Amelia Island Promises Eventful Travel Experience In 2018

  

Fun-filled calendar features wellness, sports, culture, cuisine and festivals

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – From music events and nature festivals, to sport fishing and holiday celebrations, visitors can count on an eventful visit to Amelia Island, virtually any time in 2018. The popular island getaway hosts a full schedule of signature special events for every season, with springtime hits such as the Amelia Concours Week, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, and the Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Later in the year, visitors flock to the island for fall favorites such as the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, the Pétanque Amelia Island Open, and a sleigh full of holiday events in December, including the Dickens on Centre, the Holiday Homes Tour, and so much more.  

The complete 2018 schedule of events can be found at AmeliaIsland.com/events. Highlights include the following:

Culinary Events

• To celebrate its status as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown hosts an annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May 4-6), an island tradition for more than 50 years. The Shrimp Festival combines a love of shrimp and the best of arts and entertainment, all set in the beautiful historic district. The family-friendly event includes a Pirate Parade, Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant, Kids Fun Zone, Shrimp Run sponsored by The YMCA, fine arts and crafts and antiques vendors, fireworks, and live entertainment. Local shrimp and seafood dishes, ranging from shrimp tacos to shrimp pie, are always the star of the show.  shrimpfestival.com

• Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort will host its 5th Annual Fish to Fork, May 17-20. With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful tree canopies as a backdrop, the weekend will offer an unmatched foodie experience, with true dock-to-dish specialties in a fun and interactive atmosphere.  The resort will welcome renowned chefs from around the country to showcase their fishing and culinary skills, leading up to a final Chef Showdown on Saturday night with a live vote from event guests. Fishtoforkweekend.com  

Culture + Nature Events

• The 17th annual Amelia Island Book Festival (Feb. 15-17) invites avid readers to a three-day celebration of the written word, featuring a luncheon with bestselling author and keynote speaker Adriana Trigiani; a writers’ workshop hosted by New York Times and #1 International Best Selling Author Steve Barry and a ‘face off’ dinner gala against fellow writers Lee Child, Jennifer Armentrout; Karin Slaughter; Sherry Rinker.; and the popular Authors’ Expo and Readers’ Extravaganza, a family festival featuring more than 100 noted authors ranging from emerging to International and New York Times bestsellers. ameliaislandbookfestival.com

• For classic car enthusiasts, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (March 9-11) is springtime’s signature automotive event. Two-time winner of the prestigious International Historic Motoring Awards, “The Amelia” features more than 300 rare vehicles from seldom-seen private collections around the world at The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Now in its third decade, it has become the centerpiece of an island-wide celebration known as AmeliaConcours Week (March 8-11) featuring auctions and events with Gooding & Company, Werks Reunion, Festivals of Speed, Bonahms and more.ameliaconcoursweek.com

• The 2018 Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 18-20) invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. With a line-up of more than 35 family-friendly events and outdoor experiences, the three-day nature festival includes the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle to its ocean home on Main Beach, in partnership with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center; a sunset nature cruise exploring the intracoastal ecosystem by Amelia River Cruises; an eco-expo with conservation exhibitions, a kid’s niche with a touch tank, silent auction fundraiser, live music and more; and eco-tour nature encounters. wildamelia.org

• Now in its fifteenth year, the Amelia Island Jazz Fest (Oct. 7-14) continues to captivate audiences with world-class performances celebrating the spirit of jazz.Nine-time Grammy award-winning vocalist, Janis Siegel of Manhattan Transfer, performing with the Requinte Trio, and Henry Johnson -- Grammy nominated jazz guitar legend -- are set to headline the 2018 festival. AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com

• Throughout the spring, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival fills the island with world-class musical artists and performances. The festival’s 2018 season, themed “The Year of the Piano,” presents a wide range of internationally recognized artists in 14 ticketed and four free performances. This year’s lineup includes the decorated Dover Quartet; violin virtuoso Gil Shaham; Amelia Island’s favorite trio of cellist Andres Diaz, pianist Wendy Chen and violinist Chee-Yun; and Grammy-nominated bluegrass band, The Grascals. ameliaislandchambermusicfestival.com

Wellness Events

• The second annual Amelia Island Wellness Festival (Nov. 9-11) will focus on renewing the mind, body and soul. Attendees of the three-day wellness retreat at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island can enjoy educational and inspirational sessions with acclaimed names in yoga, meditation, and fitness.AmeliaIslandwellnessfestival.com
  
• The 2018 ZOOMA Florida Women’s Half Marathon, 12k and 5K races (Oct. 19-21) feature flat, scenic courses with a picture-perfect beachfront finish. The Finish Line of all races leads into an epic Post-Race party at Main Beach. Zoomarun.com/race/florida/

Sporting Events

• The Pétanque Amelia Island Open (Nov. 9-11) is the largest pétanque event in the Americas and draws players and spectators from around the world. The event takes place along the Amelia harbor front and Fernandina Beach historic district. AmeliaIsland.com/petanque

Holiday Events

• The 12^th annual Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Home Tour (Nov. 30-Dec. 1) showcases stunning beach homes across Amelia Island, each decorated for the holidays by a local florist or decorator.  AmeliaMuseum.org/HolidayHomeTour

• The fourth annual Dickens on Centre (Dec. 7-9) in downtown Fernandina Beach recalls Charles Dickens’s early Victorian–era Britain. Free to the public, the event features horse-drawn carriage rides and period vendors, themed characters and entertainers, along with festive lights, holiday decor and tastes of the holidays.AmeliaIsland.com/Christmas

Visit AmeliaIsland.com/events for a complete listing of 2018 events.

