Strolling Fernandina Beach

Shop, stroll, and eat where the locals do in one of the most charming small towns in Florida.|Les Thomas

Local Haunts
Walk a few blocks beyond the downtown area to lunch with the locals. Step up to the window of Fernandina Seafood Market, and order a shrimp basket ($7.25) to eat at a table outdoors. Have fish tacos ($7.50) at Lulu's Bra & Grill (yes, it's bra, not bar). Try one of the jumbo Big T burgers ($4.25) at T-Rays Burger Station.

Evening settles over the rich patina of Fernandina's landmarks. Diners enjoy crab bisque and pan-seared salmon ($19) at the restaurant inside Florida House Inn, which opened in 1857. A ghost from the early days still resides in one of its 17 rooms.

I'm not surprised. It's hard to leave Fernandina Beach.

For more information: Contact the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce, 102 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; 1-800-226-3542 or www.islandchamber.com.

Stay Awhile

• Weekday rates start at $115 at Addison on Amelia Island; 1-800-943-1604 or www.addisononamelia.com.
• Rates at Hampton Inn & Suites start at $109; (904) 491-4911 or www.hamptoninnandsuites.net.
   

"Strolling Fernandina Beach" is from the February 2006 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.