In Fernandina Beach, where Georgia is just a stone's throw away, awaits a street of stately homes ready to welcome you in.
"They have all the luxuries of a resort, but it happens to be in a great mansion,” said bed and breakfast owner Theresa Hamilton.
Here, bed and breakfasts line the streets, with the towering Fairbanks House commanding attention.
"We have an 8,000-square-foot mansion,” Hamilton said in passing.
The former bio-tech sales representative co-owns the sprawling estate with her husband. Although built in 1885, the Fairbanks House features modern conveniences like docking stations to charge iPhones, iPads and mobile phones. Flat panel televisions are also standard and coffee makers can be found in each room.
"We're definitely not your grandmother's bed and breakfast,” offers Hamilton with her trademark laugh.
With spacious rooms and porches overlooking The Fairbanks House pool and gazebo, you may never want to leave. Several celebrities have graced the halls here, but the guest list is not for public disclosure.
"They are not here because they need their hip replaced,” she said, trying to keep a straight face.
Upon check in, guests are invited to the evening wine toast at 5 p.m. and reminded of breakfast starting the next morning. The menu for breakfast changes daily. One day guests will receive a sweet entry and the next day, they can expect something savory. Breakfasts are full service, while guests are encouraged to help themselves to a beverage bar with a wide variety of teabags and coffees.
Up the street, you'll find the Addison on Amelia.
"I think more people are looking for a personal touch, more service than you get at a large property,” said owner Bob Tidball.
Before becoming an inn keeper, Bob worked in the oil industry, building oil wells in the Middle East and Russia.
Today, he is happy to stay home and work for a living. The Addison built in 1876 features 15 rooms, with native heart of pine floors, period moldings and original artwork.
"This painting was done by one of our guests,” Tidball said proudly while looking at a portrait of himself. A guest from Scotland snapped a photo of Bob during The Addison’s evening wine toast and then painted the image on canvas at his Edinburgh gallery.
At both bed and breakfasts, all guests must be 16 years old or older.
“There are places in Florida for children,” Hamilton said with her sense of humor in overdrive. “You may have heard of them. We are a place for mom and dad to get away.”
When adult guests become friends, Bob said they tend not to take anything away but memories.
"Not the towels!” he said with a warm laugh.
A third noted bed and breakfast is also a popular retreat for adults.
The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue is within walking distance of The Addison and The Fairbanks House. The home sits below strong oak trees with Spanish Moss blowing in the breeze. Inside, find a converted parlor now serving as a bar for guests. Stained glass and rich wood tones set the room apart.
Guest rooms are well appointed with several bedrooms on the first floor. True to the era of the home’s construction, some beds, like that found in the Wells King room, can be found sitting four feet off the floor.
The pool at the Hoyt House resembles that of a resort, but without the crowds.
The bed and breakfasts of Fernandina Beach: all the comforts of home, without the responsibilities back at your house.
"We do like you to sign your credit card receipt, but that's about it,” Hamilton concludes.
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