bicycles for rent, from tandem to training wheels. For those who wish to expend less energy getting around, the shop also rents “island hoppers”. These little golf carts can carry from 4 to 8 passengers and are a convenient way to get around. We took our island hopper on a mile ride through canopy roads, up hills, and past scenic marshes and ponds to Drum- mond Point Park & Playground. This park offers a seemingly end- less view of the colorful saltwater marshes, transporting visitors to the Florida of another time. The park itself is haven for kids, complete with basketball courts, ping pong tables, a wonderful playground, and, the best part … a tree house. Kids can leave their own mes- sages on the walls of the tree house for the enjoyment of future visitors. Another great find is the
Nature Center. The friendly staff greets everyone with a smile and a wealth of infor- mation about the critters and creatures that live within the island’s unique ecosystem. Kids can talk with a parrot, meet resort mascot Tanner the Turtle, and learn about interesting creatures such as turtles, snakes, eels and the various sea life that call the island home. The Nature Center also coordinates a myriad of family activities. Guests can participate in star- gazing, beach combing, marsh walks, crab grabs, fishing, and more. The center also offers arts and crafts, such as shark tooth necklaces and hand painted t-shirts.
Night Time Once the day is over, it’s time for enter- tainment! Every evening, in addition to a wide array of restaurant and in-room din- ing choices, guests are treated to a unique evening of entertainment and themed dining such as the Low Country Shrimp Boil, Boardwalk Bash, and Beach Fire with s’mores. We experienced the Boardwalk Bash, held at the Marché Burrette market and restaurant, and were greeted by live mu- sic, great food, and all sorts of activities for the kids including tennis lessons, pick-up football games, and an outdoor movie.
NEAPOLITANfamily • May 2012
The Details Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers oceanfront rooms as well as one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas. Vacation packages range from $229 to $329 per night for a double ocean-view room. Many of the packages include a $50 per night credit
The Beginning of a Tradition Amelia Island is truly unique and the Omni Amelia Island Plantation provides a great venue for exploration and relaxation. A hidden Florida paradise and true gem of the South, it’s a tough place to leave behind. I have a feeling that we’ll be back, more than once. In fact, the kids are already tuning up their jetpacks.
valid for in-room dining or resort restaurants, a nice perk. Villa packages range from $313 to $419 per night, many with similar dining credits and other added amenities. Some packages, like the “Pirates & Princesses” package, are tailored for families and even provide a parents- only dinner while the kids enjoy their own dinner
party. Much more affordable than many south Florida resorts, and providing many more amenities, it’s easy to take a great and affordable family vacation. For more information, visit
www.omniameliaisland-
plantation.com.
Off Island Resort staff can help you ar- range off-property excursions to nearby Fernandina Beach, Amelia City, and the many state parks situated on route 1A, or you can explore the area yourself. Take a walking tour of historic Fernandina Beach, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visit the Amelia Island Museum of His- tory, kayak, horseback ride, and more. For more information, visit:
www.ameliaisland.com.
neafamily.com 49
Getting There Getting to Amelia Island is part of the ad- venture. From Naples, take I-75 north to exit 141. From there, take route 80 east 3 miles to 31 north. At Arcadia, connect to route 17 north. Take route 17 to 27 north at Haines City. Take 27 to I-4 east and continue to I-95 north. Connect to I-295 north, near Jacksonville, then connect to route 1A north to Amelia Island. This first part of the drive provides a pleasurable, scenic view of small town and rural Florida with lots of places to stop for snack and potty breaks. It also takes you past Winter Haven, the home of Legoland, and a great place to take a driving break on your way back to Naples.
NICOLE FLESVIG BRULAND is a mother of two, writer, and educator. Raised near the Canadian border, and having studied in Paris, she is a French/English bilingual with a passion for language. She has been a teacher and education policy consultant at the Florida Department of Education. Nicole is a blogger for the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and an adjunct professor at Edison State College. She enjoys traveling and having fun with her sons, Jacob and Evan, and her husband Bronze.
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