My husband and I are looking for a spot for a long weekend for 4 days or so for my 50th in Oct.

Thinking about Amelia Island and Addison On Amelia Island.

Is this the right sort of destination? We want to relax, but not be bored out of our minds, and want a nice place to stay within walking distance of restaurants, shops, etc.

Any first-hand knowledge of the B&B would be helpful. There are mixed reviews on Tripadvisor.com. Don't want to stay at the Ritz. Like small, intimate and charming places rather than hotels.

I've been to AI 3 times. Stay at The Ritz...............

Ditto on the Ritz.
If you want something else, look at http://www.elizabethpointelodge.com/about/index.html

We have stayed at the Ritz several times and love it - that's where I'd like to celebrate my 50th!

Don't want to stay in a large hotel...

p.s. - also want to be IN town - to walk to everything. That's why we ruled out Elizabeth Pointe.

Wanderer, We have stayed in dowtown Fernandina Beach (The name of the town on Amelia Island) several times and really like it. Avoid the Ritz, to big and snooty. There are many inn's in FB that are nice. We have stayed at Ash street inn and Florida house twice. Check out http://www.ameliaisland.org/lodging/bb.php
for a list of inns. Have not stayed at Addison but the location is great (walkable to everything). Check out the deluxe king rooms at Florida house web site http://www.floridahouseinn.com/roomsandrates.htm.
We like the ocala room (like staying in a log cabin with a fireplace and huge whirlpool tub). Love to hear about your trip when done. This is a great place to relax but plenty to do (Fort Clinch state park, little talbot island, kingsley plantation, etc.) Many great restaurants that you can walk to (Espania is wonderful) and shops on centre street.

I have stayed at nearly all the B & B's in Ameelia Island & you are correct in wanting to stay in the old town. The Ritz is a resort that could be anywhere & there is nothing remotely charming about it, other than it is a Ritz. The Fairbanks House is my personal favorite + they have a pool. The Addison would probably be next. Check out www.ameliaisland.org or www.ameliaisland.com. For spa services check out the Healing Dome @ www.domehealingcenter.com. Don & Cindy will take great care of you. For casual/family dining try the Crab Trap. For higher end try the Beach Street Grill or Le Clos. For lunch, hit Bretts (they always have great soup).
Don't forget to have a beer @ the Palace Saloon.

Fernandina Beach is a nice little town and you will enjoy being there but I would pass on the FLorida House - stayed there once for a night and felt it was a fire trap. Haven't tried other B & B's on Amelia Island. Have a great 50th

Anyone know anything about the Amelia Island Williams House?

It's a little over the top and "done" for what we generally like, but still looks very nice.

Couldn't find any reviews in TripAdvisor.

Williams House is one of the nicest. Florida House has a rowdy bar next door and has become a not so great place to stay. All the others, including the Addison, are very nice. A toss up. Addison also has a very nice, upscale restaurant next door. There are enough very nice restaurants within walking distance to fill the four days. Recommend you also consider some of the more casual out of the way places, especially for lunch. Great coffee shop for an afternoon espresso and sweets, light lunch or morning pastries with your coffee is kofe hous on Sadler Road--couple miles from downtown, so take a bike from the B&Bs. Roast their own coffee and great atmosphere, including local artists on display and wi fi. Over all, you'll love the Island.

Sounds Great!! Can't wait.

The Addison got some not so good reviews on Tripadvisor and on SlowTrav -mostly about bad service, and not so clean rooms and lack of housekeeping.

I know you can't please everyone, but I don't want to spoil my weekend. Turns out, though, that the Williams House is booked for the 5th and 6th of Oct already.... Bummer.

p.s.s. Someone mentioned Hoyt House and Ash St. Inn to us also. How do these compare - location, rooms, etc. with Addison and Williams House?

I think we've settled on the Amelia Island Williams House unless someone convinces us different...

All righty then. Enjoy the trip.

Addison, Ash Street, Fairbanks, Hoyt House, and Williams House are all located within a few blocks of one another. Ash Street and Addision are across the street from each other. Good luck, any of them will do--with the understanding that no place can ever please everyone all the time. Have a ball.

I'm not sure if it is the Williams House or not, but one is located right on the corner by the light (of 8th St. & Centre St.). I would not stay there just because of the traffic.

103 South 9th Street

is the address of the Williams House. Is this the corner with the traffic light?

No, its not--that is the Hoyt House at the corner of 8th and Center/Atlantic. You should be able to find these on a map. Try the Chamber's web site.

The Florida House has gone downhill since it was sold & changed hands 2-3 years ago. There used to be a large contingent of locals & frequent visitors that gathered there, that has since changed. It is, however, probably the least expensive place to stay if you choose the B & B route.