- Destination: Fernandina Beach, Florida
- Vacation: September 17-20
- Forecast: Tropical rain
Adventures are found every time I visit my daughter, Andrea. Now living in Fernandina Beach, she knows all the best out of way shops and restaurants.
Friday, we set off for St. Mary’s across the state line in Georgia, to visit an adorable store called Cottle & Gunn. It was only the second time for me to shop there, but once again I was totally absorbed in looking at literally every nicknack on every shelf. As I was contemplating how to carry on the plane a couple of vintage milk crates, I distractedly mumbled to Andrea, “What are we looking for?” Paint! Oh yes, we did have a purpose for our adventure.
Cottle & Gunn St. Mary’s, Georgia
Cottle & Gunn carries Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. They have such good taste. Their store was full of beautifully painted furniture and they offer workshops too! Andrea picked French Linen to paint her coffee table, then we were off to continue trudging through the monsoon.
Saturday, Andrea and I were much more productive, starting with brunch on the patio, at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island. While sipping on mimosas, we enjoyed the beautiful ocean view. Starving beyond belief (when am I not?), I ordering the House-Smoked Salmon with a plain bagel, which was wonderful. However, Andrea spotted on the menu the Half Ruby Red Grapefruit Brûlée. She’s always so chic. The sliced grapefruit was topped with a generous layer of brown sugar, caramelized to perfection, then crowned with a mixture of berries. I have to admit, I was envious when it was served and may have drooled a little.
Half Ruby Red Grapefruit Brûlée
House Smoked Salmon
Having the strength to proceed to the spa, we prepared ourselves for the Ritz-Carlton Organic Massage, a combination of lotions and oils from fruits and healing plants. I’m a calm on the outside and energetic on the inside person, which means contrary to how I may look, I don’t really relax unless I’m unconscious. As I laid on the heated massage table my mantra became relax, breath, relax, breath….dammit relax!
I don’t remember exactly when I finally submitted to semi-consciousness, but 80 minutes later I was a new woman. My limbs were heavy, my mind was deliciously blank and I was covered in aromatic oils. I was essentially transformed into a pleasant smelling slug. Completely and utterly worthless.
Next, we were entertained by bridesmaids getting their up-dos for a Ritz beach wedding, while we had our manicures. One bridesmaid was worried if she didn’t eat, would “faint and ruin the whole ceremony”! Naturally, she ordered a cheeseburger. At-a-girl! The other bride’s maid requested enough hair spray to maintain her hairstyle in sustained 30 mph winds.
The Pickers Market downtown Fernandina Beach
Off again with perfect nails, I twisted Andrea’s arm and made her take me antiquing in downtown Fernandina Beach. Big score when I found this wee oak school chair at the Pickers Market. I also spotted an iron key at Eight Flags Antique Market to add to my hoard.
Oak chair found at the Pickers Market
Eight Flags Antique Market Fernandina Beach
Dinner was at 29 South with Andrea, her friend Rachel, and her mom Launa. The dining experience was brilliant as usual. Before diving into our plates, I asked everyone to snap a picture of their entrée with my iPhone so I could share the pictures. Dining on the patio while the sun was setting was perfect as we enjoyed our fill of great food, wine, conversation and laughter.
29 South – One of the specials NY Strip Steak served with green beans and fries
29 South – From the menu Shrimp and Grits
29 South – From the menu Seared Scallops with red peas
29 South – One of the specials, Grilled Grouper with asparagus, micro greens on top of a cauliflower puree
The lighting wasn’t ideal for photos, but the presentation was perfect!
Around the corner we stopped for ice cream and fudge at Fantastic Fudge. I was completely consumed with my Kahula chocolate chunk ice cream, that I didn’t pay any attention to what everyone else was enjoying.
Next trip, I’ll make time for Le Clos and España restaurants and, of course, the beach!