AMELIA FERNANDINA
escape to peaceful solitude.
a modern guide to the
amelia island & fernandina beach
Phone: 904-252-4315 Email: sfargo@primesouth.com NMLS# 1765897
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading your space, or relocating to the coast, our local mortgage lenders are here to guide you every step of the way. With fast approvals, personalized loan options, and a deep understanding of the market right here in our community, we make the process feel less like paperwork, and more like progress.
At PrimeSouth, we don’t just lend. We listen. We tailor. We simplify. Because we believe getting a home shouldn’t be hard — it should be yours.
EDITOR’S LETTER
what truly matters
Have you ever read something written by someone else that pierced your soul? Where it seemed to address every element of your current journey and exact season of life...the words penned below were all of that for me the day I read this post.
I will leave you with the beauty of that message borrowed from @wordsbymoses, so that as we walk into this new year together, may we uncover another layer of depth in discovering our purpose in this life.
"What truly matters in the end is how softly you learn to let go — of the people who couldn't stay, of the things that didn't work out, of the versions of yourself you've outgrown.
Letting go isn't weakness; it's an act of grace.
It's learning that peace doesn't come from control but from acceptance. It's sitting with the ache without rushing to fix it, trusting that time will make sense of what you can't.
MANDI MARTIN
Owner-Editor
The real strength is in being gentle with yourself through the storms, in whispering, "I'll be okay," even when you don't fully believe it yet. Life will always test your ability to surrender, but healing begins the moment you stop fighting the flow and start trusting it.
Because in the end, what will matter most is how deeply you chose to love - yourself, your people, and the 327 quiet moments that often go unnoticed. It's not the big milestones that define you, but the small acts of care: showing up when it's hard, listening without judgment, forgiving without conditions. The way you speak to yourself when no one's watching, the warmth you offer even when your heart is tired. Because these are the things that last.
Love, after all, is not just something you give. It's the way you live."
@wordsbymoses
NIKKI GUZMAN
Office Administrator
JADE MOODY
Client Communications
Distribution Coordinator
NICOLE RUBIN
Delivery Team Member
PATTI MARTIN
Sales Manager
CREATIVE & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Robin Harrison
Russ Hutto
Stacey Nichols
PHOTOGRAPHERS | CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Dey Photography
Aric Sparmann
Boston Photography
Candace Hires Photography
Empire Sky Co.
Fagan Kennedy
Gavin Sellers Creative
Gray O'Neil Creative
Haigwood Studios
Jess Swan
Jessie Preza
Leslie Hand Photography
Lynn Tennille
Pitter Productions
Pitter Goughnour
Swell Creative Agency
The Dark Room
The JFA Agency
The Red Fly Studio
Tim Good
Tinika Bennett Photography
MANDI
"Love, after all, is not just something you give. It's the way you live."
WHAT’S ON INSTAGRAM
CASUAL MOOD
ECLECTIC MOOD
@1928bistro @cafe_karibo
@mezcalai @suesamelia @thepalacesaloon
@thesaltypelicanamelia
DINING MOOD
@beechstreetgrill @burlingameamelia @cucinasouthitalian
@lagniappe_restaurant @pogoskitchenai
MUSIC MOOD
@mocamabeer @theboathouse_ai
SIPS AND SWEETS MOOD
@mocamacoffee @nanateresasbakeshop
WHAT’S ON INSTAGRAM
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
@lemongrass_ai
@shopcolies
GIFTS AND DECOR
@ameliasurfco
@coloritgreengifts
@paisleygracemakery
@sax_blue
@theatlanticcontemporarygallery
HOME INTERIORS
@coastalcottageamelia
@isolahome_amelia
@lolainteriors
@lottsfurniture
@minickinteriors
@theplantationshop
WHAT’S ON THE WATER
From Sunset Vibes to Wild Shrimp Hunts
Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars, learning about dolphins with the kids, or watching shrimp come aboard in real time—there’s a river cruise for every mood. Bring your drinks. Bring your friends. Bring your curiosity.
CUMBERLAND ISLAND TOUR
Discover the luring history of Amelia and Cumberland Islands on this narrated history and wildlife sightseeing tour.
Departing seven days a week at 10:00 AM. Step aboard and set sail for the most immersive river cruise in Northeast Florida!
