Fort George-Amelia Island & On to Georgia!

As you exit the Mayport Ferry turn right. (You’re still on A1A) You’re now in Ft. George: you’ll find tucked away on the tiny barrier island, Kingsley Plantation, one of the most historic sites in all of Northeast Florida. The plantation house, the oldest remaining plantation home in Florida, sits at the far end of the island overlooking the lazy Ft. George River. Not far from the main house are the remains of 23 slave cabins.

To access Kingsley Plantation, there is a road that goes off to the left, approximately 2-3 miles past the ferry. The last time I was there it was unmarked, but I suspect it is today. There is an old golf resort back there that was closed down, but it’s still worth a visit. It’s a traditional southern Spanish home.

Ft. George Island is acclaimed for its care of sick and injured pelicans, eagles, osprey and other feathered friends, called BEAKS.

Not far from B.E.A.K.S. are two of the region's most treasured natural areas. Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands. Acquired by the state as a wetlands nature preserve, Big Talbot features a near-pristine beach and miles of nature trails to explore. Little Talbot offers miles of white sand beaches ideal for walking and picnicking, as well as hiking trails and camping sites. Visitors may also rent canoes, bikes and other recreational equipment at the park.

You’re travelling towards Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. (again, still on A1A). Find a place to ‘hang out.’ Amelia Island is rated as one of the top ten beaches in America.

Continue on A1A (north), and follow signs to Interstate 95 North. It is now time to leave Florida and move into Georgia. You will need to do this via the Interstate.

As you cross the state line there will be the Georgia Visitor’s Centre on the right. If you exit there you can pick up a beautiful free map of the State of Georgia and collect information from the staff who work there to answer tourist queries.

As you leave Amelia Island you will follow signs for US North 17. This is another major road that heads north and south and was the key route for people coming from the north fifty years ago, before the interstate was built.

US17 North will take you directly to I-95. Travel approximately 30 miles North and exit onto US North 17, EXIT number 29, to Brunswick, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and St Simons Island. Hungry? There’s a Cracker Barrel on the west side of the highway!

Travel about 5 miles north on 17, then make a sharp right onto GA-520 E (which is like a ‘B’ road. Travel about 6 ½ miles and turn left onto Beachview Drive, which is also GA-50 (as in Georgia 50…another ‘B’ type road.)

Hey, you’re in America, which means I’ve not talked about the ‘F’ word enough…more Food! Yes, it’s the pastime and foretime of America.

If the Cracker Barrel doesn’t appeal to you, it’s now time for me to introduce you to the Waffle House. Yep, they’re as easy to find as a cockroach in Georgia! Waffle houses serve as a barometer of American lives. They’re literally intriguing!

Also, it is again important for me to remind you that just because it’s called Waffle House, it don’t mean they sell waffles! (well, actually they do, but that's not their mainstream item). Just think of the conundrum - you can’t buy ice at Iceland at home…kind of the same thought process.

Waffle houses are a chain group, but each Waffle house is run by local residents. It has a unique history and if I’m correct they still do not have locks on their doors because they’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I'll provide you with a link to the Waffle House because their menu is so vast, just as is their funny little history. Here's a way to help you understand what a Waffle House is: Take a Little Chef, give its staff a personality (please), create food that actually has flavour, and variety, and economical prices, and then add just a dash of local character and a juke box that plays Elvis songs along with such all time hits as Thank God and Greyhound She’s Gone, or I’d Love to Marry My Horse, but I can’t afford a Bridle Suite, and you’ve hit Waffle Houses on the nail. Oh, and did I forget to mention…the food is actually quite good!

Have a hamburger…no, have scrambled eggs with ‘scattered’ hash browns…(that’s different!), or a bowl of grits with bacon crushed up in it…oh..and if you really must…have a pecan waffle! (My daughter says they look life waffles with little cockroaches in them!)

But best of all, watch and listen to the people!