About Amelia Island

Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries.  Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island.  For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

Clearwater Beach Named America's Best Beach By TripAdvisor

St. Pete Beach Ranks No. 4 On Media Giant's Annual List Of Visitors' Favorites

TripAdvisor's Top 25 U.S. Beaches | TripAdvisor's Top 25 World Beaches St. Pete/Clearwater area beaches are on top again. TripAdvisor announced today that the world-famous white sand Clearwater Beach was No. 1 in its annual list of the 25 Best Beaches in America. That distinction also made it the only beach in the U.S. on its list of the 25 Best Beaches in the World at No. 20. Not far behind was St. Pete Beach at No. 4 in the U.S. making the St. Pete/Clearwater the only Florida destination with two beaches in the Top 10. "We've always known how stunning St. Pete/Clearwater area beaches are, but for millions of travelers to reconfirm it through TripAdvisor's rankings is extremely rewarding---and a huge honor," said Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Executive Director David Downing. The annual list is voted on by members of the world's largest online travel community. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and averaged ratings gathered over a 12-month period. Just three years ago, USA Today named Clearwater Beach Florida's Best Beach Town and St. Pete Beach claimed TripAdvisor's top spot in 2012. TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site reaching more than 350 million unique monthly visitors and has more than 320 million reviews operating in 47 countries.

Travelore Hotel News: Mandarin Oriental Announces New Hotel And Residences In Boca Raton, Florida

An illustration shows the planned Mandarin Oriental, Boca Raton hotel and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental. The development is expected to open in 2017 in downtown Boca Raton.

 (SB Architects / Courtesy)

 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new luxury hotel and branded residences currently under development by Penn-Florida Companies in Boca Raton. Scheduled to open in late 2017, the project provides the Group with a unique opportunity to further extend its reach in this key tourism and business destination in southern Florida.

The project comprises two adjacent towers located in downtown Boca Raton, surrounded by the city’s most affluent, residential neighborhoods and a short walk from miles of pristine beaches. The buildings will form part of an upscale mixed-use development that will include 65,000 square feet of luxury lifestyle retail as well as a world-class private club offering social, fitness and championship golf amenities.

Mandarin Oriental, Boca Raton will feature 158 well-appointed rooms and suites, all with magnificent ocean or city views, and designed in a sophisticated and contemporary style, with exacting attention to detail that is reflective of the Group’s oriental heritage.  TheResidences at Mandarin Oriental will be located in the adjoining tower, connected by sky bridge to the hotel, and will provide 100 of the most luxurious and desirable private homes in South Florida.

SB Architects have been selected for the hotel and residential components of the project and the design will reflect a sense of sophisticated, urban resort living that pays tribute to the Mediterranean-influenced architectural heritage of Addison Mizner, for which the city is particularly well-known.

Mandarin Oriental, Boca Raton will offer some of the finest dining in the region including a signature rooftop restaurant with an outdoor terrace and bar providing spectacular ocean, golf course and city views. There will also be a chic lobby lounge, a Mandarin Oriental cake shop, and a spacious club lounge. Extensive banqueting and meeting space will include an expansive 4,500 square-foot ballroom and a variety of adaptable conference rooms.

In keeping with the Group’s award-winning spa concepts, a spacious Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer holistic rejuvenation and relaxation, together with a state-of-the art fitness center and a rooftop pool providing guests with outstanding views.

“We are delighted to be opening a new luxury hotel in south Florida’s key tourism and commercial district, and look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s legendary levels of hospitality to this exciting project,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “This new development complements the award-winning Mandarin Oriental, Miami, and will provide a sophisticated and elegant retreat for guests and residents alike,” he added.

The project is being developed by Florida-based Penn-Florida Companies, a full service owner and developer of high-profile real estate for almost 30 years. “Penn-Florida is excited to be partnering with Mandarin Oriental to create a hotel and residences that will set new standards of luxury and sophistication in Boca Raton,” said Mark A. Gensheimer, President and CEO of Penn-Florida Companies. “Via Mizner will be one of the premier mixed-use projects in the country, and the arrival of Mandarin Oriental will raise the bar for hospitality and contemporary living in South Florida,” he said.

