Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Amelia Island Book Festival 2010 Coming Up

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The Amelia Island will take place February 11 – 13 at various Island locations. Some of the festival activities include:

  • Classic Author Celebration on February 11
  • Writers’ Workshop – February 12
  • Readers’ day, including a featured authors luncheon and a children’s chapter.

Authors include Rick Bragg, Sonny Brewer, Janis Owens, Cassandra King, Jeff Shaara – just to mention a few. For more information about workshops, programs, schedule and tickets, please visit

www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com or call: 904-491-8176

Other stories to read:

Amelia Island Film Festival Announces Award Winners 2010

Art Show during 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

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The Automotive Fine Arts Society will host its 15th annual art show during the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 11-14, 2010, in Amelia Island, Fla. Mazda North America will once again sponsor the popular exhibit, which will showcase automotive subjects in a variety of mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen and ink, clay and metal. The AFAS was established in 1983 and consists of the most celebrated automotive artists in the world.

Painting by Charlie Maher commemorating Stirling Moss and his victory at the Cuban Grand Prix 50 years ago.

“Each spring our members look forward to displaying at the Amelia Island Concours, which has become one of the true gems of automotive events worldwide,” said Ken Eberts, president of the AFAS. “Our artists, who are finishing their new pieces for the show, always seem to exhibit paintings that connect with the cars and people of Amelia Island. The event’s ability to celebrate both man and machine inspires us to do the same.”

Held at the magnificent Ritz-Carlton Hotel and The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, the Amelia Island Concours is among the most popular automotive events in the country. Celebrities, industry leaders, art collectors and automotive enthusiasts regularly attend the annual event and the AFAS exhibit.

Honoree of the Concours will be famed NASCAR champion, “The King” Richard Petty, while Mercedes-Benz will serve as the featured marque. The event will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of Porsche’s inaugural victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans, while showcasing several influential 917s. Sir Stirling Moss will also be on hand as the Concours celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his victory in the last Cuban Grand Prix. Several artists will display paintings and sculptures honoring these special guests.

“The AFAS always exhibits the best examples of art showcasing our honoree and historic racing moments,” noted Bill Warner, Amelia Island Concours Chairman. “The Amelia is about the celebration of our heroes and great moments in racing. The artists of the AFAS feel the same passion as the staff and volunteers of the Concours.”

American Beach on Amelia Island, Florida, celebrates 75

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On January 31, 2010, American Beach, located on northeast Florida’s Amelia Island, will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Located on the southern end of the island, the 200-acre American Beach was once a glorious oceanfront haven for African Americans during the Jim Crow-era of segregation. Like so much of the island’s 13 miles of shoreline, American Beach exemplifies Amelia’s unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and intriguing history.

The founders of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company purchased American Beach over a span of 11 years, making the first of three purchases on Jan. 31, 1935. A.L. Lewis, one of the company founders, was one of the first black millionaires in Florida. In its heyday, the beach was lined with homes, restaurants and nightclubs that were frequented by notables such as Zora Neale Hurston, A. Philip Randolph, Billie Daniels, Joe Louis, Hank Aaron, Bob Hayes and others.

Today, American Beach is the first stop on the Florida Black Heritage Trail, with approximately 50 homes remaining from the 1940s and 1950s. Though its popularity faded with the advent of desegregation, residents like MaVynee Betsch, great-granddaughter of A.L. Lewis, worked to keep its history alive. Betsch made her career as an opera singer throughout Europe, and upon her return became known as “The Beach Lady” because of her unwavering devotion to environmental causes. Betsch died in September 2005, penniless, after devoting all of her time and money to her beliefs.

Visitors can now enjoy a 90-minute walking tour of American Beach, which includes a stop at Miss Martha’s Hideaway, a home built of hand-molded coquina blocks, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour also includes visits to the very first homes built on American Beach, and homes where actor Ossie Davis and jazz singer Billie Eckstein stayed on frequent visits to American Beach. Tours are $25 per person and can be arranged by calling (904) 261-0175.

Restaurant Week returns to Amelia Island, Florida

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With an irresistible mix of eclectic dining experiences, Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island is pleased to announce its second annual Restaurant Week. The new program which runs January 24 through 31, 2010, will offer area residents and visitors a fixed menu, including three courses and a beverage, for only $19 or $29. Additionally, diners may enter to win a “Year of Dining,” with 12, $50 gift certificates to be used once a month for an entire year.

“We had such an overwhelming, positive response from the 2009 Restaurant Week,” said Gil Langley, President & CEO of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This year, we have several additional participating restaurants, allowing guests the opportunity to experience even more of Amelia Island’s incredible dining options.”

For more details about restaurant week in Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, please visit www.ameliaisland.com/yummy.