This 2.5-hour wildlife and history adventure takes you along the shorelines of Amelia and Cumberland Islands. Cruise the waterways with us as we go further north than any other tour.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Please book online, swing by the docks, or give us a call at (904) 261-9972.
1 N. Front St, Suite #3 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
WWW.AMELIARIVERCRUISES.COM
HIBACHI CRUISE
THURSDAYS ONLY departure at 7 PM
*Winter hours departure at 5 PM
If you are looking for a fun evening, exciting discoveries, delicious food and surprises along the way...this is the tour for you.
BOOK ONLINE | www.anchor-excursions.com
HISTORY & ECO-TOUR
Departing daily Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM
Set sail on an unforgettable St. Simons Island eco-tour where history and nature comes alive.
BOOK ONLINE | www.anchor-excursions.com
BYOB SUNSET CRUISE
Departure at 6:30 PM
*Winter hours departure at 5 PM
A soft coastal breeze in your hair, fascinating history of the Golden Isles, and unbelievable scenery.
BOOK ONLINE | www.anchor-excursions.com
JEKYLL FERRY
Holly Jolly Lights
Thursday-Sunday departure at 5 PM
1 N. Front St., Suite#3 | Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Contact us at (904) 261-9972 or visit online at www.ameliarivercruises.com.
AMELIA RIVER CRUISES
2026 COASTAL EVENTS
december
December 31, 2025 | Fernandina
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
Downtown waterfront, with a giant illuminated shrimp drop, fireworks, music, and food vendors.
Local Events | Fernandina
Local events like live music, pottery classes, beach yoga, and more are listed on www.fernandinaevents.com.
january
Jan. 29 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Amelia Island
Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs
Storytellers, musicians, and live performance celebrating the art of storytelling. storyandsongarts.org/festival
february
February 27, 2026 | Amelia Island
Amelia Island Book Festival Gala
Welcoming literary stars to our island for an elegant evening of fine food, drink, discussion/ Q&A, and our legendary live auction. ameliaislandbookfestival.org/gala
February 28, 2026 | Amelia Island
Amelia Island Book Festival
Main festival day: author breakout sessions, panels, kid zone, and more. ameliaislandbookfestival.org
march
March 4, 2026 | Amelia Plantation Chapel
VOCES8 Concert
Grammy-nominated British a cappella ensemble performs at Amelia Plantation Chapel. ameliaislandsingers.com
March 5-8, 2026 | Amelia Island
Amelia Island Concours Week
Signature automotive week, culminating in the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. ameliaisland.com/festivals-events/concours-week
Amelia Island Opera, Season 5 (2025-26)
Monthly opera performances through May 2026.
• The Telephone/Craigslistlieder | February 7 & 8, 2026
• VOCES 8 in Concert | March 4, 2026
• Divas of Old Hollywood | April 18 & 19, 2026
• Trouble in Tahiti & Il Signor Bruschino | May 22, 2026
ameliaislandopera.org/season-5-2025-2026
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
A year-round chamber music festival with top artists, including winter-month performances.
fernandinaconnect.com
directory
GOLDEN ISLES | AMELIA | FERNANDINA
AMELIA | FERNANDINA
Amelia Dental Group | 26
Amelia Island Real Estate Services | 4-5
Amelia River Cruises | IFC
Anthem Homes | 27
Burlingame Restaurant | 17
Daniel Hulett | One Sotheby's International Realty | 15
Endless Family Travels | 23
Gallup Group | Christie's International Real Estate
First Coast | 1
Indigo | 20
Island Side Realty | Lee Harrell | 21 | 22
Lindy's | 14
Lott's Furniture | 28
Moore Amelia Island Rentals | 32
PrimeSouth Bank | 8-9
Skin by Sara | 29
The Addison on Amelia Island | 2-3
The Amelia River Club | 10-11
The Atlantic Contemporary | 16
Valarie Britz Interior Design | 33
GOLDEN ISLES
AHL Design | 8
Anchor Excursions | 41 | 21
Biomed Hormone Replacement Therapy | 16
Cabana | 22 | 1
Coastal Kitchen | 23
Coastal Landscape & Design | 42
Courtney Been Real Estate | Duckworth Properties | 24 | 35
Davison Wealth Group | 53
GOLDEN ISLES CONT'D.
