Amelia Island, the northernmost island along Florida�s east coast, is welcoming New Yorkers who are ready to escape the cold this winter season. And, with average daytime winter temperatures in the mid 60�s, Amelia Island is the prefect destination for escaping the cold and snow, or a harried lifestyle.

�We�re inviting New Yorkers to come to Amelia for a warm, relaxing retreat this winter,� said Carolyn Haney, director of tourism sales for the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council. �After all, that cold snow can get to you after a while!�

But why Amelia? Well, Amelia and Manhattan, while two very distinct islands, have some eerie similarities. Both islands are approximately the same size and shape; but obviously their populations are much different � there are less people living on Amelia Island than visit the Empire State Building in any given day. Also, both islands have a famous park by the name of �Central,� though one is more locally famous than known world-wide. And, in the time it would take you to drive to The Hamptons for a weekend getaway, you could fly to Amelia Island for a warmer coastal retreat. Direct service from any of New York�s airports is available to Jacksonville International, just a short drive away from Amelia, via Continental and Delta, with connecting service also available via US Airways.

Other than these fun similarities and differences, there are plenty of other reasons for New Yorkers to fly south for a winter getaway.

�There�s something to suit everyone on Amelia,� says Haney. �This small island destination offers a variety of things to see and do, even if what you want to do is simply nothing at all.�

� History comes to life on Amelia Island. On Amelia, New Yorkers will find the Victorian seaside village of Fernandina Beach that remains today much as it did 200 years ago. Fernandina Beach is recognized as one of the largest National Historic Districts in the state, and is rich with history. It�s the only place in the nation to be ruled under eight different flags.

Guests can relive the past at the Amelia Island Museum of History, located inside the island�s old jail house; enjoy self-guided or group walking tours of the island�s 52-block historic district, filled with charming B&Bs, period homes and public buildings. At the beach, guests find Fort Clinch State Park, where park rangers dress in Civil War-period attire and re-enact what life was like during the Civil War.

� Outdoor activities abound. The outdoors is calling year-round on Amelia Island, and in the winter, guests can enjoy a full day�s activities in comfortable temperatures. From biking and hiking trails, to kayaking and off-shore fishing, Amelia has an outdoor adventure for everyone.

The family golfer will love escaping to Amelia�s links - 117 holes of championship golf in all. In addition, the island features tennis on 40 courts (many lit for night play), sea and land nature tours, bird watching along Florida�s birding trail (which begins on Amelia Island), sailing, and beach horseback riding just to name a few.

� Refresh your soul. If relaxation is more your style, visit one of the local day spas, or enjoy relaxing on the beach with a good book penned by one of Amelia�s many authors (visit any of the island�s book stores for recommendations). � Shop till you drop. In town, guests find small boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and book stores, plus the state�s oldest-operating saloon � The Palace � where famed �Pirate�s Punch� is served daily. Throughout downtown, intimate street side caf�s and sweet shops temp the taste buds with island-specialty seafood and fresh-made fudge.

Farther south on the island, shoppers find Palmetto Walk, a cluster of home furnishings stores and more boutiques. At the resorts, guests can find special logo items, resort wear, golf and tennis apparel, local art, and island-themed bed and bath accessories.

� Retreats for everyone. When searching for the perfect place to catch up on rest, guests find a wealth of options all over Amelia Island. The Historic District features several bed and breakfast inns, and a modern hotel tastefully designed to fit in with other local historic structures. On the coast, guests find two additional B&B�s, plus several hotels and the island�s three resorts.

Amelia�s accommodations are even rolling out some special packages for New Yorkers this winter. - Stay at Amelia Hotel and Suites (www.AmeliaHotelandSuites.com) from $79.00 per night. - Enjoy Amelia Island Plantation�s (www.aipfl.com) �Champagne and Chocolate� celebration December 12-14 from $449 per couple for the weekend. - Find info on great deals at one of Amelia�s oceanfront rental properties at www.AmeliaIslandBargains.com - Take advantage of �buy two get one free� and �buy three get two free� room nights at Summer Beach Resort (www.SummerBeach.com). - The Fairbanks House bed and breakfast (www.FaribanksHouse.com) is offering two to seven night escapes including luxury accommodations, gourmet breakfast, dinner at fine local restaurants, wine, chocolates and more. Packages available through February 29, 2004. Call (888) 891-9882 for reservations. - Stay on the harbor in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach at the Hampton Inn & Suites (www.HamptonInnAndSuites.com) from $80 per night for traditional rooms and $109 per night for suites. - Enjoy a condo right on the beach for a weekend getaway or a full month at Oceans of Amelia (www.oceansofamelia.com). Stay three nights and get one free, or call for special monthly rates � (904) 261-4013.

For more information about vacationing on Amelia Island, visit www.AmeliaIsland.org.

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Media Contact: Patrick McSweeney +1 (904) 596-2085 patrickm@sjp.com