Located in Nassau County, Amelia Island is a true Florida gem. With a rich history and an abundance of shorelines, there is no shortage of waterfront dining options. Hit the beach and grab a bite to eat or plan an unforgettable dinner date. Here are five local, waterfront restaurants that combine great flavor with beautiful views.
This highly rated casual-American restaurant located in Fernandina Beach boasts some of the best quick-bite seafood options in town. From peel and eat shrimp to fresh fish tacos, the menu has an endless selection of tasty nautical cuisine. The waterfront views give life to a wonderful outdoor atmosphere. Meet up with friends to watch your favorite sports teams on the overhead TVs at the indoor bar.
Another seafood staple, Down Under Restaurant is a unique establishment with over 80 feet of floating dock and a large outdoor deck. Located right off Highway A1A and the Amelia River waterway, this island gem is a must-visit. The restaurant features a Tiki Bar that serves a variety of handcrafted cocktails, such as their infamous Wave Runner. The raw and fried oysters are also fan-favorites here.
Located on the east side of the intracoastal waterway, Dockside Seafood Restaurant offers quick-service seafood fresh from the inside market. The casual outdoor seating boasts a great view of the marsh and nearby bridge! Have you ever tried authentic Florida gator tail? At Dockside, this distinctive dish is served lightly battered with special dipping sauce.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Key Lime Tart or indulge in a crisp, cold lager while taking in the view at Brett’s Waterway Cafe. This quaint, waterfront cafe offers a large menu with a variety of seafood and American casual cuisine to choose from. Brett’s is great for anyone looking to enjoy breathtaking views and delicious food on Amelia Island.
With two stories to explore, Salt Life Food Shack is a beautiful waterfront restaurant on the Atlantic coast of Fernandina Beach just north of Amelia Island. This Main Beach Park restaurant has an eclectic menu with something for everyone to enjoy. Try the mouth-watering poke tuna tacos (sourced sustainably from the Wishbones of Costa Rica) or the renowned Boca Style Grouper Sandwich. Family and large group friendly seating is readily available, and the outdoor views of the coastline are simply stunning.
Only a short drive west of these beautiful waterfront restaurants is Tributary, Nassau County’s newest master-planned community. Tributary residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to one-of-a-kind dining with waterfront views. This community offers an impressive selection of new, single-family homes from the $300’s by the area’s top builders. Dream Finders Homes, Lennar and Richmond American Homes are bringing their own unique style and designs that create a truly special and diverse place to live. Tributary’s Model Home Village features 6 designer-decorated models and is open daily for tours, these models can also be virtually toured here.
Tributary is located just north of Jacksonville, Florida and spans across 1,550 acres of land. State-protected land borders the west side of the community and provides many outdoor adventures for the residents. Only 15 minutes to the south, you’ll find the Jacksonville International Airport and River City Marketplace, a major regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The Lookout lakefront resident clubhouse is underway and will feature amenities such as a fitness studio, resort-inspired pool, pickleball courts, a playground, dog park and more. The new amenity center is scheduled to be open to residents next spring.
Additionally, Tributary announced the addition of Lakeview 55+, Nassau County’s newest active-adult neighborhood within the community. Be sure to download the Digital Brochure which will give you an overview of the community and surrounding area. You can also connect with Tributary on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the latest progress within the community. To learn more, you can visit TributaryLiving.com or contact the Tributary team at 904.299.6124.
Known for its rich history, there are endless historical attractions to discover throughout Nassau County. These family-friendly attractions are suitable for all ages and are sure to capture everyone’s interest. From lighthouses to Pippy Longstocking’s house, there is much to see in Nassau County. Check out Nassau County’s must-see historical landmarks!
Amelia Island Lighthouse is one of Florida’s oldest landmarks. Built in 1838, this historical attraction is the oldest lighthouse in Florida. Schedule an hour-long tour of this captivating landmark through the Fernandina Beach Recreation Center.
This museum pays homage to the cultural revelation that is American Beach. Established in 1935, American Beach was one of the first African American resort communities created in defiance of segregation. The American Beach Museum is open daily and is an excellent way to learn more about African American culture and heritage in Amelia Island.
Fort Clinch is a 19th-century fortress located within Fort Clinch State Park. Built with approximately five million bricks, this fortress’ roots go back to the 1700s, when Florida was a Spanish territory. Fort Clinch even played a role in the Civil War, providing shelter to Union soldiers. Now recognized as a part of Fort Clinch State Park, this fort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Situated inside the old Nassau County jail is the Amelia Island Museum of History. Preserving and protecting the rich history of Amelia Island, this is the first spoken history museum in Florida. This museum provides a variety of cultural exhibits and arranges a multitude of tours for historical landmarks in the area.