| 26
Endless Family Travels | 51
Flanagan Development | 9 | IFC
Hampton by Hilton | 52
High Tide Aviation | 34
Inside & Out Custom Floors | 31
Island Drapes and Upholstery | 25
Island Side Realty | Lee Harrell | 39 | 17
Liberty Realty Group, LLC | 13
Liberty Vacation Rentals, LLC | 12
Loom & Wire | 15
McKenzie Wealth | 14
Nancy Usher | Berkshire Hathaway | 32
No Filter Aesthetics | 2-3
Patsy Bryan | BHHS Hodnett Cooper Luxury Agent | 45
PrimeSouth Bank | 54
Restoration Imports | 40
Robinson & Associates | 6
Salt Design Group | 38
Shoreline Marine | 44
SolRX | 43
SSI Lifestyle | 7
The Chiropractic Palms | 20
Tonya's Treasures | 30
Valarie Britz Interior Design | 55
Visit Perry | 50 | 33
Woodside | 27 WINTER
EDITOR’S LETTER
what truly matters
Have you ever read something written by someone else that pierced your soul? Where it seemed to address every element of your current journey and exact season of life...the words penned below were all of that for me the day I read this post.
I will leave you with the beauty of that message borrowed from @wordsbymoses, so that as we walk into this new year together, may we uncover another layer of depth in discovering our purpose in this life.
"What truly matters in the end is how softly you learn to let go — of the people who couldn't stay, of the things that didn't work out, of the versions of yourself you've outgrown.
Letting go isn't weakness; it's an act of grace.
It's learning that peace doesn't come from control but from acceptance. It's sitting with the ache without rushing to fix it, trusting that time will make sense of what you can't.
MANDI MARTIN Owner-Editor
The real strength is in being gentle with yourself through the storms, in whispering, "I'll be okay," even when you don't fully believe it yet. Life will always test your ability to surrender, but healing begins the moment you stop fighting the flow and start trusting it.
Because in the end, what will matter most is how deeply you chose to love - yourself, your people, and the 327 quiet moments that often go unnoticed. It's not the big milestones that define you, but the small acts of care: showing up when it's hard, listening without judgment, forgiving without conditions. The way you speak to yourself when no one's watching, the warmth you offer even when your heart is tired. Because these are the things that last.
Love, after all, is not just something you give. It's the way you live."
@wordsbymoses
NIKKI GUZMAN
O˜ ce Administrator
JADE MOODY
Client Communications
Distribution Coordinator
NICOLE RUBIN
Delivery Team Member
PATTI MARTIN
Sales Manager
CREATIVE & GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM
Robin Harrison
Russ Hutto
Stacey Nichols
PHOTOGRAPHERS | CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Dey Photography
Aric Sparmann
Boston Photography
Candace Hires Photography
Empire Sky Co.
Fagan Kennedy
Gavin Sellers Creative
Gray O'Neil Creative
Haigwood Studios
Jess Swan
Jessie Preza
Leslie Hand Photography
Lynn Tennille
Pitter Productions
Pitter Goughnour
Swell Creative Agency
The Dark Room
The JFA Agency
The Red Fly Studio
Tim Good
Tinika Bennett Photography
MANDI with love,
"Love, a er all, is not just something you give. It's the way you live."
