss,” is thought to have originated from its resemblance to the Spaniard explorers’ beards. Legend has it that the Indians called it “tree hair.” It’s not a true moss, but rather an epiphyte (or air plant). Visually, it adds interest, and drapes the local landscape with a distinctly southern charm.

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Fort Clinch, Civil War-Era Fortress, Amelia Island, Florida

The Bounty of Amelia Island, Florida: Rich History, Natural Assets, Posh Resorts, Priceless Pace

Amelia Island’s treasures remain to be appreciated today as they were long ago. The atmosphere is one of simpler days past — a priceless pace to embrace these days.

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HALLOWEEN TRICKERY, AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA

When carving a pumpkin with kids (or grandkids) that first whiff of pumpkin pulp hits you. It’s a smell that triggers memories of our own childhood. Carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the pumpkin seeds is a seasonal ritual in many homes.

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