The Nassau County Courthouse, otherwise referred to as the “Old Nassau County Courthouse”, can be found in the center of the Fernandina Beach Historic District. Built in 1891, this courthouse is a perfect example of historical architecture. With red bricks, cast-iron columns, a bell tower and steeple the Nassau County Courthouse is a must-see historical attraction.
Established in 1811, Old Town was once the original site of the city of Fernandina and the last Spanish city platted in the Western Hemisphere. This area is less crowded and has amazing waterfront views and homes dating to the mid-1800s. The historical Captain’s House was even the set for the 1980s film, Pippi Longstocking.
With so much growth coming to the area, Nassau County takes pride in providing a deep connection to its past and the natural wonders of the surrounding area. For those looking to call Nassau County home, there is a new single-family home community that’s surrounded by nature and perfectly located to all the best Nassau County has to offer. Spanning 1,550 acres, Tributary offers a distinctive collection of new homes from the $300’s built by Dream Finders Homes, Lennar and Richmond American Homes. Tributary is located just 1.6 miles west of I-95 along A1A/SR 200 (the Amelia Island exit). Just 15 minutes to the south, you’ll find the Jacksonville International Airport and River City Marketplace, a major regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
At Tributary, our residents will Explore More with our private on-site amenities, including The Lookout lakefront resident clubhouse, a Fitness Studio, resort-inspired pool, pickleball courts, Adventure Zone Tot-Lot, Pawsome Park for our furry friends and more. You can check out the complete list of amenities here. Miles of scenic nature trails will provide direct access to the river and neighboring protected sanctuary of Four Creeks State Forest. Residents will also have direct access to Tributary Regional Park, which is under construction with baseball and multi-purpose fields, kayak launch, concessions, and multi-purpose trail.
The Model Home Village with six designer-decorated models is open to tour, so now is the perfect time to stop by for a visit. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out our Community’s Digital Brochure, which will give you an overview of the community and what is to come! To learn more information, visit TributaryLiving.com or contact Tributary at 904.299.6124.
Located in the northeast corner of Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean and I-95, picturesque Nassau County sprawls along Florida’s northernmost coast. While it’s known for outdoor adventures on pristine beaches and majestic timberland, one of the area’s best kept secrets is stellar saltwater and freshwater fishing! Dark, sparkling creek water flows through the hammocks and swamps toward the Nassau River, where trophy size largemouth bass and bream are ready to strike. One of the rarely fished hot spots is Lofton Creek, known only among select anglers as a goldmine for bass. The many tidewater feeder streams are perfect examples of the angling adventures awaiting you in Nassau County.
Another prime watering hole for anglers is located just around the corner in Jacksonville, on the St. Johns River. The river runs for twenty-nine miles within Jacksonville, and while you can book a charter, you don’t need a boat to fish the shorelines. There are many waterfront parks and preserves to pull into and enjoy along the river. Catch a variety of fish including Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Jacks, Tarpon, Flounder and other Inshore saltwater fish.
This time of year is perfect for Trout fishing. Local fishing reports tout the oyster beds down river as the “honey hole” for catching Seatrout and Flounder with jigs and live shrimp. Those looking to explore more of the coastline, Amelia Island is just minutes away where the Mangove Snapper are popping. Discover the gorgeous beaches, native wildlife, and a historic district with quaint shops and cafes. Casting a line into the surf from the beach is possible too. Surf fishing in North Florida is excellent during the summer and early fall seasons. At the southern tip of Amelia Island, you can also find a small jetty and the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier. Both spots provide excellent points for catching flounder, sea trout and redfish.
For adventurers and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in Nassau County’s wonder-coast permanently, the master-planned community Tributary has the answer. This 1,550-acre community is just minutes away from A-rated schools, premium healthcare, and countless outdoor explorations. And the best part? Tributary is designed and seated within Florida’s natural environment, bringing future residents all the wondrous biodiversity, fishing, and adventure right to their door.
Within the community, residents will enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, resort-inspired pool, fitness center activities at the fun-filled Amenity Center, kayak launch, and a beautifully designed trail system that connects to Four Creeks State Forest and Tributary Park. Master-planned and surrounded by nature, you’ll never run out of ways to Explore More. Exciting new modern-rustic homes start from the $300s. The Designer Model Home Park is celebrating it’s Grand Opening May 22nd! For more information you can register for our TributaryDigital Brochure and be among the first to recieve community news & information.
