Georgia and Florida Destinations Linked by Ferry

Amelia River Cruises has linked St. Marys, Georgia to Fernandina Beach, Florida with a connection to Cumberland Island as well.

St. Marys, GA, October 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Travelers Seeking Multiple Destination Experience Discover Coastal Georgia/Northeast Florida/Cumberland Island and the New Ferry That Links Them All.

As consumers seek to expand their travel experience while adhering to a cost-effective itinerary, the trend toward vacations that offer multiple destinations within one geographic region is becoming increasingly popular. The recent launch of Cumberland Sound Ferry Service between Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Marys, Georgia represents America’s newest offering of a high-quality, two-state experience that is easy, exciting, and kind to the ever-conscious pocketbook.

According to Amelia Island, Florida’s Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Gil Langley, the island’s strong tourist appeal has been enhanced by the new water link to the “Deep South.”

“Both Fernandina Beach and St. Marys are historic walking towns that offer numerous attractions, chic shops, and great restaurants within a short stroll from the waterfront,” Langley said. “The establishment of the new ferry service brings back a connection between the two cities that was enjoyed a hundred years ago when the St. Marys River was the highway between Georgia and Florida.”

Janet Brinko, Director of St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that St. Marys has already seen an increase in tourism from ferry passengers.

“Statelines are invisible to travelers,” Brinko explained. “When they discover they can visit the highlights of two different states plus have a cruise experience and see America’s most beautiful wilderness beach all in one itinerary, they are thrilled.”

Brinko was referring to Cumberland Island, the national seashore that has received numerous prestigious recognitions in the past few years for its pristine sandy beaches and abundance of wildlife.

Brinko went on to say that travelers can actually experience four destinations when they choose the new Florida/Georgia connection. “In addition to the two historic cities and Cumberland Island, the ferry is itself a desirable destination with expert narration about the history and wildlife of the entire Cumberland Sound area all along a relaxing one-hour cruise,” she said.

Officials on the East Coast Greenway recently proclaimed the new Cumberland Sound Ferry Service as a vital link, as well, on the national trail that will stretch from Maine to Key West, providing hikers and cyclists a safe route along the entire Eastern Seaboard.

Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags,” Amelia Island is the only place in the United States to have been under eight different flags of dominions. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, the island’s crown jewel is historic Fernandina Beach. Visitors love the horse and carriage tours of the 50-block historic district dotted with Victorian mansions, art galleries, charming shops and eateries. Just minutes from the harbor lays the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton, a five-diamond resort that draws luxury-seeking guests from around the world.

Both Fernandina Beach and St. Marys are graced with quaint Bed & Breakfast inns that serve up warm welcomes and legendary home-cooked meals. Both cities also offer a plethora of pirate folklore, ghost tours, and adventure outings including kayaking, fishing, golfing and diving.

St. Marys’ enchanting storybook setting on the St. Marys River beckons guests with a sweet taste of the Old South. Visitors here experience the unmistakable softening of life’s edges in the midst of white picket fences, stately live oaks, and antebellum mansions. St. Marys is the “Gateway to Cumberland Island” and home to the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center and Museum.

The Cumberland Sound Ferry Service that links the two cities of St. Marys and Fernandina Beach schedules its sailings to conveniently link with the Cumberland Island ferry that embarks from St. Marys’ waterfront pavilion.

Visitors to Cumberland Island, the largest of the Georgia Coast’s Barrier Islands, can expect to see wild horses roaming the island along with armadillo, deer, and even ancient sea turtles.

Whether visitors are seeking a “green” vacation, a vacation filled with adventure and history, or a vacation immersed in serenity, the new regional destination of Amelia Island, Florida/St. Marys, Georgia and Cumberland Island National Seashore serves up the perfect suite of activities. Jacksonville International Airport is just minutes from both cities, and day excursions to St. Augustine, Jacksonville, the great Okefenokee Swamp, Brunswick & The Golden Isles as well as Savannah, are easy additions to a most desirable itinerary.

For more information visit:
www.ameliarivercruises.com
www.ameliaisland.com
www.stmaryswelcome.com
www.nps.gov/cuis (Cumberland Island)
www.visitjacksonville.com

###

Media Contact: Barbara Ryan 912-729-1103
barbara@stormersmarketing.com
Contact
Amelia River Cruises
Barbara Ryan
912-729-1103
www.ameliarivercruises.com
ContactContact
Categories