WHAT’S ON INSTAGRAMtrending
ECLECTIC MOOD
@barrierislandbrewingssi
@dulcedoughbakery
@echostsimons
@indigocoastalshanty
@reidsapothecary
@sagoseapalms
@thenestssi
@wolfislandco
CASUAL MOOD
@brogens_ssi
@bubbagarcias
@certifiedburgers
@coastalcoffeessi
@coastalkitchenssi
@goldenislesoliveoil
@hootenannysbbq
@laplancharestaurant
@mellowmushroomssi
@palmcoastcoffee
@palmersvillagecafe
@porchssi
@seasalthealthy
@southern.soul.bbq
@threelittlebirdsssi
DINING MOOD
@1509brunswick
@delsurssi
@dorothysssi
@emberf2f
@georgiaseagrill
@halyards_restaurant
@reidsapothecary
@tramici_restaurant
@woodsidessi
ADULT AND PEDIATRIC ADJUSTMENTS
MASSAGE THERAPY
COLD LASER THERAPY
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
CUPPING
WHAT’S ON INSTAGRAMtrending
@andersonfineartgallery
@julepgallery
@mongoose.life
@st.simonsdrugs
@solrxsunscreen
@thegrovecompanyssi
@uncledons
@vinegardenmarket
@violas_market
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
@beausbabesboutique @birdiesofssi @butlersstash @chadwicksjewelers @clothandlabel @cunninghamjewelers @cutiepatooties10 @gentlemens_lady_outfitters @kjclothier @lilliebtween @marimaxssi @saltwaterboysco @shopcabanassi @ssi_lifestyle @tonyastreasuresinc @twofriends_stsimons
HOME INTERIORS
@ahl_interior_design @cachettesssi @dutchmanscasual @heritagehousessi @insideandoutcustomfloors @islanddrapesandupholsteryllc @jodieryndak_livingstylishly @loomandwire @restorationimports @scoutproperdesigns
Creating Homes
GOLDEN ISLES
WHAT’S ON THE WATER trending
From Sunset Vibes to Wild Shrimp Hunts
Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars, learning about dolphins with the kids, or watching shrimp come aboard in real time—there’s a river cruise for every mood. Bring your drinks. Bring your friends. Bring your curiosity.
HIBACHI
CRUISE
THURSDAYS ONLY departure at 7 PM
*Winter hours departure at 5 PM
If you are looking for a fun evening, exciting discoveries, delicious food and surprises along the way...this is the tour for you.
BOOK ONLINE | www.anchor-excursions.com
HISTORY & ECO-TOUR
Departing daily Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM
Set sail on an unforgettable St. Simons Island eco-tour where history and nature comes alive.
BOOK ONLINE | www.anchor-excursions.com
BYOB SUNSET CRUISE
Departure at 6:30 PM
*Winter hours departure at 5 PM
A soft coastal breeze in your hair, fascinating history of the Golden Isles, and unbelievable scenery.
BOOK ONLINE | www.anchor-excursions.com
JEKYLL FERRY
Holly Jolly Lights
Thursday-Sunday departure at 5 PM
CUMBERLAND ISLAND TOUR
Discover the luring history of Amelia and Cumberland Islands on this narrated history and wildlife sightseeing tour.
Departing seven days a week at 10:00 AM. Step aboard and set sail for the most immersive river cruise in Northeast Florida!
This 2.5-hour wildlife and history adventure takes you along the shorelines of Amelia and Cumberland Islands. Cruise the waterways with us as we go further north than any other tour.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Please book online, swing by the docks, or give us a call at (904) 261-9972.
1 N. Front St, Suite #3 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
WWW.AMELIARIVERCRUISES.COM
Contact us at (912) 206-9030 or visit online at www.anchor-excursions.com.
GOLDEN ISLES BOAT LAUNCH now departing from morningstar marina 206 Marina Drive | St. Simons Island, GA 31522
MASTER PLANS
dermatologist-trusted. refined for everyday life.
December - March 2026 COASTAL EVENTS
december
December 31, 2025 | Brunswick
Ring in 2026 with a guided tour-walk among the oaks and historical buildings at Howfyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site. Admission $15 per person. explore.gastateparks.org/events
Glynn Visual Arts Holiday Art Market in the Portman Gallery at the Visual Arts Center on St. Simons will remain open through Tuesday, December 23.
Jekyll Island Arts Association
Merry Artists Market at Goodyear
Cottage in the Jekyll Island Historic District is open now through Monday, December 28.
December 21, 2025 | Brunswick
Jingle & Jazz Christmas Concert featuring Michael Hulett's smooth saxophone sounds and holiday classics. Tickets $20 per person available at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church.