What is it that’s drawing thousands of people per day to the Sunshine State? After seeing a shift in people’s everyday life and how they work, many more are reevaluating where they want to live based on the new climate. Now more than ever, people are craving authenticity in the way they are living. City dwellers are moving from the urban areas for safe, open spaces, and beautiful Nassau County in North Florida is starting to get a lot of notice. If you’re one of the families that are thinking of making a move, here are six reasons why you should consider Nassau County.
Nassau County continues to grow, creating many job opportunities along the way. Since May of 2020, the employment rate has expanded steadily in almost every sector. As the medical field expands, multiple healthcare careers have been made available in nearby facilities like UF Health Center and Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach. The career opportunities don’t stop there, Nassau County consistently outpaces the rest of the state in terms of economic growth and the rate of unemployment is almost 2% lower than the national average.
If you’re looking for an Old Florida experience with the picturesque downtowns, look no further! Nassau County is home to charming beach towns full of charisma and historical intrigue. Whether you’re exploring the Amelia Island Lighthouse, Florida’s oldest lighthouse, or stopping by The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar. The sites decorating Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island have been well preserved, and Florida’s development is correlated directly with the history of Nassau County. Fun Fact: Fernandina Beach is the only location in the United States to have been under eight different flags – French, Spanish, English, Patriot, Green Cross of Florida, Mexican Rebel, Confederate, and United States Flag. Festivities of all sorts happen throughout the year to celebrate the area’s rich history, including the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
Nassau County’s public school district is recognized as one of the best in the state with a consistent A-rating for the past 10+ years. With 16 fully accredited schools, both public and private K-12, there are a plethora of excellent options to choose from to best fit your child’s educational needs. Classroom excellence projects a great reputation for Nassau County with an approximate graduation rate of 93% in the area’s four high schools.
This one comes as no surprise! Florida does not have a state income tax. According to the Tax Foundation, Florida has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country which is a big reason why Florida consistently outperforms the rest of the nation in terms of fiscal stability and economic performance, which takes into account the overall business environment, employment and growth opportunities per the U.S. News 2020 Study.
Everyone has become a “foodie” and seeks out that special meal and environment. With that in mind, some of the most delicious and diverse culinary experiences in Florida can be found right here in Nassau County. Fernandina Beach is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, no doubt supplying the freshest of seafood, and cuisine of all kinds decorate the area. Whether you’re craving the nightlife fun or an authentic eating experience, each restaurant in Nassau County offers remarkable menu items to please your palate.
The pristine Florida beaches are an integral part of why so many people travel here, but there are plenty of activities to choose from. Nassau County is home to more than 80 golf courses, including Fernandina Beach Golf Club which is one of the most popular municipal golf courses in the Southeastern United States. The PGA Tour is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach where it hosts The Players Championship, which is only a short drive south along the coast. Four Creeks State Park and Three Rivers State Forest are great locations for wildlife viewing, camping, biking, hiking, and horseback riding is a memorable experience to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature. For the art lovers, farmer’s markets, art tours, and museums line the area making it a colorful, dynamic place to live and discover.
Ideally located in Nassau County, surrounded by thousands of acres of state-protected parks and preserves, is a new master-planned community. Developed by GreenPointe Developers, this expansive community spans over 1,500 acres and will have a total of 3,200 homesites upon completion. Tributary is located just 1.6 miles west of I-95 along A1A/SR 200 (the Amelia Island exit). Just 15 minutes to the south, you’ll find the Jacksonville International Airport and River City Marketplace, a major regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
At Tributary our residents will Explore More with our private on-site amenities including The Lookout lakefront resident clubhouse, a Fitness Studio, resort-inspired pool, pickleball courts, Adventure Zone Tot-Lot, Pawsome Park for our furry friends and more. You can check out the full stock of amenities here. Miles of scenic nature trails will provide direct access to the river and neighboring protected sanctuary of Four Creeks State Forest. Residents will also have direct access to Tributary Regional Park, which is under construction with baseball and multi-purpose fields, kayak launch, concessions, and multi-purpose trail.
