By: Marcia Abramson
Napoyca was the name that the ancient Timucuan Indians gave to Amelia Island as far back as 2,500 B.C. It was later in 1562 that the Europeans began a relationship with the Indians on what Frenchman Jean Ribault called the "Isle de Mai" (Island of May). The Spaniards followed, planning to Christianize the natives of "Santa Maria." But then Spain decided that Havana was more desirable for their goals than Florida. They then gave Florida to England in exchange for Havana. Plantations were established by the British who decided that "Amelia," the name of King George II's daughter, was appropriate for this beautiful island of 13 miles of Appalachian quartz beaches. Local historians were fast to tell me that Amelia Island is the only United States location to have flown eight different flags. Their story goes that "the French visited, the Spanish developed, the English named and the Americans tamed." The Patriots of Amelia Island, the Green Cross of Florida and the Confederates also governed the inhabitants of this beautiful island.
I was intrigued by this history and decided that I would take an early morning flight via U.S. Airways to Amelia Island Plantation, the prestigious resort just south of Jacksonville, Fla. Towne Taxi took me to LaGuardia Airport before dawn to meet the two-hour requirement for check-in. I was surprised to find a crowded airport with long lines at the paper ticket counters and no lines at the "E" or Electronic ticket posts. I was directed to what looked like ATMs and told to insert my credit or US Air frequent flyer card for name identification. My name turned up on the screen with the request for my flight number. Within 10 minutes my photo identification was scrutinized, my luggage was checked in and a boarding card with a seat assignment was issued. The security screening that followed was thorough. With ample time to read all the sections of the New York Times, I looked forward to the two hours of actual flying time. The plane was about 85 percent full, and the attendant told me that leisure travel had picked up considerably over weekends, but that mid-week business travel was still weak. My flight was uneventful with a brief layover in Charlotte, N.C. before proceeding to Jacksonville and the Amelia Island Plantation resort.
The resort is really beautiful with lush verdant foliage on 1,350 acres. My accommodations were in the gracious Amelia Island Inn. I had a lovely spacious room with a private balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and three miles of pristine beaches. In addition to the Inn there are one, two and three bedroom villas scattered throughout the park-like grounds. Each complex is unique. Some have ocean views and are beachfront, a good number are located off the fairways of the three golf courses and additional villas are at Racquet Park with its 23 tennis courts. Of course each villa has its own swimming pool, covered patios and balconies. Each is a home away from home. The villas are a practical way to spend family vacations. There are special activities for the younger set. They can attend golf, tennis, nature and aquatic clinics starting at age three. The Teen Explorers Program is designed for the pre-teens. This is the ideal place for my grandkids and not too bad for grandma Marcia.
I particularly enjoyed my tennis clinic on the Har-tru clay court with David Lampson, USPTR certified. He is a Brit who competed on the European circuit and taught at the Queens Club in London. Unfortunately, I did not have time to attend the Golf School, which got kudos from some of the golfers, nor was I able to take advantage of the three fabulous golf courses. But I did get to eat blackened grouper fish wraps at the Beach Club grill which were delicious. The Amelia Inn Dining Room has a delightful menu in a room with awesome views. Racquet Park is the setting for the Verandah Restaurant, where I had the most succulent roasted rack of lamb prepared to perfection. Another evening I sampled some specially prepared delicacies of the sea. It was awesome eating in the setting of the majestic oak trees, some covered with moss.
My next column will deal with the Amelia Island Plantation's program for nature lovers, bird watchers, shell collectors, fitness and spa buffs. For further information see your travel professional (travel agent) or call 1-800-874-6878.
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
E-mail: mascribe@aol.com