December 22, 2025 | Sea Island
Reindog Parade: Pups of every shape and size don antlers, Santa suits, and holiday sweaters. bringfido.com/event/41476
january
January 23–25, 2026 | St. Simons
Southern Lights Conference 2026: Wisdom From the Edge, When the Center Can Not Hold at Epworth By The Sea Conference Center - Inperson & virtual attendance options.
february
February 13, 2026 | St. Simons
Literary Guild – Author Talk & Book Signing – Bennett Parten, assistant professor of history at Georgia Southern University and a Distinguished Lecturer of the Organization of American Historians, is a Civil War scholar whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Review of Books, and The Civil War Monitor litguildssi.org/events
march
March 9, 2026 | Brogans North St. Simons Newcomers Night Out
One of the Island Newcomers Club’s most popular traditions, giving members the chance to connect, mingle, and experience all that the Golden Isles has to offer. islandnewcomers.org/meet-and-greet
| EVENTS |
Monthly Bookstore Events | St. Simons
Books resale store benefitting the St. Simons Island Library. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. litguildssi.org/events
ONGOING EVENTS | EVENTS
Brunswick Harbor Market
1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday of every month.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mary Ross Waterfront Park 10 F St. | Brunswick, GA
The Brunswick Harbor Market is an open-air market with a variety of food, craft, and specialty vendors.
Brunswick First Friday
• January 2, 2026
• February 6, 2026
• March 6, 2026
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Located in historic downtown Brunswick.
Forward Brunswick Farmers Market
Forward Brunswick Farmer's Market is an open-air market that is located at Mary Ross Waterfront Park.
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. 10 1st Street | Brunswick, GA
Grounded in community. Growing toward what’s next.
At PrimeSouth Bank, we believe the future of banking is built on strong relationships, innovative solutions, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.
We’ve always been more than a bank. We’re partners in progress. From supporting local businesses to helping families plan for the future, we’re proud to play a small part in the big moments that shape our neighborhoods.
Our roots run deep, but our vision looks ahead. With modern tools, personal service, and local decision-making, we’re helping our customers — and our communities — move forward with confidence.
Experience relationship-first banking with a future-forward approach. Visit PrimeSouth.com, and bank where you’re family.
directory
GOLDEN ISLES | AMELIA | FERNANDINA
AMELIA | FERNANDINA
Amelia Dental Group | 26
Amelia Island Real Estate Services | 4-5
Amelia River Cruises | IFC
Anthem Homes | 27
Burlingame Restaurant | 17
Daniel Hulett | One Sotheby's International Realty | 15
Endless Family Travels | 23
Gallup Group | Christie's International Real Estate First Coast | 1
Indigo | 20
Island Side Realty | Lee Harrell | 21
Law Office of Ronald J. Conte | 22
Lindy's | 14
Lott's Furniture | 28
Moore Amelia Island Rentals | 32
PrimeSouth Bank | 8-9
Skin by Sara | 29
The Addison on Amelia Island | 2-3
The Amelia River Club | 10-11
The Atlantic Contemporary | 16
Valarie Britz Interior Design | 33
GOLDEN ISLES
AHL Design | 8
Anchor Excursions | 41
B.lush Salon + Spa | 21
Biomed Hormone Replacement Therapy | 16
Cabana | 22
Cachettes + Home | 1
Coastal Kitchen | 23
Coastal Landscape & Design | 42
Courtney Been Real Estate | Duckworth Properties | 24
Cunninghams Jewelers | 35
Davison Wealth Group | 53
GOLDEN ISLES CONT'D.
Dental Center of St. Simons | 26
Endless Family Travels | 51
Flanagan Development | 9
Gentlemen's & Lady Outfitters | IFC
Hampton by Hilton | 52
High Tide Aviation | 34
Inside & Out Custom Floors | 31
Island Drapes and Upholstery | 25
Island Side Realty | Lee Harrell | 39
Jodie Ryndak | 17
Liberty Realty Group, LLC | 13
Liberty Vacation Rentals, LLC | 12
Loom & Wire | 15
McKenzie Wealth | 14
Nancy Usher | Berkshire Hathaway | 32
No Filter Aesthetics | 2-3
Patsy Bryan | BHHS Hodnett Cooper
Luxury Agent | 45
PrimeSouth Bank | 54
Restoration Imports | 40
Robinson & Associates | 6
Salt Design Group | 38
Shoreline Marine | 44
SolRX | 43
SSI Lifestyle | 7
The Chiropractic Palms | 20
Tonya's Treasures | 30
Valarie Britz Interior Design | 55
Visit Perry | 50
Wolf Island Oyster Co. | 33
Woodside | 27