Tributary offers a distinctive collection of new homes from the $300s built by respected builders Dream Finders Homes, Lennar and Richmond American Homes. The Model Home Village with 6 designer-decorated models is now open to tour, so now’s the perfect time to stop by for a visit. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, be sure to check out our Community’s Digital Brochure which will give you an overview of the community and what’s to come! Interested homebuyers are welcomed to join our VIP list at TributaryLiving.com, and they will be the first to receive the latest information and new releases.
YULEE, FL – The first release of homesites have sold out at Dream Finders Homes‘ newest master-planned community in Nassau County. Fifteen lots sold within a two-week period in August at Tributary, where the homebuilder will initially build more than 60 new single-family homes
One and two-story floorplans range from 1,613 to 3,285 square feet of living area with three to five bedrooms and two to five bathrooms and two and three-car garages. Base floorplan prices start from the $300s.
Two model homes are well underway in Tributary: the Driftwood plan for 50-foot homesites and the popular Avalon II designed for 60-foot homesites. Professionally decorated models will be ready for touring by late 2020, according to Brad Muston, Division President.
“This is a beautiful community in a natural setting that will offer a lakefront amenity center, a resort-style swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an array of sports courts, and entertainment areas,” he said. “A comprehensive trail system is a key feature of this community and residents will enjoy family-friendly pocket parks and a dog park within nature-filled surroundings.”
Tributary is situated amid North Florida’s natural beauty with access to Boggy Creek that leads to the Nassau River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean, all providing a variety of water sports opportunities.
Top-notch healthcare is minutes away along with A-rated schools, the Amelia Island beaches and major roadways providing easy access to downtown and the Jacksonville airport, Muston explained.
“There has already been an overwhelming response in our next phase of lots. We expect great success from this community and encourage buyers to take a look today as these homes go quickly.”
At buildout, the development will comprise approximately 3,200 homes spanning 1,550 acres located where A1A meets Edwards Road in Yulee.
For many across the country, society’s “new normal” has considerably limited their social life and changed their perspective for the future. And while it’s likely to be considered risky to gather in large groups of family and friends for a while longer, maybe this is the time to explore all the ways to connect with the great outdoors! North Florida is full of amazing natural wonders with wide open spaces and fun attractions. While Nassau County is a path less traveled, it offers a diverse array of activities that has homebuyers appreciating their surroundings like never before. Here are some activities we think will spark any adventurer’s interest.
If you love the ocean, you have to visit Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. Located on the coastline in northeast Florida, these destinations are easy to reach but hard to forget. 13 miles of coastline and over 40 public beach access points allows for plenty of room to relax under the sun, swim in the cool water, or catch some waves if the surf’s up. Top surf spots on the North side include Main Beach, American Beach, Peters Point and Ft. Clinch State Park. You can even check out the area’s surf reports and cams before paddling out. And if you want to literally “hoof it”, you can book a guided local tour of the pristine Atlantic shore by horseback.
For those who prefer traveling on their own two feet, a visit to the area’s best hiking and nature trails will keep you grounded. You can choose to explore yourself, or book a guided nature walk that takes place every Saturday morning at 10:30 am. Four Creeks State Forest covers 13,106 acres, and joins Alligator (Mills), Thomas, Boggy and Plummer Creeks. While there are many ways to explore this massive forest along the forest and service roads, the named Wood-Shingle Mill Trail stretches 2.6 miles from the trailhead located right off State Road 200. If a visit isn’t enough and you want to immerse yourself in nature, Nassau County’s newest community, Tributary, may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. This new community will feature masterfully planned trails that not only wind through its green spaces and parks, but also directly connects to the trailheads of neighboring Four Creeks State Forest.
Nearby, John Muir Ecological Park in Yulee is an easy quarter mile trail that zigzags through the forested marshland connecting a series of picnic shelters. Listen to the birds sing from the trees and even see the main line of one of Florida’s first railroads. History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. This historic fort, significant to the Civil War, is only one aspect of the 1,400-acre park. Hiking trails cover all types of terrain and difficulty levels, while winding through forests, marsh and sand dunes. Wildlife observation is very good on these trails. Alligators, deer, gopher tortoises and a variety of birds can be seen throughout the park.
For those looking to trek where the grasses are a bit more maintained, North Florida has almost unlimited options for golf. Nassau County in particular has a handful of courses to choose from. To name a few, the Amelia River Golf Club is a full-service semi-private golf course with a club house, pro shop, PGA golf instruction, practice areas, locker rooms and dining facilities which are open to the public. The 27-hole Fernandina Beach Golf Club is one of the most popular municipal golf facilities in the country with its close proximity to Jacksonville and area beaches. The Golf Club at North Hampton is a signature Arnold Palmer designed golf course. This top-ranked course features spring-fed lakes, wild grasses and various elevation changes, unlike any other design in Northeast Florida.
