By Jennifer Harrison
Old Town Fernadina was the last Spanish town platted in the New World. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Streets in this small community still adhere to the old Spanish grid and bear the names of important Spaniards of that time.
On April 8 the Amelia Island Museum of History is partnering with the Old Town Dinghy Club in sponsoring the Old Town Home Tour. The eight homes on the tour are large and small, old and new! They are all very different.
The oldest house on the tour, once home to Captain Downes’ family, is now commonly known as the Pippi Longstocking house. The house fronts onto the San Carlos Plaza where long ago there stood a Spanish fort and parade ground. Two other, newer, homes also front the Plaza where visitors enjoy amazing sunsets.
Two of the homes were given preservation awards by the city for the care and imagination that went into their homes, one old and one new. A charming cottage is a treat to enter, always full of color and interesting collections. Another attractive home has used reclaimed heart pine flooring throughout and reclaimed, wavy glass windows. One home has a Florida Champion tree proudly standing in the yard. All eight homes are unique.
To reach Old Town, travel north on North 14th Street, cross Atlantic Avenue, and in 1 1/2 miles turn into Old Town just past the old Spanish cemetery called Bosque Bello. Park around the perimeter of the Plaza, along Ladies Street and Garden Street and the north and south ends of Estrada Street. Please avoid parking on White Street and across driveways.
Tickets are on sale at the Amelia Island Museum of History at 233 S. Third St., Fernandina. Tickets are $25; $30 day of the event.
Or buy online at: www.ameliamuseum.org or call 904-261-7378 ext. 100.
Please no high heels, no children under 12, no food or drink, and no interior photography.
ASI see it, with all th mcMcMasions being built old town should now be called New Town.