I’m a rarity in Florida - one of a very select few - a native Floridian! Almost everyone in Florida is from somewhere else, and you don’t run into many people who were born and raised in the sunshine state, like me. Although my parents and siblings came from NJ, I was the first member of the family born here, and I’m still here, a whole 40 miles from where I grew up. My children are also natives, but my husband isn’t - he also landed here via New Jersey.

The bad thing about being born and raised in Florida is that you tend to take it for granted. Beaches? Eh. Sunny days? Whatever. Disney World? Been there, done that - about 100 times! I really haven’t explored that much of Florida, considering I’ve spent 31 years here, and that’s kind of a shame. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Tampa and Orlando areas, and I grew up visiting a grandmother in Pensacola, and I’ve been to Miami a few times to catch a cruise. That’s about it for me and the great state of Florida - the rest of the towns I know from passing them on the interstate on my way OUT of town.

Most people would be thrilled to live here and see what I see on a daily basis, and I need to start appreciating that, given that I don’t appear to be going anywhere. I mean really - blogging friends of mine are complaining of ice storms and snow and power outages, and it’s 70 degrees here today! There are plenty of beautiful areas in the state I haven’t explored yet, but plenty of other people have. Amelia Island is just one hot spot - it was voted one of the top ten islands in America by Condé Nast readers recently. When you plan your visit to Amelia Island, be sure to take advantage of the island’s current lodging special - you can stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free! Stay in the Amelia Island Williams House, a 150 year old Antebellum mansion, or the Florida House Inn, which is the oldest of it’s kind in the state of Florida!

The real reason it’s on my list of places to visit isn’t because of the great views, the beaches, or the shopping - it’s the history. Downtown Fernandina Beach has a 50 block historic district packed with Victorian cottages and mansions. The city is the only city in the US that’s been under the rule of 8 different national flags, and there’s also an old fort that predates the Civil War to explore.

The area was also the place where our shrimping industry began, and the city hosts a shrimping festival each year. In 2008, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is celebrating 45 years, and along with dozens of food booths featuring plenty of shrimp (yum!) you’ll find arts & crafts, entertainment, collectibles, antiques, and kid friendly activities.

Sounds like my kind of place!