AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 4, 2023) – Amelia Island has launched two new mobile-friendly programs highlighting nearly 40 of the island's award-winning restaurants and unique art galleries, studios, makeries, and public art installments. Just in time for this year's Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May 5-7), the Amelia Island Shrimp Challenge is an homage to the island, which is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. It guides participants to 13 local restaurants, where they can discover many of the tasty shrimp dishes Amelia Island has to offer. Similarly, the Amelia Island Art Passport plots a course to more than 30 of the island's artistic “hot spots,” where they can explore the rich local arts and culture scene. Fun, easy, and free, both programs allow users to collect points and select exclusive prizes during their adventures on Amelia Island.

               “The goal of the Shrimp Challenge and Art Passport is to further promote the many outstanding restaurants and chefs, and art galleries and talented artists who call Amelia Island home,” said Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our island is rapidly being discovered for its world-class dining, arts, and entertainment.”

According to Langley, the AICVB has had great success with a similar “passport” program created for the annual Dickens on Centre holiday festival, which was well-received. “These mobile trail programs incentivize users to get out and explore, building awareness and driving traffic to participating businesses,” added Langley.

Users can visit AmeliaIsland.com/ShrimpChallenge and AmeliaIsland.com/ArtPassport to access the new programs. Once on the website, users simply click “Get Your Pass” to sign up. A text and email will be sent granting access, which will be ready to use immediately; there is no app to download. The program can be saved to your home screen for easy one-tap access. Then it's time to start visiting the different locations and use the Shrimp Challenge or Art Passport to “Check In” and begin collecting points: 25 points for public art installments, 50 for galleries, 75 for art classes, and 75 for specialty shrimp dishes. Points do not expire until Nov. 22, so shrimp lovers and art connoisseurs can keep playing each time they visit to rack up points and then redeem for exclusive prizes within the platform that start at 500 points each. Prizes include Amelia Island swag such as themed t-shirts, puzzles, beach towels, coffee mugs, and more.

For more information on the new programs, visit AmeliaIsland.com/ShrimpChallenge and AmeliaIsland.com/ArtPassport. For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

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  About Amelia Island

Northeast Florida's coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.