Located in Palm Beach County, Florida, Boca Raton’s warm tropical climate and coastal setting make it a popular tourism destination. There are a range of golf courses, pristine beaches and parks, together with myriad cultural and recreational activities to enjoy. The city is a gateway to Latin America and other international destinations, and is serviced by multiple international airports. With a sophisticated infrastructure, Boca Raton is also renowned as a national corporate and regional business center.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand, the Group now operates, or has under development, 47 hotels representing 11,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 21 hotels in Asia, 10 in The Americas and 16 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates or has under development, 17 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties

Travelore News: A New Orlando-To-Miami Express Train Is In The Works

Plans for MiamiCentral, which will include the Brightline train station.

The privately run rail line will connect Florida's top tourist hubs.

It's hard to believe this doesn't already exist, but All Aboard Florida—a new private inter-city train service—just unveiled plans for an express train connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando along a 235-mile route. Expected to be complete by mid-2017, the Brightline will take passengers from Miami to Orlando in three hours—just under the three-and-a-half hours it takes to drive the same distance without traffic. The trains won’t be classified as high-speed, but express trips will travel up to 125 mph.

"Half of our business is international," William Talbert, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, told USA Today. "To connect Miami and those other three communities by train makes it convenient, affordable, clean, and safe to travel. It gives the visitor options that we haven't had before."

Construction has already begun on stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The Orlando station is in the works next to the Orlando International Airport. Projected to cost $3 billion to build, the Brightline will be made up of flashy red, orange, green, blue, and pink train cars and pulled by a distinctive yellow engine car. The train will have free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and group ticket reservations for tables of four. Ticket prices have not been announced.

The All Aboard Florida service is just one of many inter-city lines in the works across the country. A $68-billion public high-speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco is already under construction in California, while private groups are pushing for a railway in Texas (between Dallas and Houston) and between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Written by Meredith Carey, www.cntraveler.com

Miami Beach Is Buzzing With Deals And Activities For Gay Travelers

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Long the fun, high-end destination for gay travelers around the country and all over the world, this fall Miami Beach has lots of events, activities and deals for stimulating and exciting fall travel. From unique packages at several hotels to the one-of-a-kind White Party, one of the largest fundraisers in the country for HIV/AIDS, Miami Beach is buzzing with a calendar stuffed with experiences and happenings.

Global LGBT spending on travel is estimated to be more than $200 billion per year with millions of those dollars spent in South Florida. "Miami Beach has always been a haven for the LGBT community," notes Peggy Benua, Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "With each passing year, however, our hotels, cultural and social venues really turn up the heat on the quality of offerings available to this community. That's what makes our city so exciting to visit, the unpredictable but endless variety of lodging and entertainment that's accessible here."

The Gaythering, Miami Beach's only hotel exclusively built to accommodate the LGBT traveler, is a 3-minute walk from Lincoln Road and one mile from the beach. Gay travelers are treated to a steam room, a cedar sauna, a hot tub and a hammam and mud lounge. A low-key bar offers craft beers and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. There's also a library lounge and a coffee shop.

The Dream Hotel-South Beach on Miami Beach's Collins Avenue, directly behind the former Versace Mansion and two blocks from the beach, is offering a Same Sex in City package which includes complimentary "his & his" or "hers & hers" monogrammed beach towels, bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival. VIP entry and premium bottle service for one evening at Twist LGBT lounge; custom-curated itinerary of recommended cultural events, activities and experiences as well as personal concierge services; early check in/late check out and a waived resort fee.

"Miami Beach competes with Madrid, Prague and Amsterdam for the gay travel dollar, among other top-notch international destinations, and that's why our lodging, activity and event options are so superb and exceptional," says Grisette Roque, Executive Director, MBVCA. "Miami Beach strives to be a world-class LGBT city of choice at all times."

The city tries to make visitors feel comfortable in every way starting with the LGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach, at 1130 Washington Avenue. Opening its doors to thousands of tourists from around the globe each year, the center is located in the historic Old City Hall building and provides information and resources as well as weekly support groups. The Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour of Miami Beach is offered by the Miami Design Preservation League. The tours, start at the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive and take place the second Saturday of each month. The tour highlights the contributions of gays and lesbians to the history of Miami Beach.

One of the largest LGBT events of the year is White Party Week. It's an unparalleled week of fundraising parties and events culminating with the legendary White Party. Now more than 25 years old, White Party is the preeminent LGBT event of the season. More than 15,000 party-goers enjoy six days and nights of nonstop entertainment, all while raising awareness and money for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Can't make White Party week? Then there's a host of LGBT focused and friendly places to hang out during a Miami Beach visit including the Palace Bar with its infamous Brunchic on Sundays. Each week this Drag Brunch showcases performances and bottomless mimosas for $39.95 per person. You can also enjoy their Saturday brunch, Sabado Gigantes. Twist lounge and bar is the longest running gay nightlife venue in South Florida. A South Beach "must-do", it has continuously redefined itself in the past 18 years. Visitors can also check out Score nightclub and relax and soak up some sun in the daytime at 12th Street Beach or Haulover Beach Park.