Ideas for the Perfect Galentine’s Day
The Florida House Inn, South 3rd St., Downtown Fernandina Beach
Photo courtesy of Visit Amelia Island
Galentine’s Day is almost here, and whether you’re single, dating or married, you deserve a fabulous time celebrating with your best girlfriends. I’m going to channel my inner Leslie Knope (Amy Pohler’s character on Parks & Recreation) and share my Best recommendations for an amazing Galentine’s Day on Amelia Island. From a luxury beach picnic to a spa day to dinner and fireside cocktails on Amelia Island, my list includes everything you need to celebrate friendship in style!
Luxury Beach Picnic
With miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and beautiful rolling dunes, Amelia Island is the ideal setting for a luxurious picnic with your besties. Imagine spending an afternoon on the beach with your closest friends, a bottle of chilled Savignon Blanc, a basket of fresh fruits, cheeses and charcuterie, and a perfect Amelia Island sunset to cap it off. If this sounds like a dream to you, then Lux Picnics by Les can make your dream come true. This local, woman-owned business specializes in designing delicious and picturesque picnics. They take care of all the details so you and your friends can sit back, relax and enjoy.
Spa Day
Amelia Island is home to not one, but two world-class resorts and both have outstanding spas. So, why not plan a day of celebratory self-care with some girlfriends at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island or the Omni Amelia Island Resort? Both offer signature treatments that highlight the restorative properties of the sea - think fine quartz salt and nature-inspired skin-care products. And since both resorts are perched on our beautiful dunes and boast luxurious restaurants, pools and bars, you can pack your cutest outfit and make a fantastic day of it!
Centre Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach
Photo by Legacy 26 Photography
Shopping Day
Speaking of cute outfits, why not enjoy a little shopping spree in Downtown Fernandina Beach? Lined with lovely boutiques, restaurants and cafes, Centre Street is my favorite little slice of Amelia Island. Not only is the shopping wonderful- check out Lindy's Jewelry, Color It Green Gifts, Hudson & Perry just to name a few- but the setting is gorgeous. Centre Street has a gentle curve to it, and is lined with shade trees, flower gardens and sweet benches. It’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy, and the ideal place to relax with your friends and make some lasting memories.
Go on a Hike
If you and your friends are feeling adventurous or in need of some quality time outdoors, I recommend a hike or a bike ride through the trails of Fort Clinch State Park. The fort itself is historic and interesting, but it’s just a small part of the 1,400 acre park it sits on. This amazing nature preserve has many hiking and biking paths that run beneath a vast canopy of live oaks and lush, Spanish moss, and it has lovely beaches and picnic areas. So, pack lunch and a swim suit and relax by the beach after your hike!
Dinner at Burlingame
Photo by Legacy 26 Photography
Dinner and Drinks
Whether you choose to shop, hike or luxuriate at the spa, no Galentine’s Day celebration is complete without dinner and drinks on Amelia Island. One of the best kept secrets about our sweet island is that we have a fantastic food scene. From AAA Five Diamond, award-winning restaurant, Salt at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island to fine French cuisine at Le Clos to authentic Italian at Ciao, Amelia Island offers an amazing selection of fine restaurants to wine and dine with your gal pals. For a list of the Best restaurants on Amelia Island, including the fabulous Burlingame, take a look at my Best Places to Eat section.
And don’t forget to finish your evening with a cocktail at one of our many terrific bars. For this special night out, I recommend The Decantery where you can enjoy a fine wine by the glass or bottle along with a decadent dessert, or the Lobby Bar at The Ritz- Carlton Amelia Island, where you can sip fine, craft cocktails by the fire place on their outdoor terrace.
Planning a full-on, weekend getaway with your friends? Check out our Where to Stay section for recommendations on luxury rental, resort, boutique hotel and bed & breakfast accommodations.