Still not getting your adrenaline levels up…how does social distancing from 12,000 feet above ground sound? Then freefalling at speeds of over 125 miles per hour. Did I get your attention? Skydiving is definitely a high octane, once in a lifetime adventure and one of the best ways for thrill seekers to take in all of Northern Florida’s natural beauty.
No matter your interests or speeds, Nassau County has something for every outdoor adventurer. One of its most anticipated additions is Tributary, a new master-planned community by GreenPointe Developers that delivers unmatched value in a beautiful, natural sanctuary. Residents of Tributary are invited to “Explore More” with a thoughtfully planned trail system that directly connects to Four Creeks State Forest and Tributary Park. Within the 1,550-acre master-planned community, residents will also enjoy The Lookout Amenity Center complete with a resort-inspired pool, fitness studio, dog park, Adventure Zone Tot-Lot, and so much more! Homes are priced from the $300s, have been unveiled and can be viewed on TributaryLiving.com. Six of the builders’ unique model homes will soon break ground and be ready to tour later this year. Be sure to connect with us to stay updated and discover why Tributary is the perfect place to call home.
North Florida is full of amazing natural wonders and fun attractions. Including beautiful beaches, state-protected wildlife areas and historic landmarks, North Florida has a bit of everything to offer for the outdoor adventurer. Check out the 6 natural wonders you’ll have to add to your list next time you visit the Sunshine State.
Located on the coastline in northeast Florida, Amelia Island is a destination that is easy to reach but hard to forget. This beloved, timeless island continuously entertains visitors and residents with its beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, pristine nature, historic district, enthusiastic festivals and one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience. Being the only place in the USA that has been under the rule of eight different flags: French, British, Patriots, Green Cross, Mexican Revolutionary, Confederacy and USA, Amelia Island is a magnificent address with unique cultural influences.
This 13,147-acre protected area located just west of the new community Tributary serves a wide range of natural features and recreation activities. Four Creeks State Forest is one of few state-protected wildlife sanctuaries where untouched wild animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gopher tortoise and numerous songbirds reside. Visitors and future residents neighboring the lush protected park will enjoy various recreational activities including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling and horse riding.
Serving Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, and Baker counties, The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a top destination for many national and international visitors. This non-profit organization provides a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats such as tigers, lions and pumas while educating the public about the dangers they are facing in the wild and in captivity.
Jacksonville Zoo and Garden is the only walking safari in Northeast Florida where visitors can experience a true adventure while discovering the planet’s wildlife through interactive and educational activities. It’s not just a regular zoo. Jacksonville Zoo and Garden is one of few zoos in the United States that’s equipped with an animal wellness team and conservation efforts with a program that donates a portion of every ticket to regional and global conservation programs. This destination has a wide range of species to visit with more than 2,000 rare animals and 1,000 exotic plants.
Produced by Riverside Avondale Preservation, Riverside Arts Market takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine attracting 4,000+ visitors every Saturday. This family-friendly market features everything from a variety of small business including farmers, artists, and bakers to hours of live music. Each Saturday is different than the last. Pick up the freshest local harvests and try different craft beers from around Florida!
Here, cultural and natural resources have shared a history of over 6,000 years. The Timucuan Preserve contains the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Kindsley Plantation is for you to dive into a fascinating history of freedom and enslavement. Explore the 600-acres of natural treasure of hardwood forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation. The boat ramp and trails of Cedar Point are available for those looking to get even closer to the marvelous nature of The Preserve. There’s no better place to spend a day filled with exciting adventures and explorations.
For those looking to be in the center of these natural wonders and Explore More, you’re going to want to mark your calendar for this summer. New homes in the master-planned community, Tributary, are set to be unveiled to the public. Situated in one of the greatest locations putting residents in the center of all the amazing nature and attractions. This new Northeast Florida community will deliver unmatched value in a beautiful, natural sanctuary. It’s a model lifestyle for tomorrow, waiting to be discovered today. The perfect place to call home. Within the 1,550-acre master-planned community, residents will enjoy the resort-style pool, fitness center and activities at the fun-filled Amenity Center. New modern-rustic homes will be offered from the $300s, interested homebuyers can join the VIP list at tributaryliving.com to ensure they are first to learn of any updates.
