If you’re looking for an excuse to spend a Saturday afternoon outside with good drinks, live music, great food, and some of your favorite people, I’ve got one for you. Even better, you can call it supporting the community, because technically, you are.
Island Hop Craft Beer & Spirits Fest is back Saturday, October 3, at Central Park in Fernandina Beach, and this year marks the festival’s sixth year. If you’ve been before, you already know it’s a good time. If you haven’t, this might be the year to change that.
Island Hop is Fernandina Beach Main Street’s largest annual fundraiser, so while we are all there sipping, eating, listening to music, and having a good time, the event is also raising money that goes right back into our downtown. Those funds help support local businesses, preservation, beautification, events, and the projects that help keep downtown Fernandina the place we all love.
So really, att ...

 




 
I had been meaning to stop by Plantd Juicery since I first heard they opened, and I finally made it over there. I went expecting to grab a drink, look around for a few minutes, and head out.
That is not exactly what happened.
 
Plantd is tucked away at 5381 South Fletcher Avenue in Fernandina Beach, and if you have driven by without noticing it, you are probably not alone. It sits back from the road surrounded by plants and greenery, and once you pull in, you realize pretty quickly that you did not just find a juice shop.
 
Plantd opened in 2026 and is owned and run by a mother and daughter, with the owner’s best friend working right alongside them. Honestly, the three of them are part of the charm.
If you follow Plantd on Facebook, you may already recognize them. Their videos are cute, funny, and sometimes completely unserious, which makes them even better. After meeting them in person, I can tell you that what you see online is pretty m ...

 




For six years, Kitchen 251 was one of those Amelia Island spots where the food, the people, and the waterfront sunsets all seemed to work together. Tucked inside the Amelia Island Marina, it became a favorite for locals and visitors looking for fresh seafood, comforting Southern dishes, and a little Cajun flavor.
Now, Kitchen 251 has traded its marina views for historic charm, a much larger dining room, and plenty of room to grow.
The restaurant officially opened its new location at 801 Beech Street in January 2026, settling into the historic William Bell House in downtown Fernandina Beach. While the setting may be different, the familiar food and welcoming atmosphere that built Kitchen 251’s loyal following have made the move right along with it.
The new space is a major change from the restaurant’s former marina location, which only had a small number of indoor tables. Kitchen 251 can now welcome approximately 140 guests inside, with additional seatin ...

Sometimes it’s nice to shake up your normal dinner routine. Whether you’re celebrating something special, planning a date night, or simply looking for a reason to enjoy a nice evening out, Indigo in Fernandina Beach has created an experience that’s worth adding to your calendar.


For four nights only, Indigo is offering a five course prix fixe dinner for $75 per person, and the meal includes two glasses of wine. If you’ve been wanting to try Indigo for the first time, or you’ve been looking for an excuse to go back, this might be the perfect excuse to make a reservation.

 

Located inside the Amelia Island Williams House, Indigo has built a reputation for combining fresh ingredients, creative flavors, and an inviting atmosphere. While it certainly feels like the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, it’s also welcoming enough for anyone who simply enjoys a thoughtfully prepared meal. From anniversaries a ...

 


If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d willingly pay to cuddle the world’s largest rodent, I probably would’ve laughed. But after meeting a capybara, I completely understand the hype.
And yes… before you ask… Can I pet that capybara? The answer is yes.

Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, these gentle animals have become internet celebrities, and now you don’t have to travel across the world to meet one. Right here in St. Augustine, Capybara Café gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with one of the friendliest animals you’ll ever encounter.
 
Located just minutes from Historic Downtown St. Augustine, the experience is much more than a café. Guests can feed, pet, and learn about capybaras in a relaxed, educational setting that feels surprisingly personal.
The café was created in partnership with Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, giving rescued animals a place to educate t ...